PAX Aus 2026 Switch 2 Game Previews - Monster Hunter Wilds, Metaphor: ReFantazio, 007 First Light & More

We've just wrapped up PAX Aus 2026 and we've been fortunate enough to go hands-on with some upcoming games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in the next 12 months. Nintendo were very third-party focused this year, giving attendees an early look at how well some of these modern games run on the Switch 2.

Unfortunately, there was no playable build of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but they were big on showing Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, which we've done a full preview here.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2 was on preview at PAX Aus 2026 and I was able to hunt Seregios with two other people. The game ran really smoothly with no frame rate issues at all, although visually the quality was a bit on the lower end out in the distance. However, when you're focused on hunting the large monster in front of you and trying to stay alive, you're not going to notice this at all. 

If you've played Monster Hunter Wilds on any other release, the gameplay is exactly the same, and if you played the PC version, you'll be delightfully surprised at how smooth Capcom have made the Switch 2 version. Running around the hub area was a nice little test before jumping into the hunt. I'd be curious to see how it handles a large influx of players during a timed event once released.

Ultimately, having experienced the Switch 2 port of Monster Hunter Wilds, I'm excited to get my hands on the full release and the Ascension expansion on a handheld console. Monster Hunter Wilds releases on the fourth of December, so book it in your calendars.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

A demo build of the Switch 2 version of Metaphor: ReFantazio was up for people to try out at the Nintendo booth. Given the option of fighting a boss, exploring a dungeon, or exploring around, I went with the dungeon exploration. Gameplay-wise, I didn't notice any stuttering, combat in the overworld felt intuitive, and striking enemies multiple times to stun for a free turn once getting into the turn-based combat was a lot of fun. 

The character portraits still look just as stunning as they do on other platforms; however, the actual models themselves of the playable characters are a bit on the lower quality side. The fact it's a demo build does give hope for a visual improvement, hopefully, as you'll spend over 100 hours with these characters. But the fact they were able to have Metaphor: ReFantazio running smoothly and with no issue, I'll take a visual downgrade to play a JRPG on the go.

Rayman Legends Retold

The first level of Rayman Legends Retold was available to be played on the Switch 2 and the level was exactly the same as the Wii U release, although I do miss controlling Murphy with the gamepad. Visually, though, the style looks completely revamped, almost like it's being retold with a new artist. The current build looks a lot better than the announcement trailer and does a great job of blending the older design with an HD look.

The gameplay runs very seamlessly and is just some classic 2D platforming fun. Having only played the first level, there wasn't a lot for me to take away outside of the movement feeling exactly right. Rayman Legends Retold releases on the third of December and will be a great experience for new players and a fun revisit for returning players.

My Arms Are Longer Now

Toot Games were showcasing their newest game coming out in 2027, My Arms Are Longer Now. The premise of the playable demo was that you had to steal a woman's briefcase that was worth $10,000 in the heist of the century on a train. Having full control of your extendo arms you have to work your way to the front carriage and solve puzzles to make progress. All while stealing a variety of items, like someone's laptop, a bike, or even someone's pet dog. 

A genuinely hilarious experience that will bring a laugh and smile to many players. Hidden on top of the roof of the train is this creepy goblin character that you have to slap off the train. As you're slapping him, you'll start hearing Mark Bonanno from Aunty Donna cry out that his skin is all wet and he's losing his grip and if you keep slapping him, he'll fall off the train. Chaos truly is unleashed. My Arms Are Longer Now and the full release will bring so many laughs and memorable moments.

Kingdom Hearts 3

I didn't get to play Kingdom Hearts 3 on Switch 2 for long, but from what I did play in handheld mode, it's a solid way to play the game. I played through the Hercules area, which showcased a lot of fast-paced combat, and I received little-to-no frame rate issues.

Of course, I did notice some slight visual compromises, most commonly in the finer details (it wouldn't be a Square Enix port without some fuzzy hair aliasing). But considering Kingdom Hearts 3 released on PS4 and with the Switch 2's more modern hardware running this are without a hitch, I think I'm overdue for a replay!

007 First Light

007 First Light was also available as a preview in the Nintendo booth. Releasing on the Switch 2 in March 2027, the playable version is still a work in progress, so there's always room for improvement. The overall experience of the demo was the opening section of the game for 15 minutes of gameplay and it was a lot of sneaking around and climbing around.

007 First Light covers how James Bond becomes the international super spy that he is known as, starting as an air crewman on a helicopter that goes down with a classified mission. The sole survivor of the wreckage, he is now in direct contact with MI6 and follows their instructions. The visuals looked pretty smooth for the Switch 2 and performance-wise it was very impressive, especially considering it's a work in progress still. Having only had access in TV mode, though, I'm not sure how it would run in handheld mode, which would be the main draw to purchase it on the Switch 2 over any other console.

Thank you for checking out our PAX Aus 2026 Preview and thank you to our Patreon Backers for their ongoing support:

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