The Switch 2 looms on the horizon, and in less than a week’s time, we’ll learn more information about Nintendo’s next console. Today, though, Nintendo hosted a Switch 1-focused Direct, and it felt like a swan song for the record-shattering handheld hybrid console.
Highlights from today’s stream centered on the original Switch include new footage of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A, sequels to classic series like Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven, plus some new Switch features and general Nintendo updates ahead of the Switch 2 Direct next week.
There’s some gas left in the tank of the old Switch, it seems, and it’s extremely likely all of these games will still be playable on the forthcoming Switch 2. Still, it’s a lot to keep in mind, so here’s a headline-by-headline round-up of everything announced at the March 2025 Nintendo Direct. Let us know your favorite announcements and reveals down below!
Dragon Quest I + II HD
Following after Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D, the prior two games are coming to Nintendo Switch as Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake sometime this year.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files
A new entry in the AI: The Somnium Files series, No Sleep For Kaname Date sees the protagonist of the first AI searching for a missing Iris. Solve puzzles and investigate mysteries to find her on July 25, 2025.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
The latest Atlus remaster is bringing Raidou to the forefront, with a mixture of devil summoning and action-RPG combat. Raidou returns in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army on June 19 2025.
Shadow Labyrinth
Remember the creepy Pac-Man short from Secret Level? Well, Bandai Namco’s dark take on a Pac-themed Metroidvania is arriving with Shadow Labyrinth on July 18, 2025, with an ominous puck helper guiding you through a harsh and dangerous world.
Patapon 1+2 Repla
The original Patapon 1 and 2 are both marching forward on the Nintendo Switch on July 11, 2025.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
The infamous farming life sim series returns with Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar on August 27, 2025.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
We got some more gameplay today of Samus’ new 3D adventures on Planet Viewros, as Samus unlocks psychic abilities that she can use to open doors, operate mechanisms, and change the trajectory of her beams. Nintendo reaffirmed a 2025 launch window and teased a new suit for Samus, but no news yet on a release date for Metroid Prime 4.
Disney Villains Cursed Cafe
Serve tea and wicked concoctions to famous Disney vilians later today in this coffee shop sim. Ursula, Gaston, Cruella and more are all here to ask for some drinks and serve up villainous dialogue in response.
Witchbrook
The long-awaited spellcrafting and witchery life-sim from Chucklefish showed off some new gameplay today, spotlighting its chill vibes and co-op gameplay set in a cozy witch academy. Witchbrook will be open for enrollment sometime this holiday season.
The Eternal Life of Goldman
Explore a dangerous archipelago and uncover its secrets in The Eternal Life of Goldman, a new action adventure title this holiday season.
Gradius Origins
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Gradius games with this collection of classic arcade ‘shmups, including the brand new Salamander 3. Gradius Origins arrives on August 7, 2025.
Rift of the Necrodancer
The Crypt of the Necrodancer crew takes on rhythmic battles and fun minigames later today. The Celeste DLC also adds some music and characters from the famous paltformer, and more DLC is on the way.
Tamagotchi Plaza
A new entry in the Tamagotchi Connections series, this will let you and your pals engage in different activites around different shops through cute minigames. Meet more Tamagotchi and grow your town on June 27, 2025
Pokemon Legends Z-A
Still set for sometime later in 2025, Nintendo showed some more gameplay of Pokemon Legends Z-A and its wild areas set around Lumiose City.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
A new entry in the classic Nintendo rhythm series is on the way with Rhythm Heaven Groove. Quirky challenges, fun rhythmic activites, and its excellent art all look set to keep the party going. The beat kicks up with Rhythm Heaven Groove sometime in 2026.
Virtual Game Cards on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo is introducing an ew system for playing games, mimicking physical game cards with something called Virtual Game Cards. These will let you shift games between two Switch systems by virtually “ejecting” and “loading” games to each console, and allow limited lending between members in your NSO family. This feature is planned to arrive in late April.
Sizzle Reel
Several upcoming Switch games got a highlight in the usual sizzle reel, locking in some dates and windows. These include:
- High on Life – May 6
- Star Overdrive – April 10
- The Wandering Village – July 17
- King of Meat – 2025
- Lou’s Lagoon Summer – 2025
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – May 21, 2025
SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered
Another SaGa series classic is getting an updated look with SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered. Featuring the original story and brand-new events that expand the story, this picturesque take on a classic arrives later today on Nintendo Switch.
Monument Valley 1, 2, and 3
Several classic puzzle games from mobile devices, Monument Valley 1 and 2 are set to get you scratching your head on April 15, 2025. Also, Monument Valley 3 will bring even more gorgeous vistas and puzzles to Switch this summer.
Everybody Golf Hot Shots
A new entry in the Everybody’s Golf series is teed up for the green on Nintendo Switch. Tournaments, challenges, rivals, and more await, as well as some of the sillier modes like Wacky Golf. Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots arrives sometime this year.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel’s finest beat ’em up in this throwback arcade-style brawler, with solo or up to four-player local or co-op play in Marvel Cosmic Invasion. Fight for the fate of the Marvel universe this holiday season.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Tomodachi Life returns with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream in 2026. The first new entry in over 10 years sees various Tomodachi living life out at sea, engaging in activities, and hanging out. Plus, a weird dream sequence? Look forward to learning more about that in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream in 2026.
Nintendo Today
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage at the end to announce Nintendo Today, a new app that will deliver news, comics, and more for Nintendo fans. Miyamoto confirmed that after the Switch 2 Direct next week, more information about the Switch 2 will be published on the Today app, which goes live later today.
Still looking for more Nintendo Switch games to fill up on? Check out our list of upcoming Nintendo Switch games in 2025 and beyond.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
