Here Are All the Switch Games Releasing in January 2026

Early 2026 brings a lot of new games to the Nintendo Switch! There’s something for everyone, with a wide variety of titles – from strategy card games to immersive RPGs. January will feature both highly anticipated sequels, creative indie games, and updated versions of classic favorites. It’s a great start to the year for Switch owners, offering games inspired by anime, challenging survival experiences, and much more. Here’s a complete list of all the games coming to the platform this January.

‘Fairy Tail: Dungeons’ (2026)

Fans of ‘Fairy Tail’ can look forward to ‘Fairy Tail: Dungeons’ launching on Nintendo Switch on January 7, 2026. Created by Ginoya and published by KLab, this game is a challenging deck-building adventure where you explore dungeons using character abilities and clever card strategies. It stays true to the anime and manga with the original voice actors and art style, and is the first big game release for the Switch in the new year.

‘I Am Future’ (2026)

The cozy survival game ‘I Am Future’ will launch on January 8, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Mandragora and published by tinyBuild, the game takes place on the rooftop of a skyscraper after a flood, challenging players to build a self-sufficient home and recycle old technology. Gameplay centers around managing resources and building helpful robots to automate tasks. It’s a relaxing and visually appealing take on the survival game genre.

‘Big Hops’ (2026)

Get ready for ‘Big Hops,’ a fast-paced 3D platformer launching January 12, 2026! Created by T-Bone, this game puts you in control of a character with big ears who jumps and bounces through colorful worlds. You’ll need to master momentum and special moves to overcome challenges and collect goodies. It’s designed for anyone who loves a smooth, energetic platforming experience.

‘Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights’ (2026)

“Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights” is a romantic visual novel coming out on January 13, 2026. Created by Otomate and published by Idea Factory, the game puts you in the role of a princess who can see people’s luck. You’ll meet and build relationships with various knights, and your choices will determine the story’s outcome and which of multiple endings you reach. Like other games from this developer, it features a fantastical world and a focus on romance, along with beautiful artwork and fully voiced Japanese dialogue.

‘Cassette Boy’ (2026)

Launching on January 15, 2026, ‘Cassette Boy’ is a one-of-a-kind puzzle RPG where you explore and solve challenges. Developed by Wonder Rabbit Games and published by Mebius, the game lets you rotate the world to discover secret routes and transform a 2D landscape into 3D using a special device. You play as a young boy journeying through a strange, dreamlike world powered by cassette tape technology. Success depends on your ability to think creatively about space to beat obstacles and enemies.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

Nintendo will release an upgraded version of ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ for its new Nintendo Switch 2 console on January 15, 2026. Developed by Nintendo EPD, this edition of the popular island life game will feature improved graphics and faster performance, continuing the series’ focus on a calm and enjoyable gameplay experience.

‘The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon’ (2026)

On January 15, 2026, the next chapter in the acclaimed ‘Legend of Heroes’ RPG series, ‘Trails Beyond the Horizon,’ will be released. Developed by Nihon Falcom and published by NIS America, the game continues the series’ tradition of rich storytelling and strategic turn-based battles. Players will experience a new story with a fresh cast of characters, exploring the complex politics and magical secrets of the Zemurian continent. ‘Trails Beyond the Horizon’ boasts improved combat and a lengthy script that connects various storylines.

‘Telenet Fuku-Bukuro’ (2026)

Coming out on January 22, 2026, ‘Telenet Fuku-Bukuro’ is a collection of classic games from Telenet Japan, published by Edia. It’s designed to let fans revisit beloved titles from the 1980s and 90s, offering a nostalgic experience with updated features like save states and display filters. The bundle aims to preserve these older games for modern players.

‘Escape from Ever After’ (2026)

Launching on January 23, 2026, ‘Escape from Ever After’ is an adventure RPG where you’ll fight to take back classic fairy tales. Developed by Sleepy Castle Studio and published by Graffiti Games, the game is set in a world where stories have been taken over by a powerful corporation. You’ll play as a character trying to reclaim these tales, using a mix of turn-based battles, platforming, and puzzle-solving to succeed.

‘Dispatch’ (2026)

Dispatch is a psychological horror game coming out on January 28, 2026. Created by Vigil Games, you play as an emergency dispatcher, handling incoming calls for help. The game focuses on managing limited resources and making quick decisions that directly impact the people on the line. It features a suspenseful atmosphere and a story that changes based on the choices you make, delving into the stressful and complicated world of emergency response.

‘Dusk Index: Gion’ (2026)

Get ready for ‘Dusk Index: Gion,’ a mystery adventure game launching on January 29, 2026. Published by Regista, the game takes place in Kyoto’s historic Gion district and centers around solving supernatural mysteries. As a player, you’ll explore for clues and question people to reveal the truth behind local legends. The game features a beautiful, traditional Japanese style, creating a dark and thrilling atmosphere.

‘I Hate This Place’ (2026)

‘I Hate This Place’ is a scary puzzle game coming out on January 29, 2026. Created by Gamera Games, the game puts you in a haunted location where you must solve difficult puzzles to survive. The game is designed to be very immersive, using a first-person view to build tension, and features traps and creatures that you’ll need to carefully observe and outsmart.

‘Kigetsu no Yoru’ (2026)

Scheduled for release on January 29, 2026, ‘Kigetsu no Yoru’ is a visual novel published by Regista. The game tells a supernatural story centered around a strange lunar event, and players will shape the plot through their choices and interactions with the characters. It’s part of Regista’s effort to bring compelling, story-focused Japanese indie games to consoles.

‘Kyouran Makaism’ (2026)

Launching on January 29, 2026, ‘Kyouran Makaism’ is a visually striking action-adventure game. Published by Regista, it features a unique art style and exciting, fast-paced battles. Players will explore strange and imaginative worlds, fighting unusual enemies and challenging bosses. The game is designed to offer a fresh and creative experience with its memorable characters and gameplay.

‘Dark Auction’ (2026)

Dark Auction is a mystery adventure game coming out on January 29, 2026. Created by IzanagiGames, and with a story by Rika Suzuki (who also wrote for ‘Hotel Dusk’), the game puts you in an old mansion where you’ll participate in a secretive and unusual auction. You’ll need to investigate, talk to interesting characters, and solve puzzles to uncover the truth about the estate’s history and the secrets of the families involved. It aims to create a complex and intriguing atmosphere centered around family legacies and hidden truths.

‘Dokapon 3-2-1 Super Collection!’ (2026)

Get ready for ‘Dokapon 3-2-1 Super Collection!’ – a compilation of classic ‘Dokapon’ games coming January 29, 2026! Developed by Sting Entertainment and published by Compile Heart, this game lets you and your friends compete on a board game-style map. You’ll battle in turn-based RPG fights and can even mess with each other to slow down progress – it’s known for being a really competitive (and sometimes chaotic!) series.

‘Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition’ (2026)

Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition, a deck-building RPG, will be released on January 29, 2026. Created by Al Fine, the game challenges players to build a team of investigators and break a world stuck in a time loop. This Deluxe Edition for the Nintendo Switch includes all existing content and improvements. Success depends on carefully building your deck and positioning your characters to win challenging battles.

Tell us which of these upcoming January releases you are most excited to play in the comments.

2026-01-16 04:46