Ex-Nintendo marketers see no new system-selling Switch 2 games, with 3D Mario and Zelda absent

While not unique to Nintendo’s console, Switch 2 sales slowed noticeably by the end of 2025. An appealing 2026 lineup of games could help the handheld regain any lost momentum. However, former Nintendo PR managers Kit & Krysta struggle to identify many potential system-sellers.

Switch 2 games with mass appeal

Discussed on a recent podcast, Kit & Krysta noted there is a healthy selection of upcoming Switch 2 games. The pair lists at least nine first-party titles expected over the next year. Third-party support also looks strong, with Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Resident Evil Requiem due out soon. Still, some multi-platform releases may not entice buyers to purchase the handheld.

The Nintendo veterans believe that the company won’t ship more than one title per month. That leaves only a few opportunities for surprises in 2026. A 3D Mario or new Zelda game could change the equation, but fans may only see upgrades like Super Mario Bros. Wonder. A The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake could also surface in the near future.

Another Mario Switch 2 game arriving in February is the $70 Mario Tennis Fever. Unfortunately, both of the casters have low expectations for its impact on console sales. Considering the lukewarm reception to other first-party sports efforts, they label the game as having “flop potential.”

2026 has Pokémon potential

Even though Pokémon Pokopia is exclusive to the newer handheld, Kit & Krysta also question whether it will attract adopters. Krysta Yang is particularly skeptical of the March release, calling its graphics dated.

Pokopia might not be a blockbuster, but there is hype surrounding the next mainline Pokémon game. The leaked Pokémon Wind & Wave could be unveiled to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. It would also be a candidate for a Switch 2 bundle, as Nintendo has yet to replace its Mario Kart World configuration.

The podcast concludes that without a system seller, gamers will hesitate to upgrade from the original Switch. The aging console is still well-supported, including with the imminent update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.