Nintendo’s June Direct delivered a heavier-than-expected roadmap for the Switch 2, from a headline remake of a landmark Zelda title to new first‑party releases and a raft of third‑party ports. With Nintendo confirming a price rise for the console that takes effect this September, today’s announcements could change when — and whether — fans decide to buy or upgrade.
Top takeaways from today’s stream
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- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — a full remake for Switch 2, arriving this year.
- Switch 2 price hike — the console’s price will increase from $449 to $499 on September 1.
- Star Fox — extensive gameplay shown and a free demo available today, but only on Switch 2; full release set for June 25.
- Splatoon Raiders — single‑player action‑adventure previewed; Nintendo plans a dedicated showcase on June 30.
- The Duskbloods — new trailer plus a closed network test scheduled for summer.
- Major third‑party ports and a sizzle reel — Devil May Cry 5, Muramasa, Xenoblade entries, Warhammer, DayZ and more.
- Kingdom Hearts — a new Switch 2 collection announced and the surprise reveal of Kingdom Hearts IV.
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Why the price change matters now
Nintendo confirmed that on September 1 the suggested retail price of the Switch 2 will rise by $50. That makes the current $449 window the last opportunity to buy at the original launch price. For shoppers weighing an upgrade, today’s slate of exclusives and timed demos — especially titles restricted to the Switch 2 — increases the incentive to purchase before the hike takes effect.
Exclusives, demos and tests
The presentation emphasized games built to show off the new hardware. Nintendo opened the Treehouse segment with a long Star Fox walkthrough and announced a playable demo that includes the tutorial and a complete level; however, the demo is limited to the Switch 2, underscoring the console’s growing catalogue of exclusives.
The FromSoftware title The Duskbloods received a fresh trailer and a promise of a closed network test this summer — a notable update because the game has not had public footage since last year’s Switch 2 reveal. Nintendo also confirmed Splatoon Raiders will get its own focused stream on June 30, and showcased in‑game gadgets and character customization in today’s playthrough.
Third‑party breadth: ports and premieres
Nintendo used the Direct to underscore a broader third‑party push. Publishers showed a long list of ports and upcoming releases that widen the Switch 2 library, from action series to JRPGs.
- Capcom confirmed Devil May Cry 5 for Switch (pre‑orders open later today).
- Muramasa and additional Xenoblade projects were shown.
- A sizzle reel teased franchises such as Warhammer, DayZ and the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection 2.
Major multiplatform and JRPG news
Square Enix and other Japanese publishers had a strong presence. Final Fantasy Resonance will release on October 22 for both Switch systems, while a new Dragon Quest Monsters title and Metaphor: ReFantazio (October 12 on Switch 2) were confirmed. For Final Fantasy VII fans, Rebirth arrived earlier in June as listed on Nintendo’s regional pages.
Kingdom Hearts and a surprise reveal
Two big Kingdom Hearts items landed. Nintendo announced a new collection for Switch 2 — with save transfer options for current owners — and the Direct closed with the unexpected reveal of Kingdom Hearts IV. While Square Enix will likely release that game across multiple platforms, its appearance at Nintendo’s showcase signals continued commitment to the Switch family.
Genshin Impact and wider platform implications
Long‑running speculation that Genshin Impact would finally support a Nintendo console received fresh fuel: players reported an account login manager added to the game, a technical step that suggests Switch support could be imminent. If Hoyoverse brings Genshin to Switch 2, it would inject another major live service into Nintendo’s ecosystem and could affect online engagement and revenue models on the platform.
Known release schedule: June highlights
Below are the titles confirmed for June on Nintendo’s regional pages and during the Direct. Dates reflect publisher announcements:
| Title | Release date |
|---|---|
| Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | June 3, 2026 |
| eFootball: Kick‑Off! | June 3, 2026 |
| Unrailed 2: Back on Track | June 11, 2026 |
| to a T | June 11, 2026 |
| Roger | June 17, 2026 |
| The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales | June 18, 2026 |
| R‑Type Tactics I/II Cosmos | June 18, 2026 |
| Star Fox | June 25, 2026 |
What this means for players and the market
Nintendo’s slate reinforces a two‑track approach: bold first‑party releases built to showcase the Switch 2 hardware, plus a steady stream of ports and third‑party support to broaden appeal. The near‑term commercial question is whether the announced price increase slows sales or simply accelerates purchases ahead of September.
For current Switch owners, exclusives like the Star Fox demo (Switch 2 only) may tip the balance toward upgrading. For players watching third‑party live services and JRPG releases, today’s Direct offered both concrete release dates and new windows of opportunity — especially if titles such as Genshin Impact land on Nintendo’s platform.
What to watch next
Several follow‑ups are already scheduled or implied:
- June 30 — Dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct.
- Summer — Closed network test for The Duskbloods.
- Ongoing — demos and eShop updates for Switch 2 exclusives (Star Fox demo available now).
Today’s show reshaped the Switch 2 lineup for 2026. Expect publishers and Nintendo to build on this momentum across the rest of the year as the company balances exclusive content, ports and the practical effect of a higher console price.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.