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THE ULTIMATE FANDOM NEWSLETTER

Next release: July 11 | 4 PM EDT

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Nintendo Switch 2

NINTENDO'S NEXT GENERATION HAS BEGUN

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2 since rumors began circulating last year, and now the wait is over. With the launch on June 5th, Nintendo's next-generation is here with the highly anticipated Mario Kart World. This exclusive promises to revolutionize the beloved racing series, featuring a sprawling open world where everything is connected. Join us as we take a deep dive into the new console and explore the exciting lineup of games coming to the platform.

UPCOMING GAMES

Here’s a look at the major exclusives set to release this year and beyond from Nintendo.

MARIO KART WORLD

Coming: June 5th, 2025

Mario Kart World represents the most ambitious evolution of the Mario Kart series. Introducing an open-world format where everything is interconnected, allowing players to race across diverse environments including grassy plains, bustling cities, and wide-open waters. Supporting up to 24 racers simultaneously—a series first—the game features over 50 playable characters, each with unlockable costumes that can be earned by collecting snacks during races. Players can enjoy new gameplay mechanics like the "Charge Jump," which enables rail grinding, attack avoidance, and the discovery of secret routes. The game offers multiple ways to play, including a traditional Grand Prix mode, an intense Knockout Tour where racers must survive checkpoints to avoid elimination, and a Free Roam mode where players can explore the world at their leisure. Mario Kart World promises to deliver the most expansive and feature-rich Mario Kart experience to date.

DONKEY KONG BANANZA

Coming: July 17th, 2025

Donkey Kong Bananza, marks a thrilling return to the 3D platforming adventure gameplay that started on the Nintendo 64 for Nintendo's beloved primate. This all-new adventure takes players on an epic journey in a vast underground world where players will experience unparalleled destruction as Donkey Kong. Unleash his primal strength, master a revolutionary exploration system where brute force creates new paths—smash through solid walls, dig tunnels with powerful punches, and plunge through the earth with devastating ground-pounds. In a groundbreaking new mechanic, you can even rip out pieces of the environment to use as makeshift weapons or projectiles. Donkey Kong Bananza will be filled with hidden trials, mine cart sequences, and collectibles for the players to acquire. As Donkey Kong explores he will run into some friendly allies you have seen in previous games such as Cranky Kong. As players carve their path through this adventure, they'll find that the more havoc they wreak, the more secrets this vast world reveals.

SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE + JAMBOREE TV

Coming: July 24th, 2025

Get ready for double the party mayhem with Super Mario Party Jamboree and its companion experience, Jamboree TV. This party game package brings two distinct ways to experience multiplayer madness on the Nintendo Switch 2. Including all the game features and modes from the original Switch game, plus innovative gameplay mechanics that fully utilize mouse controls, microphone input, and the USB-C Nintendo Switch 2 camera integration exclusive to the platform. The game supports local multiplayer through GameShare functionality, making it perfect for social gaming sessions. With even more mini games to play, you'll want to add this to your collection. Whether you're hosting a small game night or a full party, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV combine to create the ultimate multiplayer experience that keeps everyone engaged in the fun launching this summer.

DRAG X DRIVE

Coming: Summer 2025

Nintendo is rolling up their sleeves for a brand new title in Drag X Drive this year, with a whole new way of utilizing mouse controls. Set for a Summer release, this 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball game masterfully blends the high-energy gameplay mechanics of arcade basketball with the dynamic arena-style action of Rocket League, creating an entirely new sports gaming experience. Players will navigate avatars in wheelchairs, engaging in fast-paced matches across uniquely crafted arenas. The game showcases Nintendo's commitment to inclusive gaming while delivering intense competitive action through its robust local multiplayer. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, players will experience precise movement control and shooting mechanics, making each match a thrilling display of skill and strategy. As one of the new titles following the Nintendo Switch 2's launch, Drag X Drive promises to deliver an unique gaming experience that celebrates both competitive spirit and accessibility in equal measure.

KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND + STAR-CROSSED WORLD

Coming: August 28th, 2025

The pink puff ball is back to devour anything Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World throws at him. Kirby embarks on his most ambitious 3D journey yet with this expansive extra content which combines the post-apocalyptic charm of the Forgotten Land with a cosmic twist, introducing ethereal star-themed realms that push the boundaries of Kirby's 3D platforming adventure. Players will guide Kirby through encounters with both familiar foes and new star-born creatures. The game introduces the "Stellar Copy" ability, allowing Kirby to absorb and combine cosmic powers with his traditional copy abilities. The adventure features enhanced frame rate, visuals; and co-op gameplay—where a second player can join as Bandana Waddle Dee, now equipped with stellar powers of his own. This expansion not only builds upon the foundation of the original game but elevates it, launching on Nintendo Switch 2 later this summer.

