Summary
Initially, it was believed that theNintendo Switch 2would launch sometime in early 2025, but more recent reports about its delay to enter mass production suggest it could be quite a bit later than that. Nevertheless, the more rumors andleaks that surface about the Nintendo Switch 2, the more its impending launch seems to be a reality.
Should theNintendo Switch2 indeed aim for a 2025 release, it may need to work extra hard for the spotlight. As time goes on, more and more highly anticipated titles are either being confirmed for a 2025 launch or delayed from 2024 into next year, which could potentially overshadow the console’s initial reception. However, there may still be a way for the Switch 2 to cut through the noise.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Could Still Make a Name for Itself in 2025
2025 Already Has a Massive Lineup of Highly Anticipated Non-Switch Games
While not every title currently slated for a 2025 launch has been given a release date yet, there is nonetheless a host of highly anticipated games that the Nintendo Switch 2 would have to compete against for attention.The full list of 2025 video game releasesis much longer, but the following non-Switch games have likely grabbed and are continuing to maintain the attention of many before 2024 is even over:
Some of 2025’s Biggest Games Could Announce Switch 2 Editions
Despite thebusy video game launch schedule in 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 could still benefit if some of next year’s anticipated titles revealed plans to be released on the Switch 2 as well at the last minute. Of course, any titles that are already launching as exclusives for their console or brand likely won’t ever make their way to the Switch 2 — likeDeath Stranding 2,Avowed,Ghost of Yotei, andFable. There are also those non-exclusive titles that could be too intensive for the Nintendo Switch 2, likeKingdom Come: Deliverance 2andMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra.
However, there are games coming out in 2025 whose franchise history shows the possibility of them launching on the Nintendo Switch 2. For example, althoughBorderlands 4is not currently confirmed to launch on the Switch, could potentially make its way to the Switch 2, as each game in theBorderlandsseries is already available on the Switch.Monster Hunter Wildsis another title that would make sense for a Nintendo Switch 2 launch, as previousMonster Huntergameshave appeared on the first Switch.
The Nintendo Switch Has Two Noteworthy Exclusives Launching in 2025
At the very least,the Nintendo Switch has two exclusives set to launch in 2025that the Switch 2 could benefit from. The games in question areMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandPokemon Legends: Z-A, both of which carry substantial weight in the industry.Metroid Prime 4: Beyondhasn’t been given an official release date yet, but it has been confirmed to launch in 2025, after a nearly 18-year wait since the lastMetroid Primegame.Pokemon Legends: Z-Adoesn’t have an explicit release date yet either, but it is equally anticipated after the positive reception of its predecessor,Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Time will tell whether the Nintendo Switch 2 launches next year, as well as whether it has what it takes to cut through the noise each of2025’s biggest gameswill inevitably make. Hopefully, some of 2025’s non-exclusive titles will give the Switch 2 a chance, but at leastMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandPokemon Legends: Z-Aare on the docket for the Switch and possibly even the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.