Nintendo news this week is not only related to one big announcement but also several smaller yet interesting developments regarding the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon content, and Nintendo's services. N-Zona #4 therefore brings an overview of news ranging from Sonic collections and new demos to the potential arrival of Diablo IV on Nintendo Switch 2 and a technical update for Unreal Engine that could be important for future games on Nintendo's new console.
SEGA has announced two Sonic collections for Nintendo Switch to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Sonic series. Classic Sonic Collection gathers Sonic Origins, Sonic Mania, and Sonic Superstars, while Modern Sonic Collection brings Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Colors Ultimate, and Sonic Forces. Both collections are planned for October 2026 and will come as physical editions with a reversible anniversary cover. This may not necessarily be big news for those who have already played most of the listed games, but for new players, it could be a practical way to catch up with the different phases of the Sonic series.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is getting a new expansion, Everyday Wonders, which releases on June 29 in the US, or June 30 in the early hours of Central European Time. The Pokémon Company announces a set focusing on cute illustrations and familiar Pokémon like Pikachu, Piplup, and Sylveon. The game is available on iOS and Android devices, and the new expansion continues the rhythm of regular card additions for players following the digital version of the Pokémon TCG experience.
Rhythm Heaven Groove has received a Starter Demo on the Nintendo Switch eShop. The demo allows players to try out several rhythmic mini-games before the full game releases, which is scheduled for July 2, 2026. Among the content available to try are single-player Hoop Trundling and multiplayer Rhythm Tweezers. For a series that relies on a sense of rhythm, humor, and precise timing, the demo is a logical move as it immediately gives players a feel for how well the new installment suits them.
Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred has reappeared in the context of Nintendo Switch 2, this time through a classification on the Taiwanese rating site. A similar trail had previously appeared in Indonesia, but Blizzard has yet to officially confirm the version for Nintendo Switch 2. Lord of Hatred is an expansion that was released on other platforms in April 2026, bringing a continuation of the fight against Mephisto, new classes Paladin and Warlock, changes to the skill tree system, and an upgraded endgame. If the release for Nintendo Switch 2 proves to be real, it would be another significant third-party title for Nintendo's new console.
Nintendo Switch Online had a Game Trial for EA Sports FC 26 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 during June. The trial period lasted until June 24, 2026, and service members could try out local and online multiplayer, challenges based on real football scenarios, and the development of their own professional player. Nintendo also offered 100 Platinum Points with the trial, while saved data can be transferred to the full version of the game if the player decides to purchase it.
Nintendo Museum will get a new restaurant called Super Family Restaurant. The opening is planned for autumn 2026, and it is an addition to the museum that opened in October 2024. Nintendo has not revealed many details yet, but the first images show a space decorated with recognizable Nintendo motifs, including elements related to Zelda and Metroid. For museum visitors, this could further enhance the experience, especially if the restaurant manages to combine a calmer family space with Nintendo's identity.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. SEGA states that the new version will have improved resolution, and pre-orders for the Deluxe Edition are available. This edition includes Sega Villains Stage DLC, additional costumes, a digital art book, soundtrack, bonus gold, and other extras. The original Nintendo Switch version already received a very good reception, so the Switch 2 release seems like an opportunity for Joe Musashi to return in a sharper technical edition.
Nintendo Music has received a new update with music from the game Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment for Nintendo Switch 2. A total of 69 songs have been added, with a total duration of three hours and 35 minutes. An active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for listening, and the soundtrack includes main themes, battle tracks, and music related to various parts of the game. Nintendo Music continues to expand the offering of official music from Nintendo games, which is particularly interesting for fans of the Zelda and Hyrule Warriors series.
Finally, Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.8, and among the new features is the Lumen Lite mode, which is particularly interesting for Nintendo Switch 2. This is a lighter version of the Lumen global illumination system, designed to maintain a large part of the visual impression with significantly lower GPU costs. According to Epic, Lumen Lite can help games that use global illumination target 60 frames per second on Nintendo Switch 2, including handheld mode. This does not automatically mean that every Unreal Engine game on the console will run perfectly, but it is an important technical step for future Switch 2 titles.
