Nintendo in 2025: Buckle Up
2024? All about Switch 2 whispers. 2025? Time for the real deal. Nintendo’s next console is finally stepping into the spotlight. Forget the rumors and leaks; official news is coming soon. Less than 100 days, in fact. But the current Switch isn't dead yet. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond arrives eight years after its announcement. Plus, a certain plumber’s 40th anniversary could bring some surprises. Let’s dive in.
First, the known quantities. Nintendo’s been dropping Switch games consistently. Will they keep it up in 2025? Time will tell. But we already have some titles locked in. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD hits January 16. Yes, it’s another re-release. But it’s a solid platformer, especially if you missed it before. Then, on March 20, we get Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition. The whole Xenoblade saga on one console? Yes, please. This updated version even packs new story content.
Beyond those dates, we have some heavy hitters on the horizon. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is coming. This time, we’re heading to Lumiose City, with Mega Evolution making a comeback. After a quiet 2024 for Pokémon, this is a big one. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is also slated for 2025. Level-5 has a history of early announcements, so fingers crossed it sticks this time. And then there's Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Retro Studios is back, Sylux returns, and the trailers look stunning. Hype is real.
Now, for the main event: the Switch successor. Nintendo confirmed an announcement within this fiscal year (ending March 31). So, expect news within the next three months. Nintendo also confirmed Switch games will work on the new console. Beyond that, it’s speculation city.
We might get a teaser first, then a full-blown presentation, like the original Switch reveal. Or maybe Nintendo will spill all the beans at once. Either way, expect details on the name, release date, price, launch titles, specs, and unique features. A 2025 release is almost guaranteed. And expect an evolution of the hybrid design.
New console, new games. Nintendo’s internal teams were relatively quiet last year, save for Splatoon 3’s DLC. They've been busy. A new 3D Mario is practically a given. It's been eight years since Odyssey. With 2025 being Mario’s 40th anniversary, it’s the perfect time for a big launch title. Mario Kart? That’s overdue too. Eleven years since Mario Kart 8’s original release. We've had Deluxe and the Booster Course Pass, but still. A brand new entry is needed. Maybe 3D Mario at launch, with Mario Kart later for the holiday rush?
Beyond Mario, expect some diversification. A Zelda remake or remaster is possible (Ocarina of Time HD or a 60fps Breath of the Wild are prime candidates). A new IP is likely, following the tradition of Wii Sports, Nintendoland, and 1-2-Switch.
Also, keep an eye on Masahiro Sakurai’s new project. He’s been working on something since 2022. Could it be a new Smash Bros.? Maybe something completely different? And speaking of long-awaited returns, F-Zero has been getting some love recently. F-Zero 99, plus classic games on Nintendo Switch Online. Could a new F-Zero GX or a new entry be in the works for the new hardware? It would be a great way to flex its power.
Don't count out the original Switch yet. New games are still coming. Kirby could make an appearance, maybe a remaster or a new title. Rhythm Heaven could also finally make its Switch debut.
What about Next Level Games? They’ve been releasing a game every three years. With Mario Strikers: Battle League in 2022, 2025 could bring their next project. Luigi’s Mansion 4 on the new console? It's possible.
Finally, Nintendo’s entertainment empire keeps expanding. Super Nintendo World opens in Florida this May, including the Donkey Kong Country expansion. A new Nintendo store is also coming to San Francisco. And the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel is slated for 2026, so expect a trailer sometime this year.
So, there you have it. 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for Nintendo. Are you ready for the next generation? Or are you still hyped for the current Switch’s final hurrah?
