State of Gaming - Nintendo 2025
What 2025 is looking like for the big N
Where We Are…
Nintendo’s 2024 was quiet in terms of hype, but they still had plenty of content to make their most ardent fans happy. The women got the spotlight as Princess Peach had her first major game, and Zelda delivered Echoes of Wisdom, which became my third favorite game of 2024. I’ll admit I went into the year expecting the Switch 2 to be announced and launched by the holiday - clearly, I was wrong. Overall, 2024 was the Switch’s last primal scream as it kept selling and reached almost 150 million consoles sold, but pretty much everyone and their mother knew there was a new console on the horizon.
The Nintendo Switch 2
The number one story for Nintendo in 2025 will be the launch of its newest game system - the Nintendo Switch 2. Whenever a new system comes out, it’s one of the more exciting events for gamers. For a self-admitted Nintendo fanboy, it’s extra special when it’s the big N. So far; the reveal has been slower and more cautious than I was expecting, with only the hardware and a quick peek at the next Mario Kart all we have for now. In April, a Nintendo Direct focused on the new system’s games is scheduled and should be a must-watch event for the gaming world.
There have been many debates around Switch 2’s power, and we don’t have any concrete details yet, but people agree that it should, at worst, be a PS4 on steroids. I have my own opinions on the matter, but in the end, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t sell well. Most people have said they want a better Switch, and it seems that’s what we’re getting. In terms of the potential hype, we already have evidence that we are most likely looking at another home run, as the YouTube views for the reveal trailer have been great, and Steam Deck searches went down after the reveal as well. April can’t come soon enough.
What I’m Expecting
After nearly two decades, the fourth entry to the Metroid Prime series is due this year. Words can’t express, as a Metroid superfan, how hyped I am for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and I’m willing to bet that it’ll be a cross-gen title as it will be on Switch 2. The Switch 2 version will probably run better and potentially have 4K resolution, as well as better lighting, load times, and maybe even ray tracing. This, paired with the new Mario Kart, will be the launch lineup for Nintendo, with major third-party ports picking up the slack in other areas.
I think people are going to be shocked by some of the Western third-party games that’ll end up on the new system. In fact, there’s a chance we'll see more live service titles ported to the system. Reports are already saying Microsoft plans to support the system heavily, and I can see games like Sea of Thieves, Fallout 76, Hi-Fi Rush, Diablo IV, Call of Duty, and others coming within the first year. The Japanese third-party support should have some surprises as well. I will put it out there and say Elden Ring makes it to the system and has heavy support from Square Enix and Capcom.
As for what games I expect Nintendo to announce and release for the system this year? I’m pretty sure we are going to get a brand new 3D Mario game that should be their big holiday title. I can’t fully explain why, but something in my soul tells me it will be a revolutionary game for Mario; I think Bowser’s Fury, but the entire game is in that style. I also wouldn’t surprised if the rumors of a remastered Breath of the Wild come true. I’m not exactly a fan of the idea, but there’s been too much smoke for me not to expect it. Also, look for something similar to 1-2 Switch or Wii Sports. There’s also a chance Monolith reveals the next Xenoblade, although 2025 for the release is a bit iffy.
Finally, I still expect the original Switch to get solid support. This system still has almost 150 million units, with many players to potentially sell a game to. I expect some of the smaller Switch 2 games to have Switch 1 versions (not titles like the new Mario). Expect more remasters and remakes to end off the Switch, including more Kirby, the rumored F-Zero GX remake, and hopefully the Twilight Princess and Wind Waker ports.
Universal’s Epic Universe
Nintendo’s entry into theme parks is going to come full circle this year. Universal is opening their third major gate, Epic Universe, and Super Nintendo World is going to be one it’s main draws. The Super Nintendo World theme park expansions in Japan and Hollywood have been major hits, there’s even rumors of more attractions and ideas around Nintendo IP being talked about with Universal Creative. Epic Universe is being built as Universal looks to put a major dent into Disney’s market share. One of the few good things about living in Florida is that I can visit these world famous theme parks when I want (money of course being a limit). I’m going to wait for the hype of the opening to die down before me and my family visit the new park. We tried to look into opening month and it quickly sold out. While not just a Nintendo thing, look for Mario to become the unofficial face of Universal’s parks as he’s one of the very few characters than can match Mickey’s popularity.
The State of Nintendo is… Great!
Nintendo is set up for one of the best years in the company’s history. While Xbox may give it a run for it’s money, Nintendo is the slight favorite to dominate the industry when it comes to news, influence, and releases. Nintendo fans should be very excited about the future.
Can't wait to finally play Prime 4, the fact that it's a launch title makes me pleased that Nintendo finally have confidence in Metroid; after Dread and Prime 1 Remastered it seems they're finally waking up to how popular the franchise is.
I think it's one of the few Nintendo IP's that transcends the Nintendo fandom, I've met/seen content by many people who don't love Nintendo but love Metroid Prime and Super Metroid.
Couldn't agree more with this assessment.
Hadn't heard rumors of a remastered Breath of the Wild?! Ballsy if true.