HYDERABAD, India (GizTimes) —Nintendo has some big surprises planned for Switch 2 in 2026. Get ready for a cool old-school Star Fox game this summer. There’s also talk of a fresh remake for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time coming later in the year. Sadly, no new 3D Mario adventure this time, which will wait until 2027.
The scoop comes from Nintendo expert Natthehate on a new podcast. Star Fox fans have waited a long time. The last big game was Star Fox Zero, released in 2016 on Wii U by PlatinumGames. This new one brings back the classic flying-and-shooting fun. It has awesome graphics and online multiplayer, so you can team up with buddies worldwide. Perfect timing, too, since Fox McCloud joins the Super Mario Galaxy movie. No one knows the developer yet, but it’ll drop right after Switch 2 launches, building huge hype.
Switching gears, the holiday season brings Ocarina of Time back to life on Switch 2. This game dropped in 1998 for Nintendo 64 and changed gaming forever. It’s the top-rated game on Metacritic, with perfect scores from critics. You play as young Link, exploring Hyrule, fighting bosses, and using a magical ocarina flute for time travel. A simpler remake hit Nintendo 3DS in 2011, but that’s over 10 years old now. This full version celebrates Zelda turning 40 last month. Nintendo loves drawing out these birthdays, as they did for Super Mario Bros. It all leads up to the live-action Zelda movie in May 2027, starring big stars and promising epic adventures.
Bummer for Mario fans: no shiny new 3D Mario in 2026. Super Mario Odyssey came out in 2017 during the original Switch launch. Mario jumped through wild worlds, captured enemies, and wowed everyone. Last year, the same studio released Donkey Kong Bananza, a fun side-scroller. Many expected a mainline 3D sequel soon, especially 10 years after Odyssey. Instead, it slips to 2027. Smart move? It gives Nintendo time to make it perfect for Switch 2’s power.
Don’t expect a huge Nintendo Direct livestream until June at the earliest. Instead, watch Twitter and social media for quick updates. Look out for new peeks at Splatoon Raiders, the wild shooter with ink fights. Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave might show strategy battles. Plus, upgraded Switch 2 versions of Pikmin 4, those cute plant buddies, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, with its massive open worlds and deep stories.
The announcement received a mix of expectations, nostalgia, and suggestions from X (Twitter) users.
One user said they hope the new Star Fox game feels fresh and similar to other versions like Adventure or Assault, rather than just a remake of Star Fox 64, showing a desire for something new.
Another user reacted in a nostalgic and emotional way, referencing classic in-game moments and honoring past characters, which shows how much the series means to long-time fans.
Meanwhile, a third user questioned the timing of game releases, suggesting it would make more sense to align Mario and Zelda games with their movie releases, but still added that they are okay with waiting if it means the Mario game will be better.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa dodged questions about Zelda’s 40th anniversary earlier this year. These rumors give a clear idea of what might happen in 2026. It looks like Nintendo could mix classic games with new Switch 2 releases to keep players interested. Games like Star Fox and Ocarina could fill the gap while a new Mario game is still in development. The leaks come from Natthehate, who is usually reliable, but nothing is confirmed until Nintendo officially announces it.
This plan shows Nintendo’s smart remakes draw in old fans, new twists excite everyone, and save the biggest for later. Switch 2 owners, your year looks packed!
