10 Nintendo Leaks That Just Blew the Lid Off the Switch 2 Era

Nintendo is a smart cookie. They know what they are doing. They may not be seen as the company pushing the limitations of technical achievement and their staunch commitment to  doing things their own way could even be described as obtuse. Yet, after over 40 years dominating the console market, no one can argue with Nintendo’s sticking power. Whilst others came and went, Nintendo are the only company who has stayed the course 

This is no cosmic fluke. Whilst competitors chase technical arms races or live-service trends, Nintendo have held steadfast in their commitment to doing things the Nintendo way. A philosophy held up by three pillars: Accessibility, Innovation and, most importantly, fun. They have built a strong, enduring relationship between themselves and the gaming community at large. Nintendo first party titles may not always be your favourite games to play, but they will always be well made, complete experiences designed with the player experience in mind rather than the deep pockets of parent companies and investors.

Part of this is their strategic marketing. Off-cycle console releases, carefully controlled game reveals, strategically timed Nintendo Directs, and those unforgettable “one more thing” moments have been the backbone of its marketing strategy for decades. But over the past week, that strategy has been completely undermined. A wave of leaks has surfaced that practically lays out Nintendo’s roadmap for the next two years.

The biggest leak of all is the so-called “mega leak,” which reportedly outlines Nintendo’s lineup through 2026 and even into 2027. This isn’t just a list of possible titles; it includes release windows, seasonal placements, and a clear structure for how Nintendo plans to roll out the Switch 2 era. For a company that thrives on secrecy, this level of exposure is unprecedented.

So we have compiled the ultimate list of the 10 most important leaks! If you don’t want to see them turn back now!

10: Splatoon Raiders is Still Splatoon, But Not as We Know It.

Ok, so we knew Splatoon Raiders was in development. What we didn’t know was what this game actually was. The recent leaks have lifted the veil on the whole thing giving us unreleased intel on the gameplay and focus, the story and mechanics and even the potential release window. 

Splatoon Raiders is shaping up to be a bold departure for the series, acting as the first-ever spin-off and shifting away from its multiplayer roots into a more narrative-driven, single-player experience set on the mysterious Spiralite Islands. Players take on the role of a mechanic exploring this new region alongside the Deep Cut trio, with gameplay seemingly focused on exploration, investigation, and uncovering a central mystery rather than competitive matches . Early footage and reports suggest a more open-ended structure, potentially incorporating survival-style elements like resource gathering or base-building, while still retaining Splatoon’s signature ink-based movement and combat. In essence, it looks less like a traditional shooter and more a zelda-splatoon crossover with a survival cherry on top. Splatoon Raiders sounds like a significant experiment that could redefine the franchise if it succeeds. The best part? You might not have to wait too long to find out. According to the leaks the planned release window is Summer 26! 

9: A Brand New ‘Classic’ Star Fox Game is on the Horizon.

It has been 10 whole years since we were last given a mainline entry to the Star Fox universe. Let’s be real though, the last Star Fox to enjoy universal acclaim was way back in 1997 with Star Fox 64. This was largely due to the franchise trying to modernise itself and straying too far from what made the game so loved in the first place. 2016’s Star Fox Zero was marketed as a return to the classic gameplay formula but was unfortunately marred by a compulsory wonky control scheme distracting from the classic feel. 

However, according to leaks, the wait may finally be over for the Star Fox fans have been hoping for! Nintendo is planning a revival that leans into the series’ classic gameplay while introducing modern visuals and online multiplayer features. If Nintendo can get this one right, this should be a triumphant comeback but like everything else in this leak cycle, it’s arrived without ceremony.

8. There’s No 3D Mario in 2026

It can’t all be exciting now can it? Get your fill of the Mario Galaxy movie folks, because that is the closest you will get to a 3D mario this year. The leaks suggest there will be no new 3D Mario title in 2026, with the next mainline entry now expected in 2027. That’s a major deviation from Nintendo’s usual strategy, where Mario often plays a central role in launching or supporting new hardware. Don’t get me wrong, it was glorious to see Donkey Kong get his moment in the sun as the Switch 2’s flagship launch title. However now the Bananza hype has radiated away, Nintendo fans were fully expecting to see the moustachio’d plumber making his big Switch 2 entry. Apparently not! 

7. Fire Emblem & Rhythm Heaven Are Set for Summer Releases.

Beyond the flagship titles, the leaks also point to a stacked supporting lineup. Games like Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Rhythm Heaven Groove are all reportedly slated for release in the same general window. Add these to an already growing list of games confirmed for release such as Tomodachi Life, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and Pokemon Champions, suggesting Nintendo is aiming for a diverse and consistent flow of content, rather than relying on a single blockbuster like we have seen in the past. 