METROID PRIME 4: BEYOND

Coming: 2025

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond represents an evolution in Samus Aran's arsenal, with psychic abilities pushing the beloved franchise into uncharted territory. No one knows where this falls canonically in the timeline even with the year 20X9 given, which adds to the excitement. This installment seamlessly blends classic Metroid Prime exploration with modern gameplay mechanics, offering players an expansive and atmospheric sci-fi adventure. As Samus ventures through the hauntingly beautiful alien planet Viewros, players will uncover Sylux's plan after all these years hunting her across the universe. The game introduces enhanced combat systems, such as quicker dashing and dodging, and more fluid aim controls with the new mouse mode. While maintaining the series' signature focus on environmental storytelling and discovery—with an arsenal of new weapons and abilities at their disposal—players can adapt their approach to both combat and exploration, creating a truly personalized gaming experience that honors the franchise's roots while boldly stepping into the future.

POKEMON LEGENDS: ZA

Coming: Holiday 2025

Set in the sprawling Lumiose City in the Kalos region, this story unfolds in a city undergoing massive expansion, where trainers must uncover the secrets of a mysterious legendary Pokémon. As a chosen Pokémon trainer, you'll find yourself in an era where Pokémon and humans coexist. The battle system merges real-time action with strategic elements, allowing trainers to directly control their Pokémon's attacks during battles for the first time. This game still preserves the traditional traversal gameplay beloved by fans but in the confines of a city. Featuring an array of Pokémon to discover, including new Z-forms and ancient variants, players will document these magnificent creatures while unraveling a narrative that challenges everything they learned in Pokémon X and Y. While Pokémon Legends: ZA doesn't have a confirmed release date, the title is scheduled for this holiday season, promising an unforgettable adventure that pushes the beloved franchise in an exciting new direction.

KIRBY AIRIDERS

Coming: 2025

After a remarkable 20-year hiatus since its GameCube debut, Kirby Airiders is a game we never thought would come. This long-awaited sequel aims to recapture the unique racing mechanics that made the original a cult classic, where players control their vehicles through a single-button control scheme while racing through Dream Land's vibrant courses. While details remain limited following the teaser revealed in April, the involvement of legendary developer Masahiro Sakurai—the creative mind behind the original Kirby Air Ride and Super Smash Bros. series—has sparked intense anticipation among the gaming community. Sakurai's return to the Kirby franchise, particularly for this nostalgic revival, suggests a promising blend of classic gameplay elements with modern innovations. The original's beloved features, including the Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial modes, are expected to receive contemporary updates. As fans eagerly await more information, this new chapter in the Kirby Air Ride saga represents not just a revival of a beloved racing title, but a celebration of the series' return. This title is slated for some time this year.

HYRULE WARRIORS: AGE OF IMPRISONMENT

Coming: This Winter

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment thrusts players into a pivotal moment in Hyrule's history, as Princess Zelda finds herself mysteriously transported through time to the tumultuous era of the Imprisoning War—a legendary conflict first referenced in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In this musou-style adventure, players witness a desperate struggle as the kingdom faces its darkest hour, marked by the unprecedented shattering of the Master Sword. The story takes place on a sacred quest to restore the broken blade to its former glory and aid Link in his mission to save Hyrule. Combining the intense crowd-combat mechanics popularized by the Dynasty Warriors series with the rich lore of The Legend of Zelda, players can unleash devastating combinations and magical abilities against massive armies of enemies. Taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's enhanced capabilities, the game delivers fluid frames and dramatically improved texture quality that bring Hyrule's ancient battlefields to life like never before. This action-packed chronicle fills a crucial gap in Zelda's timeline, offering an extensive look on Zelda's journey this winter.

MOUSE MODE

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a feature that could be widely adopted by console gamers, mouse mode. Revealed through the Nintendo Today App, this feature allows users to navigate the home menu and system settings with unprecedented precision, offering a PC-like experience through intuitive cursor control. This addition has the potential to fundamentally change how players interact with the system's interface. The feature's versatility shines in compatible titles like Civilization VII, where the mouse functionality brings a new level of precision to strategy gameplay, making city management and unit control more accessible than ever. In Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, players can utilize this feature for precise aiming and menu navigation, while Super Mario Party Jamboree incorporates the mouse mode for intuitive mini-game interactions and board game navigation. This thoughtful integration of mouse functionality demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to evolving the gaming experience, bridging the gap between traditional console gaming and PC-style interface control, all while maintaining the Switch 2's signature versatility.

EXCITING THIRD PARTY GAMES

There are a bunch of games coming from Nintendo's partners, but we have selected a few you should keep your eyes on.

