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What will Nintendo release in 2026?

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Welcome to the 2026 predictions thread, where points are only barely less discontinued than Gold eShop Coins!
How it works: please post 1-10 Nintendo related things you think will occur this year, that's it!
Previous threads: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.


I will try to update this thread with all the major Nintendo releases of the year.
Here's what we know so far:

2026 Games/Software
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. January 14th.
- Mario Tennis Fever Switch 2. February 12th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. February 19th (digital)  April 16th (physical).
- Pokémon FireRed Switch 1+2. February 27th. (TPCi publishing).
- Pokémon LeafGreen Switch 1+2. February 27th. (TPCi publishing).
- Pokémon Pokopia Switch 2. March 5th. (TPCi publishing).
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. March 26th.
- Pokémon Champions Switch 1+2. April 8th. Mobile port later in 2026. (TPCi publishing).
- Hello, Yoshi! Switch 1+2 & Mobile. April 9th.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Switch 1+2. April 16th.
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Switch 2. May 21st.
- PictoNico! Mobile. May 28th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. June 9th (digital) July 30th (physical).
- Star Fox June 25th.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove Switch 1+2. July 2nd.
- Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. July 16th. (Nintendo publishing).
- Splatoon Raiders Switch 2. July 23rd.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. July 30th (digital) October 1st (physical).
- Orbitals Switch 2. September 3rd.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Switch 2. September 17th.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Switch 2. October 22nd.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2. November 5th.
- Pikmin 4 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy Switch 2. November 12th.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2. December 3rd.
- The Duskbloods Switch 2. 2026. (Nintendo co-publishing).

2026 Hardware/Major merch
- Hardware: Joy-Con 2 (Light Green & Light Purple) Switch 2. February 12th.
- Hardware: Virtual Boy - Switch adapter Switch 1 & 2. February 17th, 2026.
- Merch: My Mario product line for young children. February 19th. Western release.
- Hardware: Pokémon Red/Blue Song Collection Music Players February 27th.
- amiibo: Meta Knight & Shadow Star (Kirby Air Riders) March 5th 2026.
- Merch: Talking Flower March 12th.
- amiibo: Ratha (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Ratha V (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Rudy (Monster Hunter Stories 3) March 13th.
- amiibo: Elephant Mario (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Poplin & Prince Florian (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Captain Toad & Talking Flower (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) March 26th.
- amiibo: Mario & Luma (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2) April 2nd.
- amiibo: Rosalina & Lumas (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2) April 2nd.
- Movie The Super Mario Galaxy Movie April 3rd.
- amiibo: Diana (Pragmata) April 26th.
- amiibo: King Dedede & Tank Star (Kirby Air Riders) July 2nd.
- Hardware: Joy-Con 2 (Blue & Light Yellow) Switch 2. July 23rd.
- amiibo: Big Man (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Frye (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Shiver (Splatoon Raiders) July 23rd.
- amiibo: Grace Ashcroft (Resident Evil Requiem) July 30th.
- amiibo: Leon S. Kennedy (Resident Evil Requiem) July 30th.
- amiibo: Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star (Kirby Air Riders) September 3rd.
- amiibo: Mineru's Construct (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) September 17th.
- Hardware: Nintendo Switch 2 (The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary edition) October 29th.
- Hardware: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary edition) October 29th.
- amiibo: Noir Dedede & Hydra (Kirby Air Riders) November 12th.
- amiibo: Sword Kirby & Dragoon (Kirby Air Riders) November 12th.

