Nintendo marks 40 years of Zelda with in-store displays and announces themed consoles.
The Nintendo universe continues its usual bustling pace, but as the last quarter of 2026 begins, a few standout moments and releases catch the eye. Notably, Nintendo is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its legendary The Legend of Zelda franchise. Special displays have been set up in various Nintendo stores, offering an interactive experience for fans to immerse themselves in the series’ rich history. The celebrations are set to further ensure Zelda’s place in gaming history with the upcoming release of a Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller in October, marking another milestone for fans. You can dive deeper into the event details and dates through My Nintendo News.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Emerges as a Highlight
The launch of the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake shines as one of Nintendo’s most visually impressive projects yet. It’s one of the company’s significant releases for this year and will likely serve as a key driver of interest as the Switch 2 heads into its second year. The remake could set a benchmark for future entries, caught in the tension of developing new Mario, Smash Bros., and Animal Crossing titles. More insights can be explored in the full report from Nintendo Everything.
New Game Releases and Trailers
The Nintendo Switch is expanding its library with the release of Garfield: Escape From Monday, a quirky 3D platformer offering fans a humorous escape into the world of the famously lazy cat. Find the launch trailer and more game details on Nintendo Everything. Meanwhile, the Japanese eShop will soon host a range of new releases including Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered and Viractal, indicating a busy start to October for Switch and Switch 2 owners. You can see a list of these releases via Nintendo Everything.
End of the Road for Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart Tour, which has served as a longstanding mobile staple since its launch in September 2019, will be ending its service on September 30, 2026. This marks the end of an era for a game that was engineered to tap into the growing mobile games market, outliving Super Mario Run but ultimately joining it in sunset status. For a reflective take on the game and its impending closure, visit Nintendo Life.
Hardware and Accessory Reviews
In the accessory realm, Nintendo Life offers a critical review of the Voidjoy GA-10 Elite Extender for the Switch Pro Controller. Despite its promise of enhanced functionality, the product is viewed skeptically, with potential buyers urged to weigh the benefits against the costs. For the full evaluation, read more on Nintendo Life. Another redundant item in the headlines was Rayman Legends Retold coming to the Switch, but with little new information, remain cautious with expectations.