CYBERPUNK 2077: THE ULTIMATE EDITION

Coming: June 5, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077: The Ultimate Edition is making its debut on Nintendo hardware with its upcoming release for the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. This version marks a significant milestone as it brings the complete Night City experience to Nintendo players for the first time, optimized specifically for the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. Featuring the full base game with Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand and the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion starring Idris Elba. Taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's powerful processing and graphical capabilities, the game has been specially adapted with new features including touchscreen support, gyroscope aiming, and motion controls through the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Players can experience the neon-lit streets of Night City and engage in intense firefights whether playing in handheld mode or docked, with the game fully optimized for all play styles. This version represents the complete Cyberpunk 2077 experience, allowing Nintendo players to step into the shoes of V and explore the dark future of Night City with unprecedented portability.

STREET FIGHTER 6: YEARS 1-2 FIGHTERS EDITION

Coming: June 5, 2025

Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition marks a triumphant return to Nintendo hardware, continuing the franchise's long-standing tradition of delivering exceptional fighting experiences on Nintendo platforms since the SNES era. This version includes the complete base roster plus all the DLC characters from Years 1 and 2, bringing the total to 28 playable characters. The roster features fan favorites like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li—alongside newcomers like Jamie, Kimberly, and Manon. Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 version are new modes that take advantage of the platform's features, including Gyro Battle, where players can use motion controls for special moves and combos, and Calorie Contest, a fitness-focused mode that tracks players' physical movements during matches for an engaging workout experience. The game also features amiibo support, allowing players to tap their Street Fighter series amiibo figures to unlock exclusive costumes, train AI fighters, and store personalized combat data. Each character has been meticulously balanced for competitive play while maintaining the accessibility that makes Street Fighter 6 appealing to both veterans and newcomers alike.

ELDEN RING: TARNISHED EDITION

Coming: 2025

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition stands as the definitive version of From Software's award-winning action RPG masterpiece, which garnered universal acclaim and the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards in 2022. This comprehensive package delivers a journey through the haunting realm of the Lands Between, combining the critically acclaimed base game with the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and all post-launch content. Players can embark on an epic adventure exploring treacherous dungeons filled with formidable foes and confronting legendary boss battles that have become the hallmark of From Software's challenging combat design. This edition enriches the experience with an extensive collection of new weapons, exclusive skins, and additional armor sets that further enhance character customization options. This version also includes quality-of-life improvements making it the perfect entry point for newcomers while offering veterans a compelling reason to return to this masterfully crafted dark fantasy world. Whether facing the imposing demigods alone or joining forces, players will be treated to one of gaming's most celebrated open-world experiences.

HADES 2

Coming: 2025

Hades 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games' critically acclaimed roguelike masterpiece, is making its console debut as a timed exclusive for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms. This announcement ensures Nintendo players will be the first console audience to experience Melinoë's epic journey through the mythological realm. Building upon the award-winning foundation of its predecessor, Hades 2 expands the series' signature roguelike mechanics with players taking on the role of the immortal Princess of the Underworld, wielding the full might of Olympus in her quest to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game promises a deeper, more expansive mythic world filled with challenging combat encounters, compelling narrative threads, and the series' hallmark blend of permanent progression and roguelike elements that made the original a global phenomenon. Players can experience this meticulously crafted adventure in both handheld and docked modes, with the Switch 2 version taking full advantage of the new hardware's enhanced capabilities to deliver an even more visually stunning and smooth experience.

FINAL FANTASY 7: REMAKE INTERGRADE

Coming: 2025

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 marks a monumental moment for the franchise, potentially signaling the beginning of the entire FFVII saga making its way to Nintendo's latest platform. This definitive version brings Cloud Strife's iconic journey through the dystopian metropolis of Midgar to Nintendo players, featuring the game's revolutionary hybrid battle system that masterfully blends real-time action with strategic command-based combat. Players can seamlessly switch between party members while executing devastating abilities, spells, and limit breaks, all while experiencing the reimagined story of Cloud's transformation from stoic mercenary to heroic defender of the planet. The game's narrative delves deeper into Cloud's complex relationship with his past, his connection to the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, and his confrontations with the sinister Shinra Corporation. For Nintendo fans who have only known Cloud and Sephiroth through their appearances in Super Smash Bros., this release offers the perfect opportunity to experience the full depth of these legendary characters in their original setting, complete with stunning visuals, orchestrated music, and the additional Yuffie-focused Intermission episode.

BORDERLANDS 4

Coming: 2025

Borderlands 4 delivers an unparalleled cooperative experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a portable looter-shooter. Gearbox Software's CEO Randy Pitchford has praised the platform's capabilities, noting that "the Nintendo Switch 2 is astonishingly perfect for Borderlands 4, offering the exact hardware specifications we needed to deliver our complete vision." The game fully utilizes the console's enhanced online features, allowing players to seamlessly connect with friends through the built-in Gamechat system— whether playing in handheld or docked mode. This latest entry in the franchise boasts the largest arsenal in the series' history, with millions of procedurally generated weapons, each featuring unique attributes and elemental effects. The game's vast open world introduces a truly seamless exploration system, eliminating loading screens between areas and allowing players to traverse the entire map without interruption. Whether you're raiding bandit camps in the scorching deserts or exploring ancient alien ruins in the frozen tundra, the Nintendo Switch 2 version maintains smooth performance and stunning visuals, making it the perfect platform for both solo vault hunters and cooperative mayhem.

