The brand new 12 months is right here, and with it comes the promise of video video games. After a gradual and regular begin, native Swap 2 releases are coming in quick and there is hundreds to look ahead to in 2026 already – and that is not counting any inevitable surprises that crop up within the subsequent 12 months.
The primary two video games of the 12 months from Nintendo see a return for an outdated favorite with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, adopted by Mario Tennis Fever. However Capcom is bringing one of many 12 months’s largest multiplatform video games to Swap 2 day-and-date with different platforms, and we’re very excited to see Resident Evil return on the finish of February.
Under, we have highlighted essentially the most thrilling Swap 2 (and 1) video games coming within the subsequent two months. You may discover extra nice video games beneath our prime picks, in addition to a bunch of Swap (2) equipment.
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New Swap 1 & 2 Video games for January & February 2026
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Swap 2 Version – fifteenth January
Dropping alongside an enormous replace for the Swap 1 recreation too, the NS2 Version will add some mouse mode compatibility and a dusting of extras, together with improved decision and a megaphone that may allow you to name out your islanders’ names and so they’ll shout again, letting you already know the place in your island they’re.
With enhanced decision, mouse controls utilizing the Pleasure-Con 2 controller, expanded on-line play, and extra options unique to Nintendo Swap 2, gamers can get much more out of the island life in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Swap 2 Version!
Plus, a free replace is coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons for gamers on each Nintendo Swap 2 and Nintendo Swap to get pleasure from. The free replace features a new resort lodge, further amiibo performance, collaboration objects, updates to on-line play, and extra.
Dynasty Warrior: Origins – twenty second January (Swap 2, Sport-Key Card)
Launching again in January for different platforms, Koei Tecmo’s premier hacker-and-slasher drops on Swap 2 nearly precisely a 12 months later. It was nicely obtained elsewhere (our sister website, Push Sq., gave it a wholesome 8/10), so we’re trying ahead to seeing the way it holds up on Swap 2.
Be aware that this one is a Sport-Key Card.
Boasting essentially the most intense fight and largest armies in DYNASTY WARRIORS franchise historical past, the musou thriller transports you to a tumultuous, war-torn Three Kingdoms. From the “Yellow Turban Rebel” to the climax of the “Battle of Chibi,” the story of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS drops you into the guts of an historical China in turmoil.
By the eyes of a anonymous hero, you’ll battle fiercely whereas making daring decisions to revive peace and form historical past all whereas battling huge enemy armies in an unprecedented scale the place 1000’s of troopers collide!
Closing Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – twenty second January (Swap 2, Sport-Key Card)
It has been a very long time coming, however we’re excited to start out catching up with different platforms and seeing how Sq. Enix has up to date an all-timer. This one can be a Sport-Key Card.
The primary entry within the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy brings the enduring metropolis of Midgar to life with trendy visuals, expanded storylines, and dynamic real-time RPG fight blended with strategic command over characters’ ATB gauges, character switching, and picks to maximise a personality’s effectiveness in battle.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – fifth February (Swap 1 & 2, Sport-Key Card)
One other spruced-up traditional coming from Sq. Enix, we final noticed this huge PlayStation entry in remade kind on 3DS and we’re eager to see how this completely rebuilt model stacks up. This one can be a Sport-Key Card on Swap 2.
Repair the previous, save the current!
Collect your companions and journey past the shores of your kingdom to find why it’s the solely remaining island on this planet in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
Mario Tennis Fever – twelfth February (Swap 2)
The newest within the sequence following Mario Tennis Aces on Swap, the plumber and co. are again on the courts, mixing in unconventional racquet methods and pyrotechnics with everybody’s favorite net-based sport. No, not that one. Or that one. No, tennis. C’mon, it is within the title.
Be part of Mario and associates for over-the-top tennis mayhem! Use topspins, slices, lobs, and different acquainted pictures—together with different fancy footwork and new defensive maneuvers—to outpace your opponents on the courtroom. Preserve a rally going, construct up your Fever Gauge, and unleash highly effective Fever Pictures that may be augmented with particular results by equipping Fever Rackets!
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties – twelfth February (Swap 2, Sport-Key Card)
Nintendo players had been denied the pleasures of Sega’s Yakuza sequence for therefore lengthy, however now not. Following on from Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and 2, the following entry within the reworked Kiwami sequence is sort of right here and it guarantees “main hints” in direction of the sequence’ future.
And following a well-known sample, this one is a Sport-Key Card, too.
Proceed the story of Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to guard these he cares about most in an excessive remake of Yakuza 3 that evolves each facet of the beloved recreation. The bustling streets of Okinawa and Tokyo come to life in beautiful element with reimagined fight taking brutal brawling motion to the following degree. Added scenes ship extra depth and emotion to the story with new and enhanced aspect experiences that immerse you on this planet like by no means earlier than, and extra.
Moreover, expertise the brand-new story of Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 in an included separate recreation. Two males will stroll completely different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of destiny.
Resident Evil Requiem – twenty seventh February (Swap 2, Sport-Key Card)
The large one. A model new entry within the survival horror sequence getting a day-and-date launch on a Nintendo console alongside all different platforms is a trigger for celebration. Fingers crossed the sport’s good.
It is value noting that each RE7 and RE8 are launching in Gold Version kind for Swap 2 on the identical day, as nicely. The Technology Pack bundles all three video games, although keep in mind that they’re all Sport-Key Playing cards.
A brand new period of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the most recent and most immersive entry but within the iconic Resident Evil sequence. Expertise terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding motion with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Each of their journeys and distinctive gameplay types intertwine right into a heart-stopping, emotional expertise that may chill you to your core.
Extra Upcoming Video games for January & February 2026
In addition to these picks above, there are a lot extra Swap 1 & 2 retail video games launching within the subsequent couple of months (and a bit past).
New Swap 2 Equipment & eShop Credit score
Lastly, this is a collection of Swap 2 equipment coming quickly, and our Swap 2 purchaser’s guides when you’re in search of one thing particularly.
Keep in mind, you can too purchase your Swap eShop credit score and video games from the Nintendo Life retailer. Purchases made on our retailer additionally assist to help the positioning, so thanks upfront!
