Nintendo Direct February 2026 Showcases Major Third-Party Lineup
Nintendo has officially kicked off 2026 with its first full Direct conference, a Partner Showcase that delivered a wealth of game announcements and reveals. Focusing exclusively on third-party software, the February 5 presentation featured titles from industry giants like Square Enix, Konami, Capcom, and Bethesda, offering Switch 2 owners a packed schedule of upcoming releases.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Headlines the Showcase
The standout announcement came from Square Enix, which confirmed a release date for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This highly anticipated open-world sequel to FF7 Remake will debut on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 3, 2026, with pre-orders available immediately. The game promises an expansive adventure that continues the beloved franchise's legacy.
Diverse Game Announcements Across Genres
The Direct opened with Orbitals, a two-person co-op game launching exclusively on Switch 2 this summer. Other notable reveals included:
- Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse – A mystery game set in Ise-shima, Japan, launching February 19 with pre-orders live.
- Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters – A narrative football game based on anime, arriving later in 2026.
- Tokyo Scramble – An action survival game featuring dinosaur onslaughts, releasing February 11.
- Valheim – The Viking survival game coming to Switch 2 in late 2026.
Enhanced Ports and Exclusive Upgrades
Nintendo also highlighted several upgrades and collections. The original Hollow Knight receives a free Switch 2 upgrade today with improved visuals and performance for existing owners. Konami announced eFootball Kickoff for summer 2026 and Super Bomberman Collection Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, available later today.
Capcom and Square Enix Deliver Robust Lineups
Capcom showcased multiple trailers, including Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (March 13), Pragmata (April 24), and Resident Evil Requiem (February 27). The latter will launch alongside a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, with amiibo figures following in summer.
Square Enix further impressed with The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, an RPG with an Octopath Traveller-like art style, launching June 18. This game allows players to explore the same areas across four distinct historical periods.
Anime-Inspired and Retro Gaming Highlights
Anime fans were treated to announcements like Kyoto Xanadu (summer), Digimon Story Time (July 10), and Stranger Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok (July 9). Retro enthusiasts saw Rave Racer coming to Arcade Archives on February 26, plus Console Archives releases including Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos available today.
Rapid-Fire Release Date Reveals
In a fast-paced segment, Nintendo confirmed numerous third-party ports with specific dates:
- Disney Dreamlight Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (March 25)
- PGA Tour 2K25 (February 6)
- WWE 2K26 (March 13)
- Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun (March 18)
- Another Eden Begins (summer 2026)
- Goat Simulator 3 (April 1)
- Culdcept BEGINS – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (July 16)
- Scott Pilgrim EX (March 3)
- Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown (February 18)
- Tales of ARISE – Beyond the Dawn Edition (May 22)
- ReAnimal (February 13)
Bethesda Closes with Major Ports
The presentation concluded with Bethesda announcing Switch 2 ports of Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (February 24), The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2026), and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (May 12). These additions significantly expand the console's library with acclaimed franchises.
Overall, the Nintendo Direct February 2026 Partner Showcase demonstrated a strong commitment to third-party support, ensuring a diverse and exciting lineup for Switch 2 throughout the year. From RPGs and survival games to sports and retro classics, players have much to anticipate.
