Nintendo Switch 2 Games January 2026 - Complete Guide
The Switch 2 Library Expands!
The Nintendo Switch 2, which launched on June 5, 2025, is now in full swing with its first full calendar year. January 2026 brings an incredible lineup of games including enhanced editions, new releases, and third-party support!
📅 January 2026 Releases
Full Release Calendar
| Date | Game | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition | Enhanced Port |
| Jan 15 | The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon | RPG |
| Jan 20 | MIO: Memories in Orbit | Metroidvania |
| Jan 22 | Dynasty Warriors: Origins | Action |
| Jan 22 | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | RPG |
| Jan 22 | The Rumble Fish 2 - Switch 2 Edition | Fighting |
| Jan 28 | Core Keeper - Switch 2 Edition | Sandbox |
| Jan 28 | Dispatch - Switch 2 Edition | Strategy |
| Jan 29 | Card-en-Ciel - Switch 2 Edition | Card RPG |
| Jan 29 | Kyouran Makaism | Action |
🏝️ Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition
The Definitive Island Experience
Release Date: January 15, 2026
What's New:
- ✅ Improved graphics and resolution
- ✅ Smoother performance (60 FPS)
- ✅ Version 3.0 update content
- ✅ NEW hotel feature
- ✅ Quality of life improvements
Hardware Benefits:
- Faster loading times
- Better draw distance
- Enhanced textures
- Improved lighting
Save Transfer:
- Bring your existing island
- Cross-compatible with original
- All items and progress transfer
Price: Full game price (includes all previous updates)
⚔️ Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
The PS5 Classic Comes to Switch 2!
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Also Releasing On: Xbox Series X|S (same day)
What's Included:
- Complete FF7 Remake experience
- Intergrade DLC (INTERmission with Yuffie)
- PS5-quality visuals adapted for portable
- Full combat system intact
Technical Specs:
- Native Switch 2 optimization
- Portable and docked modes
- Cloud save support
- Pro Controller support
Why It Matters:
- First portable FF7 Remake
- Major third-party commitment
- Shows Switch 2's power
🎎 Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Slash Your Way to Victory!
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
Features:
- Classic musou gameplay
- New Heroes storyline
- Updated graphics engine
- Portable Dynasty Warriors action
Perfect For:
- Action game fans
- Historical warfare enthusiasts
- Portable gaming sessions
🚀 MIO: Memories in Orbit
A Stunning Metroidvania Adventure
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
Comparisons:
- Ori and the Blind Forest vibes
- Hollow Knight exploration style
- Beautiful hand-crafted visuals
Why It's Exciting:
- One of January's best-reviewed games
- Perfect for portable play
- Deep exploration mechanics
- Emotional storytelling
📖 The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
The Legendary JRPG Continues
Release Date: January 15, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch
Game Details:
- 13th title in the series
- Turn-based combat
- Deep narrative
- 100+ hours of content
Perfect For:
- JRPG enthusiasts
- Story-focused gamers
- Long-form gaming experiences
🥊 The Rumble Fish 2 - Switch 2 Edition
Classic Fighting Revived
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Features:
- Enhanced visuals
- Online multiplayer
- Training modes
- Classic arcade action
⛏️ Core Keeper - Switch 2 Edition
Mining Adventure Goes Portable
Release Date: January 28, 2026
What is Core Keeper?
- Sandbox mining game
- Co-op multiplayer
- Base building
- Boss battles
Switch 2 Benefits:
- Portable co-op
- Touch screen support
- Improved performance
🔮 Coming Soon (2026)
Confirmed Upcoming Titles
| Game | Expected Release |
|---|---|
| Mario Tennis Fever | February 12, 2026 |
| Pokémon Pokopia | March 5, 2026 |
| Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Spring 2026 |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Switch 2 Edition | Spring 2026 |
Rumored Ports
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Hogwarts Legacy
- More PlayStation/Xbox ports
🎮 Switch 2 Hardware Overview
Console Specifications
Improvements Over Original:
- More powerful chipset
- Better screen (larger, brighter)
- Enhanced Joy-Cons
- Faster storage
- 4K docked output
- Backwards compatible
Price Point: Check retailers for current pricing
🆚 Switch 2 vs Original Switch
Game Performance Comparison
| Aspect | Original Switch | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720p handheld | 1080p+ handheld |
| Docked | 1080p | 4K |
| Performance | 30 FPS typical | 60 FPS capable |
| Loading | Slower | Much faster |
| Graphics | Good | Excellent |
💰 Budget Tips for January
Priority Games
Must-Buy:
- Animal Crossing Switch 2 (if you loved the original)
- FF7 Remake (PS5 quality on the go!)
- MIO: Memories in Orbit (new adventure)
Can Wait:
- Dynasty Warriors (frequent sales)
- Enhanced editions of games you own
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play original Switch games on Switch 2?
A: Yes! Full backwards compatibility.
Q: Do I need to rebuy Animal Crossing for Switch 2?
A: The Switch 2 Edition is separate, but your save transfers.
Q: How does FF7 Remake run on Switch 2?
A: Excellently - comparable to PS5 with portable benefits.
Q: Are Joy-Cons from original Switch compatible?
A: Check Nintendo's compatibility guide for specifics.
Q: Can I transfer my save data?
A: Yes, Nintendo Cloud Saves work across generations.
Q: Is Switch 2 worth upgrading to?
A: If you want better performance and upcoming exclusives, yes!
Q: Will there be more ports?
A: Yes, third-party support is strong for Switch 2.
Q: Does Switch 2 have a new Mario game yet?
A: Mario Tennis Fever in February, more coming throughout 2026.
🔗 Related Content
🎯 The Bottom Line
January 2026 is packed with Switch 2 goodness!
Whether you want enhanced classics like Animal Crossing and FF7 Remake, or new adventures like MIO, there's something for everyone. The Switch 2's first full year is off to an amazing start.
Time to charge those Joy-Cons!
Last Updated: January 4, 2026
Happy gaming, Nintendo fans! 🎮
Disclaimer: Game Duddles is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with the developers of the games covered. All game names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.
