Nintendo just pulled off a knockout with its latest Partner Showcase, offering a lineup that is set to reshape the competitive gaming landscape. While the July 31st Nintendo Direct gave fans a healthy mix of nostalgia, action, and new titles, it also sent a clear message to the esports world the Switch 2 is no longer just a casual console. It is gunning for the big leagues.
The most striking announcement came from the battle royale behemoth itself. Apex Legends is making its next-gen debut on the Switch 2 this August. Coming in hot with the launch of Season 25: Prodigy, the game will feature a substantial performance boost with improved resolution and frame rates. Both its classic Battle Royale and Mix Tape modes will now run smoother, bringing the fast-paced competitive chaos of Apex to a broader handheld audience like never before.
And it does not stop there.
EA Sports dropped two of its flagship sports franchises into the spotlight. EA Sports FC 26 and Madden NFL 26 are both landing on the Switch 2, promising cross-platform competition that could finally put Nintendo players on an equal footing. With pre-orders open and release dates set for August and September, the competitive sports simulation scene is expanding faster than ever.
Then came a curveball no one saw coming. Bandai Namco confirmed that DRAGON BALL Sparking ZERO will be punching its way onto the Switch 2 as well. The arena fighter is not just a visual treat. It is also set to harness Joy-Con motion controls, meaning players can perform signature attacks with real movements. This could inject a fresh dynamic into fighting game tournaments and fan events, potentially inspiring a wave of motion-based esports challenges.
However, perhaps the most curious title in the showcase is NBA Bounce. Created by Outright Games, this animated basketball title brings a lighter, arcade-style twist to competitive play. Players take control of cartoonish mascots and characters on a vibrant court. While it may look casual on the surface, its mechanics could lend themselves to high-level gameplay if the right community builds around it. Think of it as Splatoon for basketball if Nintendo supports it, this game might just bounce into the esports spotlight.
The Direct was not only about esports though. Fans also got a taste of upcoming blockbusters and legacy franchises returning in style. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was officially announced for a 2026 release, continuing Capcom’s fantasy legacy. Ubisoft is bringing Just Dance 2026 with forty fresh tracks and launching it on October 14. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Outlaws arrives on September 4, offering open-world excitement on the new hardware.
EA’s classic Plants vs Zombies also gets a reboot with its new Replanted edition. This fan favorite tower defense game will now include multiplayer support with local co-op and pvp features finally bringing the backyard warfare onto the Nintendo turf in a big way. Pre-orders are already open for the October 23 release.
Square Enix came in strong as well, unveiling three major RPGs for Switch 2. These include Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, launching September 30, the newly announced action RPG The Adventures of Elliot coming in 2026, and the highly anticipated Octopath Traveller 0, which drops December 4.
While much of the showcase delivered on entertainment and nostalgia, the clear takeaway is this: Nintendo Switch 2 is not playing it safe anymore. From Apex and Dragon Ball to Madden and FC, the esports world is firmly in Nintendo’s crosshairs. The new generation of handheld competitive gaming is here.
For updates, tournament coverage, and all things competitive gaming, follow Gaming Moves on Instagram and Facebook. The esports revolution on Switch 2 has just begun.
