2025 is set to be an exciting year for Nintendo and theSwitch, as the company has promised to announce its next console before the end of March. This could greatly informSwitchgame releases for the whole year. The Switch has been a major subject of the rumor mill lately, as many are expecting major announcements in honor of the Switch 2’s eventual reveal.
As the wait forNintendo’s next consolecontinues, the first quarter of the year is already filled with some big releases for the current Switch. There are bound to be more announcements in the coming months, but so far, 2025 is already filled with an impressive roster of Switch games.
TBA Releases
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
The beginning of 2025 kicks off with a nostalgic start, asDonkey Kong Country Returns HDfinally makes its way to the Switch. Originally released for the Wii back in 2010, this entry in theDonkey Kongfranchise brings another fun platformer to Nintendo’s current console. After Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong’s banana hoard is stolen by the Tiki Tak Tribe, players must explore the island to find the missing bananas.
While there have been plenty ofDonkey Kongports for the Switch, the console has not boasted a single originalDonkey Konggame. The arrival ofDonkey Kong Country Returns HDis exciting, but it will hopefully reignite demand for a brand-new entry. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, there is newfoundhope for a freshDonkey Konggamein the future.
Civilization 7
WhileCivilization 7is not a first-party title, it is one of the biggest releases scheduled for the console in 2025.Civilization 7has been a long time coming, and its impending release has excited many lovers of the strategy franchise. The month of February is filled with a lot of high-profile releases, andCivilization 7brings a massive name to the Switch on February 11.
Civilization 7 Biggest Features
Tales of the Shire
Another non-first-party title that is primed to be a great addition to the Switch isTales of the Shire. Based onThe Lord of the Ringsfranchise,Tales of the Shireswitches up the usual “battle between good and evil” formula of the series and opts fora cozy life simulator based on Hobbit life. Since Hobbit life revolves around leisurely pastimes, parties, and good food, Tolkien’s iconic creatures make for a perfect life sim template. Getting to decorate a Hobbit hole and explore the cozy landscape of the Shire seems like a perfect fit for the Switch. Set for launch in March,Tales of the Shirekicks off spring with a dose of coziness.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
This is the title that’s on many Nintendo fans' minds. The long-awaited fourth mainlineMetroid Primeentry was finally confirmed for a 2025 release earlier this year. Although an official release date has yet to be revealed,Metroid Prime 4: Beyondseems primed to bea title Nintendo will want to push for its impending Switch 2. Of course, this is mere speculation, but the timing surrounding the launch date and Nintendo’s plans to announce the Switch 2 before the end of March feels intentional.
Metroid Prime 4was originally announced back in 2017. However, the project was scrapped in 2019, as developers opted to start over from scratch.
The Switch 2 and Port Rumors
Rumors and leaks have suggested a wide variety of titles could be getting Switch ports in 2025. Games likeThe Wind Waker,Kirby: Planet Robobot, andMetroid Prime 2 Remasteredhave been at the forefront of these rumors. With the Switch 2’s confirmed backward compatibility, it would be a perfect time to release such ports, if true.Nintendo fans have been gearing up for the Switch 2’s announcement, and the wait has produced a lot of leaks. Whether these leaks are about the console itself or the games it could feature, the port rumors will likely continue until Nintendo confirms a roster of games to expect at launch.
Switch 2 rumors have made claims of a larger console and magnetic Joy-Cons.
Switch 2 Releases May Be Announced Soon
It’s already been confirmed by some developers that certain games,likeMy Time at Evershine, are being developed specifically with the Switch 2 in mind. With Nintendo’s set announcement target of March 2025 quickly approaching, it’s possible that the first official round of Switch 2-branded games could be revealed alongside it, or at the very least, soon after.
