Nintendo Direct June 2026 Recap: Ocarina of Time Returns, The Duskbloods Emerges, and Switch 2's 2026 Lineup Takes Shape

Nintendo's June 2026 Direct was a showcase built around two ideas: the Switch 2 is real and it's loaded, and Nintendo's classics still hit different when they're done right. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time getting a full remake exclusively on Switch 2 stole the show, FromSoftware's mysterious The Duskbloods got a closed network test date, Star Fox returns with a cinematic overhaul and online multiplayer, and the two-player co-op adventure Orbitals finally got a September 3 release date. This was a Direct that made the Switch 2 feel essential.

The Headliner: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

This is the one everyone will remember. The Nintendo 64 classic is coming back, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Not a virtual console re-release. Not an HD upscale. A full remake of what many consider the greatest game ever made.

The trailer showed Hyrule in stunning detail - Kokiri Forest dappled with light, Hyrule Field stretching to the horizon, Ganondorf's silhouette against fire. If they nail the feel of the original while bringing the visuals into the modern era, this alone could sell Switch 2 units. The video said it's coming in 2026, and it's exclusive to Switch 2.

The Duskbloods - FromSoftware's Mysterious New Project

We haven't seen much about this one since FromSoftware first announced, but it still looks like nothing else on Switch 2. In The Duskbloods you play as the Bloodsworn, fighting with and against up to seven other players using unique weapons and blood-based powers that transform your character and combat style. The goal: secure First Blood.

It's a multiplayer action game exclusive to Switch 2, launching in 2026, with a closed network test coming this summer. The FromSoftware pedigree alone makes this one to watch, but the PVPVP structure - where you're fighting both enemies and other players while chasing extraction objectives - sounds like it's carving its own space between Souls-like combat and extraction shooter tension. Could be brilliant. Could be messy. Either way, it's the most intriguing wildcard in the Direct.

Star Fox - Cinematic Reimagining with Online Multiplayer

Fox McCloud is back, and Nintendo is treating Star Fox with the same cinematic ambition they brought to Zelda and Metroid. Fully voiced dialogue. Detailed cutscenes. A sweeping orchestral soundtrack. Overhauled character designs and revamped stages. This isn't just Star Fox 64 in higher resolution - it's a full reimagining.

The big addition: online multiplayer, plus a new GameChat feature that puts you in the cockpit with your favorite characters from the Star Fox universe. Optional mouse-controlled targeting with Joy-Con 2. And there's a free demo available now on eShop, which is a smart move for a game that lives or dies on how good it feels to fly.

Star Fox launches June 25 on Switch 2. I'm looking forward to playing this one with my kids - the couch co-op potential here is enormous, and the GameChat integration could make online play feel genuinely social instead of sterile.

Orbitals - The Co-Op Game I'm Most Excited For This Summer

Orbitals has been on my radar since its announcement, and every new look makes me more confident this is going to be something special. The retro anime art style is gorgeous - hand-drawn characters, bold colors, spacecraft interiors that feel lived-in and real despite the stylized aesthetic. It's the kind of game where screenshots make you stop scrolling.

But it's the two-player co-op design that really sets it apart. You play as Maki and Omura, exploring a space station under threat from a deadly Storm Wall, and the asymmetric co-op is built into every puzzle, every encounter, every moment. Local split-screen or online via GameShare. Smart teamwork and clear communication aren't optional - they're the entire point.

Orbitals launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3. Pre-orders are live on eShop. This is my most anticipated game for this summer. More on GameMinr: Orbitals.

KINGDOM HEARTS IV - Sora Arrives on Switch 2

Kingdom Hearts IV is coming to Switch 2 as a launch title. The trailer showed Sora in Quadratum, the mysterious city teased since the original announcement, with new characters crossing his path and new powers awakening. It's a new beginning for a series that's been building lore for over two decades.

Square Enix also announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III], bundling HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC. Launches October 8 on Switch 2, with a discounted upgrade path for players who own the cloud version on Switch. A demo of Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available today on eShop.

Splatoon Raiders - Deep Cut Goes Treasure Hunting

Splatoon shifts to a single-player-focused adventure with Splatoon Raiders. You're hunting treasure on the Spirhalite Islands alongside Deep Cut, the trio of swashbuckling musicians from Splatoon 3. Customizable weapons and upgradeable gadgets, Deep Cut members riding in Exploration Bots during your raids, and a daily comic series on the Nintendo Today app setting up the story starting June 23.

