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Nintendo Prioritizes Switch 2 Development, Signals Fewer First-Party Releases for Original Switch in 2026

The pivot is driven by strong Switch 2 adoption alongside rising development costs.

Overview

  • Nintendo confirmed its primary development focus has moved to Switch 2, while saying it will still release some new titles for the original Switch for the time being.
  • Executives said they are constantly weighing new Switch 2 games against substantial updates for existing Switch software, citing Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 as an example.
  • The latest financial report listed 10 upcoming first-party games planned for Switch 2.
  • Nintendo reported that roughly 84% of former Switch owners have migrated to Switch 2, and it noted that even recent Switch titles are largely being played on the newer console.
  • Reporting on Nintendo’s schedules indicates a sparse 2026 slate for the original Switch, suggesting fewer simultaneous first-party releases, while hardware production will continue if demand persists.