
Summary:
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is officially headed to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 following a showcase at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live. That confirmation marks a meaningful shift in how Xbox-published games can reach Nintendo players, opening the door for more high-profile releases to make the jump. Alongside the announcement, Bethesda highlighted The Order of Giants, a story expansion that lands on other platforms this September, giving Indy fresh momentum as we look ahead to Switch 2. Meanwhile, talk around a Starfield port has intensified thanks to a reliable industry watcher, with reports pointing to a 2026 target as well. While Starfield remains unconfirmed, the chatter fits a broader pattern of Microsoft’s willingness to share select experiences across ecosystems. We walk through what’s locked in, what’s still in the rumor column, how a handheld-forward audience might experience Indy, and the practical steps players can take now to be ready when Switch 2 arrives.
Indiana Jones heads to Switch 2 in 2026: what was confirmed at Gamescom
Gamescom’s Opening Night Live delivered the news many had been hoping to hear: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. This isn’t a whisper or a sideways hint; it was presented plainly alongside fresh footage, setting a clear expectation that Indy’s globe-trotting hunt will be playable on Nintendo’s upcoming hardware. For Switch players, that means a cinematic adventure built around stealth, puzzle-solving, and first-person set pieces is officially on the calendar. For Xbox fans with a foot in both worlds, this confirmation shows that major experiences once confined to a single ecosystem can find a second life on handheld hardware. The timing also sets a realistic runway for technical work, marketing beats, and a clean handoff from a year filled with DLC and cross-platform support to a 2026 window where Switch 2 should be in full stride.
Why this is a milestone for Nintendo and Xbox players
Seeing an Xbox-published release confirmed for Switch 2 is more than a box-check; it’s a signal. Players benefit when platform walls are lower and great adventures travel farther. For Nintendo’s audience, it means access to a high-production action game that carries a beloved film license with care and swagger. For Xbox players who also love to play on the go, it’s a way to revisit favorite moments without being tethered to the living room. It also validates a broader trend: selective, smart cross-platform publishing can expand an audience without diminishing a brand. That balance matters. The result is a healthier ecosystem where big single-player stories can reach new pockets of players and maintain long tails through ports, updates, and expansions.
The Order of Giants DLC: what it adds and how it fits the timeline
The Order of Giants expansion deepens Indy’s story with a Rome-centric chapter loaded with catacombs, conspiracies, and new faces. It brings fresh puzzle designs, new combat encounters, and more of the environmental storytelling that made the base adventure pop. Importantly, it lands this year on existing platforms, giving the team time to polish content while Switch 2 work continues. That sequencing is smart: build momentum now, let players on current consoles dive into the new chapter, then carry that excitement forward into 2026 when the Switch 2 version arrives. For those eyeing Indy on Nintendo’s next system, the DLC’s cadence is a reminder that content pipelines and ports can work in tandem—today’s expansions keep the brand in the conversation while tomorrow’s hardware builds the audience.
What to expect from the Switch 2 version: visuals, controls, and portability
Every port to a handheld-first device has to nail the basics: readable visuals on a smaller screen, responsive controls, and performance that favors fluid play over flashy flourishes. We can reasonably expect the Switch 2 release to pursue stability first, using resolution and effects as dials to keep the action smooth during stealth sequences, chase scenes, and puzzle set pieces. Gyro aiming, flexible sensitivity options, and thoughtful HUD scaling are the sorts of quality-of-life features that help a first-person experience feel natural in portable form. The big win, though, is simply being able to slip into Indy’s leather boots anywhere—on a commute, during a flight, or on the couch while someone else uses the TV. That portability often turns “I’ll come back later” moments into “I’ll play another 20 minutes” sessions, and that’s where this adventure thrives.
How Microsoft’s cross-platform approach sets the stage
In the past few years, Microsoft has shown a willingness to put select experiences in more hands, whether through cloud options, PC releases, or targeted ports beyond the Xbox family. Indy’s Switch 2 confirmation is a textbook example of that strategy applied to a cinematic single-player game with mainstream appeal. The logic is straightforward: reach new players, extend a hit’s lifespan, and strengthen goodwill with fans who value choice. It also lets studios learn from new hardware and build porting muscle they can use again. As long as the platform mix is thoughtful—focusing on games that benefit from broader reach—players win, and the libraries on both sides feel richer.
Player-first benefits that matter day to day
On a practical level, this kind of publishing gives us flexibility. If you started Indy on another system, a later portable version becomes an easy way to re-experience favorite chapters or chase down collectibles you missed. If you mostly play on Nintendo hardware, it removes the fear of missing out on a blockbuster story. Add in cloud saves or cross-progression if offered, and the whole experience becomes friendlier. Even without those conveniences, having the same adventure on a handheld can be the difference between finishing a long campaign and letting it gather dust. That’s the kind of small, real-world gain that builds lasting loyalty.
