Nintendo Direct June 2026 Recap — Zelda, Kingdom Hearts IV, Star Fox, Xenoblade, and a Huge Switch 2 Lineup

Written by Carson Kelly -


Nintendo closed out one of the biggest gaming news weeks of the summer with a major Nintendo Direct on June 9, 2026, and it was absolutely packed with announcements for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

After a week that already included PlayStation’s State of Play, Summer Game Fest, and the Xbox Games Showcase, Nintendo had the final major spotlight, and they used it to show a future built around nostalgia, surprises, RPGs, family fun, long-awaited returns, and a very strong Switch 2 lineup.

The biggest reveal of the show was easily The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, rebuilt for Nintendo Switch 2. One of the most legendary games of all time is returning for a new generation, and that alone gave the Direct a massive closing-shot feeling. For longtime Nintendo fans, this is the kind of announcement that hits differently. Ocarina of Time is not just another Zelda game; it is one of the pillars of 3D gaming history.

Another huge moment was the reveal of Kingdom Hearts IV for Nintendo Switch 2. Seeing Sora return with a new chapter on Nintendo hardware is a massive deal, especially with Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] also coming to the platform. That makes Switch 2 a much stronger home for both longtime Kingdom Hearts fans and newcomers who want to catch up before the next major entry.

Nintendo also revealed Xenoblade Genesis, a new beginning for the Xenoblade series coming in 2027. While details are still limited, the name alone suggests something big, fresh, and possibly era-defining for the franchise. On top of that, the Direct also brought Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of the previous Xenoblade games, giving the series a major presence across the platform.

One of the more fun reveals was Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, which brings the series back to Wuhu Island with 12 sports, motion controls, multiplayer, and that classic casual Nintendo energy. Boxing, bowling, basketball, golf, volleyball, archery, table tennis, skateboarding, power cruising, prop plane, and more make this feel like a true spiritual follow-up to the Wii Sports Resort era.

The Direct also gave us a major look at Star Fox, which launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25. This new take on Star Fox 64 includes revamped visuals, voice acting, orchestral music, new modes, online multiplayer, and optional Joy-Con 2 mouse-controlled targeting. For a franchise that has been quiet for far too long, this was one of the most exciting updates of the entire show.

Splatoon Raiders also stood out as a major Nintendo Switch 2 title. Instead of being another traditional multiplayer-focused Splatoon game, this one is a single-player-focused treasure-hunting adventure set on the Spirhalite Islands alongside Deep Cut. The game launches July 23, with even more details coming in a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct on June 30.

There was also plenty for RPG fans. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave arrives September 17 with a brand-new cast, tactical battles, city exploration, training grounds, and a special edition. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches December 3. Final Fantasy Resonance, a brand-new HD-2D Final Fantasy adventure, launches October 22. Metaphor: ReFantazio is also coming to Switch 2 on November 12.

The show had a lot of third-party power, too. Onimusha: Way of the Sword comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 25 with Joy-Con 2 motion control support. Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition launches June 23. Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen arrives October 9. Lies of P: Complete Edition launches August 6. Stellar Blade is coming to Switch 2 in 2026. Lords of the Fallen II arrives this fall. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is also coming this holiday.

Nintendo also had room for smaller and more unexpected announcements. Deltarune Chapter 5 launches as a free update on June 24. Big Walk, from the creators of Untitled Goose Game, arrives August 4. Rayman Legends Retold launches October 1 with a bold reimagining of the beloved platformer. Pikuniku 2, Ninjala 2, Hello Kitty Party Land, One Piece: Grand Gourmet, Muramasa: Revenant Blades, and more added even more variety to the show.

There were also updates for existing games and services. Pokémon Pokopia is getting a free underwater update and paid expansion pass content. Donkey Kong Bananza is getting DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC event content, while Nintendo Switch Online is adding a limited-time DK Challenge event connected to classic Donkey Kong games.

Overall, this Nintendo Direct felt like a strong answer to the rest of the gaming week. PlayStation had Wolverine. Summer Game Fest had huge third-party reveals. Xbox had Gears, Fable, Halo, and Spyro. Nintendo came in with Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Star Fox, Xenoblade, Splatoon, Fire Emblem, and a deep bench of Switch 2 support.

What made the show work was the variety. There was something for almost everyone: classic Nintendo history, family sports games, major RPGs, anime games, horror-leaning action titles, platformers, cozy games, multiplayer games, and long-awaited franchise returns.

For me, this was the perfect final chapter to a stacked week in gaming news. The old E3 feeling may look different now, but weeks like this prove that the magic is still there trailers, surprises, wish lists, reactions, and that beautiful feeling of wondering what the next few years of gaming are going to look like.

Nintendo came prepared, and the Switch 2 future is starting to look very exciting.

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