CREATORS VOICE SERIES

Nintendo's latest Creators Voice series offers an intimate glimpse into the future of third-party gaming on Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing an impressive lineup of partnerships that strengthen the platform's diverse gaming ecosystem. Supergiant Games revealed that the highly anticipated Hades 2 will launch as a timed exclusive on Nintendo Switch 2, bringing its signature blend of roguelike action and compelling narrative exclusively to Nintendo's platform before other consoles. Through candid interviews with various developers, the series highlights how the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities enable creators to bring their visions to life without compromise. These personal insights from development teams demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to fostering strong relationships with independent and major third-party studios, ensuring a robust and varied gaming library for their next-generation console. The Creators Voice series not only celebrates these partnerships but also offers viewers behind-the-scenes looks at how developers are leveraging the Switch 2's advanced features to create unique gaming experiences that push the boundaries of what's possible on a Nintendo platform.

OUR MOST ANTICIPATED TITLES

Nintendo Switch 2 is loaded with games and we have handpicked our most anticipated titles coming to the platform this year and beyond.

KIRBY AIRIDERS

I am as hungry for Kirby Air Riders as Kirby is hungry for well... anything. Not only does this game promise more of our beloved, adorable Kirby-verse characters, it brings an infectious energy that's impossible to resist. The upbeat soundtrack and bright, refreshing atmosphere adds the perfect dose of excitement to any gaming session. Kirby's need for speed, partnered with his abilities, makes the racing strategic and has you thinking outside the box. Along with the controls, which differ from your typical racer, this game is both challenging and adorable. The 2003 nostalgia hits hard, and I can't wait to dive back into this reimagined classic with a good snack, just how Kirby likes it, later this year.

- Dayna, Marketing Coordinator

METROID PRIME 4: BEYOND

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a game I have been waiting to play since 2017 when it was prematurely announced at E3 2017 under a new developer, Bandai Namco. I even remember where I was when I saw the game be announced. I was on my first trip outside of the country, at a hostel in Los Angeles just under an hour away from the Convention Center where E3 was being held. I lost it. Mind you, I hadn't seen a new Metroid Prime game announced since 2006, which was Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Every year I wanted Nintendo to announce a new entry in this series, and there it was. Two years later, Nintendo announced the game had to restart development and be given back to trusty developer, Retro Studios. Six years later and here we are—the year this game finally drops. Metroid is my second favorite Nintendo franchise, and to see this be so close has me over the moon excited. Having played this game myself now, I have to say this was the game to showcase how capable the Nintendo Switch 2 is and how mouse mode can change the way we play this series going forward. This is, by far, the most impressive-looking Nintendo game ever made and plays better than any other game in the subseries, finally embracing modern first-person shooter elements for newcomers to jump into the fight. If this game wasn't on your radar, I hope hearing from me made you want to check out this highly anticipated title.

- Tim, Marketing Coordinator

THE DUSKBLOODS

FromSoftware is GIVING this season. From the studio and director that gave us hits like the Dark Souls trilogy and two visually stunning epic masterpieces, Bloodbourne and Elden Ring (including the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC), we have too much to look forward to in the next year-ish. Elden Ring Nightreign is almost here, but their new Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, is what I am amped to see. Elden Ring is already a test of gaming rigs, and to bring a hefty, multiplayer souls game to the Switch 2 will be the ultimate test of how I'll be judging the new console's specs and capability. The graphics for Elden Ring are absolutely unreal, leaving players with breathtaking moments in 4k HDR (where possible), and it's an absolute delight on rigs that can handle it. Hidetaka Miyazaki has given us some of the best games of the past decade, and I have no doubt that this will be another GOTY contender from him. So if the Switch 2 can bring that level of clarity to these intricate games, I can't wait to play a Soulslike/Bloodbourne style game on a Nintendo console--it sounds too good to be true!

- Karli, Marketing Coordinator

TRAILERS

Nintendo Switch 2 – First-Look Trailer


Introducing Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to Nintendo Switch, releasing June 5th.

Nintendo Switch 2 – Overview Trailer

Witness the system’s powerful processing speeds delivering visuals never seen before on a Nintendo system via a bigger screen showcasing vibrant color and clarity. Discover reimagined Joy-Con 2 controllers that snap to the system with magnetic connectors and can each be used as a mouse.