Nintendo 2025 Forecast: What Lies Ahead?

As we roll into another year, it’s time for our annual Nintendo predictions! Grab your thinking caps and join us as we dive into the possibilities of what Nintendo might surprise us with next!

If you’re curious about how our guesses fared last year, check out our previous predictions.

Justin’s 2024 Predictions:

• Metroid Prime 4 would re-emerge, showcasing the new visual prowess of the Switch’s successor.

  • Half a point: A trailer did drop, but it hasn’t become the flagship game for the Switch successor…yet. Fingers crossed for 2025!

• Black/White Pokémon remakes would be announced, likely during a Pokémon Day event.

  • Incorrect.

• The Switch’s successor would be unveiled and released, though not under the name ‘New Nintendo Switch.’ Perhaps something more powerful-sounding like ‘Switch Nitro.’

  • Nope.

• We could see a new 3D Mario game coinciding with the new system’s launch.

  • Not this year.

• Metroid Prime 2 would be remastered, maybe even MP3, though possibly released later.

  • Didn’t happen.

• F-Zero would get recognized more in 2024.

  • Correct! While a new game didn’t surface, there were updates to F-Zero 99 and additions via Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). Here’s hoping this paves the way for a new game in 2025!

• Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD would come to Switch.

  • Didn’t pan out.

• The original Switch would remain on sale alongside the successor.

  • Remains to be seen.

• Backwards compatibility of all Switch games on the new system would be emphasized.

  • Absolutely correct! Nintendo confirmed this in 2024 regarding the successor.
• Nintendo would continue gaining third-party support with a major franchise debuting on the new system, one that the Switch missed.
  • Unclear yet.

Wild Cards:

• A new Donkey Kong game would be revealed.

  • Sadly no. An HD port was announced, but no fresh DK adventure. Fingers crossed for the future!
• Next Mario Kart title would get announced.
  • Didn’t happen.

Total Points for Justin: 2.5

Trev’s 2024 Predictions:

• Another mobile app or game from Nintendo would drop this year.

  • Yes! Pokémon TCG Pocket arrived.

• A new full-fledged Dr. Mario would debut.

  • Nope.

• Tomodachi Life would make a Switch appearance to mark its 10th year.

  • Did not occur.

• Revisiting the idea of A Link Between Worlds getting an HD update, possibly seeing the Oracle games remade instead.

  • Half a point: The Link’s Awakening HD engine was reused, but for the new Echoes of Wisdom, not the Oracle games.

• Nintendo would offer something big to lure in Switch Online users.

  • Didn’t happen.

• Finally predicting a Switch successor announcement, though not a release.

  • Yes! While announced, it’s yet to be released.

• If a new console launches in 2025, expect a blend of budget offerings, price reductions, and a Nintendo Select line.

  • Nope, just more bundles from Nintendo.

• The million-seller games on Switch might break into triple digits.

  • Yes, indeed! 97 games reached that milestone, per Wikipedia.
• Some themed amiibo related to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s Switch release.
  • No luck here.

Wild Cards:

• Skylanders would make a comeback, appealing greatly to Nintendo fans.

  • Nope.
• Pure Nintendo would expand its audience on the Blue Sky app.
  • Yes! We’re active on Blue Sky now.

Total Points for Trev: 5.5

With Trev clinching victory this year, as Nintendo holds off on debuting the Switch 2, here’s to hoping 2025 is the year it finally arrives!

Justin’s Future Predictions:

• GameCube classics will debut on the Switch Online service.
• A new Mario Kart installment is expected in 2025, potentially launching the same year.
• After a rare break in 2024 without a new Pokémon adventure (aside from Pokémon TCG Pocket), Pokémon Legends ZA might release in 2025, with possibly another game tease.
• Anticipating a new Kirby game in 2025, either a port or hopefully a sequel to Forgotten Land.
• Continuing from 2024, hopes remain for a Switch successor announcement and launch, potentially named simply Nintendo Switch 2.
• A new 3D Mario game is anticipated to accompany the new system’s release.
• The original Switch will continue to sell alongside its successor.
• Backwards compatibility remains a key feature, with all Switch games transferable and playable from Day 1.
• Nintendo’s progress with third-party support should lead to big-name franchise announcements for the successor.
• The new system might hit the market at $399.

For Context:

• GameCube price at launch: $199
• Wii price: $249
• Wii U price (deluxe): $349
• Switch & Switch OLED: $299 & $349, respectively

Wild Cards:

• A new Zelda game may be announced for the Switch 2 within its first year, likely the rumored Twilight Princess HD and/or Wind Waker HD.
• Anticipating the announcement of a new Wave Race game.

Trev’s Future Predictions:

• The Nintendo Switch could reach 160 million sales, surpassing the DS and PS2 milestones.
• Anticipating a movie-themed Direct showcasing either Super Mario Bros. 2 or a Zelda film.
• Discontinuation of original Switch models, leaving the Lite and OLED, complete with enticing bundles.
• Expect a major shift in Nintendo Switch Online, possibly introducing GameCube titles or altering pricing with new hardware.
• The Switch 2 release may include a pack-in game, unlike its forerunner.
• Launch titles might feature motion controls, possibly sparking mixed reactions.
• The new console could revisit older hardware features, perhaps like Nintendo Badge Arcade or certain Wii channels.
• Amiibo releases will continue to suit upcoming games.
• A continued exodus from Twitter to Bluesky, perhaps inspiring Nintendo to reintegrate screen-sharing.
• Ongoing Switch support through significant updates and ports of classic games.

Wild Cards:

• Nintendo might reintroduce a first-party sports sim, reminiscent of past collaborations with sports stars.
• Commemorating a decade since Tri Force Heroes and two since Four Swords Adventures, multiplayer Zelda content might appear.

What predictions do you have for 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!