Nintendo Could Be Planning a Big 2026: Star Fox, a Zelda Remake, and More

Nintendo has had a packed start to 2026, but the back half of the year could be where things really get interesting. Trusted insider NatetheHate dropped a wave of claims on his podcast this week that, if true, would make the second half of 2026 one of the most significant periods in Nintendo history. VGC independently backed up the Star Fox side of things, giving the whole report considerably more weight.

Star Fox Is Apparently Coming Back This Summer

A brand-new Star Fox game is reportedly targeting summer 2026 on Switch 2. Nate described it as a return to classic-style Star Fox gameplay with online multiplayer, and called the visuals very satisfying. VGC corroborates this independently, which is the detail that makes it hard to dismiss. The last mainline entry was Star Fox Zero in 2016, so this would end a decade-long drought for the franchise. The game will apparently be revealed before May but not in a Direct. Nate says there is no general Nintendo Direct planned until June.

Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake for the Holidays

The biggest claim is an Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2, arriving in the holiday window of 2026 to mark The Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary. OoT had a 3DS remake in 2011 but a full console rebuild would be entirely different. After years of open-world Zelda, the appetite for something more traditional is obvious, and the anniversary gives the timing real context.

3D Mario Is a 2027 Story

The downside: the next 3D Mario is not coming until 2027. Super Mario Odyssey launched in 2017, meaning it will have been a full decade between original 3D Mario entries by the time it arrives.

The Rest of the Year

Alongside Star Fox, summer 2026 reportedly brings Splatoon Raiders, Rhythm Heaven Groove, and Fire Emblem: Fortune Weave. A Switch Sports title is also in development for Switch 2, and Switch 2 Editions of Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are reportedly in the pipeline. The Duskbloods is targeting later in the year as well.

How Much Should You Trust This?

Nate built his reputation on Direct timing and hardware predictions. His standout call was correctly naming January 16, 2025 as the Switch 2 reveal date well ahead of any official word. Former Nintendo marketing executive Kit Ellis publicly acknowledged his track record, and VGC described his Switch 2 hardware information as accurate.

Software is where he has stumbled. He spent years predicting a Switch Pro that never came, and long-running hints at a Metroid Prime Trilogy remaster never materialized. The key difference here is VGC independently corroborating Star Fox, which raises the stakes above a solo insider claim.

Nate full breakdown starts around the 18:30 mark in the episode.