The Nintendo Switch 2 (NS2) boasts a 10x performance improvement over its predecessor, but its launch price remains steep.
It's okay if you're not going to get the NS2 for a while; we’ve compiled 20 upcoming NS1 games for 2025–2026. While not all are blockbusters, they’re definitely worth your attention!
2025 Releases
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Fantasy Life i: The Twisting Dragon and the Time-Stealing Girl (May 22, 2025): After multiple delays, this cozy life-sim from Level-5 finally arrives. Think Animal Crossing but with combat, farming, and mini-games. Cross-platform multiplayer and cloud saves are confirmed. Though the NS1 version’s visuals are modest, a free NS2 upgrade is expected.
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Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (June 5, 2025): Delayed to align with NS2’s launch, this spinoff deepens the link between farming and combat. NS1 owners can play now and upgrade later via a free NS2 version.
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RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19, 2025): A polished HD remake of the 2006 Shin Megami Tensei spinoff. NS2 runs at 1080p/60fps, but NS1 still holds up for this story-driven gem.
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Patapon 1+2 Replay (July 10, 2025): Sony’s iconic rhythm game arrives on NS with full Chinese localization. Sadly, Patapon 3 remains MIA.
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Shadow Labyrinth (July 17, 2025): A Pac-Man-themed Metroidvania! Use pellet-chomping powers to explore and fight. NS2 boosts resolution and framerates.
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No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25, 2025): A spinoff to the acclaimed mystery series, adding escape room puzzles. NS2 enhances visuals, but NS1 works for spoiler-free sleuthing.
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Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road (August 22, 2025): After endless delays, this soccer RPG offers **story mode, chronicle mode, and cross-platform play**.
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STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar (August 28, 2025): A remake of the DS classic, rebuilt for modern hardware. Free NS2 upgrade confirmed.
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DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (2025): A retro-styled remake of the first two DQ games. Newcomers should start with DQ11 instead.
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025): Samus returns! NS2 supports **4K/60fps (TV) and 1080p/60fps (handheld)**, plus mouse controls for FPS purists.
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Pokémon Legends Z-A (2025): Likely the last mainline Pokémon on NS1. Explore Lumiose City by day and battle ZA challenges by night. NS2 enhancements confirmed.
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Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (2025): A full remake of the classic JRPG split into FC and SC chapters. Modern visuals meet timeless storytelling.
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Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025): IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING. The NS2 version is confirmed, but NS1 can handle this indie darling.
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Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025): The first new Layton in years, packed with puzzles and official Chinese support. Expect delays to 2026, though.
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Super Robot Wars Y (2025): Mecha crossover featuring Gundam: Witch from Mercury and Code Geass: Resurrection.
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Little Nightmares III (2025): Co-op horror with online play or AI partner. Delayed from 2024 but nearing completion.
2026 and Beyond
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Inazuma Eleven RE (2026): A full remake of the original soccer RPG, Link’s Awakening-style.
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Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (2026): Create virtual avatars of real-life friends and watch the chaos unfold.
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Rhythm Heaven Groove (2026): The beloved rhythm series returns, helmed by original creator Tsunku.
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DECA POLICE (TBA): Level-5’s open-world detective game. Promises "L5’s largest project ever"—prepare to wait.
TBA Pokémon Spinoff
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Pokémon Champions (TBA): A free-to-play, cross-platform turn-based battler. It may split traditional combat from mainline games.
