Last Updated: June 10, 2026
Introduction
Did you catch last night’s Nintendo Direct? The June 9 broadcast rolled out Nintendo Switch 2’s full second-half 2026 lineup — and the biggest surprise of the night was the announcement of a Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, sending social media into a frenzy.
(Source: Nintendo Direct 2026.6.9 — Nintendo Official)
If you’re living in Japan and love gaming, this one’s for you. Here’s a full breakdown of everything announced last night.
TL;DR — What Was Announced
- Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake confirmed, coming sometime in 2026
- Kingdom Hearts IV confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2
- Earliest releases: Star Fox (June 25) and Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars (July 2)
- Splatoon Raiders, FF Resonance, Metaphor: ReFantazio, DQ Monsters 4 and more to follow
- Watch all trailers on the Nintendo Direct official page
Disclaimer: Based on Nintendo’s official announcements from June 9, 2026. Release dates are subject to change. Check Nintendo’s official site for the latest updates.
This Direct laid out Nintendo’s full lineup for the rest of 2026 into early 2027. The two titles to act on first: Star Fox (6/25) and Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars (7/2).
2026 Second-Half Release Schedule
(Source: Nintendo Direct 2026.6.9 — Nintendo Official)
| Release Date | Title |
|---|---|
| June 25 | Star Fox |
| July 2 | Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars |
| July 23 | Splatoon Raiders |
| August 6 | Lies of P: Complete Edition |
| September 3 | Orbitals |
| September 10 | Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic |
| September 17 | Fire Emblem: Banshisen |
| September 25 | Onimusha: Way of the Sword |
| October 8 | Earth Defense Force 5 for Nintendo Switch 2 |
| October 9 | Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen |
| October 15 | Tales of Eternia Remaster |
| October 22 | ONE PIECE: Ocean Gourmet Restaurant |
| October 22 | Nintendo Switch Sports Resort |
| October 22 | FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE |
| October 29 | Sanrio Party Land |
| November 12 | Metaphor: ReFantazio |
| December 3 | Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca & Flora’s Kingdom |
| Winter 2026 | Nobunaga’s Ambition: Hishou |
| 2026 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2 Remake) |
| 2026 | Kingdom Hearts IV |
| 2026 | Minecraft Nintendo Switch 2 Edition |
| Early 2027 | Xenoblade Chronicles: Genesis |
New to Japanese Gaming? Here Are 5 Titles Worth Checking Out
Release dates are all in the table above. This section breaks down what makes each of these five standout titles worth your time — and whether you need any prior knowledge to enjoy them.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2 Remake)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, Ocarina of Time first launched on the Nintendo 64 back in 1998. It’s long been recommended as one of the best entry points into the Zelda series — the story is easy to follow even without any prior experience. With Switch 2’s modern graphics, there’s never been a better time to play it for the first time (or the fifth).
(Source: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — Nintendo Official)
Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars
No Japanese required — this one is purely about music and timing. Featuring 80+ brand-new mini-games, it’s the series’ first new entry since 2016 and easily one of the most accessible titles in the lineup. Whether you have great rhythm or none at all, it’s fun from the first minute.
Star Fox
A 3D space shooter with intuitive controls that you can pick up without any background knowledge. The series follows Fox McCloud (Fokkusu Makuraudo), a fighter pilot battling enemies across the galaxy. It’s also the first game in this lineup to launch — June 25 is right around the corner.
Kingdom Hearts IV
A Disney x Square Enix RPG that has had a global fanbase for over two decades. Part of the game is set in a city modeled after Shibuya, making it a particularly fun experience if you’re based in or around Tokyo. No release date confirmed yet. For more on Japan’s gaming, manga, and anime scene, check out our guide to otaku culture in Japan (Akihabara & beyond).
Dragon Quest Monsters 4
A spin-off of Japan’s most iconic RPG franchise, Dragon Quest (Doragon Kuesuto). No knowledge of the main series needed — gameplay centers on collecting and raising monsters, similar in spirit to Pokémon. Releasing December 3.
How to Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan
- Physical copies: Available at electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera (Yodobashi Kamera) and Bic Camera (Bic Kamera), as well as dedicated game shops
- Nintendo eShop: Buy digital versions directly with a Nintendo Account. Accepts credit cards and Pay-easy
- Nintendo Prepaid Cards: Buy at convenience stores (konbini) and top up your eShop balance
If you’re in Japan, using a Japanese Nintendo Account with the eShop is the smoothest option. Credit cards work for top-ups, and cashless payment methods like PayPay and Suica are widely used for daily purchases across Japan. Check our cashless payments guide (PayPay, Suica, credit cards) for a full breakdown.
FAQ
Q. Are these games available in English?
A. Nintendo’s major titles frequently support multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean. Check the language options on each game’s page at the Nintendo Japan website.
Q. When exactly is the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake coming out?
A. Nintendo announced it as “coming in 2026” but no specific date has been set. Keep an eye on the Nintendo official page for updates.
Q. I have a Nintendo Switch 1 — can I play these games?
A. Most announced titles are Switch 2 releases. Check the individual game pages on the Nintendo site for Switch 1 compatibility details.
Q. Is Rhythm Heaven available in English?
A. No language options have been confirmed yet. Previous entries in the Rhythm Heaven (Rhythm Tengoku) series supported multiple languages including English.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ First to launch: Star Fox (June 25), then Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars (July 2)
- ✅ Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake confirmed for 2026
- ✅ Kingdom Hearts IV, DQ Monsters 4 (Dec 3), and FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE round out a stacked second half
- ✅ Xenoblade Chronicles: Genesis is coming in early 2027
- ✅ Watch all trailers on the Nintendo Direct official page
This Direct filled in the full picture for Nintendo’s second half of 2026. If you’re planning ahead, Star Fox (6/25) and Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars (7/2) are the ones to move on first. For titles without confirmed dates, bookmark the Nintendo official site and check back regularly. On the entertainment side, Japan’s pop culture scene has been just as active — Detective Conan’s latest film hit ¥10 billion for the fourth straight year, another record-breaking moment for Japanese entertainment.
