As we dive into a new year, it’s time to dust off our crystal balls for another round of Nintendo predictions! Join us on this exciting guessing game as we try to anticipate what surprises Nintendo has in store this year. Feel free to look back at last year’s predictions to see how we fared!
For Justin in 2024:
Finally, after a long wait, Metroid Prime 4 made its reappearance with a new trailer. While it wasn’t highlighted as a flagship game for the next-gen Switch, there’s still hope that 2025 will bring us more good news!
The Pokémon Company did not announce Black/White remakes this year, much to our disappointment during the Pokémon Presents event.
The much-anticipated successor to the Switch was neither announced nor released this year. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Nintendo comes up with something creative beyond a basic ‘New Nintendo Switch’ name. Perhaps something like ‘Switch Nitro’ could better capture the leap forward in processing power.
We were looking forward to a new 3D Mario, possibly as a launch title for the new system, but no such luck this year.
Hopes for a remaster of Metroid Prime 2, and possibly even MP3, fell flat without any announcements.
Though we didn’t get a brand-new F-Zero game, fans were treated to significant updates for F-Zero 99, along with more attention for the series via Nintendo Switch Online. Could this indicate more to come in 2025?
Sadly, no ports of Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD for the Switch were revealed this year.
Still uncertain if the original Switch will sell alongside its successor, it remains a mystery for now.
One confirmed aspect for the successor was backwards compatibility, allowing all Switch games to be playable from Day 1 on the new system. This welcomed continuity with digital accounts marks a solid step forward for Nintendo.
Nintendo’s efforts to attract more 3rd party support looked promising as we speculated about major franchises like Madden or Call of Duty making an appearance, but no announcements confirmed this yet.
Wild Cards (2 points each):
Despite anticipating a new Donkey Kong game announcement given the buzz around the new Super Nintendo World in Japan, it didn’t happen. An HD port doesn’t quite meet those expectations.
There was hope for news on the next Mario Kart game, but alas, nothing materialized.
Trev’s Predictions for 2024:
Nintendo kept the surprises coming by rolling out a new mobile app, Pokémon TCG Pocket, this year.
The puzzle genre won’t be seeing a brand new Dr. Mario game just yet, sticking instead with previous downloadable entries.
Despite rumors hinting at a return for Tomodachi Life celebrating its 10th anniversary, no announcement made a reality.
A Link Between Worlds HD update remains elusive; instead, the engine found a new life in a fresh game, Echoes of Wisdom.
Nintendo’s offerings to draw in new Switch Online subscriptions didn’t include free new content or significant extras this year.
For the first time, I’ve predicted (correctly) a Switch successor will be announced in 2024—though its actual release date remains in question.
While Metroid Prime 4 was indeed shown off, it’s unclear whether it will join the launch lineup for the new console.
To maintain sales momentum if the new hardware isn’t due until 2025, Nintendo might mix it up with budget ports and price cuts, but they opted for bundles instead.
With over 80 games reaching a million sales mark, Nintendo closes 2024 near that triple-digit milestone, tallying up 97 as per Wikipedia.
Despite whispers, no new amiibos emerged tied to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door this year.
Wild Cards (2 points each):
Skylanders stayed dormant, contrary to hopes for a new release favored by Nintendo fans.
Pure Nintendo made the leap to Blue Sky, riding on the wave of Twitter departures. Follow us to join the conversation!
Trev takes the crown this year with 5.5 points, thanks to Nintendo’s postponement of the Switch 2. Here’s to hoping 2025 becomes the landmark year for new releases!
Justin’s Predictions for the coming year:
- Get ready for GameCube games finding a new home on Nintendo Switch Online.
- Look out for a new Mario Kart announcement, which might arrive as soon as 2025.
- While Pokémon may have taken a breather in 2024, Pokémon Legends ZA might just be the treat we’re anticipating for 2025, with maybe a hint of more to come.
- Expect a new Kirby game to grace us this year, possibly a sequel to Forgotten Land rather than a port.
- Hoping for a thorough reveal and release of the Switch 2, which we could see keeping the name simple with Nintendo Switch 2.
- We might finally get to see a new 3D Mario launched alongside the new system.
- Hopefully, the original Switch continues to sell alongside its successor, maintaining Nintendo’s expansive reach.
- Backwards compatibility remains a primary feature, elevating the gaming experience with full transferability of previous Switch games.
- If trends continue, Nintendo’s nurturing of 3rd party partnerships will bring big names to their consoles that even Switch missed.
- Speculatively, the launch price for Switch 2 might settle at $399, in line with economic comparisons like the GameCube priced at $199 or the Switch OLED at $349.
Wild Cards for a twist:
- Let’s see if a new Zelda game heads our way, possibly starting with anticipated HD ports of Twilight Princess or Wind Waker.
- Could this year herald the return of Wave Race? It’s certainly on Justin’s wish list for new announcements.
Trev’s Predictions:
- Could the Nintendo Switch become the first console to surpass the 160 million mark in sales? A lofty goal, but in Trev’s scopes.
- We’re betting on getting a Direct featuring Mario Bros. 2 or Zelda films, with Mario’s voice causing some buzz and Link possibly maintaining his silent portrayal.
- As manufacturing priorities evolve, will Nintendo phase out original Switch models leaving only the Lite and OLED?
- Nintendo Switch Online might see substantial changes, aligning with new hardware arrival, maybe including exciting console additions.
- Switch 2 will differ noticeably at launch, perhaps bundled with a game right off the bat.
- Anticipate mixed reactions if motion controls find their way into at least one launch title with new hardware.
- Some older features could make a comeback in 2025’s releases, possibly rejuvenating past virtual hallmarks or beloved channels.
- Amiibo fans can look forward to classic favorites alongside fresh characters complementing new launch games.
- As more gaming industry figures migrate to Bluesky, will Nintendo follow, refining social features like screen-sharing anew?
- While supporting the new console, Nintendo might enhance existing franchises with hefty updates or re-releases of treasured classics like Metroid Prime or Super Mario Galaxy series.
Wild Cards for adventurous picks:
- With an intriguing thought to sports, could Nintendo develop a fresh first-party simulation akin to earlier collaborations with sports legends?
- Celebrating anniversaries, multiplayer experiences might invigorate the Zelda franchise with remakes or new twists.
What are your gaming predictions for 2025? Feel free to share your thoughts!
