The Nintendo Switch is still going strong into 2025 with games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, even despite the Switch 2 being right around the corner. Nintendo has guaranteed that it will continue to it with both amazing first-part and third-party launches, including one of the most anticipated Switch games of all time. It's still a great time to be a Switch fan, even eight years on.
2025 will play host to likely some of the best Switch games of all time. There are games launching all throughout the year, so those who don't want to nab a Switch 2 just yet will still have plenty to do on their original Switch. Whether its huge 100+ JRPGs or stylish first-person shooters, there is something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
10 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Retro Studios)
The Big Nintendo FPS Game Of 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, in many ways, feels like Nintendo's response to Halo, with its initial groundbreaking trailer showcasing its explosive, action-packed gameplay and intriguing narrative. The visuals are already staggeringly beautiful, despite the game launching on the original Switch and, presumably, the Switch 2 at some point. While it has been delayed on multiple occasions and even switched developers, it really feels like it's been worth the wait.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond feels like a rare game on Switch, especially coming from Nintendo itself, as it's a far darker and more mature FPS title, which only third-party developers have provided thus far. Of course, those who are a little out of the loop with the Metroid Prime series may be worried that it won't make sense. However, considering the huge gap between Metroid Prime 3 and 4, it seems likely that it will be a standalone experience that fans and newcomers will be able to enjoy.
9 Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (Monolith Software)
A Remaster Of One Of The Best Wii U Games
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition finally brings the entire series to one platform, finally helping confused players who want to understand every obscure reference during the final sequences of Xenoblade Chronicles 3. XBCX: DE is a huge deal on Switch for many reasons, but primarily thanks to the additional content that is being added.
While the previous Xenoblade remaster had cut content added as a rather fantastic DLC, it looks like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will have new story content added to the end or seamlessly integrated.
Fans of the original game will the rather anti-climatic ending that left more questions than were answered, but the reveal trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition hinted at how it will improve upon it. For newcomers, that will mean it will offer a complete experience out of the box, and for dedicated fans, it will finally answer their questions.
8 Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Game Freak)
The Next Entry In The Innovative Legends Series
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been shrouded in mystery since its initial reveal trailer, with many guessing as to which time period it will be set in, which characters will appear, and what Pokémon will be redesigned. So far, Game Freak and Nintendo have been relatively tight-lipped about the entry into the spin-off Legends series, however plenty of details were leaked that gave fans somewhat of an insight into what they can expect. However, even without this leak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A would still be one of the most anticipated Switch games of 2025.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus really showcased just how capable of innovation Game Freak were and how Pokémon could evolve as a franchise. Many of the best mechanics from Legends: Arceus made their way into the mainline releases, which comes as no surprise considering how much reviews praised them. While Z-A doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, it would be great to see it push the series forward in a new way, if only a little bit.
7 Civilization 7 (Firaxis Games)
The Next Civilization Game Is Coming To Switch At Launch
Civilization 6 was a huge hit on the Nintendo Switch, quickly climbing to the top of the best Switch strategy games and introducing lots of new fans to its engrossing and captivating gameplay loop. So, it's no surprise that Firaxis Games was keen to put the next entry in the series, Civilization 7, on Switch on day one. While it will undoubtedly suffer from lower-quality visuals and not-as-impressive framerate, Civilization 7 looks set to be the revolutionary experience it is promising to be on Switch.
There are a lot of significant changes in Civ 7, from its approach to Ages and leaders to the overall gameplay flow. However, while some fans may not gel well with it, the majority of these changes absolutely seem to be for the better. Of course, it remains to be seen how Civilization 7 will turn out, but it's fair to say that it will likely be the best Switch strategy game of 2025.
6 Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road (Level-5)
An Anime Football RPG
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a huge game for fans of the iconic anime, but should also be on the radar of those who just enjoy a story-focused soccer experience full of magical abilities and comradery. While it is based on the aforementioned anime and features many characters from across its plethora of arcs, Victory Road tells a completely standalone RPG story with a brand-new protagonist.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is split between tactical soccer gameplay in which players will progress with their team up the ranks while taking on characters from the anime and Persona-esque exploration segments where the player can visit various locations across the vast world and engage in oftentimes hilarious dialogue minigames in which they have to outsmart their opponent. There's a lot going on in Victory Road that will appeal to both soccer fans and those who've never touched a soccer ball in their life.
