Konami announce ‘eFootball Kick-Off!’ for Nintendo Switch 2

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced ‘eFootball Kick-Off!’, a new entry in its long-running football game franchise which will launch in summer 2026 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.Konami said the title will be the first time the eFootball franchise appears on a Nintendo console, positioning the game as an accessible football experience designed for play “anytime, anywhere”, with options for solo and multiplayer and both offline and online play.The release positions the game as a continuation of the series that traces back to Pro Evolution Soccer, with Konami marking more than 30 years in football gaming. Konami said ‘eFootball Kick-Off!’ will include national teams and club teams, alongside a roster that features current top players and “iconic legends.”The launch window is timed to align with a major international football tournament in North America this summer, with Konami linking the game’s release to global national-team competition and encouraging players to create their own moments alongside real-world storylines.Konami said the game has been built specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, with responsive controls and a ‘pick-up-and-play’ approach designed to welcome newcomers while still rewarding tactical play and competitive skill.Konami’s decision to bring eFootball to Nintendo’s next-generation console is a notable move in the football gaming market. The Switch has a vast install base and has helped prove demand for sports titles in a portable and accessible format, but football gaming has traditionally been concentrated on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.A Switch 2 exclusive entry also gives Konami a new route to grow its audience, particularly among younger players. With eFootball built around a free-to-play model rather than an annual paid release cycle, the franchise has an opportunity to broaden its player base and push deeper into casual and social play patterns that fit Nintendo’s ecosystem.There is also a potential competitive angle. A dedicated Nintendo football title can widen the funnel into organised play by introducing competitive football gaming to players who may not engage with PC or traditional console esports. That, in turn, creates space for grassroots events and new partnership formats, including tournament activations and football-led youth engagement programmes.‘eFootball Kick-Off!’ will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in summer 2026.