Ethan Crossfield 
If you only have time to skim, focus on three headline takeaways from Nintendo’s 2026 Summer Direct: The long-rumored Ocarina of Time remake is real (Switch 2, 2026 window), Deltarune’s next chapter lands on June 24, and Xenoblade Chronicles 1–3 are all getting Switch 2 Enhanced Editions. From there, the show also stacked up a busy release calendar across July, August, September, and late 2026—plus a steady stream of ports, DLC, and new IP heading into 2027.
What changed: Zelda, Deltarune, and Xenoblade lead the Switch 2 wave
Nintendo’s Direct framed the rest of 2026 as a “dream and plan” period, with the biggest attention grabbing announcements landing right at the start. The most significant reveal was a confirmed remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, described as returning for a new generation in 2026 with exclusive Switch 2 branding. Footage shown during the presentation placed Link asleep in Kokiri Forest in a visual style consistent with a modern reimagining, but Nintendo did not provide a specific date—only a 2026 window.
The show also confirmed that Deltarune will continue: Chapter 5 is set to release on June 24. For Xenoblade fans, Nintendo didn’t just tease one upgrade—Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2, and 3 are all coming to Switch 2 as Enhanced Editions with visual and gameplay improvements. Xenoblade Chronicles 1 is available today on Switch 2, while Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is due digitally on July 30 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 follows digitally on December 4 (with physical versions promised later).
Beyond remakes and enhanced editions, Nintendo announced Xenoblade Genesis as a brand-new entry for Switch 2 launching in 2027, positioning it as a fresh beginning for the series.
Who’s affected: a release schedule packed with ports, motion-control extras, and DLC
The Direct wasn’t limited to first-party RPGs. It also targeted a broad range of players with ports, co-op titles, and motion-control focused variants—mostly tied to Switch 2.
Rhythm Heaven Groove launches July 2 on Switch (and is playable on Switch 2), and the presentation highlighted co-op and an RPG-inspired mode. Several Switch 2 releases also come with optional motion controls exclusively on that platform, including Stellar Blade and the Switch 2 versions of Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
There’s also plenty for action fans and “soulslike” players. Lies of P: Complete Edition is coming to Switch 2 on August 6 with the Overture expansion included. Lords of the Fallen II is slated for Switch 2 in Fall 2026, and Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition arrives June 23, with the port described as running at 60 FPS in both docked and handheld modes.
For multiplayer and live-service adjacent experiences, Rayman Legends Retold is due October 1 on Switch 2 and includes a revamped Kung Foot mode playable locally and online via GameShare. Splatoon Raiders is a single-player entry arriving July 23 on Switch 2, with a separate Direct planned for more details on June 30.
Nintendo also addressed DLC and updates: Pokémon Pokopia expansions include a free underwater update and a paid Expansion Pass with three additions (the first, Bubble Basin, launches in August). Muramasa: Revenant Blades—an updated Switch and Switch 2 port—launches in early 2027 with improved visuals, new modes, and added English voice acting.
What comes next: major dates, platform notes, and the 2027 runway
For readers deciding what to watch or wishlist, the Direct offered clear anchors across the rest of 2026 and into 2027.
Immediate attention points include Star Fox, which gets a free demo later that day featuring the tutorial and an early level, and a Switch 2 launch on June 25. Deltarune Chapter 5 is confirmed for June 24.
Summer and early fall 2026 are especially dense: Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition hits June 23; Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer Nintendo Switch 2 Edition arrives July 16; Xenoblade Chronicles 2 goes digital July 30; and multiple titles land in August and September, including Orbitals on September 3 and Onimusha: Way of the Sword on September 25.
Nintendo also outlined broader Switch 2 coverage with new releases and collections. Kingdom Hearts Collection I–III for Switch 2 releases October 8, including multiple HD entries and DLC, and it notes a discount path for owners of the Switch cloud version. Kingdom Hearts IV received a new gameplay trailer, but Nintendo did not specify timing.
Finally, the 2027 runway is visible throughout: Ninjala 2’s sequel is a Switch 2 exclusive launching Spring 2027, and Xenoblade Genesis targets 2027 as a new beginning. Several other additions—including Muramasa: Revenant Blades and Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & The Guide of Memories—also land in 2027.
What players should know
- Ocarina of Time remake is confirmed for Switch 2 with a 2026 release window, but no exact date was announced.
- Deltarune Chapter 5 releases June 24.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 1 is available now on Switch 2; Chronicles 2 is digital July 30; Chronicles 3 is digital December 4.
- Several Switch 2 releases include optional motion controls exclusively on Switch 2 (notably Stellar Blade and the Switch 2 Onimusha sequel).
- Expect a mix of ports, enhanced editions, and DLC updates rather than a single “one genre” lineup.
Expert View
Nintendo’s Direct feels like it’s doing two things at once: securing long-tail loyalty with Zelda and Xenoblade upgrades, while also widening the audience with ports, motion-control extras, and action/RPG releases across 2026. The strongest “watch-now” announcements are the ones with fixed dates (Deltarune Chapter 5, Devil May Cry 5, Xenoblade Chronicles 2) and the platform-defining reveals (Ocarina of Time remake and Switch 2 Enhanced Editions). If you’re planning your Switch 2 backlog, this is a show that rewards early decisions—especially if you care about major RPG franchises.
