Every Game Announced During the 7/31 Nintendo Direct

Nintendo’s Switch 2 has been a massive success. However, fans have been rightly puzzled by the lack of third-party titles on the system. However, Nintendo’s latest Direct has addressed this by showcasing a range of titles set to release on the system in the near future. Publishers Square Enix, Bandai Namco, and EA dominated the Direct, with Ubisoft and Atlus announcing the release of fan-favorite games.

One of the welcome surprises was the revival of the long-dormant franchise Katamari, which is set to receive its first new entry since 2011, indicating that the remasters were quite popular. Utilizing the system's extra processing power, multiple games will receive Switch 2 upgrades, which will be available for free. From JRPGs to free-to-play shooters, here’s everything announced at the latest Nintendo Direct.

One of Monster Hunter’s Best Spin-Offs is Coming to the Switch 2

This Newest Entry Looks Gorgeous

Capcom started the presentation strong with the announcement of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. The series began on the 3DS and has since garnered a loyal following. The game will follow the heir to Azuria, a hero with special abilities who leads the Rangers and is the sole Ratholos Rider in the kingdom. Players will fight to save the lands of Azuria and Vermiel, which are under threat from the growing crystal encroachment.

The heir will journey to the lands beyond the northern Meridian and will be accompanied by the Princess of Vermiel, Eleanor. Players can expect turn-based battles, gorgeous environments, and what is shaping up to be an engrossing story. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is set to release in 2026 and will also be available for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.

Square Enix Announces Two New 2D-HD JRPGs

Two Games Will Also Receive a Free Switch 2 Upgrade

Square Enix put the focus on its JRPG catalog by announcing two new entries in its 2D-HD series. Octopath Traveler 0 is a prequel that is set to release on Dec. 4. The game is set to retain many of the hallmark mechanics of the prior entries, with the addition of choice-driven Path Actions and town-building features. Players will be able to choose their appearance, voice, and even motions. The game will retail for $49.99, with a digital deluxe edition priced at $59.99.

Additionally, a new IP, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, is set to release in 2026, with a demo for the game being available now. The action RPG, developed by the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default, will follow the exploits of an adventurer named Elliot and his sidekick, Faie, as they explore an untamed continent. Square has also announced that two games will be receiving a Switch 2 upgrade. While Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles upgrade path will be free of charge, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of Seven is unfortunately paid.

Bandai Namco Revives Two Classic Franchises

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Will Have Motion Controls

In a surprise announcement, Bandai Namco will be releasing the first entry in the Katamari series since 2011. Players will roll rubbish into balls in locales such as Edo, Japan, and Ancient Rome. The game will also feature multiplayer, allowing you to experience this series' unique brand of wackiness with friends. Once Upon a Katamari is set to release on Oct. 24 and will be available simultaneously on all platforms.

Pac-Man is set to make a comeback in Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2. The 3D platformer was initially released on the GameCube, Xbox, and PlayStation 2 in 2002. It will receive a visual upgrade and still retain its local co-op mode. Re-Pac 2 is set to receive a digital-only release on Sept. 26. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero will also get a port, with the added benefit of motion controls. The game is scheduled for release on Nov. 14.

EA Announces Multiple Switch 2 Titles

These Games Notoriously Struggled on the Original Switch

EA will bring the massively successful EA Sports FC and Madden franchises to Nintendo’s portable platform. These games have been known to have issues on the Switch 2’s predecessor, so here’s hoping the extra horsepower makes for a smooth gameplay experience. Descriptions promise console parity. EA Sports FC is set for a Sept. 26 release date, and Madden 26 is hitting the system on Aug. 14.

Plants vs. Zombies will also receive a remaster in Replanted, bringing the classic arcade game featuring death by fauna to modern consoles. New additions include upgraded visuals, local co-op mode, and a new hardcore mode. Free-to-play shooter Apex Legends is set to launch on Aug. 5 alongside a new season, accompanied by optimization for the Switch 2’s hardware.

Atlus and Sega Port Fan-Favorite Titles

The Rumored Persona and Yakuza Ports Finally Have Release Dates

Persona 3 Reload will be ported to the Switch 2 and is expected to be on par with current-generation console versions. The game is scheduled for release on Oct. 23 and will be available in physical, digital, and digital deluxe editions.

Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are due out Nov. 13, and if the port of Yakuza 0 is anything to go by, players can expect high framerates and smooth gameplay. The games were initially released in 2017 and follow Kazuma Kiryu as he navigates Japan’s hidden underworld.

Ubisoft Ports a Polarizing Game

The Obligatory Just Dance Game is Also on Its Way

Star Wars Outlaws was no doubt a polarizing game. It suffered from performance issues and was generally regarded as a mediocre title. However, Ubisoft will be bringing the adventures of Kay Vess and her fight against the Empire to the Switch 2. The game is set to release on Sept. 4 and will be available in the standard or gold edition; the latter includes all DLCs.

Just Dance is back, and players can expect much the same formula as the others. The new soundtrack includes songs by Dua Lipa, Smash Mouth, and Bruno Mars. The game is scheduled for release on Oct. 4 and will feature a new co-op party mode.

More AAA Games Are On the Way

These Games Will Test the Switch 2

Borderlands 4 will launch on Oct. 3, a month after the console versions. It was previously confirmed that the game will most likely run at 30 FPS, with occasional dips during intense sequences. The admission from the Gearbox CEO has raised some concerns among gamers regarding the capabilities of the Switch 2.

On the bright side, Bloober Team's new IP, Cronos: The New Dawn, is set to release Sept. 5 and will be priced at $59.99 for the standard edition and $69.99 for the Deluxe Edition. While 48 hours of early access are included in the Deluxe Edition for other consoles, it will not be available for the Switch 2.

Indies and Upgrades and Expansions

Hyrule Warriors Set to Receive an Update

There were numerous other announcements, which included multiple indie games and upgrade paths. Chillin' by the Fire and Hela lead the charge for cozy, low-stress games, with Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Wheatflour Wonderland expansion bringing up the rear. Nintendo continues its mission to upgrade last-gen titles with a free update for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Here’s everything else announced in the update:

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Unconfirmed)
• Chillin' by the Fire (Out Now)
• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (Aug. 29)
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Wheatflour Wonderland (Autumn 2025)
• Goodnight Universe (Nov. 11)
• Hela (2026)
• NBA Bounce (Sept. 26)