What Nintendo Switch 2 Games Can We Expect in 2026?

In the latest Games Inbox, readers discuss various gaming topics, including the potential announcement of Total War: Star Wars, Nintendo's upcoming titles, and the excitement surrounding Resident Evil Requiem. With mixed sentiments about Nintendo's releases and the anticipation of new gaming experiences, the community weighs in on what they hope to see in the future.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As anticipation builds for the Total War livestream scheduled for today, fans are particularly interested in whether Total War: Star Wars will be among the new game announcements. This comes amid discussions about Nintendo's upcoming game releases, which have sparked varied opinions from the gaming community, especially regarding the Switch 2 and its potential impact on future titles.

Key takeaways

Total War livestream today at 4pm, with speculation about new game announcements.
Nintendo's upcoming releases are generating mixed feelings, particularly regarding the Switch 2.
Resident Evil Requiem is generating positive buzz among fans.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the launch of the Switch, Nintendo has faced ups and downs with its game releases. However, recent discussions highlight a growing concern among fans about the quality and promotion of upcoming titles. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events leading up to today:

March 2023: Nintendo announces plans for future titles on the Switch 2.
October 2023: Rumours circulate regarding Total War: Star Wars ahead of today’s livestream.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Total War livestream is expected to unveil new historical and fantasy games. While there are many speculations, including Total War: Star Wars, nothing has been confirmed yet. This announcement could greatly impact the community's engagement and fan expectations.

What was already established

Nintendo's upcoming game slate, which includes titles like a new version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Switch 2 and Mario Tennis Fever, has been previously announced. However, the lack of significant promotional efforts has raised concerns about their potential success.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK gamers, the launch of the Switch 2 and its game offerings will determine their gaming experience for the coming years. If the new titles do not meet expectations, it could lead to disappointment and reduced consumer confidence in Nintendo's ability to innovate.

Businesses and jobs

The gaming industry in the UK is heavily influenced by major announcements such as those from Nintendo and Creative Assembly. The success or failure of new games can impact job security within development studios and retail, as well as influence the overall economy of the gaming sector.

Policy and regulation

The UK gaming industry is subject to various regulations, especially concerning content and age ratings. The success of new titles may also lead to discussions about the need for more robust policies to protect consumers and regulate content effectively.

Numbers that matter

1 – The number of major announcements expected from the Total War livestream today at 4pm.
2 – Upcoming Nintendo titles confirmed: Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Tennis Fever.
3 – Years since the last mainline Resident Evil game that featured traditional zombies.
2026 – The earliest projected release year for some anticipated Nintendo titles like Fire Emblem.

Definitions and jargon buster

HD-2D: A graphical style that blends pixel art with 3D elements.
Switch 2: The anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch console.
PC-only: Games that are exclusively available for personal computers, not for consoles.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch for reactions to the Total War livestream and any new game announcements, particularly how they align with fan expectations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitor upcoming Nintendo releases and their performance, especially as reviews come in and sales figures are reported.

Signals to watch

Sales figures for new Nintendo titles post-launch.
Community feedback from the Total War livestream.
Updates on the development of anticipated titles like Alien Isolation 2.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about new game announcements and community reactions.
Participate in discussions on gaming forums to share insights.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of community feedback on new titles.
Assume all upcoming games will meet expectations without experiencing them first.

Checklist

Check for livestream updates and announcements.
Review upcoming game titles and their release dates.
Follow community discussions for insights on new games.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The gaming landscape is ever-changing, and as new titles are announced, there remains uncertainty about their quality and reception. The potential for disappointment is significant, particularly with major franchises like Metroid and Animal Crossing. Additionally, the ongoing challenges of game development could lead to delays or cancellations, impacting consumer confidence.

Bottom line

The gaming community is at a pivotal moment, with high expectations for Total War: Star Wars and upcoming Nintendo titles. How these games are received will shape the industry's trajectory in the UK, impacting both players and developers alike. As developments unfold, it's essential for gamers to remain engaged and informed.

FAQs

Will Total War: Star Wars be announced today?

The Total War livestream today may reveal new games, including potential announcements for Total War: Star Wars, though nothing is confirmed yet.

What Nintendo games are coming out soon?

Nintendo has confirmed titles such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Switch 2 and Mario Tennis Fever, with more announcements expected in the future.

What is the HD-2D style?

HD-2D is a graphical style that combines retro pixel art with modern 3D elements, used in various games by Square Enix.