Published: June 29, 2026. Information sourced from GamesRadar, GameRant, Nintendo Central, and community reporting following the June 2026 Nintendo Direct showcase.
The June 2026 Nintendo Direct: What Was Announced
Nintendo held a Direct showcase in June 2026 that packed in a notable number of announcements, several of which are significant for both Switch 2 owners and Switch 1 players who continue to build their libraries. Here’s a focused recap of the announcements most relevant to Switch gamers in 2026.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake — Officially Confirmed
The biggest announcement of the Direct was the official confirmation of a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2. GamesRadar describes it as “one of the most iconic and best Zelda games is about to be reborn,” with a brief visual glimpse shared during the Direct. No release date or detailed gameplay was shown — Nintendo is clearly keeping the reveal controlled — but official confirmation ends years of rumour and speculation.
For players interested in the original Ocarina of Time: the Nintendo 64 version remains available via Nintendo Switch Online for NSO subscribers on Switch 1, and the Nintendo 3DS remake (Ocarina of Time 3D) remains the most detailed version of the game available on existing hardware. The Switch 2 remake is a separate, newer production.
Xenoblade Chronicles — Switch 2 Editions Confirmed
Nintendo confirmed during the June 2026 Direct that a bundle of Xenoblade Chronicles games are getting Switch 2 editions. GamesRadar reports this includes “where it all began” — suggesting the entire main Xenoblade trilogy. GameSpot describes Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as “easily the best of the bunch, a lengthy and stunning adventure” — the Switch 2 Edition treatment for the trilogy is significant news for JRPG fans.
For players who already own Xenoblade titles on Switch 1: these are Switch 2 Edition upgrades, not entirely new games. The Switch 1 originals remain playable and excellent on both Switch 1 hardware and Android emulation via Eden (where Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition received specific fixes in Eden’s January 2026 v0.1.0 update).
Splatoon Raiders — New Exclusive Details
Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever Splatoon spin-off and a Switch 2 exclusive, received additional details during the June Direct. GameRant confirmed it is “currently scheduled for a 2026 release window.” The game introduces PvE exploration to the Splatoon franchise — players take on the role of a mechanic exploring the Spirhalite islands with the Deep Cut trio, using mechanical gadgets and inky weapons against waves of Salmonids. This represents Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with established franchises rather than simply releasing traditional sequels.
Star Fox — Franchise Revival Teased
GamesRadar confirms a Star Fox revival announcement emerged from the June Direct period, describing the Star Fox 64 Remake as “one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.” Multiple reports suggest Nintendo is planning a major franchise revival for Star Fox, which has been largely absent since the disappointing Star Fox Zero in 2016. Full details haven’t been officially released yet, but the franchise confirmation is meaningful for long-time Nintendo fans.
More Xenoblade: Xenoblade Genesis
GamesRadar specifically mentions “Xenoblade Genesis” as a confirmed addition from the June 2026 Direct period — suggesting an entirely new Xenoblade entry rather than just a Switch 2 upgrade of existing games. Details remain limited, but a new mainline Xenoblade Chronicles title would be a significant announcement for the RPG franchise that Monolith Soft has developed into one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed series.
Upcoming Games Beyond the Direct
GameRant maintains a comprehensive upcoming Switch 2 games calendar, with notable releases confirmed for the remainder of 2026:
- August 27, 2026: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 — including MGS4 and Peace Walker for the first time in the collection
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: Expected before end of 2026 — no firm date yet
- The Duskbloods (FromSoftware): Switch 2 exclusive PvPvE game, expected 2026 — no firm date
- Pokemon Pokopia: Featured in multiple 2026 most-anticipated lists as a landmark Pokemon Legends-format entry
GameRant notes: “We know some of the big Switch 2 games that will launch over the next year or two, with games like The Duskbloods likely to drop in 2026. However, there is still so much we don’t know. When will the first proper Zelda arrive? How about a 3D Mario? They will happen, but we don’t know when or how.”
What This Means for Switch 1 Players
Nintendo’s strong Switch 2 software pipeline means excellent new titles are coming — but most Switch 2 exclusives like Splatoon Raiders and The Duskbloods are not backward-compatible with Switch 1 hardware or Switch 1 emulation.
For Switch 1 players using Android emulation, the relevant takeaway is that the Switch 1 library continues to grow in emulation quality — Eden’s 2026 updates have made titles like Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition, Metroid Prime 4, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe run better than before. The Switch 2’s exclusive lineup is not something Switch 1 emulation can access, but the Switch 1 library itself remains thousands of excellent titles strong and is actively supported by the Android emulation community.
The Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake is the most interesting Direct announcement for emulation-adjacent reasons: when it releases on Switch 2, it will not be emulatable on Android handhelds for years. Players who want to experience Ocarina of Time today can do so via the Nintendo 64 version on NSO, the 3DS remake on Citra emulation, or by waiting for the Switch 2 version on official hardware.
Nintendo’s Software Strategy in 2026
Nintendo Central reports that Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa “has confirmed in shareholder discussions that the company has multiple unannounced projects still planned for 2026 and early 2027.” The company is clearly investing heavily in both exclusive titles and third-party partnerships to build the Switch 2’s library. This means the Direct announcements above are likely not the full picture — more reveals are expected before year’s end.
