The holiday season has come to a close, and now we’re stuck with the frigid temps of a dreary, gray January. Instead of sitting on the sofa, wishing for warmer weather and a sun that doesn’t set at 4 p.m., add some vibrancy and excitement back into your day with these captivating video games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch this month. These eight games from studios around the world are among the platform’s most-anticipated arrivals in January 2026. Whether you’re hoping to revisit your favorite Animal Crossing villagers or hop into a brand new world, these AAA and indie picks plucked right from the Nintendo eShop are sure to liven up the otherwise gloomy start of your new year. Take a look at some of the upcoming game releases that we cannot wait to download to our Nintendo Switch 2 handhelds:
M.A.U.S.
LAUNCH DATE: January 2, 2026
M.A.U.S. is a short-‘n-sweet sci-fi adventure inspired by retro pixel platformers. “With his children away on the moon,” Nintendo’s listing reads, “there is no time to relax for Dr. Cavor … The aging but brilliant scientist begins research on a new means of defense. After much work, he finds success with Mechanized Assault Unity 19 — M.A.U.S. There’s no time to spare as MAUS must defeat a mysterious robotic horde that lurks on the outskirts of town.”
Tomba! Special Edition
LAUNCH DATE: January 5, 2026
Tomba! is back in Tomba! Special Edition. Just like in the original, you’ll leap, bite, hurl, and climb through nostalgic stages in your quest to take down the irksome pigs. Nab ancient relics along the way, discover memorable NPCs, locate treasures, and more. For the uninitiated, Tomba! was first released back in 1997. However, this expanded contemporary version comes with myriad quality-of-life improvements.
Suika Game Planet
LAUNCH DATE: January 5, 2026
Suika Game Planet is already out, so pick up this addictive fruit-merging arcade hit for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 today! For those familiar with the original Suika Game, you can expect a new “Super Evolution Time” mode, new music, bonus scoring, and even in-game cosmetics that allow players to decorate their screen.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
LAUNCH DATE: January 15, 2026
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition really needs no introduction. The beloved 2020 life sim from Nintendo is headed to the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s coming with improved 4K resolution, a ton of new home decor, CameraPlay capabilities, new multiplayer sessions, and more. Say what you will about the price point and NS2 Upgrade Pack, but for die-hard fans of the franchise, the game’s revitalized return is well worth it.
MIO: Memories in Orbit
LAUNCH DATE: January 20, 2026
MIO: Memories in Orbit, the new space-set Metroidvania from Focus Entertainment (Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2) and French developer Douze Dixièmes, will take players’ breath away. Spellbinding visuals, head-scratching puzzles, and a captivating story? We’re so in.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
LAUNCH DATE: January 22, 2026
Square Enix’s award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE — a partial remake of 1997’s FINAL FANTASY VII — retells the original story with improved visuals, added narrative elements, and a special “FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.” This side story stars Yuffie Kisaragi, bringing a new perspective that’s tangential to Cloud’s journey. According to Nintendo’s listing, the game’s Limited Early Purchase Edition is only available ’til January 31, 2026.
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS
LAUNCH DATE: January 22, 2026
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS retells the story of The Three Kingdoms, but this time, you’ll hear it from the perspective of the original protagonist. Set in the vast mainland of China, players will explore gorgeous stages and challenging battles with the help of this nameless hero.
The Perfect Pencil
LAUNCH DATE: January 29, 2026
The Perfect Pencil, a surreal action platformer, tells the tale of “personal development and the psychology of fear.” Players join forces with protagonist John “as he awakens in a bizarre hand-drawn kingdom and comes face-to-face with the terrors that dwell in the last place he’d have thought to look…”
