After four years of making its mark on the Switch, MLB The Show continues to wow with its ambitious attempt to pack a fully featured sports game into Nintendo’s aging system. It’s quite remarkable to see such a complete experience on the Switch, though recommending it wholeheartedly has become tricky if it’s not your sole option for playing virtual baseball. Over these years of reviewing MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report, I’ve seen how masterfully polished and consistently improved every game mode has become. Yet, it’s tough not to wish this brilliance wasn’t hamstrung by the limitations of a decades-old console.
A major highlight this year is the significant overhaul of the online-only Diamond Dynasty. For newcomers, this mode allows you to gather virtual cards, craft your own team, and compete across various solo and multiplayer scenarios. Previously, Diamond Dynasty would reset collections due to its seasonal structure, which felt convoluted. Thankfully, 2025 ushers in a more straightforward approach, although it now takes longer to build up top-notch teams. Despite this slower pace, the change is largely beneficial.
Adding flair to the mode is the innovative Diamond Quest, a rogue-like board game experience. Here, you roll a die to navigate around a grid, encountering quick and engaging challenges. Tasks range from striking out two batters in an inning to more extended three-inning games. This concept remains a standout in MLB The Show 25, but alas, the Switch’s slow load times sap its energy, turning what should be dynamic fun into a bit of a grind. The lack of challenge variety doesn’t help, but much of the blame lies with the sluggish performance on the Switch.
The Road to the Show mode, which allows you to create a player and guide their career, saw major changes last year that I largely enjoyed. This year, it’s refined even further with options to start in high school or college. While it feels more polished, it still faces technical drawbacks on the Switch.
Franchise mode, an area I didn’t explore much before, sees noteworthy improvements. Historically consistent, this version has evolved into a deeply detailed general manager simulation. You’ll find layers like free agency, drafts, and arbitration more nuanced and engaging. For those who revel in managing budgets and strategies, it’s a dangerously engrossing mode. However, the learning curve is steep, as the initial tutorials could be more comprehensive, though once you grasp the fundamentals, it’s immensely satisfying to sculpt your team with an arsenal of managerial tools.
While the Storylines museum modes captured attention in 2023, this edition starts to feel a tad repetitive. Nevertheless, exploring the stories of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes never fails to impress. Sony’s promise of future updates with additional Storylines keeps the anticipation alive, though the absence of new content akin to last year’s Derek Jeter Storyline is a bit disappointing. Even if it repeats elements from past games, the Negro Leagues content remains stellar.
If the only console at your disposal is a Nintendo Switch and you’re craving a licensed baseball game, MLB The Show 25 will suffice. Though it captures the essence of the series’ superb gameplay and variety, the Switch’s limitations leave this version feeling a bit constrained. Here’s hoping that Switch 2 offers a more robust platform for MLB The Show 26’s future release.