Starfield on Switch 2: what the rumor says and what’s still unknown
There’s also growing noise around Starfield making the jump to Switch 2 in 2026. The origin of the chatter is a reliable industry watcher with a strong track record, and several outlets have amplified the claim. Right now, it remains a rumor—no trailer, no official publisher confirmation, and no date beyond the rough target. That matters because expectations should match reality: until a platform holder or publisher plants a flag, we treat it as promising but provisional. Still, the idea fits the broader pattern we’re seeing: bring big single-player worlds to more players when the timing and hardware make sense. If Starfield does land on Switch 2, it will likely arrive with thoughtful optimization choices so handheld exploration feels steady and inviting rather than compromised.
The tech and optimization question: realistic expectations for big ports
Large, simulation-heavy adventures are demanding, and handheld-first hardware always invites trade-offs. The trick is to prioritize what defines the experience—smooth traversal between hubs, readable UI, manageable load behavior—and scale back the extras that don’t materially change how it feels to play. Dynamic resolution, adaptive effects, and smart asset streaming can do a lot of heavy lifting. For players, the most important piece is consistency. If the frame pacing is clean and the controls are responsive, immersion holds. Expect developers to be candid about target performance and to communicate how settings shift between handheld and docked play. Clarity like that helps set expectations and keeps the focus where it belongs: on exploration, discovery, and the thrill of a well-timed screenshot.
What this means for Nintendo’s 2026 release calendar
Indy’s confirmation gives Switch 2 an early 2026 tentpole that complements Nintendo’s usual slate of first-party hits and third-party favorites. For the platform holder, it’s a strong message: the library isn’t just colorful platformers and RPGs—cinematic action has a seat at the table, too. If Starfield’s rumor becomes reality, the pair would give 2026 a one-two punch of high-profile Western adventures that broaden the audience and keep momentum rolling between marquee Nintendo releases. That balance is healthy. It keeps the lineup varied across genres and tones, giving players a steady cadence of reasons to check the eShop and wishlist what’s next.
How players can prepare: wishlists, save progress, and ecosystem tips
There are a few easy steps to get ready. First, add Indy to your wishlist as soon as the store page goes live; wishlisting notifies you about dates and discounts, and it helps publishers gauge interest on the platform. Second, if you’ve started Indy elsewhere, consider finishing the base story now so you can revisit your favorite chapters on Switch 2 later without feeling like you’re juggling two active saves. Third, keep an eye on official channels for any notes about cross-progression or DLC parity. Even if those features don’t materialize, awareness helps you plan how you’ll play—whether that’s a fresh run on handheld or a targeted collectible sweep while you’re on the go.
Final takeaways for Switch 2 owners and Xbox fans
Here’s the short version: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is locked for Switch 2 in 2026, giving Nintendo’s next system a cinematic adventure with big-screen energy and handheld convenience. The Order of Giants expansion keeps Indy thriving right now on other platforms, setting the stage for a strong handoff into next year. Starfield, meanwhile, sits squarely in the rumor column, with multiple outlets acknowledging the claim but no official stamp yet. Together, these threads point to a future where selective cross-platform releases are normal, not surprising—and where we all get more ways to play the games we care about. That’s a win for anyone who loves great stories, clever level design, and the freedom to take those adventures anywhere.
Conclusion
We have a firm date frame for Indy on Switch 2 and a plausible, unconfirmed path for Starfield to follow. As the dust settles from Gamescom, the best move is simple: enjoy the expansion on current systems, keep your eye on official channels, and get ready to crack the whip again on Nintendo’s new hardware in 2026. If the rumored spacefaring voyage joins the party, all the better—more worlds to explore, more ways to play, and a library that feels bigger than any single box can hold.
FAQs
- Is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle confirmed for Switch 2?
- Yes. The Switch 2 version was announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live with a 2026 release window.
- When does The Order of Giants DLC release?
- The DLC is slated for early September 2025 on existing platforms, adding a Rome-focused chapter with new puzzles, enemies, and locations.
- Is Starfield coming to Switch 2?
- It’s a widely reported rumor pointing to 2026, but it has not been officially announced by the publisher at this time.
- Will the Switch 2 version of Indy include the DLC?
- Parity details haven’t been shared yet. We’ll need to wait for official packaging and feature information closer to launch.
- What performance should we expect on Switch 2?
- Studios usually aim for smooth, consistent play on handheld devices, adjusting resolution and effects as needed. Exact targets will be confirmed nearer to release.
Sources
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 next year, Video Games Chronicle, August 19, 2025
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is gracing Nintendo Switch 2 with its presence next year, GamesRadar, August 20, 2025
- The Order of Giants and the Switch 2 version have convinced me to finally pick up the game, TechRadar, August 20, 2025
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Gamescom 2025 announcements, Windows Central, August 20, 2025
- Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Launch On Switch 2 In 2026, Nintendo Life, August 19, 2025
- Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants looks like the best of the Great Circle — and it’s coming to Switch 2 too, GameSpot, August 19, 2025
- Starfield Is Coming To Nintendo Switch 2, Leaker Claims, GameSpot, August 20, 2025
- Rumor: Starfield coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Everything, August 19, 2025
- Rumour: Bethesda Is Bringing Another Xbox Game To Switch 2 In 2026, Pure Xbox, August 20, 2025
- Indiana Jones isn’t the only Bethesda game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, according to rumors, The Popverse, August 20, 2025