One other yr is right here and meaning it’s time for our yearly Nintendo predictions! Put in your considering caps 🧢 and be part of us as we attempt to guess what Nintendo will do subsequent! 🧐
Take a look at final yr’s predictions HERE to see how we did!
For Justin in 2025:
GameCube video games will likely be introduced for the Nintendo Swap On-line service.
✅ Yep, we lastly have GameCube video games on the service.
A brand new Mario Kart recreation will likely be introduced in 2025, hopefully releasing this yr too.
✅ Yep, Mario Kart World was introduced and launched in 2025
2024 was a uncommon yr with out a new Pokémon recreation (not counting Pokémon TCG Pocket, although I’ve been having fun with it myself). I believe we’ll see Pokémon Legends ZA launch in 2025 and possibly a tease at one other Pokémon recreation.
✅ Yep, Pokemon Legends Z-A launched in 2025 and we acquired a tease for a brand new Pokemon recreation referred to as Pokopia
I believe we’ll see a brand new Kirby recreation this yr – it might be a port of an older recreation however right here’s hoping for a observe as much as Forgotten Land.
✅ Yep, a Swap 2 Version for Forgotten Land was launched in addition to the shock announcement of Kirby Air Riders
(Swap 2 associated – Carry over from 2024) – The Swap successor will likely be introduced AND launched this yr. I might see it being referred to as merely Nintendo Swap 2 to be the least complicated on everybody.
✅ Yep, the Swap 2 was lastly revealed and launched. They usually even went with the simplest identify: Nintendo Swap 2
(Swap 2 associated – Carry over from 2024) – We’re due for a brand new 3D Mario, I might see it launch with the brand new system.
🚫 Nope, Donkey Kong Bananza was Nintendo’s alternative for 3D platformer this yr and it didn’t disappoint! I say let ’em prepare dinner for the brand new 3D Mario a bit longer.
(Swap 2 associated – Carry over from 2024) – Nintendo will proceed to promote the unique Swap alongside the successor.
✅ Yep, in actual fact the Swap 1 remains to be promoting effectively due to the upper price of the Swap 2
We’ll see an announcement a few new Smash Bros. recreation whether or not that’s transferring Final from the Swap as much as the Swap 2 with new characters/phases (just like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Cross) or an entire new recreation fully.
🚫 Nope, nothing on the Smash Bros. entrance but however with Sakurai achieved with Kirby Air Riders, who is aware of what he would possibly do subsequent!
(Swap 2 associated – Carry over from 2024) – Nintendo made good strides with third occasion help with the Swap. I believe that can proceed and I believe we’ll get a serious franchise introduced for the successor that even the Swap missed out on (suppose franchises like Madden, Grand Theft Auto, Name of Obligation, Battlefield, Far Cry, and so forth)
✅ Sure, Madden formally got here again to a Nintendo platform for the primary time because the Wii U oddly sufficient again in 2012. I used to be actually hoping for extra however I believe third events are simply getting began on Swap 2.
(Swap 2 associated) – I believe the Swap 2 will launch at $399.
For context:
GameCube worth at launch: $199
Wii worth at launch: $249
Wii U worth at launch: $299 (deluxe model at $349)
Swap worth at launch: $299
Swap OLED worth at launch: $349
🚫 Nope, due to a commerce struggle / tariffs, $399 wasn’t to be and the Swap 2 launched at $449. I believe Nintendo deliberate for it to be at $399 however needed to regulate late for all of the tariffs.
Wild Playing cards (2 factors every)
It hasn’t been that lengthy since we’ve had a Zelda recreation however I really feel like Nintendo will a minimum of announce a Zelda recreation for the Swap 2’s first yr, even when it’s simply the oft-rumored Twilight Princess HD and/or Wind Waker HD ports.
I’ll simply do 1 level right here as an alternative of two — these had been simply Swap 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom which isn’t actually what I used to be considering of after I made this prediction
A brand new Wave Race will likely be introduced.
🚫 Nope
That’s 8 factors for Justin
For Trev in 2025:
The Nintendo Swap would be the first console to hit 160 million, surpassing each the DS and PS2 within the course of. Will Jim Ryan transfer the goalposts once more and declare the PS2 truly offered 170 million?
✅ We don’t truly know this 100% but as Nintendo hasn’t given out their This autumn outcomes however on the finish of Q3, the Swap 1 was at 154.01 million items so I’m considering it is a lock
We’ll get a movie-themed Direct for the upcoming Tremendous Mario Bros. 2 and/or Zelda movie(s). The vocals will generate chatter, Mario voiced by Chris Pratt within the former, and Hyperlink voiced by (probably) no person within the latter.
