2025 marked the launch of the brand new Nintendo Switch 2, and with another year on the horizon, there's even more for gamers to look forward to. Kicking off 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 will see a mixture of brand new titles as well as "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades of previous fan-favorites.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is launching on January 15. Originally released for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, this Switch 2 Edition delivers enhanced resolution, faster load times, mouse control support with the Joy-Con 2 controller, and a megaphone using the system microphone that can be used for calling your animal neighbors. The game also offers 12-player sessions online, allowing you to play with friends and utilize the CameraPlay and GameChat.
Animal Crossing received universal acclaim upon release back in 2020 and was one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games ever. One of the complaints it did receive was a lack of content at launch, but Nintendo addressed this with periodic updates throughout the years. The final major update was thought to be in 2021, but the release of the Switch 2 Edition will actually be accompanied by a surprise Version 3.0, which will be a free update for all versions that adds a resort hotel run by Kapp'n's family, new furniture and clothing, quality-of-life-enhancements, and more. If you for some reason never played the original Animal Crossing on Switch and enjoy cozy simulators, it doesn't get much better than Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is also making its Switch 2 debut this month after releasing for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in January of last year. The 10th installment in the iconic hack-and-slash series, Dynasty Warriors: Origins transports you to the war-torn Three Kingdoms. As a nameless hero in the heart of an ancient China in turmoil, you'll battle enormous armies on your way to becoming a true warrior.
January seems to be the month for enhanced remakes making their Switch 2 debut. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is also launching on the Switch 2 in January after releasing for the PS5 and PC in 2021. This is an enhanced and expanded version of 2020's Final Fantasy VII Remake, offering the complete first chapter of the iconic story along with the FF7R Episode INTERmission featuring Yuffie as the main character.
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most iconic games ever, making this a must-play if you haven't already experienced the legendary story. However, it's worth noting that this Remake is only the first of multi-part series, reimagining the Midgar portion of the story with expanded scenes and new narrative branches. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the remake trilogy, is already confirmed to be coming to the Switch 2 eventually, but we don't have a release date yet. I personally prefer Rebirth as it offered larger environments and a more open-world style gameplay, but to truly appreciate it, you've got to experience Remake first.
Here's a quick look at January 2026's release schedule for the Nintendo Switch 2:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - January 15
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon - January 15
- Mio: Memories in Orbit - January 20
- Dynasty Warriors: Origins - January 22
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - January 22
- The Rumble Fish 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Core Keeper - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - January 28
- Card-en-Ciel – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - January 29
Overall, 2026 looks to be a mix of ports, remakes, and some new exclusives and January is a great example of how we can expect the Switch 2 library to grow. Looking further into the year, we can look forward to Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, The Duskbloods, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Own a PlayStation 5? Check out what's releasing for PS5 in January 2026 here!