A June to Remember: Nintendo Brings Back Fox McCloud, Rhythm Heaven, and a Nintendo 64 Classic Reborn
- Chris and Will Press New
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Courtesy of: Nintendo of America Inc. Written By: William Antie
There is a particular kind of electricity in a Nintendo Direct that knows exactly what it is. Not every presentation carries it. But the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct arrived with something rare — an unshakeable sense of direction, a lineup that moved between genres, generations, and platforms. From the cinematic return of Fox McCloud, to Rhythm Heaven's triumphant comeback with over 80 brand-new rhythm games, to a critically acclaimed Nintendo 64 classic reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 — this was a Direct that had something to say to everyone watching.
THE BEAT RETURNS
It has been a long time since Rhythm Heaven asked us to catch flying veggies. A long time since we bounced fruit off our biceps or swung sledgehammers to a beat that refused to let go.
Rhythm Heaven Groove launches for Nintendo Switch on July 2 and is also playable on Nintendo Switch 2. It arrives with over 80 rhythm games for solo play and over 30 for co-op and competitive multiplayer. Up to four players can gather around a single system — slicing arrows, plucking hair from onions, and more. Those who go deeper will find Beatspell: an unlockable mode where the magical power of rhythm is used to cast spells to defeat monsters. The game features catchy original music, including tracks by renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂.
A NINTENDO 64 CLASSIC, REBORN
Some announcements require no preamble. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — the critically acclaimed Nintendo 64 classic — was announced as returning for a new generation, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Nintendo's reveal was clear and unambiguous. One of the most celebrated games in the history of the medium is coming to new hardware. Further details are expected to follow.
A NEW XENOBLADE BEGINNING
Nintendo announced Xenoblade Genesis as a new beginning for the Xenoblade series, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. More details will be shared in the future. For longtime fans of the series, the announcement of a new beginning carries weight enough on its own.
BACK TO WUHU ISLAND
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort was announced for Nintendo Switch 2, launching October 22. Set on Wuhu Island, the game invites players to create a Mii character or Sportsmate and take on 12 sports using Joy-Con 2 controllers as rackets, bows, and handlebars. The confirmed sports lineup includes Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Bowling, Basketball, Golf, Thumb Wrestling, Skateboarding (featuring Joy-Con 2 mouse controls), Power Cruising, and Prop Plane — with Jump Rope available as a warm-up activity. Pre-orders are open on Nintendo eShop.
THE WORLD OF MINECRAFT, UPGRADED
Minecraft is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. Nintendo confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 version will include the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade and the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack — a custom Mario-themed world featuring 15 tracks and 40 player skins inspired by the Super Mario series. Players who purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version can carry over save data from their Nintendo Switch version.
ALSO ANNOUNCED
Orbitals — the intergalactic asymmetric two-player co-op adventure following Maki and Omura through a retro anime-inspired universe — launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3. Designed for local split-screen or online play via GameShare, the game charges players with braving the deadly Storm Wall to save their home. Pre-orders are available now.
The DK Challenge is a limited-time Nintendo Switch Online event celebrating all things Donkey Kong. Running now through 12:59 a.m. PT on September 1, the event features challenges across NES, Super NES, and Game Boy Donkey Kong titles available with Nintendo Switch Online's Nintendo Classics library. Collectible digital Challenge Cards are awarded for completions. Players who own Donkey Kong Bananza can attempt additional challenges.
Among the many other titles covered in the June 9 Direct: Kingdom Hearts IV, developed and published by Square Enix, was confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 — with Sora journeying to the mysterious city of Quadratum — alongside the Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III], arriving October 8. DELTARUNE Chapter 5 arrives as a free update on June 24. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave launches September 17. Splatoon Raiders — a new single-player-focused treasure-hunting action-shooter — launches July 23, with a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct airing June 30. Onimusha: Way of the Sword arrives September 25. Pokémon Pokopia received an announced free update and paid DLC. Pikuniku 2, Rayman Legends Retold, and more round out a lineup that touched nearly every corner of the gaming landscape.
FOX IS BACK
There are characters who define a franchise, and then there is Fox McCloud. His return to Nintendo hardware has been anticipated for longer than most fans care to recount. Star Fox launches June 25, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo described the game as a cinematic take on Star Fox 64. The reveal detailed newly overhauled character designs, freshly revamped looks for each stage, detailed cutscenes, fully voiced dialogue, and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack. The game features optional mouse-controlled targeting using Joy-Con 2 controllers, a brand-new GameChat feature that places players in the cockpit as their favorite characters from the Star Fox universe, and new modes — including online multiplayer and a two player local co-op.
"Because at the end of the day, I think the best way to understand a game is to pick up the controller and play."
— Devon Pritchard, President and COO, Nintendo of America
A Nintendo Direct is, at its best, a conversation — Nintendo talking directly to its players about where it is going and why. The June 9, 2026 edition of that conversation was broad, substantive, and deeply considered. Rhythm Heaven is back. A Nintendo 64 legend is being reborn. The Xenoblade series is starting something new. Fox McCloud is back. The rest of Nintendo Switch 2's year is taking shape. Pick up the controller.
Source: ChrisWill Media
About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists who cover a wide range of topics across multiple industries. To learn more about Chris and Will, tune in to their podcast What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio, and visit chrisandwill.com.