Forecasting Nintendo’s Future: What to Expect in 2025

With a new year upon us, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of Nintendo predictions for the upcoming year. Grab your thinking caps and let’s speculate about what Nintendo has in store for us next!

Take a peek at last year’s predictions to see how we fared!

### Justin’s Predictions for 2024:

Metroid Prime 4 is once again set to make an appearance, showcasing the graphical prowess of the anticipated Switch successor.

– 🟢 Result: Partial hit. We got a new trailer, though it hasn’t become the marquee title for the Switch successor—yet. Fingers crossed for 2025!

The Pokémon Company will announce remakes for Pokémon Black and White, likely during the Pokémon Day celebration.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t happen.

The successor to the Nintendo Switch will be both announced and released this year. Although it may not be called ‘New Nintendo Switch,’ expect a name that signifies a leap in power, perhaps ‘Switch Nitro.’

– ❌ Result: No new release this year. 😭

A new 3D Mario title is due, possibly launching with the new system.

– ❌ Result: Not this time.

A remaster of Metroid Prime 2 and possibly Metroid Prime 3 is anticipated.

– ❌ Result: Not this year.

The F-Zero series will see some resurgence in 2024.

– ✅ Result: Correct! While not a new game or F-Zero GX remaster, we did see updates to F-Zero 99 and some love from Nintendo Switch Online. Here’s hoping for a bigger comeback in 2025!

Expect Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD to be ported to the Switch.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t happen.

Nintendo will continue selling the original Switch alongside the new successor.

– ❌ / Unknown: We’re still waiting on confirmation.

Backwards compatibility will be a major draw for the new system, allowing all Switch games to be played from Day 1. This will mark Nintendo’s first fully compatible digital account system.

– ✅ Result: Confirmed by Nintendo as one of the key features for the Switch successor.

Nintendo, having improved third-party support with the Switch, will likely secure big franchises for the successor, potentially games like Madden, Grand Theft Auto, or Call of Duty.

– ❌ / Unknown: We’re still waiting on news.

### Wild Cards (2 Points Each)

– A new Donkey Kong game will finally be announced, gathering momentum with the new system and Donkey Kong section at Super Nintendo World in Japan.

– ❌ Result: No new DK game, just an HD port announcement.

– An announcement for the next Mario Kart installment is expected.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t happen.

Overall, Justin scored 2.5 points.

### Trev’s Predictions for 2024:

Nintendo will release another mobile app or game this year.

– ✅ Result: Yes, Pokémon TCG Pocket made its appearance.

The puzzle series Dr. Mario will receive a full-fledged new entry, bypassing download-only versions.

– ❌ Result: No Dr. Mario news.

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Tomodachi Life will make its return on the Switch, stemming from recent trademark filings.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t come to fruition.

Reviving my previous prediction, I foresee either A Link Between Worlds in HD or the Oracle games receiving a remake using the Link’s Awakening HD engine.

– 🟢 Result: Partial hit. The engine was redeployed for Echoes of Wisdom instead of a remake of the Oracle games.

Nintendo will entice new or returning Switch Online users with substantial offerings—not just game trials or sporadic older releases.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t happen.

Foreseeing a Switch successor announcement, although not necessarily a release.

– ✅ Result: Correct, with Nintendo confirming the successor without release.

Should the new console not arrive until 2025, expect Nintendo to bolster Switch sales with a mix of budget ports, possible price reductions, and a line of Nintendo Selects.

– ❌ Result: Only saw more bundles from Nintendo.

With over 80 titles selling over a million copies, I predict this list will expand, possibly hitting the 100-game milestone.

– ✅ Result: 97 games made the list, according to Wikipedia.

The launch of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Switch should bring in amiibo, given its colorful characters and popular appeal.

– ❌ Result: Not this year.

### Wild Cards (2 Points Each)

– Skylanders will make a return, finding popularity on Nintendo systems given past affiliations.

– ❌ Result: Didn’t occur.

– With the exodus from Twitter, Pure Nintendo will connect with a new audience on the Bluesky app.

– ✅ Result: Spot on! Pure Nintendo has embraced Bluesky.

Trev secured a solid 5.5 points.

With Trev taking the win, it seems Nintendo is pacing itself for the release of the Switch 2. Here’s hoping 2025 is the big year!

### Justin’s Predictions for 2025:

– GameCube games will arrive on Nintendo Switch Online.
– A new Mario Kart will be announced in 2025, with hopes for a release within the same year.
– Expect a return to Pokémon with Pokémon Legends ZA and perhaps a tease for another new game.
– Anticipate a fresh Kirby game, potentially a follow-up to Forgotten Land.
– The Switch successor will become official—perhaps simply named Switch 2.
– A new 3D Mario could be a launch title for the new system.
– Nintendo will keep selling the original Switch alongside the new iteration.
– Backward compatibility will remain key, maintaining continuity across digital setups.
– Continued third-party support is expected, with major franchises on the horizon.
– The Switch 2 might launch at a price point around $399.

As for the historical context:

– GameCube launched at $199
– Wii at $249
– Wii U at $299 (deluxe $349)
– Original Switch at $299
– Switch OLED at $349

### Wild Cards

– Even without a long gap since the last Zelda game, at least an announcement is anticipated—hopefully Twilight Princess HD or Wind Waker HD.
– A new Wave Race title could be in the cards.

### Trev’s Predictions for 2025:

– The Nintendo Switch could reach 160 million units, dethroning gaming legends like the DS and PS2.
– Watch out for Direct announcements for upcoming films like Super Mario Bros. 2 or a Zelda movie, sparking chatter about voice castings.
– Original Switch units might be discontinued, leaving only the Lite and OLED to thrive, complete with enticing bundles.
– Nintendo Switch Online is likely to undergo a transformation, possibly introducing new consoles, altering pricing models, or merging plans with new hardware.
– The next console’s launch could feature a bundled game, hinting at its direction—perhaps similar to past hits with either Mario, a family favorite, or a tech showcase.
– Motion controls could return, making some rejoice while others groan.
– As the new console arrives, old gem features like Nintendo Badge Arcade or nostalgic Wii channels might revive.
– Amiibo will stay relevant, with re-releases and new additions aligning with upcoming games.
– With more moving away from Twitter, even Nintendo might adapt, potentially reintroducing screen-sharing integrations.
– Nintendo will continue to bolster Switch, rolling out significant updates for existing games and refreshing ports of classics.

### Wild Cards

– Could Nintendo venture back into traditional sports games, drawing inspiration from past collaborations with sports legends?
– With anniversaries for Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords Adventures, a cooperative Zelda game could be a worthy present.

What are your predictions for 2025? We’d love to hear them in the comments!