✅ Yep, they held a Direct for the 2nd Mario film which is named ‘The Tremendous Mario Galaxy Film’
I predict Nintendo will discontinue the unique Swap fashions, with solely the Lite and OLED remaining at retail. Anticipate bundles for every pushing Swap On-line, with free gives. Alongside these traces…
🚫 Nope, Nintendo determined to nonetheless promote the bottom mannequin, presumably due to tariffs so that they nonetheless had some decrease price choices for shoppers.
Nintendo Swap On-line will see a large alteration. Whether or not it’s the addition of latest consoles like GameCube, altering the value construction, or merging plans, anticipate a change to come back with the introduction of latest {hardware}.
✅ Yep, GameCube was added and the service is now named ‘Nintendo Classics’, no different pricing changes have been made
Talking of latest {hardware}, Swap 2 (or no matter it’s referred to as) can have a pack-in recreation at launch, in contrast to its predecessor. Will it’s a Mario recreation just like the SNES had? A household recreation like Wii? Or one highlighting regardless of the distinctive {hardware} options are a la Wii U.
🚫 Nope, though it arguably ought to have had one
At the least one launch window title for the brand new {hardware} will incorporate movement controls, resulting in decry or delight relying on if you happen to’re a fan or not.
✅ Sure, Nintendo Swap 2 Welcome Tour had some movement management mini video games
2025 will convey a brand new console, however I predict some older {hardware} options will return. I’m considering alongside the traces of Nintendo Badge Arcade or among the Wii channels (which have come again into consciousness due to Nintendo Music)
🚫 The closest I can suppose is a few themes being added to the Swap on-line service however that’s been there for some time I believe
Not solely will well-liked amiibo preserve seeing re-releases, however new ones will likely be launched to tie in with a minimum of one launch window recreation.
✅ Yep, some new Zelda amiibo launched with the Swap 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Extra within the gaming business will proceed to flee Twitter for Bluesky. Maybe Nintendo will even reintroduce screen-sharing integration.
0.5 level Extra individuals fortunately have moved in the direction of Bluesky however Nintendo has largely stayed put. Undecided on this one however I don’t suppose something occurred on the screen-sharing entrance.
Regardless of new {hardware}, Nintendo will preserve supporting the Swap. Anticipate sizable updates to some well-liked video games (new content material price DLC updates) plus ports of older hits (Metroid Prime 2 & 3, Tremendous Mario Galaxy 2, and so forth.)
✅ Yep, Tremendous Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 launched this yr and there have been additionally different Swap 1 video games introduced.
Wild Playing cards (2 factors every)
Nintendo hasn’t been recognized for conventional sports activities video games for fairly a while, however previously, they’ve labored with stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Kobe Bryant. Will 2025 be a yr the place we get a first-party sports activities sim? It is likely to be a protracted shot, however I’ll say sure.
🚫 Sadly no
2025 will likely be ten years since Tri Drive Heroes and twenty since 4 Swords Adventures. I predict some multiplayer Zelda love in a single type or one other.
🚫 Sadly no
That’s 6.5 factors for Trev
Justin took again the 👑 this yr nevertheless it was nonetheless a stable yr for each of us predictions-wise!
Justin’s Predictions
The tenth technology of Pokémon video games will likely be introduced and launched this yr for the franchise’s thirtieth anniversary. I can hear it within the wind and waves 😉
I believe we’ll lastly get the unique Pokemon video games ported to the Nintendo Classics on-line service and/or simply launched as eShop standalone variations with Pokemon Residence compatibility. This is able to be an effective way for individuals who missed out on the preliminary craze to meet up with the originals.
I believe we’ll a minimum of see an announcement this yr for what Monolith Tender (Xenoblade devs) is engaged on subsequent. I’d actually be up for a brand new Xenoblade however a brand new IP can be thrilling too.
Additionally, on the subject of Xenoblade, I believe we’ll get some Swap 2 editions of some or all the earlier video games.
Star Fox will get some form of love this yr, even when it’s simply Star Fox Adventures and/or Star Fox Assault on the GameCube Nintendo Classics service.
Zelda has its fortieth anniversary this yr. I believe we’ll see some new remasters introduced (hopefully the lengthy rumored Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD get the 4K therapy as full Swap 2 Editions). We’d even see the subsequent, new Zelda recreation teased.