5 Fantasy Life I: The Girl Who Steals Time (Level-5 Comcept)
The Long-Awaited Follow-Up To The Fantasy Life Series
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is the long-anticipated sequel to the incredibly underrated Fantasy Life game on 3DS. It looks set to be a bigger and better experience, letting players run and manage their town before venturing out on adventures. What made Fantasy Life such a success was its focus on its titular Life mechanic, which essentially served as jobs or vocations.
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Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time also features this mechanic, allowing players to pursue whatever dream job interests them the most while also dealing with a story centered around time travel. The sheer scale of this sequel will make it an appealing prospect to existing fans, but newcomers shouldn't be worried about being left in the dark as it is also a standalone experience. Fantasy Life i will absolutely appeal to those who love Animal Crossing as well as a lighthearted RPG.
4 Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake (Square Enix)
The Follow-Ups To The Very Successful Dragon Quest 3 HD Remake
After the enormous success of the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Square Enix is releasing the first two games in the series as Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake. Interestingly, these two games are set after the events of the third one, meaning that players will need to play them sequentially out of order, although, technically, in order of release date. Not much is known about how different these entries will be, but the existing information about these remakes does paint a positive picture.
Players can expect the same gorgeous visual style used for the third game, as well as a plethora of quality-of-life changes that will make it a far more approachable experience for a modern audience. However, they will likely be as faithful to the original story and experience as Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which will be great for fans who played it back in the day or via the various ports.
3 Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Sega AM3 R&D Division)
Another Mario Kart Competitor Approaches
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the sequel to arguably one of the best racing games on Switch. While there isn't a lot known about it outside the stylish cinematic teaser trailer released at the Game Awards, it's still great to see the Switch getting a new racing game so late into its lifespan. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has managed to sustain fans for eight years, it's refreshing to see other developers take a shot at toppling the kart racing behemoth.
If Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is anything like Team Sonic Racing, then Nintendo Switch s are in for a creative and fast-paced treat packed with familiar characters from across the Sonic pantheon. Fans already have confirmation that Shadow the Hedgehog will appear, although other fan favorites will likely make an appearance in similarly impressive cars.
2 Little Nightmares 3 (Supermassive Games)
Another Horrifying Co-Op Adventure
Little Nightmares 3 is rounding off this incredibly diverse year of games with a horror experience. While not made by the original developers, Tarsier Studios, Little Nightmares 3 looks like it has retained all the nightmarish charm of the original games. In this haunting sequel, players take on the role of Low and Alone as they attempt to escape a hellish world in a game all about childhood.
Notably, Little Nightmares 3 features full online co-op for the first time in the series' history, which is great news for those who want to experience the horrors it offers with a friend. Of course, those who would rather play alone can do so with an AI companion. Little Nightmares 3 is shaping up to be a spooky time, but one that will undoubtedly appeal to a huge part of the Switch fanbase.
1 Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (Level-5)
A Brand-New Professor Layton Mystery
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is the latest entry in the long-running and incredible Professor Layton series. It sees Layton and Luke embark on yet another adventure, this time in a phenomenally designed steampunk-esuqe city full of tantalizing puzzles to be solved. It's great to see a new entry in the Professor Layton series on Switch, especially for those who are fond of its unique storytelling and fantastic approach to puzzle design.
Nintendo Switch 2 Will Never Have Its Breath Of The Wild Moment
The Nintendo Switch 2 will likely be an amazing console, but Nintendo has proven it won’t have a game as industry-defining as Breath of the Wild.
It also further proves that, despite being at the very end of its life, the Switch has plenty left to offer. Whether it is the puzzle-solving of a new Professor Layton, the horror-filled adventure of Little Nightmares 3, or the first-person action of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the Nintendo Switch is going nowhere any time soon, and fans have more than enough to look forward to in the coming year.
Source: LEVEL5ch【公式】/YouTube, Sonic the Hedgehog/YouTube
