Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo followed its Zelda-focused presentation with a broader September 2026 Direct covering first-party games, third-party ports, remakes, subscription updates, and new Switch 2 projects. The broadcast’s largest announcements included Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D entry scheduled for January, and Kirby and the World Beyond, an open-world adventure planned for spring 2027. It also filled in release dates for Professor Layton, Persona 4 Revival, and several major Switch 2 editions.
A strong first-party lineup for Switch 2
Metroid Ravenous arrives on January 28 as a 2D game that appears to follow Metroid Dread. Nintendo also announced new amiibo figures and a Special Edition for launch. Kirby and the World Beyond takes the series in a different direction, using a 3D open-world structure built around Kirby’s copy ability. It is due in spring 2027, when the franchise will mark its 35th anniversary.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is coming to both Switch and Switch 2 on December 10. The mystery moves Layton and Luke to Steam Bison, an American town facing unexplained incidents during the early Industrial Age. Pikmin 4 receives a Switch 2 Edition on November 12, adding microphone-based voice commands for Oatchi and the Dandori Academy time-trial mode.
Other notable announcements included Yo-Kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain, an enhanced remake with new story material; Onyx: The Dark Grip, a 2.5D horror game from Bloober Team; and Stage Fright, a two-player escape-room adventure from the creators of Overcooked.
Ports, remakes, and major updates expand the calendar
The Switch 2 release schedule is not limited to new Nintendo software. Monster Hunter Wilds launches on the platform on December 4, while its Ascendance expansion is planned for 2027. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is available today, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition follows on February 25 with its Expansion Pass content, improved performance, additional on-screen enemies, and a new Calamity Mode. Existing Switch save data can be transferred.
Capcom is bringing Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition digitally to Switch 2 on October 16. The presentation also confirmed Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Royal Edition for 2027, with its story expansions, exclusive gear, and bonus questline.
Several current games receive meaningful additions. Mario Kart World’s free update adds 10 Super Mario Kart courses and two Knockout Tour routes. Star Fox gains local split-screen Battle Mode, three new stages, and four-player online play from one Switch 2 console on September 29. Star Fox Adventures is already available through the GameCube Classics library for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Third-party dates and the next wave of announcements
The Direct also confirmed Persona 4 Revival for May 20 on Switch 2, following its February 18 release on other platforms, and confirmed that Persona 6 is coming to Switch 2 after previously being announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Danganronpa 2×2 launches January 14 on Switch and Switch 2, while Eternal Anima arrives March 4 on Switch 2.
The broader release roundup includes The Crew Motorfest on October 8, House Flipper 2 and It Takes Two on October 15, Stellar Blade Complete Edition and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy on November 5, and Hela: of Mice & Magic on December 1. Metal Slug Ultimate Collection, containing 10 games and online co-op, is planned for 2027. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves launches digitally on October 22, with a physical release in January and guest characters from Tokyo Revengers.
Key points
- Metroid Ravenous launches January 28 on Switch 2 as a new 2D entry.
- Kirby and the World Beyond brings the series to an open-world 3D format in spring 2027.
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam releases December 10 on Switch and Switch 2.
- Persona 4 Revival and Persona 6 expand Atlus’ confirmed presence on Switch 2.
Selected release dates
| Game or update | Platform | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil remakes | Switch 2 | October 16 |
| Pikmin 4: Switch 2 Edition | Switch 2 | November 12 |
| Professor Layton and the New World of Steam | Switch, Switch 2 | December 10 |
| Metroid Ravenous | Switch 2 | January 28 |
| Persona 4 Revival | Switch 2 | May 20 |
Expert View
This Direct signals a deliberate effort to make Switch 2’s software pipeline look deeper across every segment: blockbuster ports, legacy remakes, multiplayer updates, and new first-party experiments. The immediate release cadence should help maintain attention through the holiday period, while Metroid Ravenous, Kirby and the World Beyond, and Persona 6 give the platform longer-term identity. For the community, the clearest takeaway is variety rather than one dominant genre or competitive push.
