(Credit: Capcom)
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for two months, and millions of people are already enjoying its impressive game library. While many players flock to Nintendo consoles for first-party juggernauts, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, every console also needs a robust third-party lineup for a truly healthy ecosystem.
The latest Nintendo Direct presentation was a partner showcase highlighting third-party games coming to Switch 1 and Switch 2. To be honest, this Direct lacked some of the megaton announcements we were expecting, like more Xbox games on Switch or a surprise Rockstar port. However, these trailers revealed several upcoming games that will make our backlogs even bigger.
1. Monster Hunter Stories 3
If you can’t handle the demanding action of a traditional Monster Hunter game like Monster Hunter Wilds, the Monster Hunter Stories games offer chiller alternatives that focus more on story and role-playing gameplay. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection ups the production value and teases iconic beasts such as Rathalos to Magnamalo. Monster Hunter Stories 3 launches in 2026.
2. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
The next crossover between The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This “canonical” story follows Princess Zelda’s adventures through the past and her conflict with Ganondorf. Thanks to the power of Nintendo Switch 2, we’re hoping these massive brawls feature technical performance much better than their predecessors. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment launches this winter.
3. Once Upon a Katamari
At last, a brand-new Katamari Damacy game. In Once Upon a Katamari, we once again control the cosmic prince and roll up a bunch of garbage to make new stars. It’s a beautiful journey. The game is playable on Nintendo Switch 1, so everyone has a chance to get in on the spherical action. Once Upon a Katamari launches on Oct. 24.
4. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted
Plants vs. Zombies was a humble tower defense game that turned into a mobile gaming hit so massive it led to full-on third-person shooter spin-offs. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a spruced-up version of the original game, with HD art, new mechanics, and extra franchise history. We never get tired of watching a pea bop a zombie’s head off. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted launches on Oct. 23.
5. Octopath Traveler 0
Years after its debut at the original Nintendo Switch presentation, Octopath Traveler is an enduring franchise, known for its throwback JRPG gameplay and distinct HD-2D art style. While prior games focused on a handful of crafted characters, this prequel lets you create your own hero and recruit a custom party from a huge roster. Octopath Traveler 0 launches on Dec. 4.
6. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
Square Enix surprised us with another HD-2D RPG. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales trades turn-based combat for real-time action in an open world that includes time travel. We just love that the setting is called “Philabieldia.” The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales launches in 2026.