It’s Animal Crossing’s twenty fifth anniversary. I believe we might see the reveal of a brand new one for Swap 2 this yr however presumably not releasing this yr.
Samus is celebrating her fortieth anniversary as effectively. With the current launch of Metroid Prime 4: Past, I believe this yr can be a good time to launch a Metroid Prime 2 Remastered and ensure improvement of a Metroid Prime 3 Remastered therapy too.
We’ll see extra help from Microsoft this yr on the Swap 2 as they’ve successfully ‘gone third occasion’. I wouldn’t be stunned to see a few of their main titles from current years get ported and possibly even a few of their upcoming 2026 releases as effectively (this could be along with their already introduced port of Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle).
There are a number of fortieth anniversaries this yr, considered one of which being Child Icarus. Possibly it’s time for a Child Icarus Rebellion remaster to launch.
Wild Playing cards*
Castlevania has its fortieth anniversary in 2026, I might see the lengthy rumored revival introduced this yr and because it debuted on Nintendo platforms all these years in the past, I believe we’ll see it have a Swap 2 model.
GTA VI will get introduced for the Swap 2 (this would definitely be a loopy get for Nintendo on the third occasion entrance)
Trev’s Predictions
We’re already conscious that the unique Swap goes to get first-party video games in 2026, like a brand new Rhythm Heaven (joyful twentieth anniversary to that sequence). With this in thoughts, I’m predicting that the subsequent Tomadachi Life entry, Dwelling the Dream, will be part of its 3DS predecessor within the million-seller membership.
Despite the fact that we already know of a pair (together with a recreation in my subsequent prediction), I anticipate to see fewer Nintendo Swap 2 editions of beforehand launched Swap video games within the console’s first full yr. Wishful considering, admittedly, however I’m going with it.
The Nintendo Swap 2 Version of Tremendous Mario Surprise (+ Meetup in Bellabel Park for a mouthful) would possibly tide us over within the Spring, however I’m assured by autumn, we’ll a minimum of get a tease for Mario’s subsequent 3D journey. Talking of Mario…
The Tremendous Mario Galaxy Film will likely be a hit on the cinema, however my intestine tells me it gained’t fairly match its predecessor’s field workplace take, though I hope I’m incorrect. And one final point out of Mario…
Mario Kart World DLC looks as if a lock. I’m hoping for some new characters, tracks, and a music participant. No matter will get added is certain to inject some thrilling life into the launch title.
Regardless of the common reception for Drag x Drive, I predict we’ll see one other first-party mouse-controlled recreation, most likely a lower-priced eShop-only launch. Hopefully, its reception will likely be stronger.
A few years in the past, I predicted that we would lastly get extra information on the Detective Pikachu movie follow-up. However given the lengthy passage of time, and the industrial and important underperformance of the final recreation, I believe the Pokémon thirtieth anniversary will come and go with out us studying a lot (if something) in regards to the Ryan Reynolds sequel.
Following up Rosalina’s Storybook, we’ll probably see a minimum of one different high-profile bodily goodie from Nintendo in 2026. I wouldn’t be stunned if it was overpriced (however nonetheless offered out).
And talking of overpricing, amiibo costs are skyrocketing, resulting from tariffs, or just the complexity and dimension of current ones (Kirby, Metroid). With this in thoughts, I believe we’ll see extra amiibo playing cards, a la Animal Crossing, Mario Sports activities Superstars, and most lately, Road Fighter 6.
I’ve made Zelda predictions three years in a row with minimal success. I’ll go the safer route this yr, and predict that Twilight Princess will get ported to Swap 2 to rejoice the sport’s twentieth anniversary. (The most secure route can be predicting a film trailer, however that’s a given, proper?)
Wild Playing cards*
Our new NOA president, Devon Pritchard, was launched to us holding a Pikmin plush. I predict this glimpse into her persona is a tease for one thing Pikmin-related in 2026. Possibly a brand new Pikmin quick to observe up “Near You”? Or a port of the underrated 3DS recreation, Hey! Pikmin?
If the Digital Boy and its small library can return with gimmicky {hardware}, why not among the Sport Boy motion-controlled tilt video games? How neat would it not be for the GBA’s twenty fifth anniversary to have an adjunct mannequin to play Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, Yoshi Topsy-Turvy, WarioWare: Twisted!, and possibly the Japanese exclusives?
*Wild Playing cards are value 2 factors
