Nintendo had a giant 2025 with the launch of its next-generation console, record-breaking sales, and some top-tier game releases. This year has been a bit of a down turn – as the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie caught fire at the box office, Switch 2 sales have slowed, all of its big announcements for 2026 might have already leaked, and the stock price is dropping. It’s not all bad news though, and it has now confirmed there are still some as of yet (officially) announced first-party titles set to launch this year for its new console.
As part of a recent investor meeting in the wake off the official Switch 2 price hike in North America, Europe, and elsewhere, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa looked to quell concerns over the health of the business and Switch 2.
Furukawa explained (via IGN [translated]) that, while the company understands the recent price hike “will raise the barrier to purchase to some extent,” the most important thing here is to “provide engaging gameplay that offers value beyond the price.”
It seems as though Nintendo had no choice but to raise the price of the console, as much as we all hate it, due to increasing economic pressures, the surge in memory prices, exchange rates, and oil prices.”
It does however, still feel as though it’s all about the games, and I think this something even gamers can agree with them on. Nintendo apparently has no concerns on the momentum of Switch 2, citing the recent release of Pokémon Pokopia and its contribution to hardware sales, and it seems like this is a strategy it will continue to pursue despite slowing console numbers.
Something’s telling me the new first-party games we already know about officially aren’t going to be major console sellers, and I think some might argue that Star Fox, while nostalgic and exciting to some degree, isn’t really enough of a big smash to give the console the bump in might need this summer. It will help, but it’s hard to imagine it being as universally appealing as the new Pokémon proved to be, and it’s certainly not on the level of some of the leaked releases Nintendo could have in the works.
- Star Fox Switch 2 $50 (Reg. $60) | Amazon
- Star Fox Switch 2 $50 (Reg. $60) | Walmart
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book $60 (Reg. $70)
- Splatoon Raiders $50 (Reg. $60)
What it really needs is a massive new first-party release or two and a special edition console collectors will go crazy for. And if the leaks over the last month or so are indeed true, that’s exactly what Furukawa could be referring to here:
The Nintendo President said the company has “a variety of new titles for Nintendo Switch 2” in the works, and, more importantly in the near term, “new titles prepared for the second half of this fiscal year” in addition to those already announced.
Considering how many of the leaks have already came true, let’s at least hope Furukawa is specifically referring to the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake here, or maybe even something bigger. The leaks have stated more than a few times there is no new 3D Mario coming until 2027, so something like the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake might be the biggest, and most believable, option Nintendo has here for a big-time holiday season.
That rumored Ocarina of Time Special Switch 2 console might help the cause as well. Chances are we will get some king of major Nintendo Direct next month or in July, and rumor has it this console could land well ahead of the expected holiday launch for the actual game remake.
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