Nintendo’s Switch 2 strategy is becoming clearer: use its most recognisable characters to create emotional pull, then reinforce the console with a broad catalogue of first-party and third-party games.
Two Direct presentations, one clear message
Nintendo held two Direct presentations on consecutive days. The first marked The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary and introduced a remake of Ocarina of Time. The second ran for 45 minutes and covered ports, partner releases, updates and early preparations for Nintendo’s 2027 software line-up.
The timing appears significant. On 1 September, Nintendo increased the Switch 2 price by $50. After an exceptionally strong launch period followed by slower momentum in late 2025, the price rise created another challenge. The two presentations functioned as a forceful reminder of why players might still choose the system.
Zelda remains Nintendo’s strongest emotional asset
The Zelda presentation leaned heavily on the series’ history. It opened with an orchestral medley, a montage spanning the franchise and a rare appearance from composer Koji Kondo. For long-time Zelda players, the presentation demonstrated how few entertainment properties can generate such an immediate emotional response.
The Ocarina of Time remake announcement produced an equally intense reaction, although not every response was positive. That range of feeling is itself evidence of the series’ enduring importance. The special-edition Switch 2 and Pro Controller sold out immediately, while the announcement created online excitement comparable in intensity to Netflix’s Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay reveal, even if it did not reach the same level of volume.
Nintendo’s confidence can occasionally become poor judgement. The Zelda film title reveal was widely regarded as an underwhelming event, despite Sony Pictures reportedly being eager to promote the movie. Nintendo’s strict control over its presentation has, in this case, limited the impact of the announcement.
A wider catalogue at a lower hardware cost
The second part of Nintendo’s pitch is less theatrical but just as important: Switch 2 offers access to many of the same major games found on competing consoles, while remaining hundreds of dollars cheaper than a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, even after the $50 increase.
Some ports have compromises. 007 First Light looks technically rough in places, while Final Fantasy 7 Revelation faces the challenge of fitting a demanding game onto less powerful hardware. Nevertheless, both are available on Switch 2, strengthening the system’s position as a single-console option.
For players who own several platforms, the second Direct may have felt unfocused. For Switch owners deciding whether to upgrade, it presented a practical argument. The programme brought together a long list of third-party series alongside reminders of Mario Kart World, Pokémon Pokopia, Switch Sports Resort and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.
It also established a path into 2027 with Metroid Ravenous and Kirby and the World Beyond. At one year and three months old, Switch 2 already has a remarkably crowded software catalogue.
The hardware still represents a significant $500 purchase. However, Nintendo’s first-party strength, growing third-party support and lower price relative to rival consoles make the Switch 2 look increasingly competitive. Readers comparing entertainment setups can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide, browse arcade machines or explore the latest arcade and gaming news.
eShop game of the week: Mewgenics
Mewgenics is another unconventional release from Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac. It combines cat breeding with tactical roguelike systems, seemingly endless variation and deliberately crude humour.
The game’s unusual tone will not suit everyone, but McMillen’s talent for building highly replayable systems remains distinctive. The result is a churlish yet inventive strategy game with a strong identity.
Nintendo Classics game of the week: Metroid Fusion
The 2002 Game Boy Advance adventure is a useful introduction to the ideas behind Metroid Ravenous. It is more linear than the earliest entries in the series, but remains a fast, demanding action platformer built around exploration, combat and parasite absorption.
Nintendo Music track of the week
The 2026 version of Ocarina of Time preserves the mysterious, melancholy character of the original title theme. Its new orchestration is fuller without becoming excessive.
The most memorable musical moment from the Zelda presentation, however, was the electrifying Triforce Medley. More gaming footage and industry coverage can be found in RETROCADE’s arcade video collection.
This week’s notable releases
- The Royal Writ — 10 September, Switch. A medieval roguelike deckbuilder with quirky artwork.
- Hot Wheels Infinite Rush — 10 September, Switch 2. An arcade racing game based on the toy cars, with a move towards an open-world format.
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure — 10 September, Switch 2. Nihon Falcom brings the fourth and fifth Trails anime RPGs to the platform.
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds — 15 September, Switch 2. A multiplayer survival game set in the established MMO universe.
- Welcome to Mars 9: The Tale of River — 16 September, Switch. A pixel-art narrative adventure set aboard a luxury space station.
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