A Splatfest themed around Splatoon Raiders is coming July 10-12. New Joy-Con 2 colors inspired by Deep Cut launch the same day as the game. And there's a Splatoon Raiders Direct airing June 30 for anyone who wants the full deep dive. July 23 on Switch 2.

Xenoblade Genesis and Switch 2 Editions

A new Xenoblade game is coming. Xenoblade Genesis is described as "a new beginning for the Xenoblade series," launching on Switch 2 in 2027. Details are scarce, but the tease alone is enough to get the JRPG community buzzing.

More immediately, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is getting a Switch 2 Edition with 4K resolution on compatible TVs, full HD in handheld mode at 60 fps, a high-speed vehicle for traversal, new racing modes, new equipment designs, and new voiceover for Heart-to-Heart scenes. Available digitally today, with a physical release July 30. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition follows July 30, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 lands December 3.

Everything Else Announced

Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives and New Releases

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort - Return to Wuhu Island with 12 sports including Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, and new additions like Skateboarding (using Joy-Con 2 mouse controls), Power Cruising, and Prop Plane. October 22 on Switch 2.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave - The Heroic Games bring tactical RPG action to Switch 2 with four new heroes, an explorable capital city, and a special Dagdan Collection edition with a steel case, art cards, and map. September 17.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword - Capcom's swordplay series returns with motion-controlled combat on Joy-Con 2. September 25 on Switch 2.

DELTARUNE Chapter 5 - The next chapter of Undertale's parallel story arrives June 24 as a free update on both Switch and Switch 2.

Minecraft for Switch 2 - Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade, Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, and save data transfer from the original Switch version. Later this year.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World - Scout, train, and synthesize hundreds of monsters. December 3 on both Switch and Switch 2.

Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen - The expanded version with the new Norgan region hits Switch 2 on October 9.

Rayman Legends Retold - A bold reimagining with 3D visuals, a new sixth realm, voiced cinematics, and four-player co-op. October 1 on Switch 2.

Lies of P: Complete Edition - The soulslike including the Overture prequel expansion arrives on Switch 2 August 6.

Stellar Blade - The PS5 exclusive comes to Switch 2 with Joy-Con 2 motion control support. 2026.

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE - An HD-2D Final Fantasy adventure with turn-based battles, recruitable classic characters like Cloud and Terra, and chocobo and airship traversal. October 22 on Switch 2 and Switch.

Metaphor: ReFantazio - The acclaimed RPG heads to Switch 2. November 12.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds - Open world survival-crafting with GameChat co-op for up to 4 players. September 15 on Switch 2.

Third-Party and Ports

Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition - Including Vergil as playable character and all DLC, 60 fps in both TV and handheld modes. June 23 on Switch 2.

METAL GEAR SOLID: Master Collection Vol. 2 - Metal Gear Solid 4 and Peace Walker in one collection. August 27 on Switch 2 and Switch.

Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration - All Season Pass content, online co-op, and classic Lara skins. Available now on Switch 2.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 - Carnage on a galactic scale comes to Switch 2 this holiday.

DayZ Cool Edition - The survival sandbox hits Switch 2 this year.

Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet - The Ninja Gum action goes open world for the first time. Spring 2027 on Switch 2.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet - A restaurant management sim with 400+ One Piece characters. October 23.

Hello Kitty Party Land - 40 minigames with 140+ Sanrio characters. October 29.

What We're Most Excited About

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - The N64 classic getting a full remake on Switch 2 is the kind of thing that makes you buy a console. If they capture the feel of the original while bringing the world to life with modern visuals, this could be the game of 2026. Period.

2. Orbitals - The retro anime art style is incredible, and the two-player co-op design looks genuinely innovative. Every gameplay reveal has made this look better. September 3 can't come soon enough.

3. Star Fox - A cinematic reimagining with online multiplayer and GameChat integration. The free demo is live now, and the couch co-op potential for families is huge. June 25.

4. The Duskbloods - FromSoftware doing a multiplayer action game on Switch 2 is wild. The blood-transformation combat and PVPVP structure sound ambitious in a way that only FromSoftware attempts. Closed network test this summer.

5. KINGDOM HEARTS IV at launch - Having Kingdom Hearts as a Switch 2 launch title is a signal that third parties are taking this platform seriously. Plus the Collection bundle means newcomers can catch up on the entire saga on one system.

This article will be updated as more details emerge from Nintendo. Last updated: June 11, 2026.

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