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The Japanese gaming market heats up this week with the highly anticipated launch of Marathon for current-gen consoles and PC, alongside the debut of Pokemon Pokopia specifically for the Switch 2. This week's lineup is particularly notable for the significant number of titles launching on Nintendo's successor hardware, confirming a robust software library for the new platform. Gamers can also look forward to the return of cult classics and major indie sequels.
Headliners: Marathon and Pokemon on Switch 2
Leading the charge is Marathon, arriving on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. This release marks a major moment for sci-fi shooter fans. Simultaneously, Nintendo enthusiasts see the release of Pokemon Pokopia, a title launching exclusively for the Switch 2. The game is available physically via a game-key card and digitally worldwide, signaling Nintendo's push for the new hardware.
Another significant multiplatform release is Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, which lands on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC. For fans of beat-'em-ups, Scott Pilgrim EX brings its chaotic action to a massive list of platforms, including the Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and legacy consoles.
Notable Sequels and Remasters
The release schedule includes several high-profile updates and sequels. Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered brings the classic action-adventure to modern hardware, including PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC storefronts like Steam and GOG. Strategy fans should note that Slay the Spire II is entering Early Access on PC via Steam this week, offering a first look at the sequel to the deck-building phenomenon.
Additionally, Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf launches across generations, including a specific version for the Switch 2, ensuring the cinematic puzzle adventure reaches the widest possible audience.
Full Release List (March 1, 2026 Week)
| Game Title | Platform(s) |
|---|---|
| Marathon | PS5, Xbox Series, PC (Steam) |
| Pokemon Pokopia | Switch 2 |
| Back to the Dawn | Switch 2, Switch |
| Scott Pilgrim EX | Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, PC |
| Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered | PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, PC |
| Slay the Spire II (Early Access) | PC (Steam) |
| Planet of Lana II | Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, PC |
| Homura Hime | PC (Steam) |
| Timberborn | PC (Steam, Epic, GOG) |
| Citadelum | PS5, Xbox Series |
Demos and DLC Updates
Beyond full game releases, this week brings critical updates and demos. A demo for the FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC, and notably, the Switch 2. Action fans can also download the "The Two Masters" DLC for NINJA GAIDEN 4 on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Furthermore, the open-world RPG Where Winds Meet receives the "Hexi" expansion across PS5, PC, and mobile platforms.
My Take
This release window is a definitive statement regarding the Switch 2 adoption rate. Seeing titles like Pokemon Pokopia, Back to the Dawn, and Scott Pilgrim EX explicitly listed for the new hardware confirms that developers are prioritizing cross-gen parity or exclusive next-gen SKUs immediately. The arrival of Marathon is the other pillar here; its performance on consoles versus PC will likely dominate technical discussions this week. For retro fans, the existence of a Fatal Frame II Remake demo suggests the full release is imminent, blending nostalgia with modern horror tech.