Insider NateTheHate dropped a bombshell during his latest podcast, confirming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Metaphor: ReFantazio both target Nintendo Switch 2 releases in 2026. The leak arrives just months after Expedition 33’s monumental debut, with developer Sandfall Interactive already hinting at port possibilities following the game’s surprise Game of the Year dominance.
Nate specifically calls out development kits flowing freely now, enabling simultaneous PS5/Switch 2 launches for these ambitious RPGs. Final Fantasy XVI sits “under consideration” but lacks Expedition 33’s firm commitment. This trio represents Switch 2’s most credible AAA Western RPG ports to date, validating Nintendo’s hardware push.
Expedition 33: From Surprise Hit to Switch 2 Priority
Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stunned 2025, sweeping awards despite launching as a debut title from a small French studio. The turn-based RPG blended French Belle Époque aesthetics with Final Fantasy 16-style real-time combat, earning universal acclaim for its narrative depth and visual artistry. CEO Guillaume Broche confirmed Switch 2 interest back in May 2025, citing newfound resources from Expedition’s success.
NateTheHate reports active port development targeting 2026 alongside the inevitable PC/PlayStation re-release. Switch 2’s key card storage solves Expedition’s massive install size concerns, while improved dev kits enable native performance matching PS5’s gorgeous 60fps showcase. The timing proves perfect – Expedition arrives as Switch 2 owners crave premium RPGs beyond Nintendo’s first-party lineup.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Makes Nintendo Debut
Atlus’ 2024 masterpiece finally conquers Nintendo hardware. Metaphor: ReFantazio’s blend of Persona-style social simulation and dazzling combat earned Game of the Year runner-up honors, beating mainline Persona entries in sales and reviews. Switch 2 represents Atlus’ first major Western RPG port beyond the core Persona/SMT series.
Nate confirms 2026 timing alongside Expedition 33, leveraging the same development pipeline improvements. Atlus benefits from Switch 2’s mature audience hungry for Japanese RPGs, mirroring Dragon Quest XI and Trials of Mana’s Switch success. Expect 1080p/60fps performance with DLSS upscaling, preserving Metaphor’s visual spectacle on portable hardware.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Uncertain Third Pillar
FF16 remains the question mark. Nate describes Square Enix’s action RPG as merely “under consideration” rather than actively porting. The 2023 PS5 exclusive struggled commercially despite critical praise, with producer Naoki Yoshida expressing portable ambitions during Japan Expo 2025. Switch 2’s power leap makes FF16 feasible where original Switch failed.
Dev kit delays initially sidelined FF16, but recent pipeline improvements reopen possibilities. Nate cautions lower confidence versus the confirmed Expedition/Metaphor duo, though Square’s aggressive multi-platform strategy (FF7 Rebirth on Xbox/Switch 2) suggests eventual commitment if technical hurdles clear.
Switch 2’s Western RPG Renaissance
NateTheHate’s leak arrives amid Nintendo’s most ambitious third-party outreach ever. Recent confirms include Resident Evil Requiem (February 27), Monster Hunter Stories 3 (March 13), and Pragmata (April 24), alongside testing for Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield, Indiana Jones, and Call of Duty. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remaster rumors persist despite Ubisoft struggles.
| Title | Developer | Switch 2 Status | Launch Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 33 | Sandfall Interactive | Confirmed Port | 2026 |
| Metaphor: ReFantazio | Atlus | Confirmed Port | 2026 |
| Final Fantasy XVI | Square Enix | Under Consideration | TBD |
| FF7 Rebirth | Square Enix | Confirmed | 2026 |
| Yakuza/Like a Dragon | Sega | Expected | 2026 |
Development kit resolution proves crucial. Early Switch 2 delays frustrated ports, but key card storage (128GB+) and DLSS upscaling enable 50GB+ AAA titles. Nintendo’s mature audience (average age 35+) demands Western RPGs alongside Mario/Zelda.
Why These Ports Matter for Nintendo
Expedition 33 and Metaphor represent Switch 2’s killer app strategy. Nintendo historically dominated Japanese RPGs (Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem) but lagged Western titles. These ports bridge that gap, delivering GOTY-caliber experiences matching PS5 quality in portable form.
Sandfall’s French innovation and Atlus’ Japanese mastery showcase Switch 2’s global appeal. Both games target core RPG audiences underserved by Nintendo’s family-friendly focus. Success validates ambitious ports like GTA 6 testing and Starfield optimization.
Nintendo Direct Reveal Imminent
Nate predicts Nintendo’s first 2026 Direct hits February 5th, prime timing for Expedition 33/Metaphor reveals alongside Xenoblade updates and first-party dates. Sandfall likely prepared Switch 2 footage during Summer Game Fest 2025 hype cycle, positioning February perfectly between launch window and Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
Development realities favor simultaneous multi-platform launches. PS5 owners get enhanced editions while Switch 2 delivers native portable performance. Atlus gains Nintendo market penetration beyond core Persona audience. Sandfall cements legacy across all platforms.
FAQs
Is Expedition 33 actually coming to Switch 2?
Yes – NateTheHate confirms active port development targeting 2026. Sandfall Interactive expressed interest post-launch success, with dev kits now enabling feasible performance.
Will Metaphor: ReFantazio look good on Switch 2?
Expect 1080p/60fps docked with dynamic resolution handheld. DLSS upscaling preserves visual fidelity matching PS5. Atlus specializes in portable optimization (Persona 5 Royal).
What about Final Fantasy XVI?
Under consideration only. Square Enix weighs technical feasibility versus FF7 Rebirth priority. Dev kit improvements help but lack Expedition 33’s firm commitment.
When do we see official announcements?
February 5th Nintendo Direct represents highest probability. Nate’s timing prediction aligns perfectly with 2026 release windows and Switch 2 momentum building.
Why now for Western RPG ports?
Dev kits resolved, key card storage solves install limits, DLSS enables PS5-quality visuals. Nintendo’s mature audience demands premium RPGs beyond Mario/Zelda ecosystem.
Will performance match PS5 versions?
Nearly identical targeting 1080p/60fps across platforms. Switch 2’s custom Nvidia chip with DLSS matches current-gen fidelity while enabling portable play.
Can Switch 2 handle these massive RPGs?
Absolutely – 256GB SSD models, key card expansion to 1TB+, DLSS upscaling. 50GB+ installs become standard rather than exception.
Switch 2’s RPG Revolution Begins
NateTheHate’s leak confirms Switch 2’s arrival as serious RPG platform. Expedition 33’s artistic triumph and Metaphor’s mechanical perfection arrive exactly when Nintendo needs killer third-party apps. February Direct reveals launch alongside Xenoblade, Fire Emblem, and first-party heavyweights.
Western RPG drought ends. Sandfall and Atlus validate Nintendo’s hybrid strategy, paving way for DOOM, Starfield, potential GTA 6. Switch 2 transforms from Mario machine into genre-spanning powerhouse, delivering PS5-quality experiences anywhere. The handheld RPG golden age dawns 2026.