I was as surprised as the next person to see Nintendo getting involved at Summer Game Fest 2026 (and gamescom 2026, I hear). Now we just need PlayStation to jump on board, and we will have all the major platforms in one not-E3 location! Though it was one of my last appointments to book for the event, it was by far the most robust, and even taking up 2.5 hours of prime-time gaming, I would have been a fool to say no.
Nintendo brought a whopping 14 games to SGF 2026, playable to groups of creators and journalists over a 2.5-hour period. The entire space was dedicated to Nintendo Switch 2, including a creative space to write, take notes, create content, or check out titles that have already released on the handheld, like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hands-on At SGF 2026:
- Among Us Story on Guard
- Armatus
- Demi & The Fractured Dream
- Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- My Time at Evershine
- Orbitals
- Order of the Sinking Star
- Out of Words
- Rayman Legends Retold
- Resident Evil Requiem
- Trine 6: Together in Time
- Turok Origins
Now you can understand why the appointment was nearly three hours. Gamers were spoiled for choice. Of course, one of the most talked-about titles was Orbitals, but you will hear more about that from us later on. Several of these titles were available in other spaces at Summer Game Fest, like Demi & The Fractured Dream with Annapurna Interactive, Turok Origins with Saber Interactive, and Out of Words with Epic Games Publishing, which we also saw at SGF last year. We were also able to preview Order of the Sinking Star via a demo outside of SGF.
That narrowed down my time a bit, and you can read more about those games in the coming days on CGM, though I did peek in to see how they looked on the Nintendo Switch 2. I am continually impressed by what the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to the table, both in docked and handheld modes. I’m not just saying that because they invited me to their appointment, either. Out of Words looks like it was made for the Nintendo Switch 2, for instance.
Seeing titles like Resident Evil Requiem running well on the same system as a Mario title is something I never would have thought possible. Nintendo has proved this time and time again, most recently with FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, but I am still surprised every time. Yes, certain sacrifices need to be made for the games to run smoothly, but to be able to play our AAA favourites on the same system as the upcoming Starfox is a blessing. Not to mention now we can keep those games in our pockets wherever we go.
With that, I wanted to touch on the games I was able to go hands-on with at my Nintendo Switch 2 Summer Game Fest appointment.
Trine 6: Together in Time Hands-on Preview
I took a sharp left when I walked into the Nintendo Switch 2 space and found myself at Trine 6: Together in Time. The only problem? I had never played a Trine title in my life. Luckily, I sat down with a surprisingly forgiving partner as we co-oped our way through the stunning world. Co-op games with a complete stranger are intimidating to say the least, especially when you aren’t a pro at platforming in the first place, but we made it!
The world of Trine 6 is truly beautiful. The game is available to play with 1-4 players in online or local co-op, with five playable characters in total—two new characters: Moira the Acrobat and Adrius the Squire, and three returning: Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief and Pontius the Knight. Each one has a ranged ability, but they all bring something different to the table, like Adrius’ spear or Zoya’s grappling rope. Though you can play the game solo, it is strongly recommended that you play with two or more.
Working together with my new co-op friend, our 20-minute play session went surprisingly well. We were able to experience several of the mechanics, including bouncing an electrified ball to a specific location and using water cubes to traverse the world. This isn’t a game for teams with one player half-in. Both people need to be at their best, and most mechanics require both players to get through each puzzle, rather than letting one get through and the other cruise on by.
Trine 6: Together in Time releases on September 17, 2026 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X|S.
My Time at Evershine Hands-on Preview
Games like My Time at Evershine are really hard to preview in a short period of time because there are so many mechanics and in-game elements we didn’t even get to see. This wasn’t lost on the developer, who was really lovely to chat with. You could tell he was really excited about this entry. With a 20-minute timer, I gave My Time at Evershine my best shot.
This is another entry in the My Time series, with the previous games being My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan of My Time at Sandrock when I played it years ago. I found it clunky overall. However, looking at My Time at Evershine, you wouldn’t even know they were the same universe. They are, however, with Evershine taking place three years after the others.
The team at Pathea has gone with a more anime-inspired look this time, which looks really beautiful so far. Rather than being the Town Builder, you play as the Governor of a new settlement, tasked with recruiting settlers, building up your world and taking on the Duvos Empire, all wrapped up in a simulation RPG.
I was able to explore some combat with a massive, two-handed, flaming sword and a sword and shield imbued with electricity. There will be ten romanceable NPCs and 20 unique NPCs throughout the game who can join your settlement. You can also bring up to three NPCs with you on your journey. The game will even offer the ability to play with three other players, creating your town together.
My Time at Evershine will be available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, XBOX SeriesX|S and Steam.
Rayman Legends Retold Hands-on Preview
Truth be told, I had never played a Rayman title before, but I certainly had a blast playing it on the Nintendo Switch 2 handheld. Rayman Legends Retold felt like the perfect title for this system, with quick bite-sized levels to play on the go. This updated version of the game includes new content and a retold story, hence the name.
