Nintendo Still Has 3 Huge Games Releasing Before the End of 2025 (& 1 Is a Switch 2 Exclusive)

The last year or so has felt a bit slow for Nintendo, largely as fans awaited the official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. But even after that console hit the market, many felt like things didn’t quite pick up pace as expected. We’ve had a handful of games arrive on the Switch 2 exclusively so far, but 2025 hasn’t brought us much in the way of major new entries from Nintendo. However, with a few months yet to go, some of the biggest new Nintendo games are still on the way.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched alongside the new Mario Kart World. That’s been a relative success, but many fans are ready for more new games from Nintendo. The developer dropped Donkey Kong Bonanza a few months after the new console, adding to the handful of Switch 2 exclusives out there. With only a few Switch 2 games so far, the September Nintendo Direct felt a little lackluster to many. But before you write off 2025, keep in mind that some of the biggest games for the Nintendo console are still headed our way.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Nintendo has long been the go-to console for new main series Pokemon games. Legends: Z-A is a bit of an in-between, not quite a spinoff, not quite a main series. But it’s still the biggest new Pokemon game to hit consoles since Pokemon Scarlet & Violet all the way back in 2022. As such, this game is a pretty big deal, and it’s headed our way on October 16th.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A will release with both a Nintendo Switch and a Nintendo Switch 2 version. So, Nintendo fans who’ve upgraded and those who haven’t yet put up the cost of a new console alike can enjoy this upcoming Nintendo release. That said, with Scarlet & Violet running so much better on Switch 2, I know I’m not alone in eyeing that Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Switch 2 bundle.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

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At long last, we finally have a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This highly anticipated new game starring Samus Aran has been a key focus for Nintendo fans for quite some time. With the September Direct finally confirming a release date for the next Metroid installment, we know it’ll be a big hit for Nintendo this year. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases on December 4th, 2025, just ahead of the holidays.

Like Legends: Z-A, this game will release with both a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 version. That means yet another game that isn’t a Switch 2 exclusive, but it also means fans can enjoy the latest Metroid game even if a new Switch 2 isn’t quite in the budget for 2025. There will be an upgrade patch to move from Switch to Switch 2 when the time comes, as well, though it’s to the tune of an additional $10 USD.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

For Switch 2 owners looking to build up that library of exclusive games, we’ve got one big Switch 2 exclusive headed our way this year. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment arrives on November 6th for the Switch 2, and the Switch 2 only. This is the latest game in the Hyrule Warriors story and will fill in some of the details of Princess Zelda’s backstory, as hinted at in Tears of the Kingdom.

Hyrule Warriors may not be a new main series Zelda game, but it’s still a solid entry in the franchise. Our Princess Zelda is having her moment in recent years, with her solo game Echoes of Wisdom and now this prominent role in Age of Imprisonment. If you’re looking for Nintendo to give you a reason to grab a Switch 2 this year, Hyrule Warriors is one of the most compelling arguments.

While 2026 will likely be a bigger year when it comes to new games to play on Nintendo consoles, 2025 isn’t going out without a few more great games.

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