2025 is shaping up to be a good year for Nintendo Switch exclusive games.
Over the years, the Nintendo Switch has been celebrated for its catalogue of entertaining titles. So it is not surprising that in 2025 too, we find ourselves excited about several upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive games.
Nintendo is known for delivering titles spanning genres and catering to multiple generations of gamers. From exciting remakes of classics to much-awaited new instalments in long-running and beloved franchises, the Nintendo Switch exclusive game releases of 2025 are likely to satiate the nostalgic crowd as well as draw modern-age players in their direction.
With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, the game company might take all these titles to the next-gen console that is expected to launch in 2025.
Surely, this is an exciting time to be a Nintendo gamer. So, if we have piqued your interest, keep reading our detailed list of the upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive games to look forward to in 2025.
The best upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive games releasing in 2025
1. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Genre: Action, role-playing game (RPG)
Release date: 20 March 2025
Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles X is making a jump from the Nintendo Wii U to the Switch, and rightly so — this open-world RPG deserves a wider audience. At the time of its release, it was ranked among the best games launched on the Wii U by fans and critics alike.
Now, Nintendo and Monolith have decided to enhance its visuals, refine the combat and add some extra missions to expand the story and bring it to modern-day gamers. To be played from a third-person perspective, this game lets you choose your class and offers a host of skills and attacks to select from. In short, this RPG experience will be tailored to your preferences.
2. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Genre: Platformer
Release date: 16 January 2025
From the Nintendo Wii to the 3DS and now the Switch, it seems like Donkey Kong will just not rest. While its origin was on the Wii, the HD version of Donkey Kong Country Returns is a remaster of the Nintendo 3DS port which featured a number of additional levels and improved visuals.
The game follows two playable characters — Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. These two are also available in cooperative mode, where up to four players can enjoy the campaign together. These features, coupled with new secrets to unlock and an insanely catchy soundtrack, make Donkey Kong Country Returns an evergreen title.
3. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Genre: Action, adventure
Release date: TBA
This much-awaited entry in the long-running Metroid Prime franchise will bring back Samus Aran as she explores various uncharted planets and battles challenging enemies.
We do not have a lot of details on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond yet as Nintendo has only released one trailer for it that showcases a few fight sequences and environments. However, some reports suggest that this will likely be one of the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. In any case, there’s no doubt that Metroid Prime 4 ranks among the most awaited Nintendo Switch exclusive games of 2025.
4. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Genre: Action, RPG
Release date: TBA
Nintendo and Game Freak are working hard on the next Pokémon title, which will be a follow-up to 2022’s Legends: Arceus. It will be set in the Kalos region, which was previously seen in Pokémon X and Y.
The first trailer of Pokémon Legends: Z-A suggests the game will show fans how the urban redevelopment project at Lumiose City came to pass. It will also reintroduce some of the signature Legends gameplay mechanics, allowing players to explore the world with greater freedom.
However, what we are most excited about is the return of Mega Evolutions (and which new Pokémon get them). Our top picks? Raichu, Jynx, Lapras, Flygon, Electivire and Kingambit.
5. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Genre: Puzzle, adventure
Release date: TBA
Professor Layton is all set to return with a new adventure in a steampunk world filled with mysteries. While the trailer did not reveal too many details, we got a look at the hero himself as he walked through the industrial area of Steam Bison, the setting of this game.
Right now, all we know is that this new entry will take place a year after the events of Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, the 2010 instalment that was released for the Nintendo DS. For those new to the series, all the titles in this franchise follow the Professor who, with his friends, has to solve a mystery.
Like the previous games of this series, the newest title will largely rely on puzzle-solving. Given that the last original addition to this franchise was in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Nintendo Switch exclusive games releasing in 2025.
6. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Genre: RPG, fantasy, life simulation
Release date: TBA
In 2012, Nintendo and Level-5 released a unique life simulation title for the Nintendo 3DS called Fantasy Life. It was set in the fictional world of Reveria and you could be anything you wanted — a wizard, paladin, miner or even a woodcutter. There were a total of 12 paths to choose from, and players were assigned tasks based on their choice of life. It was a one-of-a-kind game that got positive reviews from around the world and became a success.
Years later, Level-5 announced a sequel called Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. While it was initially slated to release in October 2024, the game was postponed to 2025 for unknown reasons. Some are of the opinion that Nintendo is waiting for their new console. It that the case? Only time can tell.
For now, we know that Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time will retain the series’ core gameplay mechanics. In addition, players will now be engaged in rebuilding a world destroyed long before the point in time where the game starts. You can even swap between different lives to help others restore the world and uncover the story around its destruction. There is also a co-op mode that will allow up to four people to enjoy the narrative together.
Possible new Nintendo Switch exclusive games that have not been announced yet
1. A new 3D Super Mario game
Genre: Platformer
Release date: TBA
The last mainline 3D game in the Super Mario Bros. franchise was released back in 2017. It has been more than seven years now, so naturally fans are getting impatient about the launch of a fresh title. Many think that they will see a new entry in this franchise with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. Is that going to be the case? There’s no telling, so all we can do for now is sit and see how things unfold.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Twilight Princess HD
Genre: Action, adventure
Release date: TBA
These two celebrated games are believed to be on Nintendo’s to-release list for at least a couple of years now. They were first released on the Nintendo Wii U and some leakers suggested that the titles will be launching on the Switch alongside the Metroid Prime trilogy remasters. As of now, we have only received Metroid Prime Remastered, but fans strongly believe that the rest of the titles will show up eventually.
Once again, we have to assume that Nintendo is deliberately holding most of its big-ticket titles to cash in on them when they reveal the Switch 2, and it makes sense from a marketing standpoint. Till then, these Legend of Zelda remakes remain on our list of the probable Nintendo Switch exclusive games for 2025.
(Hero and Featured Images Credit: Nintendo)
This story originally appeared in Augustman Singapore
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the best Nintendo Switch exclusive game releasing in 2025.
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Let Rohit Sejwal be your guide to the immersive world of video games. Gaming isn't just a passion for him, it has become an integral part of his lifestyle. When he is not gaming or writing about it, he can be found spending time with his dogs or watching cult movies. He has previously worked as a gaming writer for Essentially Sports and Fandom Wire.