6. Nintendo Switch Sports Is Getting Another Entry.

One of the quieter leaks suggests that a new Nintendo Switch Sports-style title is in development for the Switch 2 era, potentially arriving as early as 2026 alongside bigger flagship releases. According to reports tied to the wider Switch 2 roadmap leak, this could either be a full sequel or an enhanced follow-up designed to capitalise on the original game’s massive commercial success . While it might not generate the same headline excitement as a Zelda remake or a Star Fox revival, its inclusion is a reminder that Nintendo’s strategy is to cater for all. They’re not just chasing hardcore players, they’re doubling down on the casual audience that helped define the original Switch’s success. In other words, even as Nintendo experiments with ambitious projects, it hasn’t forgotten that accessible, family-friendly experiences like Switch Sports are still some of its most valuable and reliable hits.

5. Nintendo are Doubling Down on Their Enhanced Versions Strategy.

An interesting but welcome change to Nintendo’s current generation tactics has been the introduction of Enhanced Editions. It’s a smart move considering the Switch 1 is currently the world’s most popular gaming console with over 155 million units sold. It would be foolish of them to stop catering to that audience. It means we have seen Nintendo taking the PS5 cross generation approach where we are seeing upgraded editions for the newer console. Whilst some complain about this feature saying “why should I pay £10 more for a game I already own” I should remind you that historically Nintendo would sell “new” versions of already existing games at full price.

Anyway, it seems as though Nintendo are doubling down on this strategy with leaks suggesting enhanced “Switch 2 editions” of games like Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. I expect this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many popular games on the Switch 1 that could benefit from the 4k treatment and I expect we will see many more before the end of 2026.

4. Even Third-Party Games Are Not Safe.

Interestingly, not all of the leaks are coming from insiders. Ratings boards have accidentally revealed several third-party titles planned for the platform, including updated versions of major games and entirely new releases. These kinds of leaks are particularly difficult for companies to control, as they come from official processes rather than internal breaches.

Among the most notable listings are Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition, a new or enhanced version of Capcom’s action hit, alongside Hell is Us, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, Blood West, and the horror title UN:Me, all of which have been classified for release on the system . Earlier listings also hinted at Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition, suggesting even more support from major publishers.

3. A List of Less Reputable Leaks.

Before I hit the main event there are a few less reputable leaks that I still feel are worth mentioning. These leaks are less reputable in the sense that they were posted on youtube by an unproven source (malo932) hours before the more reputable leaker (NateTheHate) talked about the leaks above. The interesting thing though, is that this youtube source mirrors what NateTheHate said, even hours before his broadcast. What is even more interesting is that this malo932 included a number of leaks that NateTheHate never mentioned. 

Since there isn’t much information on these leaks I will just list them below.

• A Super Metroid remake described as “close” with a pixel art style is reportedly in development

• A new Wario Land game possibly in 2027
• A second Star Fox project. This time an action-adventure taking cues from the GameCube’s Star Fox Adventures
• Mario Kart World DLC delayed to 2027

Like I said before, these are to be taken with a huge grain of salt but still worth paying attention to. 

2. A New Mainline Metroid.

Another interesting detail from the wider Switch 2 leak suggests that MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread, is reportedly already working on the next mainline entry, often referred to as Metroid 6, but crucially, it is not expected to release in 2026. The leaks suggest the project is in development but positioned further down Nintendo’s roadmap, likely targeting 2027 or beyond as part of a longer-term franchise plan rather than the console’s early lifecycle.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake.

Now for the main event! At the centre of the chaos is the rumoured full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Unlike previous re-releases, this is said to be a ground-up remake designed as a flagship title for Holiday 2026. If true, this should have been one of Nintendo’s biggest reveal moments in years, perhaps decades. It’s the kind of announcement that dominates the internet and video game media. Instead, it’s already been dissected, debated, and, in some ways, diluted before it’s even official.Ocarina of Time needs no fluffing. If you don’t know this game, or why it is so important you probably won’t even be reading this. A ground-up remake of this game would no doubt leap frog its way to the top of the list where most anticipated remakes are concerned.

Once more, it’s worth noting that these are just leaks and to be treated as such. Despite these diluting the excitement of future Nintendo Direct’s, if true, we can at least take solace in knowing that Nintendo and the Switch 2 has an exciting future ahead.