Nintendo have recently released the Switch 2, which means the countdown can begin for all their major franchises to release on the new console. 2025 features new Mario Kart, a return for Donkey Kong, plus we have Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends to come later. Today I want to look further ahead, and Predicting Nintendo’s Next 5 Years and their Major Franchise Release Timeline on Nintendo Switch 2.

Without further delay, let’s have a look at predicting Nintendo’s major franchise release schedule for the Nintendo Switch 2.

2025

• Mario Kart (June 2025)
• Donkey Kong (July 2025)
• Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (September or November)
• Pokemon Legends Z-A (October)

The rest of 2025 is pretty much known. We’ve already had a new Mario Kart as a launch title for Switch 2, and recently we got a brand new Donkey Kong game with Donkey Kong Bananza. The latter appears to have come from some of the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, leading to speculation as to when we’ll see the next game in Nintendo’s flagship franchise. Metroid Prime 4 doesn’t have a release date just yet, unless we get one in the rumoured Nintendo Direct in July. Pokemon Legends Z-A id due for release in October, giving us at least 4 major first-party Nintendo titles this year.

2026 predictions

Animal Crossing

Latest game: Animal Crossing New Horizons, Switch
Latest game sales: 47.82 million
Release Date: 2020 (6 years since last release)

Animal Crossing New Horizons demonstrated to Nintendo that Animal Crossing is a major franchise under the Nintendo umbrella, but it comes with some risk. Was the success of New Horizons down to the pandemic and fortunate timing, or will the next release be a worldwide global hit like New Horizons? New Horizons sales speak for themselves, with the second best selling game on Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Bros. 3D

Latest game: Super Mario Odyssey, Switch
Latest game sales: 29.28 million
Release Date: 2017 (9 years since last release)

The new Mario movie is scheduled for Summer 2026, and I think Nintendo would be wise to pair that movie release with a new 3D Mario game. Donkey Kong Banaza has just released, and we know some of the team worked on Bananza, however, I think Nintendo have something cooking for the next 3D Mario game. It’s been 8 years since the release of Super Mario Odyssey, and we saw the dev team experiment with Bowser’s Fury.

Fire Emblem

Latest game: Fire Emblem Engage, Switch
Latest game sales: 1.61 million
Release Date: 2023 (3 years since last release)

Fire Emblem is apparently done, and on the shelf ready to go. While Engage did OK, I think it’s Fire Emblem 3 Houses which really caught the imagination of Nintendo fans around the world. I would love to see a follow up to that in 2026.

Mario Paint

Latest game: Mario Paint, SNES
Latest game sales: 2.3 million
Release Date: 1992 (34 years since last release)

Regarding Mario Paint, I think Nintendo wants something for the mouse controls. This week they have released Mario Paint on Nintendo Switch Online for Super Nintendo, and I think that’s smart. I do think Nintendo have something new in the works, maybe it’s mor sophisticated than paint, maybe it’s animation and 3D modelling, perhaps more… combined with the sical features of the Switch 2 and the Mouse controls, it could prove to be a very popular release.

Zelda Remake

Latest game: Link’s Awakening Remake, Switch
Latest game sales: 6.46 million
Release Date: 2019 (7 years since last release)

A Zelda Remake is high on my list. This is something I want, more than expect. The last remake was 2019 with Link’s Awakening, made by Grezzo. They recently released Echoes of Wisdom, so if Nintendo do have a remake in the works, then it’s by another team. I would love to see an Ocarina of Time Remake, and we’ve heard rumours this is in development, but we don’t know by who. Mainline Zelda games are 5-6 years of development if we’re sticking to open world, and that’s too long, Nintendo are going to want to get a Zelda game out ASAP for their brand new console.

While Nintendo may want to get a mainline Pokemon out to the audience in 2026, I think they will listen to feedback from the community regarding the poor state the release of Scarlett and Violet, which ran very poorly, so GameFreak will take their time and wait until 2027.

2027 predictions

Splatoon 4

Latest game: Splatoon 3, Switch
Latest game sales: 11.96 million
Release Date: 2022

Splatoon 3 launched on September 9, 2022, to strong reviews and massive commercial success. It broke launch records in Japan by selling around 3.45 million copies in just three days and reached nearly 12 million global sales by March 2024, making it the fastest-selling entry in the franchise. The game was praised for its gameplay, fresh content, and style, though some criticized matchmaking and reuse of assets. Nintendo supported Splatoon 3 with two years of free updates, introducing new stages, weapons, and modes, culminating in the “Side Order” DLC in 2024. While regular updates ended in September 2024, seasonal events and balancing patches continue.

The franchise remains one of Nintendo’s top performers, with over 30 million total sales across all entries. Looking ahead, Nintendo is expanding the brand with Splatoon Raiders, a single-player spin-off announced in June 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2. This title shifts focus to exploration and survival gameplay, indicating a broadening of the series’ creative direction. Splatoon 3 also received a major update in June 2025 that added remixed weapons, legacy maps, and Switch 2 performance enhancements with cross-gen play. Given its ongoing popularity and consistent support, Splatoon’s future appears bright, with speculation around a possible Splatoon 4 during the Switch 2 era.

