Third-party publishers showcase upcoming Switch 2 and Switch titles including Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Indiana Jones
Nintendo held its first Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase of 2026 on February 5 delivering approximately 30 minutes of third-party game announcements for both Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch. The presentation focused heavily on major Western publishers bringing franchises to Nintendo platforms for the first time alongside Japanese developer announcements and release date confirmations.
Bethesda makes Nintendo platform debut
The showcase’s most significant announcements came from Bethesda Game Studios and MachineGames marking their first releases on Nintendo hardware. Todd Howard, Studio Head and Creative Director of Bethesda Softworks, appeared in the presentation to discuss the partnership.
“It was incredible for us to partner on the original Nintendo Switch and it was just such a great piece of hardware and so personal when you play,” Howard stated. “We’re excited to finally bring a number of our franchises for the first time to Nintendo platforms.”
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered leads Bethesda’s Nintendo lineup bringing the 2006 Game of the Year winner to Switch 2 in 2026. The remaster features completely rebuilt graphics with characters, weapons, and environmental details recreated from scratch. Players can explore Cyrodiil with enhanced performance while experiencing previously released story expansions including Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine.
Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition also arrives on Switch 2 though no specific release window was provided beyond 2026. The complete post-apocalyptic RPG experience brings the Wasteland to Nintendo’s portable-home hybrid system for the first time.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from MachineGames joins the Switch 2 lineup following its late 2025 release on other platforms. The first-person adventure follows Indiana Jones through a globe-spanning mystery filled with exploration, action sequences, and puzzle solving. No Switch 2 release date was announced during the presentation.
Major Japanese third-party announcements
Capcom provided updates on multiple titles heading to Nintendo platforms. Resident Evil Requiem confirmed a February 27, 2026 release date on Switch 2 alongside PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Nintendo additionally announced a Resident Evil Requiem-themed Switch 2 Pro Controller launching alongside the survival horror title.
A behind-the-scenes video exploring Resident Evil Requiem’s development through Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice interview series was announced for future release. This marks another entry in Capcom’s ongoing support of Switch 2 following successful ports of previous Resident Evil titles.
PRAGMATA from Capcom received an April 24, 2026 release date with a playable demo launching immediately following the Direct presentation. The science-fiction action-adventure combines hacking mechanics with puzzle-shooter gameplay set in a futuristic setting.
Square Enix showcased DRAGON QUEST VII: Reimagined for both Switch 2 and original Switch. The remake of the classic PlayStation RPG features diorama-style visuals, updated gameplay mechanics, and streamlined story progression. A lengthy demo became available immediately allowing players to experience the opening hours.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH debuts on Switch 2 bringing the second chapter of the FF7 remake trilogy to Nintendo platforms. The award-winning RPG retells the original story beyond Midgar with enhanced visuals and the series’ hybrid battle system. No specific release date was provided.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection received confirmation for Switch and Switch 2 platforms. The turn-based RPG spinoff follows a Rider and their Rathalos companion investigating monster species facing extinction. Capcom did not announce a release window during the presentation.
Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives highlighted
Several titles were confirmed as Switch 2 exclusives taking advantage of the hardware’s enhanced capabilities.
Orbitals emerged as a Switch 2-exclusive intergalactic co-op puzzle platformer set in a retro anime-inspired galaxy. The two-player adventure focuses on cooperative puzzle solving across various planets and space stations throughout 2026.
TOKYO SCRAMBLE was revealed as another Switch 2 exclusive. The survival-puzzle-action game takes place deep beneath Tokyo where players must make split-second decisions in life-or-death situations. The mysterious title combines puzzle mechanics with action gameplay though limited details were shared.
Additional third-party reveals
PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse continues the mystery adventure series with a new entry investigating supernatural occurrences. The latest installment maintains the franchise’s focus on investigation and puzzle solving within Japanese settings.
Tales of Arise received confirmation of a Beyond the Dawn Edition bringing additional story content and gameplay enhancements to Nintendo platforms. Bandai Namco did not specify whether the release targets Switch, Switch 2, or both systems.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok expands the action RPG with new content though release details remained scarce during the presentation.
Super Bomberman Collection gathers multiple classic Bomberman titles in a single package for Switch 2 and Switch. The compilation celebrates the franchise’s history across various platforms though specific included titles were not detailed.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties confirmed a February 12, 2026 release date across multiple platforms including Switch 2. The package includes both the remastered Yakuza Kiwami 3 following Kazuma Kiryu through Okinawa and Tokyo alongside Dark Ties, a separate story exploring the backstory of Yakuza 3 character Yoshitaka Mine.
The Nintendo Archive Console program was teased showing classic Nintendo GameCube titles running on Switch 2 hardware. While specific titles were not announced the program suggests enhanced backwards compatibility options for Nintendo’s catalog.
First-party Nintendo releases confirmed
While the Partner Showcase focused primarily on third-party titles Nintendo confirmed several first-party release dates during the presentation.
Mario Tennis Fever launches February 12, 2026 as a Switch 2 exclusive. The latest Mario Tennis installment introduces Fever Rackets allowing players to unleash special moves that shift match momentum. The game features 38 playable characters representing the largest roster in series history alongside 30 different Fever Rackets each providing unique abilities.
Pokémon Pokopia releases March 5, 2026 on Switch 2. Players control a Ditto shaping empty land into homes for various Pokémon species. The game focuses on collection, building furniture, growing vegetables, and creating habitats. The simulation title represents a departure from traditional Pokémon gameplay focused on battles and exploration.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition was confirmed for January 15, 2026 introducing enhanced controls through Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality for decorating and design creation. The edition supports up to 11 simultaneous island visitors and displays in 4K resolution. A free update for both Switch and Switch 2 versions adds a resort hotel, expanded storage, and three additional Slumber Islands.
Industry implications
The Partner Showcase demonstrates Nintendo’s continued efforts to attract major Western publishers to its platforms. Bethesda’s first Nintendo releases represent particularly significant progress given the publisher’s historical absence from Nintendo hardware throughout multiple console generations.
Third-party support remains crucial for Switch 2’s long-term success particularly as Nintendo’s first-party release schedule for early 2026 appears relatively light. The showcase confirmed Nintendo’s hybrid approach of supporting both Switch 2 and the original Switch for major third-party releases allowing publishers to maximize their potential audience.
Switch 2’s sales performance continues setting records with 4.4 million units sold in the United States by the end of 2025. This places the console 35% ahead of PlayStation 4 during the same timeframe and nearly double the original Switch’s first-year performance.
Nintendo has not announced when its next major Direct presentation focusing on first-party titles will occur. Industry observers anticipate a full Nintendo Direct later in February or March to showcase Nintendo-developed games for spring and summer 2026.
