Nintendo Narrows the Gap in Third-Party Game Releases with Switch 2, Expands Game Lineup
Third-Party Titles Arrive Faster on Switch 2
Nintendo appears to be closing the gap between its console and major competitors like PlayStation and Xbox when it comes to third-party game releases. During the recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, The Verge reported that Bloober Team’s upcoming title Cronos: The New Dawn—previously deemed too demanding for the original Switch—will launch simultaneously on Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This marks a significant shift in Nintendo’s strategy, prioritizing technical parity for high-performance titles.
Madden NFL Returns to Nintendo After a Decade
In a move that underscores this evolution, Madden NFL 2026 will arrive on the Switch 2 on August 14, alongside its release on PS5, Xbox, and PC. This marks the return of the Madden franchise to Nintendo consoles after a ten-year absence. EA’s decision signals growing confidence in the capabilities of Switch 2 and Nintendo’s renewed relevance in the sports gaming market.
Switch 2 to Host Graphically Advanced Titles
Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws, released in August last year, is also headed to Switch 2 this September. The game has been described as one of the most technically ambitious titles ever brought to a Nintendo platform. Similarly, Borderlands 4 is set to launch on Switch 2 just three weeks after its debut on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation—another sign of faster third-party support than what fans were accustomed to on the original Switch.
Nintendo is also working to bring graphically intensive titles like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy VII Remake to Switch 2. These games were once considered far beyond the Switch’s hardware capabilities, highlighting the system’s substantial performance upgrade and Nintendo’s growing alignment with broader industry trends.
Nintendo Still Doing It Its Own Way
Despite the technical leap, Nintendo maintains its signature approach—focusing on its unique strengths rather than chasing industry norms. Not all new releases will land on Switch 2, but the addition of popular legacy titles and recent blockbuster games is expected to significantly enhance its third-party ecosystem.
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Confirmed for Switch 2
Bandai Namco Entertainment Korea also announced that the Korean-language version of Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero will release on November 13, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Alongside the announcement, a new trailer was unveiled, and pre-orders for the digital edition are now available.
This 3D action fighting game captures the signature intensity of the Dragon Ball series, allowing players to execute iconic moves like energy blasts and martial arts combos. Players can transform into Super Saiyans and unleash dramatic finishing attacks that stay true to the anime’s flair. The game features over 180 characters, each with unique abilities, making for dynamic and cinematic battles.
Immersive Combat and Multiplayer Options
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero utilizes Joy-Con™ 2 and Joy-Con™ motion controls to activate special moves and trigger melee or ranged attacks, offering a deeply immersive gameplay experience. Players can battle friends via local wireless multiplayer and engage in split-screen duels using shared Joy-Con™ controllers. The game even supports up to six players in split-screen mode with additional controllers.
An update will be released post-launch to enhance the game’s visuals on Switch 2. By connecting the console to the internet, players can download data that improves character and background clarity. This update will be available for both the physical and digital versions of the game.
A New Era for Nintendo’s Game Library
With third-party developers now treating the Switch 2 as a launch-day priority and legacy franchises returning to the platform, Nintendo is entering a new era. The company’s next-generation console is shaping up to be a serious contender—not just for casual gamers, but for hardcore fans looking for high-fidelity experiences on the go.