Nintendo fans, get ready for an exciting start to 2026! The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a powerhouse of a console, with a slew of new and upgraded games and accessories hitting the scene in January and February. As we dive into the latest updates, it’s clear that Nintendo is committed to making the transition to the new hardware as seamless as possible, while also bringing some exciting new experiences to the table. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s in store for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the first two months of 2026.
New Games and Upgrades
The first two months of 2026 are looking busy for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, with several high-profile games and upgrades on the horizon. One of the most anticipated releases is Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which is set to land on January 15th. This updated version of the popular life simulation game promises to bring some exciting new features to the table, including enhanced 4K resolution, intuitive Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, and the ability to invite up to 11 friends to the island at once. Existing owners of the game will be able to upgrade to the new edition for a reasonable $5 fee.
Other notable releases in January and February include FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE on January 22nd, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined on February 5th. The latter promises to bring charming diorama visuals and updated gameplay mechanics to the classic RPG. Meanwhile, Resident Evil is set to make its Switch 2 debut at the end of February, day-and-date with other platforms.
Accessories and Online Play

In addition to the exciting new games, Nintendo is also bringing some welcome upgrades to the Nintendo Switch 2’s accessories and online play capabilities. The Joy-Con 2 controller is set to support mouse controls in compatible games, which should be a welcome feature for players who prefer the precision of a mouse. The Switch 2 will also receive expanded online play capabilities in certain games, starting with the updated version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
This upgrade should bring a more seamless online experience to the game, allowing players to enjoy the game’s many multiplayer features with ease. It’s worth noting that Nintendo’s approach to online play has been somewhat inconsistent in the past, but it’s clear that the company is working to improve the experience on the Switch 2.
What’s Next for the Nintendo Switch 2?

As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, it’s clear that Nintendo has a number of exciting releases in store for the Switch 2. In addition to the games mentioned above, we’re also expecting a new Fire Emblem game, a Pokémon game starring Ditto, and Pragmata, which was revealed during the 2025 Game Awards. With so many great games on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for Nintendo fans. We’ll continue to bring you updates on the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news as more information becomes available. For more on this topic, see: 6 Unputdownable New Releases for .
Comparing the Upgrade: Animal Crossing: New Horizons vs. Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

For existing owners of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the decision to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will depend on several factors. To help make that decision, let’s compare some key features of the original game and the new edition.
| Feature | Original Game | Nintendo Switch 2 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p | Enhanced 4K resolution |
| Multiplayer | Invite up to 8 friends | Invite up to 11 friends |
| Controls | Joy-Con | Intuitive Joy-Con 2 mouse controls |
As the table shows, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers some significant upgrades, particularly in terms of resolution and multiplayer capabilities. For fans who spend a lot of time playing with friends or family, the ability to invite up to 11 friends to the island at once could be a major draw. For more information on the original game, you can visit the In addition to the new games and accessories, Nintendo is also expanding its online play capabilities for the Switch 2. Starting with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, players will be able to enjoy enhanced online features, including the ability to visit friends’ islands more easily. This is part of a broader effort by Nintendo to enhance the online community features of the Switch 2, making it easier for players to connect with each other and share their experiences. For more information on Nintendo’s online play capabilities, you can visit the Nintendo Switch Online website. For more on this topic, see: Nintendo Switch 2: Biggest Games . Other games, such as Mario Tennis Fever, are also expected to take advantage of the Switch 2’s online play capabilities, offering a more seamless and enjoyable experience for players. As the Switch 2 continues to roll out new games and features, it’s clear that Nintendo is committed to building a strong online community around its console. While the first two months of 2026 are shaping up to be exciting for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, it’s also worth looking ahead to the rest of the year. According to recent rumors and announcements, Nintendo has a number of other highly anticipated games in the works, including a new Fire Emblem game, a Dragon Quest remake, and a Pokémon game starring Ditto. For the latest information on upcoming Nintendo games, you can visit the Nintendo Games website. While release dates for these games have not yet been confirmed, they are expected to be major releases that will continue to drive interest in the Switch 2 throughout the year. For more on this topic, see: Nintendo Switch 2: Resident Evil, . Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start in 2026, with a great lineup of games and accessories that are sure to appeal to fans of the console. As the year continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see what other surprises Nintendo has in store for us. Nintendo’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience, both in terms of hardware and software, positions the Switch 2 as a significant player in the gaming market. With its robust library of games, innovative accessories, and expanding online capabilities, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to continue the success of its predecessor, offering something for every type of gamer. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the Nintendo Switch 2 is an exciting development in the world of gaming, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of 2026
