The Nintendo Switch is getting a lot of attention again, especially with the January 2025 announcement of the Switch 2’s development. With the Switch 2’s release later this year and new titles coming out for various beloved series, this year is already looking exciting.
Whether you’ve been watching the latest updates for games announced years ago or are looking forward to unexpected launches later in the year, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Let’s check out some of the most highly anticipated games on Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 in 2025.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Starting things off is one of the most highly anticipated Nintendo games of the past few years,Metroid Prime 4. Initially announced at E3 2017, with its development restarting in 2019, it wasn’t until June 2024 that we got an official announcement trailer revealing a 2025 release date.
AlthoughMetroid Prime 4’strailers haven’t dove too deep into the game’s lore or specific mechanics, knowing it still exists is enough to stir up some hype. There’s no word on its exact date yet, but between the overwhelmingly positive reviews onMetroid Dread,Metroid Prime 3’slaunch all the way back in 2007, andMetroid Prime Remasteredcoming out two years ago, knowing the window for the fourth’s release already ramps up the anticipation beyond belief.
Guilty Gear -Strive-
At long last, we’re getting aGuilty Geargame on the Nintendo Switch. Although the original got ported to Switch in 2019, we haven’t seen other entries go far beyond PC, PlayStation, and traditional arcade machines until now. It’s even available right now, launching onJanuary 23, 2025.
We may have hadGuilty Gear Striveon PC and PlayStation for a few years now, with Xbox arriving shortly after, but there’s something satisfying about having plenty of options to choose from. If its original launches didn’t drive up the anticipation, the possibility of moreGuilty Gearports coming in the future after this is enough to feel hyped.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
It’s already been almost ten years sinceXenoblade Chronicles Xoriginally launched. What better way to celebrate its 10th anniversary than to launch a remaster the same year a new Nintendo Switch is releasing? Although it doesn’t quite match the exact date, you’ll be able to try this latest entry even earlier onMarch 20, 2025.
Whether you’re looking to relive old memories of the originalChronicles Xor lovedXenoblade 3so much that you’re optimistic about the remaster’s enhanced features, everyone’s anticipating this to carry the torch well.
The next Mario Kart entry
It’s been a while since there’s been this much hype for a newMario Kartgame, and it isn’t even from an official announcement trailer. Instead, its initial appearance is in the first Switch 2 teaser, paving the way for speculation on what this title is and whether it’sMario Kart 9.There’s no word from Nintendo on what this entry is, but knowing aMario Kart 9release in 2025 could be on the horizon certainly sparks some excitement.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Sanrio fans, it’s time to rejoice asHello Kitty Island Adventureexpands to the Nintendo Switch and PC on August 03, 2025. Although it’s been around on iOS since 2023, you’ll be able to meet Hello Kitty and her friends in this cozyAnimal Crossing-like game at the beginning of the year, with PS4 and PS5 versions coming out later in the year. If you’re a fan of Hello Kitty, this one is for you.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy
As a long-timeDanganronpafan, I instantly recognized its style and almost thought we were getting a sequel. I pushed those thoughts aside quickly, especially after seeingThe Hundred Line Last Defense Academy’sgrid-based fighting and twist on a familiar apocalyptic storyline.
Not much is known about it yet, but Too Kyo Games has confirmed it’ll launch onApril 24, 2025,giving us a few months to learn about this new world and its inhabitants.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
Remember last year when we got a remastered collection of the first threeTomb Raidergames? If you were hyped for that, Aspyr has another surprise with a second collection targeting the fourth, fifth, and sixth installments.Tomb Raider IV-VI Remasteredis coming quickly, arriving on the Nintendo Switch and several other platforms onFebruary 14, 2025.
This is one of those collections I’d gift to a friend or family member so they can go on a nostalgia trip, especially considering how unpolished these were compared to the first three games. I’m looking at you,Angel of Darkness.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game
I’ll come right out and say it; I’m a sucker for relaxing, cozy games, especially if it’s in a world like Middle-earth. Exploring the pleasant day-to-day side of Hobbit life is a nice change of pace, and we’ll all be able to experience it onMarch 25, 2025.
While some of us love to take trips down nostalgia lane, dream of more games from our favorite series, or take on some fighting games, others get just as hyped over farming, cooking, and fishing all day in their games. Either that, or you’re aLord of the Ringsfan, which is just as good of a reason to feel excited to try a new game.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
It wouldn’t be a year of growing anticipation for Switch games without including an upcomingPokemongame. Although there’s no confirmed release date yet, Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have confirmed that the latest installment to the series,Pokémon Legends: Z-A, is coming out sometime in 2025.
Currently, little information is provided aboutPokémon Z-A’snew gameplay mechanics and story outside of its taking place in Lumiose City, Kalos. However, we’ll likely see Mega Evolutions return, much like in Gen 6, where this setting was originally introduced, so that alone is worth getting excited over.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2
2025 may seem like another year of remakes, remasters, and collections, withCapcom Fighting Collection 2being among the ever-growing bunch. This is another one with no confirmed release date yet, but we know these early 2000s entries will arrive sometime this year.
Here’s the full list of games included in the collection:
First theMarvel vs. Capcom Collection, and now this gem. This one is another opportunity to experience a trip down memory lane or learn more about the Golden Era of fighting games through some of the most well-known entries of their time.