2026 notable DLC (paid/free)
- Free update: Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Switch 1+2. January 14th.
- Free update: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD - Free Update Switch 1+2. January 21st.
- DLC: Kirby Air Riders - V.1.3.0 Switch 2. January 26th.
- DLC: Splatoon 3 - V11.0.0 Switch 1+2. January 29th.
- DLC: Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup In Bellabel Park Switch 2. March 26th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 1 Switch 2. June 30th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 2 Switch 2. July 14th - July 21st.
- Free update: Mario Tennis Fever - Free Update July 16th.
- Free update: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Torna: The Golden Country - Free Update Switch 2. July 30th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 3 Switch 2. August 4th - August 11th.
- Free update: Pokémon Pokopia - Free Update Switch 2. August 4th.
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 1: Bubbly Basin Switch 2. August 4th.
- DLC: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush x Super Mario Bros. 40th: Wave 4 Switch 2. August 25th - September 1st.
- Free update: Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2. August 31st.
- Free update: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - V4.0.0 September 1st.
- Free update: Mario Kart World - V1.8.0 September 9th.
- Free update: Star Fox (2026) September 30th.
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 2: New accessories Switch 2. Late 2026.

2026 Nintendo Switch Online / Services / Mobile
- Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics Switch 1 & 2. February 17th.
- DK Challenge Switch 2. June 10th - September 1st.
- The Duskbloods - Closed Network Test August 21st - 23rd.
- End of service: Mario Kart Tour Mobile. September 30th.
- Games added to Nintendo Classics apps:

* Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance GCN. January 8th.
* Balloon Kid GB. February 4th.
* Balloon Fight GB GBC. February 4th. Japan only.
* Yoshi GB. February 4th.
* 3D Tetris VB. February 17th.
* Galactic Pinball VB. February 17th. 
* Golf VB. February 17th. 
* Innsmouth No Yakata (The Mansion of Innsmouth) VB. February 17th.
* Red Alarm VB. February 17th.
* Teleroboxer VB. February 17th.
* Virtual Boy Wario Land VB. February 17th. 
* Mario Clash VB. March 10th. 
* Mario's Tennis VB. March 10th. 
* Mario vs. Donkey Kong GBA. March 10th.
* Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness GCN. March 17th.
* Mendel Palace (Quinty) NES. April 9th.
* Pac-Man NES. April 9th.
* The Tower of Druaga Famicom. April 9th.
* Jack Bros. VB. May 13th. 
* Space Invaders Virtual Collection VB. May 13th.
* V-Tetris VB. May 13th. 
* Vertical Force VB. May 13th. 
* Virtual Bowling VB. May 13th. 
* Virtual Fishing VB. May 13th. Japan only.
* Donkey Kong 64 N64. June 3rd.
* Fortified Zone GB. July 7th.
* Sword of Hope II GB. July 7th.
* Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 GB. July 7th.
* Dr. Mario and Puzzle League GBA. July 7th.
* Tomato Adventure GBA. July 7th. Japan only.
* D-Hopper (Dragon Hopper) VB. August 4th. (Previously unreleased). 
* Zero Racers VB. August 4th. (Previously unreleased). 
* Super Mario Sunshine GCN. August 13th.
* Ikari Warriors NES. September 2nd.
* Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom NES. September 2nd.
* R.C. Pro-Am II NES. September 2nd.
* Star Fox Adventures GCN. September 9th.
* Pokémon Colosseum GCN. TBD.
Announced projects without dates/beyond 2026
- amiibo: Samus (Metroid Ravenous) January 28th 2027.
- amiibo: Chozo Statue (Metroid Ravenous) January 28th 2027.
- amiibo: Samus Metroid Suit (Metroid Ravenous) January 28th 2027.
- amiibo: Mega Man (Mega Man: Dual Override) Spring 2027.
- amiibo: Proto Man (Mega Man: Dual Override) Spring 2027.
- amiibo: Young Link (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 2026) 2027.
- amiibo: Young Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 2026) 2027.
- DLC: Cruis'n Blast - Online Multiplayer & DLC TBA. (Announced December 2021, Nintendo owned IP).
- DLC: Pokémon Pokopia - Expansion Pass Part 3 Switch 2. 2027.
- End of service: Pokémon Bank Mobile. February 25th 2027.
- Game: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - Definitive Edition February 25th 2027.
- Game: Kirby and the World Beyond Spring 2027.
- Game: Metroid Ravenous January 28th 2027.
- Game: Pokémon Waves 2027.
- Game: Pokémon Winds 2027.
- Game: Xenoblade Genesis 2027.
- Movie: The Legend of Zelda April 30th 2027.
- Movie: Untitled Nintendo/Illumination animated movie April 12th 2028.

