Anticipated Features and Releases of Switch Games in 2025

The year 2025 promises to be a pivotal moment for Nintendo, particularly for the Switch, as the company has indicated plans to reveal its next-generation console before the end of March. This announcement is anticipated to have significant implications on game launches throughout the year. The upcoming console has sparked a surge of speculation within the community, with many eager for major updates ahead of the highly-anticipated Switch 2 unveiling.

As anticipation builds for Nintendo’s forthcoming hardware, the first quarter of 2025 is already brimming with significant titles for the current Switch. While additional announcements are likely to unfold in the coming months, the lineup for early 2025 already highlights an impressive selection of games.

2025 Switch Game Release Calendar

January

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana (PS5/PS4, Switch) – January 7
Freedom Wars Remastered (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) – January 10
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) – January 16
Tales of Graces f Remastered (PS5, PS4, Switch, PC, Xbox One, XSX/S) – January 17
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (PC, PS4/5, Switch, Xbox One, XSX/S) – January 23
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero (PC, PS4/5, Switch) – January 30
Hello Kitty Island Adventure (PC, Switch) – January 31

February

Moon of Darsalon (PC, PS4/5, Switch, XSX/S) – February 6
Civilization 7 (PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch) – February 11
Date Everything! (PC, PS5, Switch, XSX/S) – February 14
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak 2 (PS5, PS4, PC, Switch) – February 14
Tomb Raider IV-V-VI Remastered (PC, PS4/5, Switch, Xbox One, XSX/S) – February 14

March

Football Manager 25 (PC, PS5, XSX/S, Switch, Mobile) – TBA
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Xbox One, XSX/S) – March 6
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (Switch) – March 20
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, Xbox One, XSX/S) – March 21
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game (PS5, XSX/S, Switch, PC) – March 25
Rain World DLC ‘The Watcher’ (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, XSX/S, Xbox One) – March 28

April

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (Switch) – TBA
Star Overdrive (Switch) – April 10

TBA Releases

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (PS4, Switch, PC)
Catly (Switch, PC)
Carmen Sandiego (Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, XSX/S, Switch, Xbox One) – Early 2025
Chained Echoes – Ashes of Elrant DLC (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Coffee Talk Tokyo (PC, PS5, XSX/S, Switch)
Dave the Diver – In the Jungle DLC (PC, Switch, PS4/5)
Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 (PC, Switch, PS5)
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (PS, Xbox, PC, Switch)
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (PS5, PC, Switch, XSX/S)
Little Nightmares 3 (PC, PS4/5, Switch, Xbox)
Lunar Remastered Collection (PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Xbox One)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch)
Mouse P.I. For Hire (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, XSX/S)
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (PC, Switch, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One)
Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Switch)
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (Switch)
Promise Mascot Agency (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, XSX/S, Switch)
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (PC, Switch) – Spring
Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker (Switch, PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One, XSX/S) – Spring
Shadow Labyrinth (PS5, Switch, PC, XSX/S)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 1st (Switch)
Tron: Catalyst (PC, PS5, XSX/S, Switch)

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

The new year opens with an exciting blast from the past as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD makes its debut on the Switch. Originally launched on the Wii in 2010, this classic platformer invites players to assist Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in reclaiming their stolen banana stash from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe. The game promises to bring back the nostalgia of the beloved franchise to both returning players and newcomers alike.

Despite several Donkey Kong titles finding their way to the Switch, none have been newly developed for the platform. The release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is thrilling, yet it also sparks hope for an original title in the series, particularly with the Switch 2 on the horizon.

Civilization 7

While not a first-party offering, Civilization 7 is set to be one of the most significant releases for the Switch in 2025. After much anticipation, the strategy game will officially launch on February 11, adding a renowned title to the Switch lineup and exciting fans of the franchise.

Civilization 7: Key Features

A three-age structure enabling progress through the Antiquity, Discovery, and Modern ages.
Introduced crisis events to heighten strategic challenges.
Streamlined technology and culture trees for a more engaging gameplay experience.
Enhanced dynamic terrain and environments.
Players can customize their gameplay by mix-and-matching leaders and civilizations.

Tales of the Shire

Introducing a fresh concept to the franchise, Tales of the Shire offers an idyllic twist by featuring a life simulation set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. This game, which departs from the typical battle-driven gameplay, encourages players to embrace the tranquil lifestyle of Hobbits, focusing on activities like decorating Hobbit holes, throwing cozy parties, and exploring the lush countryside of the Shire. Slated for a March release, this title promises a delightful and leisurely gaming experience.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is undoubtedly a highly anticipated release among Nintendo enthusiasts. Confirmed for 2025, the game has raised expectations, primarily due to its strategic timing as Nintendo gears up to announce the Switch 2. While no official release date has yet been provided, speculation suggests that this title may serve as a significant launch title for the new console.

Initially revealed in 2017, Metroid Prime 4 underwent a complete redesign in 2019, leading to a prolonged development period. However, with its reemergence, it’s clear that both the developers and fans have high hopes for its eventual debut.

The Switch 2 and Port Rumors

As speculation grows surrounding the Switch 2, numerous rumors have emerged regarding potential titles that might receive ports for the new console. Classic games like The Wind Waker, Kirby: Planet Robobot, and Metroid Prime 2 Remastered have recently been highlighted in discussions. Given the confirmed backward compatibility of the new console, 2025 could be an ideal opportunity for these nostalgic ports to re-enter the gaming scene, capturing both new and veteran audiences alike.

Moreover, the buzz surrounding the Switch 2 continues to fuel excitement, with players eager for marketing details about the console and anticipated launches. Some whispers suggest that enhanced hardware and innovative features like magnetic Joy-Cons may be in store, promising a transformative gaming experience.

Upcoming Switch 2 Releases

Several developers have already confirmed that games like My Time at Evershine are in development specifically for the Switch 2. As March 2025 looms closer, it’s reasonable to expect that an initial wave of Switch 2 titles could be unveiled alongside the console itself or shortly thereafter.

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