The Nintendo Switch The family of consoles has received its first system update of 2026. The last major update for the system landed in early December 2025, marking it as the first Switch update of the new year.
2026 will be an eventful year for Nintendo, if its major anniversary is any indication. In the year 2026, Zelda and Metroid turns 40, Pokemon 30 years will be, and Animal Crossing Among others will be 25 years old. It's a major anniversary for many of its consoles, as well; The 15th anniversary of the Nintendo 3DS, the 25th anniversary of the Game Boy Advance and GameCube, and the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 will all occur in 2026. For many of these, with celebrations and new announcements likely to unfold in the coming months, it is important to continue with the current system. The players are happy.
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Get the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2nd January 2026 System Update
On January 12, Nintendo released system updates for both the original Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. This update brings both systems to version 21.2.0, and should serve to smooth out the gaming experience on Nintendo consoles. However, Nintendo didn't reveal many details about what went into the update, only stating that both versions of the system received general system stability improvements. In that respect, the update is similar to the last update the Switch console received in 2025.
Getting updates should be a simple process for both Switch and Switch 2 users. If the system is left in standby mode with an internet connection, the update will download automatically. In case it is not updated, users can do it manually by accessing the System Settings menu from the Home screen and selecting “System Update” under the “System” sub-menu. If the update doesn't download or install correctly, Switch owners should try restarting their console.
What's happening with the Nintendo Switch in 2026?
While this update isn't the most exciting thing to land on the Switch, it should help pave the way for a smooth launch for many of the games that will land this year. Switch 2 owners are currently looking forward to games from Nintendo Pokemon Pokopia, Mario kills tennis feverand Yoshi and the Mysterious Bookto name a few. The Switch 2 is also getting a number of third-party games at launch, such as Resident Evil requestsGiving Switch 2 owners more fun in the first half of 2026. However, there may be more on the way.
A recent leak indicates that the first major Nintendo Direct of 2026 is likely to land on February 10. Direct will likely focus on upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the first half of the year, but one surprise in store is believed to be new 3D. Super killed the game The event has been described as “huge,” so if the rumors turn out to be true, there should be a lot to talk about in less than a month.
Considering what happened in 2025, a Nintendo Direct in early February will be well received by fans. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, gamers eagerly awaited the Nintendo Direct in the first two months of the year, but almost didn't get to focus on the new console and Nintendo's upcoming games. With no new consoles to show off this time around, there should be more focus on games. However, Nintendo can also talk about things The Super Mario Galaxy Moviewhich releases in theaters in April. For now, though, players will have to wait for official confirmation of the first Nintendo Direct.
