[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee] Nintendo has managed a rebound with the launch of the Switch 2 in the second half of 2025, and it is expected to keep that momentum in 2026.

On Dec. 30 local time, IT outlet TechRadar reported that Nintendo would continue strong growth in 2026 with the Switch 2. It forecast that a strengthened exclusive lineup and active third-party support would shake up the competitive landscape in the games market.

In the first quarter of 2026, it will release Mario Tennis Fever and Pocopia, as well as Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Switch 2 Edition. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will also appear in a Switch 2 version. Upgrade policies vary by title. Some games support free upgrades, but some titles, including Super Mario Party Jamboree, may require additional costs, it said, raising potential controversy.

The new lineup is also solid. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave are waiting in the wings. It is also being floated that a new 3D Mario game could be unveiled to coincide with the release timing of the Mario film sequel in 2026.

Above all, third-party support is being significantly strengthened. Major titles such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Elden Ring are joining the Switch platform for the first time. 007 Fire Light, Resident Evil: Requiem, Reanimal and Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined are also set for release within the year. In particular, FromSoftware's new title The Duskblood is scheduled to launch as a Switch 2 exclusive, fueling expectations.

Hardware sales are also performing well. Despite being early in its lifecycle, the Switch 2 is maintaining steady sales momentum, and Nintendo is driving sales through bundle packages for Mario Kart World and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The lack of an OLED display is cited as a disappointment. The industry expects a Switch 2 Lite version or an OLED model to be released only after 2027.

The industry assesses that Nintendo has successfully settled into a generational transition with the Switch 2. Attention is focused on whether Nintendo, backed by a strong new-game lineup and an aggressive bundling strategy, can lead the global games market again in 2026.