The highly anticipated March 2025 Nintendo Direct has concluded, marking the final major presentation dedicated to the original Nintendo Switch. Despite the imminent arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, the event showcased a variety of exciting games set to launch through 2026. Fans of the current hardware still have much to look forward to, with a mix of remasters, sequels, and entirely new experiences on the horizon.
Major Highlights: Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Two of the most significant announcements were Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A new trailer for Metroid Prime 4 showcased Samus Aran’s latest abilities, including telekinesis and enhanced combat moves. The game is set to be one of the most visually striking titles on the platform, promising fast-paced gameplay and intense battles.
Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, arriving in late 2025, will build upon the success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, introducing fresh mechanics and a compelling storyline that takes trainers to new frontiers.
Full List of Game Announcements and Release Dates
Upcoming Releases in 2025 and 2026
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – 2025
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Late 2025
- Rhythm Heaven: Groove – 2026
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream – 2026
New Games and Remasters for 2024-2025
- No Sleep for Kaname Date (AI: The Somnium Files spin-off) – July 25, 2025
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army – June 19, 2025
- Shadow Labyrinth (Pac-Man meets Metroidvania) – July 18, 2025
- Patapon + Patapon 2 Replay – July 11, 2025
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Full remake) – August 27, 2025
- Gradius Origins (Includes Salamander III) – August 7, 2025
- Tamagotchi Plaza – June 27, 2025
- Witchbrook – Holiday 2025
- The Eternal Life of Goldman – Holiday 2025
- High on Life – May 6, 2025
- Star Overdrive – April 10, 2025
- The Wandering Village – July 17, 2025
- King of Meat (Battle Royale meets Fall Guys) – 2025
- Lou’s Lagoon – Summer 2025
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – May 26, 2025
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Side-scrolling beat-em-up) – Holiday 2025
Immediate Releases and Surprise Drops
- Disney Villains Cursed Café – Available Now
- Rift of the Necrodancer – Available Now
- SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered – Available Now
- Monument Valley & Monument Valley 2 – April 15, 2025
- Monument Valley 3 – Summer 2025
New Features: Virtual Game Card System
One of the most intriguing announcements was Nintendo’s Virtual Game Card system, launching in April 2025. This feature will allow players to share their digital Switch games with family members, much like lending a physical cartridge. However, once a game is shared, the original owner cannot play it simultaneously. This system also enables easier transfers of digital game licenses between multiple consoles without requiring an internet connection.
New Nintendo Services: Nintendo Today App
Nintendo also announced Nintendo Today, a new app designed to keep players informed about upcoming game releases, events, and updates. The app is available for download now and will be a key source of information following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which is set to air on April 2, 2025.
The March 2025 Nintendo Direct has proven that the original Nintendo Switch still has a strong lineup of games for fans to enjoy before the transition to the Nintendo Switch 2. With highly anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Rhythm Heaven: Groove, alongside exciting remasters and brand-new IPs, Nintendo is ensuring that its current player base remains engaged well into 2026.
