As another year rolls in, it’s that exciting time again when we dive into our annual Nintendo predictions! So, gear up, and let’s brainstorm what Nintendo might have in store for us next!
Curious about how our predictions panned out last year? You can check them out HERE!
Predictions for Justin in 2024:
Let’s talk about Metroid Prime 4. We’re finally expecting it to make a grand appearance, showcasing the graphical brilliance of what could be the successor to the Switch.
Result: We scored half a point here. We got a new trailer, but it’s not yet confirmed as a flagship title for the next-gen console. Fingers crossed for 2025!
Moving on to Pokémon, did we hear any buzz about Black/White remakes being announced during Pokémon Day?
Result: Not this time.
Justin was confident we’d see the announcement and release of the Switch successor in 2024. He hoped it wouldn’t carry a title like ‘New Nintendo Switch’ but perhaps something like ‘Switch Nitro’ to emphasize enhanced processing power.
Result: Sadly, no luck here either.
And what about a new 3D Mario taking the stage with the new system?
Result: Nope.
He predicted a shiny remaster for Metroid Prime 2 and possibly MP3 later on.
Result: Not happened.
Good news on the F-Zero front! There was a prediction for more love being shown to the franchise in 2024.
Result: Success! While not a brand-new game or remaster of F-Zero GX, we got plenty of updates for F-Zero 99 and some NSO recognition. Maybe 2025 will bring more exciting news!
Anticipation was high for Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD ports hitting the Switch in 2024.
Result: Unfortunately, no word on that front.
On the hardware side, there was a thought that Nintendo would continue to sell the original Switch alongside its successor.
Result: This one remains up in the air.
He foresaw backwards compatibility as a central selling point for the new system, with all Switch games playable from Day 1. A seamless digital account setup was also expected.
Result: Yes! Nintendo officially confirmed this for the successor, making it a rare win.
Third-party support made strides with the Switch, and it was believed that would continue. A major franchise announcement, one the Switch missed, was anticipated for the successor.
Result: Not yet confirmed.
Wild Cards (2 points each):
Justin had high hopes for a new Donkey Kong game announcement in 2024, especially with the new system and Super Nintendo World’s DK attraction in Japan.
Result: Not this year, though an HD port was announced.
And a new Mario Kart game announcement was on the cards.
Result: Still waiting on that.
Justin’s score: 2.5 points
Predictions for Trev in 2024:
Despite not being a fan, Trev expected Nintendo to introduce a new mobile app or game this year.
Result: Yes, with Pokemon TCG Pocket making the scene!
He predicted a full-fledged entry for the Dr. Mario puzzle series.
Result: No dice on that one.
Trev was hopeful for a Tomodachi Life arrival on Switch to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Result: Unfortunately, that rumor didn’t take off.
Similarly, A Link Between Worlds HD didn’t happen, but he believed the engine used for Link’s Awakening HD would appear again.
Result: Half point here, since it was used for a new game, Echoes of Wisdom, rather than the Oracle games.
He expected Nintendo to offer something substantial for Switch Online players beyond game trials.
Result: Nope.
After years of rumors, Trev finally predicted Nintendo would announce a Switch successor in 2024.
Result: Spot on! It was announced but not released.
He wondered if we’d see launch game footage, like Metroid Prime 4, if the new console/system/hybrid wouldn’t be out until 2025.
Result: Not confirmed as a launch game.
As for the Switch, if new hardware isn’t out until 2025, Trev thought Nintendo would boost sales with budget ports and a Nintendo Select line.
Result: Only bundles, nothing on Select.
He noted over 80 games had sold over a million copies on Switch. Would the number hit triple digits?
Result: Not quite there, though it rose to 97!
Ideas swirled around amiibo for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door in 2024.
Result: Still waiting.
Wild Cards (2 points each):
Trev speculated on Skylanders returning, popular with Nintendo fans.
Result: Hasn’t happened.
Lastly, with Twitter departures, he believed Pure Nintendo would find a new audience on the Blue Sky app.
Result: Yes! Pure Nintendo is now on Blue Sky.
Trev’s score: 5.5 points
This round goes to Trev, as Nintendo opted to hold off on the Switch 2. Maybe 2025 will be the year! 😄
Looking Ahead: Justin’s 2025 Predictions
Justin foresees GameCube games announcing for Nintendo Switch Online.
He’s hopeful for a new Mario Kart game announcement and release in 2025.
After a Pokémon game lull in 2024, he anticipates Pokémon Legends ZA and perhaps a hint of another Pokémon game.
He predicts a new Kirby game, possibly a port, but fingers crossed for a successor to Forgotten Land.
Continuing from 2024, Justin expects the Switch 2 to be announced and released in 2025, possibly named Nintendo Switch 2 for clarity.
He still believes a new 3D Mario will debut with the next-gen system.
In line with his previous views, he thinks the original Switch will sell alongside the successor.
Backwards compatibility remains a key selling point for him, with enhanced 3rd party support.
And as a potential price prediction, he sees the Switch 2 launching at $399, drawing parallels with past console launch prices.
*Wild Card Ideas**
Though not long since the last Zelda game, he expects a Zelda announcement for Switch 2’s first year—perhaps the elusive Twilight Princess HD/Wind Waker HD.
A new Wave Race game announcement is also on his wish list.
Trev’s 2025 Predictions
Looking ahead, Trev believes the Nintendo Switch will reach an astounding 160 million in sales.
He also anticipates a movie-themed Direct to stir excitement for Super Mario Bros. 2 or a Zelda film.
Predicting changes, he thinks the original Switch models will be dropped, with only the Lite and OLED versions remaining, possibly bundled to promote Switch Online.
He sees a major change coming for Nintendo Switch Online, possibly with new consoles added to the service as new hardware appears.
Speaking of new hardware, he’s guessing the successor might include a pack-in game at launch, echoing past Nintendo traditions.
An early title for the successor might use motion controls, a throwback to the Wii era.
As new hardware emerges in 2025, Trev predicts some older features could resurface, like Nintendo Badge Arcade or Wii channels.
Keeping amiibo in the mix, he anticipates re-releases along with new introductions for launch window games.
He opines more gaming enthusiasts will switch from Twitter to Bluesky, and Nintendo might bring back screen-sharing features.
Though new hardware will be present, he expects Nintendo to continue supporting the Switch, with significant updates and ports of old favorites.
*Wild Card Speculations**
Despite their history, Trev hopes Nintendo tackles a first-party sports sim, reminiscent of the Ken Griffey Jr. or Kobe Bryant days.
He also muses about a multiplayer Zelda experience marking milestones for Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords Adventures.
Well, those are our forecasts! But what about you? What are your predictions for Nintendo in 2025? Share with us in the comments!
