Nintendo Switch Games 2025: Pokémon Legends Z-A, Metroid Prime 4
The Nintendo Switch has enjoyed a historic run, captivating millions with its innovative hybrid design and a library brimming with iconic titles. While the console is in its twilight years, Nintendo is far from finished supporting its massive player base. The curtain hasn't fallen just yet. A slate of highly anticipated games is still on the horizon, promising to give the platform a spectacular send-off in 2025 and potentially even further.
This guide details every major confirmed game coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2025 and looks ahead to the most anticipated titles that are still in development. From world-spanning adventures in beloved franchises to the return of classic puzzle-solvers, here is the definitive list of upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch.
Confirmed Switch Games Releasing in 2025
While the release calendar for the year is still taking shape, Nintendo and its partners have already confirmed several blockbuster titles guaranteed to arrive in 2025. These games represent major installments in some of gaming's most cherished franchises.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Announced during a Pokémon Presents presentation, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is poised to be one of the biggest releases of 2025. The title is a new entry in the *Legends* series, which began with the critically acclaimed *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. This new adventure will take players back to the Kalos region, first introduced in *Pokémon X* and *Y*.
However, this isn't the Kalos we remember. The game is set entirely within Lumiose City, the region's central metropolis. The story appears to revolve around an urban redevelopment plan for the city, aiming to create a place where humans and Pokémon can live together in harmony. The "Z-A" in the title hints at a connection to the legendary Pokémon Zygarde and the reintroduction of Mega Evolution, a fan-favorite feature from the original Kalos games. The game is confirmed for a simultaneous worldwide launch for the Nintendo Switch family of systems in 2025.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
The gentleman puzzle-solver is making his long-awaited return. *Professor Layton and the New World of Steam* marks the first brand-new entry in the mainline series in over a decade. Set one year after the emotional conclusion of *Professor Layton and the Unwound Future*, the game sees the titular professor and his apprentice, Luke Triton, travel to Steam Bison, America.
Developed by Level-5, the game promises a new mystery filled with the clever, brain-teasing puzzles the series is famous for. The new steam-powered setting provides a fresh backdrop for adventure, and early footage showcases a beautifully evolved art style that retains the charm of the original games. For fans of narrative-driven puzzle games, this is a must-watch title confirmed to arrive in 2025.
Anticipated Games Without a Release Date (Beyond 2025?)
Beyond the confirmed 2025 schedule, some massive projects are known to be in active development for the Nintendo Switch. While these titles lack a firm release window, their eventual arrival is a source of immense excitement for fans around the world.
Metroid Prime 4
Perhaps the most anticipated and enigmatic title in the Switch's future lineup is *Metroid Prime 4*. First announced with a simple logo years ago, the game's development has been a long and carefully watched journey. In a move of transparency, Nintendo announced in early 2019 that development had been restarted from scratch.
The project was handed over to Retro Studios, the talented team behind the original *Metroid Prime* trilogy, a decision that was met with widespread approval from the community. Since then, official news has been silent, but development is actively underway. It is unknown if *Metroid Prime 4* will be a Switch-exclusive title or a cross-generational release for Nintendo's next console, but its existence confirms that Samus Aran's next first-person adventure is on its way.
Other Possibilities and The Road Ahead
While the list of firmly announced titles for 2025 and beyond is concise, it's also powerful. The presence of a new *Pokémon Legends* game and the return of *Professor Layton* demonstrate a clear commitment to delivering high-quality, first-party experiences for the Switch. The looming release of *Metroid Prime 4* serves as a massive pillar for the platform's future, whenever it may arrive.
As the lifecycle of the Switch gracefully continues, these games will serve as the system's swan song, celebrating its incredible success. They also highlight a potential strategy of cross-generational releases, allowing the tens of millions of Switch owners to enjoy new games while also providing an attractive launch lineup for future hardware. For now, Switch owners have plenty of reasons to be excited for what's to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the next major Pokémon game for the Nintendo Switch?
The next major installment is *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, a new adventure set in the Kalos region's Lumiose City. It is scheduled for a worldwide release in 2025.
Is Metroid Prime 4 still in development for the Switch?
Yes, *Metroid Prime 4* is actively in development at Retro Studios. While it was announced for the Nintendo Switch, no release date or year has been provided.
Will these upcoming games work on all Nintendo Switch models?
All games announced for the Nintendo Switch are confirmed to be compatible with the entire family of systems, including the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model.