Starfox

Latest game: Starfox Zero, Wii U
Latest game sales: 440k
Release Date: 2016

The most recent console release in the series was Star Fox Zero on the Wii U, launched in 2016. Unfortunately, it received mixed to negative reviews, with widespread criticism centered on its awkward motion-based controls and split focus between the GamePad and TV, which many players found frustrating. Commercially, Star Fox Zero was a notable underperformer, selling just around 440k copies, a figure widely regarded as a disappointment and reportedly not profitable for Nintendo.

Since then, the franchise has remained dormant—no mainline Star Fox titles have been released, although classic entries like Star Fox 64 and Star Fox 2 have become available via Nintendo Switch Online’s NES/SNES catalog. Similar to Donkey Kong, I imagine Nintendo will want to bring Starfox back, however, it needs to be re-imagined and the Switch 2 could be the perfect place to do that.

Pokémon

Latest game: Pokemon Scarlett & Violet, Switch
Latest game sales: 26.79 million
Release Date: 2022

Pokemon Scarlett & Violet sold really well on Nintendo Switch, however, the performance on those games was terrible. It felt like GameFreak could simply put out anything and the fans would buy it, but the framerate and overall performance was so bad, that we haven’t seen a mainline Pokemon game since. Pokemon Legends Z-A looks promising, so hopefully GameFreak have gotten over those hurdles. Now Pokemon Scarlett & Violet has a performance patch for Switch 2 the audience reception has largely been positive, and given the sales you would imagine Nintendo will want to get a mainline Pokemon game out as soon as possible, while taking into account feedback about Pokemon Scarlett & Violet’s performance issues.

Smash Bros

Latest game: Smash Bros Ultimate, Switch
Latest game sales: 36.24 million
Release Date: 2018

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate achieved extraordinary success on the Nintendo Switch. Released on December 7, 2018, it quickly became the fastest-selling Switch game and fastest-selling Smash title ever, surpassing even major cross-platform blockbusters during its launch month . As of March 31, 2025, it had sold approximately 36.24 million copies, making it not only the best-selling fighting game ever but also the third-best-selling game on the platform behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

You would imagine given the success on the Switch, Nintendo would want to make a new Smash, although it’s hard to see where the next one goes, so it’s a risky move. Masahiro Sakurai is currently focused on Kirby Air Riders and has not publicly confirmed his involvement in a new Smash project, insiders suggest a new Smash is coming. When we don’t know, but my money is on 2027 for this.

2028 predictions

Kirby

Latest game: Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Switch
Latest game sales: 7.52 million
Release Date: 2022

Kirby and the Forgotten Land was a standout success for the Nintendo Switch. Released in March 2022, it swiftly became the best‑selling Kirby game of all time, moving over 4.53 million copies by May and surpassing 5.27 million by September 2022—outpacing the long-time top seller Kirby’s Dream Land. By March 31, 2024, total sales had reached approximately 7.52 million units worldwide, firmly planting it among the Switch’s top sellers and cementing the pink puffball as a commercial powerhouse in Nintendo’s lineup.

Nintendo is carrying this momentum forward into the Nintendo Switch 2 era. An enhanced Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land—featuring improved performance and a new campaign called Star‑Crossed World—is set to release on August 28, 2025. Later in 2025, Kirby Air Riders, a long-awaited sequel to the GameCube cult classic Kirby Air Ride, was officially revealed during the Switch 2 Direct. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai and co-developed by Bandai Namco Studios, the physics‑driven multiplayer racing-platformer promises to capture both nostalgia and fresh excitement when it launches exclusively for Switch 2.

With the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, and new control possibilities Kirby is poised for a strong showing on Nintendo’s new hardware. While it may take some time I expect Nintendo to release a sequel to Forgotten Land in 2028.

Metroid 2D

Latest game: Metroid Dread, Switch
Latest game sales: 3.09 million
Release Date: 2021

Metroid Dread was a breakthrough success for the series on the Nintendo Switch. Released in October 2021, it quickly became the fastest-selling game in the Metroid franchise, delivering a strong launch across major markets. Its polished 2D gameplay, atmospheric design, and the return of classic exploration mechanics received widespread acclaim. Metroid Dread surpassed 3 million units sold, making it the best-selling Metroid title to date and proving that there was still strong demand for traditional side-scrolling entries. Alongside Metroid Prime Remastered, it helped reestablish Metroid as one of Nintendo’s key action-adventure IPs.

The outlook for a new 2D Metroid game on Switch 2 is highly promising. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is taking the spotlight in 2025 with a major release on both Switch and Switch 2, insider reports suggest that a new 2D Metroid title is in active development, potentially by MercurySteam—the team behind Dread. Given the success of Dread, I would expect Nintendo to release the next 2D Metroid in 2028.