2026 Directs
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct #1 January 25th.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct January 29th.
- Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase February 5th.
- Nintendo Treehouse Live February 24th.
- Pokémon Presents February 27th.
- Indie World March 3rd.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct #2 March 9th.
- Star Fox Direct May 6th.
- Nintendo Direct + Treehouse Live June 9th.
- Splatoon Raiders Direct June 30th.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave August 4th.
- The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct September 8th.
- Nintendo Direct September 9th.

Order.RSS:
Rules/suggestions:
* You may submit between 1 and 10 predictions for the year.
* If you write your predictions in numbered list/bullet point format that’d be helpful, but it's not required.
* You get 1 point for being right, half a point for being half-right.
* You have until the first Direct (or major press release) of the year to submit predictions. It might be earlier this year than last year's February Direct. Obviously we can continue speculation afterwards, but it won't net you any tasty points.
* No points for guessing stuff we already know! See what we already know… in the post above!
* Non-predictions or super safe ones (e.g.: "Nintendo will not suddenly start selling alarm clocks orbital satellites") may be awarded no or negative points at the jury's discretion.
Stats below, choose your fighter wisely!

2025 Leaderboard:
Adrock: 6½ points [WINNER]
Mop It Up: 6 points [RUNNER-UP]
Stratos: 5 points [BRONZE]
Luigi Dude: 4½ points
M.K. Ultra: 3½ points
Order.RSS: 3 points

Lifetime achievements ranking:
M.K. Ultra: 26 points
Mop It Up: 25 points
Luigi Dude: 19½ points
Nickmitch: 19 points
Stratos: 16½ points
Adrock: 16 points
Safe Khushrenada: 12½ points
Bold Khushrenada: 9 points
Order.RSS: 9 points
MASB: 6 points
Khushrenada: 6½ points
Madness Khushrenada: 5 points
TopHatAnt: 5 points
Dinar87: 4 points
Evan_B: 4 points
Insanolord: 4 points
Lemonade: 3½ points
Pokepal: 3½ points
Mr. GlubGlub: 3 points
Oedo: 2 points
Fawful: 1 point
Broodwars: ½ point
Kairon: ½ point
Shaymin: ½ point
NotKhushrenada: -8 points

Stratos:
Still hanging on in the top 5! There's a lot of reasonable guesses folks could make. New remakes and "Switch 2 Editions" we could see to pad out the release schedule.

There are a couple Wii U titles missing for a "complete replacement". Yoshi's Wooly World is surprisingly absent. Especially with a 3DS version with exclusive material, getting a "complete HD" version would be nice, I'm sure there are a few others games in a similar position that would benefit from a new release.

Also the 40th anniversary of Legend of Zelda.

We could see new editions of Ocarina/Majora, or a few other releases.

I'm hoping we get Switch Online releases of Diddy Kong Racing, DK64, and Star Fox Adventures.

And Fire Emblem has been silent a while. Those games often drop in groups, so I'm thinking some new spinoffs and retro Switch Online releases will follow the new mainline title.

These aren't my full predictions. Just throwing out some initial thoughts.

Order.RSS:

--- Quote from: Stratos on January 07, 2026, 03:10:33 PM ---And Fire Emblem has been silent a while. Those games often drop in groups, so I'm thinking some new spinoffs and retro Switch Online releases will follow the new mainline title.

--- End quote ---

Good initial shout, they just dropped Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on GameCube app.  :D

Stratos:
WAIT. On the Switch Online GAME app? Wow, I just got a notice of music for that game dropping in the Nintendo Music app and thought that was kinda random.

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