6 Switch 2 Games Releasing in October 2026 You Officially Cannot Miss

October is fully underway, plunging us deep into autumn and the video game industry’s busiest launch window. Typically, October acts as the grand finale for the year’s release calendar — but this time around, the rules have changed. November is poised to dominate the spotlight with the monumental arrival of Grand Theft Auto 6 alongside a massive event for Nintendo enthusiasts: the Switch 2 reimagining of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Even so, October brings plenty of heavy hitters to keep Switch 2 owners thoroughly occupied. The steady stream of ports continues unabated, accompanied by impressive Switch 2 enhancements for beloved titles like both Octopath Traveler games and Minecraft. Nintendo is rolling out its customary monthly exclusive featuring a massive revival of a classic casual and family-friendly franchise, Square Enix is delivering another charming retro RPG, and a major AAA multiplatform blockbuster is landing on Nintendo hardware on day one for the first time in ages. Here are our top six recommendations for the month.

1

Order of the Sinking Star

Release date: Oct. 8

Undoubtedly one of October’s most intriguing releases is this cerebral indie puzzle venture crafted by Jonathan Blow, the creative mind behind acclaimed titles like Braid and The Witness. While Blow is known as a polarizing figure, and questions surrounding credit and design origins have circulated given that Order of the Sinking Star builds upon classic block-pushing (sokoban) mechanics, his exceptional talent for puzzle design remains unquestioned. Prepare yourself for an endlessly inventive treasure trove of deviously clever mental challenges.

2

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen

Release date: Oct. 9

Capcom continues to prove itself as one of the Switch 2’s most enthusiastic supporters, steadily porting its premier modern and legacy hits to Nintendo’s architecture. Next in line is this idiosyncratic action-RPG. While it features deliberate design quirks and rough edges that might alienate some players, those exact elements foster a remarkable sense of unpredictable discovery. Best of all, the Switch 2 iteration includes the expansive Dark Arisen update right out of the box.

3

Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4

Release date: Oct. 16

Capcom’s relentless momentum persists just a week later with the arrival of critically acclaimed Resident Evil remakes on Switch 2. While Resident Evil 3 acts as the comparatively modest entry in the lineup, it remains an enjoyable ride. Meanwhile, the modernized versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 stand out as masterclasses in survival horror, reimagining timeless classics through a contemporary design lens rather than mere superficial touch-ups. They are essential experiences, especially ahead of next year’s Veronica.

4

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort

Release date: Oct. 22

Nintendo’s premier exclusive for the month is Switch Sports Resort, breathing new life into the motion-control sports franchise. Emulating the spirit of 2009’s beloved Wii Sports Resort, the game transports players to a vibrant vacation paradise filled with fitting activities like jet-skiing, skateboarding, table tennis, and… surprisingly, thumb wrestling?

5

Final Fantasy Resonance

Release date: Oct. 22

Square Enix is finally treating fans to a new Final Fantasy entry rendered in the gorgeous HD-2D aesthetic. However, Final Fantasy Resonance is neither a remake of a traditional 2D classic nor an entirely original story; instead, it is a ground-up console adaptation covering the inaugural narrative arc of the mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The standout hook allows players to summon and deploy an impressive roster of legendary franchise icons, including Cloud Strife himself.

6

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

Release date: Oct. 23 (campaign early access begins Oct. 16)

Fulfilling Microsoft’s post-acquisition commitment—and satisfying regulatory expectations to clear the Activision deal—Call of Duty officially makes its long-awaited return to Nintendo hardware for the first time since the early days of the Wii U, launching simultaneously alongside PlayStation, Xbox, and PC editions. (Given the robust performance and popularity of the Switch 2, this transition likely would have happened regardless.) Following the lukewarm reception of last year’s Black Ops 7, fans are eager for a triumphant return to form, an expectation Infinity Ward is fully equipped to meet.

There are still several standout candidates waiting in the wings

Source: Polygon