2026’s Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives Are Reason Enough to Buy the Console

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It’s now rare for video games to be available on just one console, but that wasn’t always the case. Historically, choosing a gaming system often came down to which exclusive games it offered. However, that’s changing, and we’re seeing more games released on multiple platforms. A good example is Halo, previously exclusive to Xbox, now coming to PlayStation. While most publishers now aim to release games on as many systems as possible, some exclusive titles still exist. Nintendo remains a leader in console exclusives, largely because they maintain strong control over their game properties.

The Switch has been successful, and the new Switch 2 builds on that with a new generation of hardware, continuing Nintendo’s tradition of exclusive games. Since launching in June 2025, Nintendo has released several games only available on the Switch 2, and these aren’t just updated versions of older titles. Some examples include Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, Donkey Kong Bananza, Fast Fusion, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, among others. These games provided plenty to play in 2025, but the upcoming releases planned for 2026 are a compelling reason for anyone considering buying the console.

Nintendo’s 2026 Releases Are Exciting

The Nintendo Switch 2 already has a great library of games, and the lineup for 2026 is looking even more promising. Like the original Switch, many popular games that aren’t exclusive to Nintendo will be available on the console, giving players plenty to choose from. Some highlights include Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Borderlands 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, and Resident Evil Requiem, among others. Considering how well the Switch handles game ports, and with the Switch 2’s improved hardware, these titles are expected to be fantastic.

Even though several new games are coming to the Switch 2 and might encourage upgrades, the console’s exclusive games are probably what will convince most people to buy it. Currently, five first-party titles are planned for release in 2026, and we know one specific launch date: Pokémon Pokopia will be available on March 5, 2026. This Pokémon game is unique—it’s a life simulation spin-off, not a traditional adventure, and players will control a Ditto that acts like a human.

The upcoming lineup of games blends familiar favorites with exciting new experiences. One title is a unique mix of Pokémon and Minecraft, letting players craft and build within a diverse game world. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, the seventh installment in the Yoshi series, will launch on the Switch 2 in early 2026 as a classic side-scrolling adventure. Following that, The Duskbloods, a large-scale multiplayer action RPG developed by FromSoftware in a brand new universe, is planned for release, though the exact date is unknown. Next up is Splatoon Raiders, the newest entry in the popular Splatoon series, and finally, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the 18th main game in the Fire Emblem franchise, which appears to be a substantial addition to the series.

The Switch 2 Will Deliver Several Franchise Expansions

Nintendo’s plans for 2026 are pretty much what everyone expected. The company is known for continuing popular game series with new installments, and next year will be no different, with new games planned for Splatoon, Pokémon, and Yoshi. However, the upcoming game The Duskbloods shows Nintendo is also willing to try something fresh. This new title will let up to eight players compete and cooperate in an online world with unique gameplay features, which is exciting! If you own a Switch and are considering upgrading, now is a great time, as the console already has a strong lineup of games, and 2026 promises even more.

What Nintendo Switch 2 game exclusive to the console are you most looking forward to in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-03 17:15