Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of Nintendo Switch 2 and its upcoming winter 2026 lineup! With an ever-growing library, this console is set to deliver something for every type of gamer. From upgraded editions of beloved classics to brand-new installments, and with prominent support from third-party giants like Capcom and Square Enix, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a gamer's paradise. And let's not forget the vast collection of Nintendo Switch titles available through backward compatibility, ensuring an endless supply of entertainment.
CGMagazine was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at the upcoming exclusives, updates, and blockbuster third-party titles headed to the Nintendo Switch 2 over the coming months. And trust me, there's a lot to look forward to as we brave the winter chill.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder - A Multiplayer Extravaganza
Get ready for a multiplayer mayhem like no other! Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, is set to release on March 26, and it's bringing a whole new level of excitement to the iconic franchise. The game introduces Bellabel Park, a massive theme park addition to the main world, with its centerpiece being Attraction Central - a hub packed with multiplayer experiences spread across two plazas.
The Local Multiplayer Plaza supports up to 8 players, allowing for local play on the same system or across individual Switch 2 consoles. Players can use GameShare or their own copies of the game, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. Meanwhile, the Game Room Plaza takes things online, supporting up to 12 players in 6 unique attractions.
We had the chance to try out a variety of these new multiplayer activities in 4-player local play, and it was a blast! From building paths with Donut Blocks using the Joy Con 2's mouse controls to a thrilling relay race with a lit Bob-Omb, these modes are intuitive, easy to pick up, and incredibly fun to coordinate. It reminded us of the golden days of multiplayer on the Wii and Wii U.
Competitive play is just as engaging. One of the highlights is a minigame where each player gets a Baby Yoshi to feed. As the screen scrolls, players compete to feed their Yoshi the most, avoiding hazards and choosing the right food. This one is sure to become a household favorite, especially with the Support Mode now accessible to any character.
Another exciting activity challenges players to collect coins while playing a game of 'red light, green light' with a giant King Boo. Players must move quickly when the coast is clear and freeze when King Boo turns around, or face a penalty. Other activities include racing on bouncing balls and paragliding. It's a diverse range of activities, drawing from various Mario icons and goals, and we could have easily spent hours playing.
Although we didn't get to explore all the content, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder also introduces Rosalina and Co-Star Luma to the playable character roster, along with a Captain Toad-themed training camp and boss challenges against the Koopalings. The Flower Kingdom is sure to offer even more surprises when this upgrade arrives next month.
Mario Tennis Fever - Serving Up Fun
Next up is Mario Tennis Fever, an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2, releasing in just over a week. This game promises to be the most content-rich in the Tennis series to date, and our hands-on preview gave us a taste of the core gameplay at the heart of its myriad modes.
If you've played tennis with Mario and friends before, you'll feel right at home with the familiar approach. The engine in Mario Tennis Fever feels promising, offering sharp graphics and robust controls, including motion controls for those nostalgic for Wii Sports.
The star attraction in this game is the new Fever Rackets, bringing classic power-ups and enemies to the tennis court. Playing well fills the Fever Gauge, allowing players to unleash special shots with thematic powers, potentially destroying their opponents. We got to try out the Pokey Racket, which summoned a giant smiling cactus on our opponent's side, while also experiencing the challenges of the Flame, Ice, and Shadow Rackets.
This mechanic alone could be the basis for a whole new Mario Tennis game, especially with the increased power of the Nintendo Switch 2. There were several other Fever Rackets on the selection screen, and we're eager to experiment with them in the full version. Just when we were getting the hang of things, a Wonder Court Match threw us a curveball with random Mario Wonder-style effects, adding an exciting twist to the game.
Although the demo was brief, it was clear that the combination of character stats, Fever Rackets, and player styles will create a thrilling experience. With 38 playable characters, 30 Fever Rackets, and a variety of courses, Mario Tennis Fever is a feast for fans of Mario sports games. And that's not all - there's additional content outside regular matches to sweeten the deal.
While my relationship with Mario-themed sports is a bit hit-or-miss, I'm definitely curious to see what else the full version has in store. It seems like Mario's athletic endeavors are off to a strong start on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Virtual Boy - A Blast from the Past
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members are in for a treat with the upcoming release of the Virtual Boy library on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms. The Virtual Boy, which makes its debut on February 17, offers a whole new collection of retro games.
As part of our preview, we got to spend time with the official Virtual Boy peripheral, available in both authentic and cardboard forms, through the company's online store. The experience left us cautiously intrigued by a game catalogue that is entirely new to us. Be sure to check out CGM's in-depth preview for more insights into the Virtual Boy Classics library!
Resident Evil Requiem - Survival Horror Returns
One of the most exciting third-party launches for the Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly Resident Evil Requiem. Unlike Final Fantasy VII Remake, this blockbuster will release simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2, marking a huge milestone for the platform and the series. It's the first time a mainline Resident Evil game has launched on a Nintendo console on day one since Resident Evil 4.
Although CGM has previewed Resident Evil Requiem on other hardware, this was our first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 edition. Personally, I haven't played the franchise much since the PS2 era, and it still feels like a 'PlayStation franchise' to me. But once I stepped into the shoes of co-protagonist Grace Ashcroft and explored the dark halls of a dilapidated facility, I was transported back to the Raccoon City of old.
The Nintendo Switch 2 edition looks great so far. Running in docked mode, it might not match the performance of more powerful consoles or the PC edition, but the difference is slighter than expected. Hair, in particular, looks a bit dated, but all the atmospheric details in the gameplay are there, and terrifyingly effective.
After rewatching the trailer for the PS5 version, I actually prefer the slightly grittier look of the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, which captures the classic tone of the series that I know and love. And when Requiem's horrifying new signature monster made its appearance, stalking a weakened Grace from room to room, technical specs became irrelevant. Survival and finding a solution before becoming a snack for the abomination were the only things on my mind.
Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a promising third-party offering on the Nintendo Switch 2, and horror fans won't have to wait long to experience it for themselves. We can return to Raccoon City on February 27, and the ninth game in the series launches alongside Nintendo Switch 2 Gold editions of its predecessors, Resident Evil 7: biohazard and Resident Evil Village.
Pragmata - A Long-Awaited Adventure
Similar to Resident Evil, the long-awaited Pragmata may be another multiplatform title that I opt to play on the Nintendo Switch 2 when it releases on April 24.
Pragmata looks stunning on the Switch 2. Hair remains a bit old-fashioned, but it's more noticeable given Diana's heavy presence on-screen (compared to the recommended first-person perspective of Requiem). However, the dark atmosphere of a moon-orbiting space station and the particle effects are breathtaking. Controlling both protagonists simultaneously feels intuitive, and the demo was surprisingly charming, with unique dialogue that breaks the fourth wall, specifically crafted for the demo.
Pragmata's unique blend of real-time action, exploration, and puzzle-solving during combat feels like a natural fit for the Nintendo Switch 2's handheld mode. The Nintendo edition will also have an optional Amiibo figure of Diana available at launch, with benefits yet to be revealed, further cementing Capcom's first original IP since Dragon's Dogma as a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Whether you've already jumped in or are waiting for the right time, the Nintendo Switch 2's library is shaping up beautifully with these titles. Stay tuned to CGMagazine to see what else 2026 has in store!