Pikmin

Latest game: Pikmin 4, Switch
Latest game sales: 3.48 million
Release Date: 2023

Pikmin 4 delivered strong success on the Nintendo Switch, marking one of the most warmly received entries in the franchise. Released in July 2023, it quickly garnered critical acclaim for its refined gameplay loop, clever level design, and expanded quality-of-life features like new mission modes and map tools. It revitalized interest in the series, becoming one of the fastest-selling Pikmin games in history and a standout among mid‑cycle Switch titles. Players praised its mixture of strategy, exploration, and charming character work, ensuring solid word-of-mouth and sustained sales momentum well into 2024.

Looking ahead, Pikmin’s future on Nintendo Switch 2 looks bright. Though Nintendo has not officially confirmed a Pikmin 5, industry insiders and leaks suggest that a new entry is being developed for release relatively early in the Switch 2 lifecycle. I think it’ll take some time to develop, so I’ve got it down for 2028.

Super Mario Party

Latest game: Super Mario Party Jamboree, Switch
Latest game sales: 7.48 million
Release Date: 2024

Super Mario Party 2024 (Jamboree) delivered major success on the Nintendo Switch, quickly becoming the fastest-selling entry in the Mario Party series. It sold approximately 6.17 million units within just its first 10–11 weeks, surpassing previous titles like Super Mario Party (2018) and Mario Party Superstars in both speed and total volume. It became a major hit in Japan and worldwide, leading Nintendo’s first-party software sales during its launch period and firmly re-establishing Mario Party as a top-tier franchise on the platform.

Looking ahead to Nintendo Switch 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree is receiving a fully upgraded port titled Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, launching on July 24, 2025. Super Mario Party had a major showing on Switch, I fully expect Nintendo to embrace the franchise on Switch 2, although it’s going to take a break and develop new concepts and should be done in time for 2028.

2029 predictions

Legend of Zelda

Latest game: Tears of the Kingdom, Switch
Latest game sales: 21.73 million
Release Date: 2023

The Legend of Zelda titles on Nintendo Switch have achieved historic levels of success for the franchise. Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, has sold over 32 million copies, becoming the best-selling Zelda game of all time and one of the most influential open-world games in the industry. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, launched in 2023 to massive anticipation, selling over 10 million copies in its first three days and exceeding 21 million units by early 2025. Together, the two games have contributed over 50 million units in sales, solidifying Zelda as one of the flagship properties of the Switch era and a pillar of Nintendo’s modern identity.

Looking ahead, the Zelda franchise is set to remain central to Nintendo’s strategy for the Switch 2. Enhanced editions of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are planned for the new hardware, featuring upgraded visuals, improved frame rates, and enhanced performance to take advantage of Switch 2’s capabilities.

While a new mainline 3D Zelda has not yet been officially announced, speculation is strong that a next-gen Zelda experience is already in development, expected to introduce new gameplay systems, a reimagined world, and expanded storytelling. Given Zelda’s continued success and importance, its evolution on Switch 2 is not just likely—it’s inevitable.

Super Mario 2D

Latest game: Super Mario Wonder, Switch
Latest game sales: 16.03 million
Release Date: 2023

Super Mario Bros. Wonder proved to be a commercial and critical success for Nintendo. Launched on October 20, 2023, it became the fastest-selling Mario title ever, shifting over 4.3 million units within its first two weeks. By March 2025, global sales had surpassed 16 million copies, placing it among the top-selling games on the Switch. Critics hailed its inventive level design, imaginative power-ups, and vibrant visual style—underscoring that this was the most exciting 2D Mario experience in years and a landmark achievement for side-scrolling platformers.

Looking to the future, 2D Mario has strong potential on Nintendo Switch 2. As of mid‑2025, Nintendo has made no official announcement regarding a sequel or new 2D Mario project—but many fans and analysts expect a Wonder follow-up or entirely new side-scroller during the next-generation console’s early lifecycle. While Switch 2’s launch was led by titles like Mario Kart World, Doug Bowser and other executives have hinted that more Mario games are forthcoming. With the powerful hardware, enhanced Joy-Con mouse support, and Nintendo’s willingness to revisit and reinvent iconic franchises, there’s high anticipation that Nintendo will leverage Super Mario Bros. Wonder as a springboard into an ambitious new 2D Mario era on Switch 2.

2030 predictions

Dr Mario

Latest game: Dr Mario 64, N64 (console release)
Latest game sales: 600k
Release Date: 2001

Paper Mario

Latest game: Thousand Year Door Remake, Switch
Latest game sales: 2.06 million
Release Date: 2024

F-Zero

Latest game: Fzero GX, Gamecube (console release)
Latest game sales: 1.5 million
Release Date: 2003

That’s it for the predictions. Let me know what you think about the timeline, and let me know what I’ve missed and what you would like to see and when.