I was able to dive into three different levels that offered varied experiences, really showing off what the game is all about. First, it felt like a standard platforming level, where I would jump, climb, and swing across the space, with the occasional punch at an enemy. Another was a rhythm level where you kept running constantly and then jumped or slid to the beat of the music. This one tripped me up a bit, but it was a lot of fun.
Finally, I loaded into a flying level, where I would have to glide and dodge enemies and obstacles, and use my dragon breath to break barriers in front of me. It was a really thorough preview that gave me a great taste of what Rayman Legends Retold will have on offer at launch. With up to 4-person couch co-op, this is a great game for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, and an excellent family-friendly title overall.
Rayman Legends Retold will launch on October 1, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X|S.
Among Us Story: On Guard Hands-on Preview
Among Us has been everywhere since it released for mobile in *checks my notes* 2018?! How did that much time pass? When I sat down, the devs asked if I was familiar with the franchise, and with a quick “I have kids,” that was all they needed to know. However, this is not the Among Us we know and love; instead, it’s a single-player story adventure. Even though I only played for around 20 minutes, it is shaping up to be an interesting experience, especially for those who love the franchise.
The first thing that was extremely obvious is that the same heart and humour behind the original game is in Among Us Story: On Guard. The name itself sort of alludes to future games or chapters, but I could be wrong. On Guard sees you strapping into a machine to become Guard…the security guard. You are gearing up for your shift when a body is found, and without any more spoilers, you need to solve the crime.
It’s a cute spin on the gameplay cycle in Among Us, and allows for a fun murder mystery story. I don’t know how it will play out beyond 20-minutes, but there were plenty of areas I couldn’t access yet in the demo. A single murder feels like it might be a bit short, but they mentioned a few hours. Since this is the first time I’ve heard about the game, I am happy to wait for more details—and I still think the title might suggest that different Among Us Story versions could be on the way.
Solving the murder involved completing some tasks you might find in the original game, but with a twist. Instead of buying coffee in the cafeteria, you had to make it, which led to a pretty simple mini-game. This is still plenty simple enough for kids, and it is still unclear if there is any challenge in it for older fans. I was searching for clues, venting for various reasons, and had plenty of favourite Among Us characters to talk to.
Among Us Story: On Guard will be playable on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam, with a playable demo available on Steam on June 15, 2026.
Armatus Hands-On Preview
Armatus was perhaps my happiest surprise at my Nintendo Switch 2 Summer Game Fest appointment. I had heard the name but didn’t know anything about it before I sat down to play it on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is a roguelike urban fantasy. Humanity has ended, and four survivors are trying one last Hail Mary to save mankind, and they do so by calling down you, a 7-foot-tall demon-hunter, essentially.
The streets of Paris are overrun with demons, and you need to “forge a path through Paris, long decayed.” Creepy, right? Speaking to the developer, FICTIONS’s goal was fast, punchy combat, and they more than succeeded. In my short playthrough, I was amped up the entire time. The world is overgrown, the creatures are disgusting in the best possible way, and once you enter through the gateway, the action doesn’t stop.
FICTIONS really focused in on combat flow, for instance, allowing you to fire one weapon while another is reloading. The non-stop action they were aiming for is very successful and addictive. You are armed with two weapons, which can change throughout your runs, plus a celestial ability and a badass sickle you can launch at enemies. Between runs, you will enter what look like ruins to upgrade abilities and unlock new ones.
I am very excited to see what I can unlock in Armatus. There is only a winter 2026 release window, but the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S.
Demi and the Fractured Dream
Demi and the Fractured Dream is a game I checked out at both Annapurna Interactive and Nintendo at Summer Game Fest. Truth be told, though, this game is perfect for the Nintendo Switch 2, and honestly, it feels like it’s been with Nintendo the whole time. Let me explain: just looking at the game, it is very clear that Zelda was a major inspiration for the title. Even if you search the game on the Nintendo website, all the Zelda titles pop up.
Inspirations aside, the game was a pretty satisfying experience. Combat included regular attacks, dash attacks, plunge attacks and combos. You fight to fill your void power and then use Empower to unleash it on your enemy. Getting from room to room required some light (very familiar) puzzle-solving and platforming your way around.
For anyone who loved The Legend of Zelda franchise, yes, you will notice the similarities, but I don’t think that will take away from anything. I enjoyed my time with the game, and would love time to experience more of the story and see what makes Demi and the Fractured Dream unique.
Demi and the Fractured Dream is coming to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X|S in February 2027. A demo is available now on Steam.
That is all from my hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2 at Summer Game Fest. You can stay tuned for more on my Oribitals experience later. Nintendo brought an impressive roster to SGF, and I hope to see even more at gamescom. It’s nice to see them coming together during a non-E3 week, and I look forward to seeing more of this in the future.
