Big Games That Desperately Need Switch 2 Updates In 2026

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived with enhanced versions of popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, making them feel fresh and updated. Afterwards, Kirby and the Forgotten Land received a new campaign and improved graphics.

Currently, two popular games are confirmed to be enhanced for the Switch 2 in 2026. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will continue the celebration of Mario’s 40th anniversary, which began in 2025, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons is receiving a significant update with new features. But what other Switch games could benefit from improved performance or a fresh start on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026?

Super Mario Bros. 35

Coming Back One More Time

To mark the 35th anniversary of Super Mario in 2020, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. 35. This unique game took the classic Super Mario Bros. levels and turned them into a battle royale, where 35 players competed against each other.

The game was a smart way to update classic NES Mario graphics for a popular new style of gameplay, but unfortunately, it was removed in 2021. Nintendo could really make something special with it on the Switch 2, maybe by adding new game modes or completely revamping the look with elements from later Mario games.

Super Mario RPG

Geno Returns

A likely candidate for a return on the Switch 2 is Super Mario RPG, a remake of a beloved classic originally on the SNES. The Switch version looked good and played smoothly, but some players felt it was too faithful to the original, lacking significant new content beyond improved graphics.

The Switch 2 could benefit from added features like a new playable character or extra content after the main game is finished, potentially bringing back the popular character Geno. While creating a brand-new Mario RPG might be a gamble, reimagining a beloved classic with fresh additions could be equally successful.

The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Improve The Dungeon Building

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was remade for the Switch, but it stayed very close to the original Game Boy version. While it’s a solid game, the remake occasionally experienced performance issues, which is unusual for a Zelda title. Unlike Super Mario RPG, which saw significant changes, this remake remained largely faithful to its roots.

While the game’s framerate sometimes dropped, it wasn’t game-breaking. A Switch 2 would likely solve these performance issues, and it would also be a great time for Nintendo to expand the dungeon-building tools. The feature itself was fun, but lacked enough content at the beginning, so an update could really allow players to build more elaborate and imaginative dungeons.

New Pokemon Snap

Just Add More

Many PokĆ©mon fans were thrilled with the release of New PokĆ©mon Snap, as it was the first sequel to the original game in over twenty years. While the new PokĆ©mon and on-rails gameplay were enjoyable, the game didn’t stray too far from the original formula. One downside is that, despite there being over a thousand PokĆ©mon species, the game only includes a little over two hundred.

It makes sense that not every PokƩmon could be included, but the game still feels limited for a PokƩmon title. A more powerful console, like a potential Switch 2, could allow for an update with a wider variety of PokƩmon to photograph. It would also be great to see familiar locations from past games, like Kanto and Johto, make a return.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Needs The Most Work

All of the Xenoblade Chronicles games would benefit from performance improvements on the Switch 2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2, released in 2017, is the oldest in the series and could especially use an update. When it first launched, it was remarkable to see such a large open-world RPG running on the Switch, offering players a huge amount of gameplay. However, the game’s performance wasn’t always smooth, and the graphics noticeably suffered during intense scenes like battles or when the time of day changed.

Here are some clear improvements a new Switch 2 could offer. It would be fantastic to have the downloadable campaign, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna The Golden Country, available on the new console too. Nintendo could include it with the system, alongside fresh content like new characters or places to discover.

Ring Fit Adventure

A New Year For A New Fit

As a huge fan, I was so impressed with Ring Fit Adventure when it came out in 2019! It wasn’t just a way to get some exercise – it was a genuinely fun RPG with a really long story. The controls were super easy to pick up, and the music was incredibly catchy. It’s a little disappointing that Nintendo hasn’t added any new content or expansions since then, though. It would be amazing to see them build on such a great game!

Creating a new version for the Switch 2 could be challenging because the console’s larger Joy-Con controllers wouldn’t fit the accessories made for the original game. Nintendo might be better off making a direct sequel. However, since the Switch 2 will still work with older Joy-Con controllers, they could simply add new levels and workouts to the existing game. A dance-based RPG mode would also be a great addition. What better way to start the new year than by getting in shape?

Bayonetta 3

An Action Game Held Back

PlatinumGames first gained widespread recognition with Bayonetta, a fast-paced action game inspired by Devil May Cry. It quickly became popular thanks to its stylish graphics and engaging combat. While Bayonetta 2 was successful even on the less powerful Wii U, Bayonetta 3 didn’t meet the same high standards for graphics and performance that the original game established back in 2009.

While fans appreciated the game on Switch, many believe it could be even better. A Switch 2 update might finally deliver the experience they originally hoped for. Hopefully, Nintendo and PlatinumGames can collaborate to make that happen.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Don’t Let Sony Win The Marvel Race

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order marked the return of a beloved series after ten years. While it was a bit unusual that Nintendo published and released it only for the Switch, the game delivered the same fun, fast-paced action the series is known for, with a huge roster of playable Marvel heroes. Though not the most visually impressive game, it proved to be highly addictive.

Okay, so 2026 looks like it’s going to be huge for PlayStation with both Marvel’s Wolverine and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls coming out. As a Nintendo fan, I really hope they don’t let PlayStation have all the Marvel games! It’d be awesome if Nintendo gave Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order an update for the Switch 2 – maybe a new story campaign and a bunch of new characters to play as. That would be a total game-changer!

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2025-11-11 08:35