The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch with an impressive collection of first-year titles, featuring fan favorites like Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, and Donkey Kong Bananza. Additionally, special editions for Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will also make their debut this year. As excitement builds around these releases, many are curious about the future of Nintendo’s other beloved franchises. This article explores potential release timeframes for upcoming titles in major Nintendo franchises.
Starting with the iconic Mario series, it's highly likely that the developers behind Super Mario Odyssey are currently working on Donkey Kong Bananza. Given this development, a new 3D Mario game may be a few years away. Some fans speculate that the team might be juggling two projects simultaneously, but this remains purely theoretical. Regardless, the long-awaited return of Donkey Kong in a 3D environment is both exciting and well-deserved after his absence on the Nintendo Switch.
Next on the list is Paper Mario. Based on the release pattern of previous titles—Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012), Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016), and Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)—it’s reasonable to predict that the next installment could be announced in 2028. While this date may seem distant, it aligns with Nintendo's historical release strategy.
Additionally, we can anticipate the arrival of Mario Sports games in the near future. With Camelot having not released a title since Mario Golf: Super Rush in 2021, and Next Level Games likely occupied with a new Luigi’s Mansion project, sports fans should keep an eye out for announcements. However, a new Mario Party game may not be in the cards just yet, as the Super Mario Party Jamboree is set to receive a Switch 2 Edition with additional content, suggesting a new entry is still years away.
Moving on to The Legend of Zelda series, fans should brace themselves for a lengthy wait for the next title. The seven-year gap between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom indicates that the development of a new main series game will take considerable time, especially if it features a revised engine and new art style. While remakes could fill the gap, such as potential additional content from Grezzo, the focus remains on enjoying the current titles at optimal performance.
A new main series Kirby game is also unlikely to surface soon. However, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land receiving performance enhancements and a new story, fans have much to look forward to, including the upcoming Kirby Air Riders. Meanwhile, the Yoshi franchise could see new developments in the next couple of years, especially after Good-Feel recently concluded work on Princess Peach: Showtime. The potential for a port of Yoshi’s Woolly World has fans buzzing with excitement.
The future of Animal Crossing and Splatoon remains uncertain, as neither game received significant announcements in the recent Nintendo Direct. While both franchises are undoubtedly in development, it’s unclear which will arrive first. A release for Animal Crossing and Tomodachi Life in 2026 would delight fans, but Nintendo may prioritize Splatoon 4 given its ongoing events and community engagement.
The Fire Emblem series is also due for a new game, with Fire Emblem Engage having launched in 2023. Although a new entry may not emerge this year, speculation for a release next year is strong, particularly regarding a potential remake. Similarly, Xenoblade Chronicles fans can expect new content in the coming years, as Monolith Soft continues to excel in delivering high-quality games.
With recent titles like Pikmin and WarioWare released in 2023, fans shouldn’t expect new entries for some time. As for franchises like F-Zero, Golden Sun, Kid Icarus, and EarthBound, their future on Nintendo Switch 2 remains questionable. The biggest question looms over the next Super Smash Bros. game, with current development efforts focusing on Kirby Air Riders. Whether a new installment is in the works is still up for debate.
What do you think about the upcoming Nintendo franchises for the Nintendo Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below! With more announcements likely in future Nintendo Directs, fans can remain hopeful for surprises and exciting news regarding their favorite franchises.
