Nintendo has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for its upcoming Switch 2 console, detailing a robust launch lineup for 2025. The console’s first year promises a blend of beloved franchises, ambitious sequels, and surprising revivals, aiming to solidify its place in the market. However, the pricing of some titles and accessories has already sparked debate among fans.
Key Takeaways
- A strong first-party lineup includes "Metroid Prime 4 Beyond," "Pokémon Legends Z-A," and a "Super Mario Galaxy" bundle.
- Third-party support is robust, featuring titles like "Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade," "Borderlands 4," and "Dragon Ball Sparking ZERO."
- The Virtual Boy is making a comeback via Nintendo Switch Online, requiring a separate purchase of a replica headset.
- Concerns have been raised about the pricing of new games and accessories, with some fans calling it "greedy."
A Stacked First-Party Slate
Nintendo is leaning heavily on its established franchises for the Switch 2’s debut year. "Metroid Prime 4 Beyond" is finally set to launch in December 2025, promising expansive alien worlds and deep lore. "Pokémon Legends Z-A," set in a futuristic Lumiose City, is expected to offer a fresh take on the series with real-time mechanics. Fans will also be treated to a remastered bundle of "Super Mario Galaxy" and "Super Mario Galaxy 2," alongside "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment" and the revival of "Kirby Air Ride."
A special "Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends Z-A Edition" bundle will be available for $499.99, featuring a custom-designed console.
Diverse Third-Party Offerings
The Switch 2’s library will be further bolstered by a wide array of third-party titles. This includes the highly anticipated "Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade," which will be released as a game key card due to its massive 90GB file size, requiring a microSD Express card. Other notable releases include "Borderlands 4," "Dragon Ball Sparking ZERO," "Persona 3 Reload," and "Hades II."
The Virtual Boy Revival and Fan Backlash
In a surprising move, Nintendo announced that 14 Virtual Boy games will be added to the Nintendo Switch Online service starting February 17, 2026. To experience these games in stereoscopic 3D, players will need to purchase a replica Virtual Boy headset for $99.99, or a more affordable cardboard version for $24.99. This announcement, coupled with the pricing of new games like the "Super Mario Galaxy" bundle at $69.99, has led to significant fan outcry, with many criticizing Nintendo’s pricing strategy as excessive.
Despite the criticism, Nintendo has stated that pricing decisions are based on factors such as development cost, gameplay depth, and replayability. The company also noted that the Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling home console of all time.
Sources
- Nintendo Switch 2 2025 game releases: Every title confirmed with preorder links and prices, Mashable.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Getting 14 Free Games We Definitely Never Asked For, GAMINGbible.
- games, release date, price and everything you need to know, The Shortcut | Matt Swider.
- Nintendo fans furious about new “rip-off” prices for Switch 2 games: "Just greedy as fuck", NME.
- If you’re hankering to play Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on Switch 2, then be warned: it’s massive and
will be a Game Key card, TechRadar.
