2025: The Year Nintendo Switch 2 Redefined Gaming Excellence
What a year it’s been! With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, 2025 has been nothing short of monumental for gamers. For the first time in years, we’ve expanded our award categories to celebrate the best of both consoles. In this comprehensive roundup, we’re not just looking back—we’re gearing up for what’s next. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Switch 2 truly live up to the legacy of its predecessor, or is it just a flashy upgrade?
As always, our team cast their votes, and we handed the reins over to you, our readers. While we largely agreed on the winners, some results were downright surprising. Let’s dive in!
Game of the Year: A Heartfelt Return to Kong Country
In a year packed with heavy hitters, one game stood above the rest: Donkey Kong Bananza. After years of waiting, Nintendo delivered a 3D Donkey Kong adventure that tugged at our heartstrings, especially with the addition of Pauline. Our team’s vote was nearly unanimous, and it swept both our Game of the Year and Readers’ Choice awards. As we said in our review, ‘It’s not flawless, but it’s a masterclass in reviving a beloved character. Nintendo has redefined DK for a new era, blending nostalgia with innovation.’
But here’s a bold statement: Bananza has set a new standard for Nintendo games. Can the company maintain this level of excellence moving forward?
Runner-ups and Surprises
- Overall Game of the Year Runner-up: Mario Kart World
- Readers’ Choice Runner-ups: Kirby Air Riders and Hollow Knight Silksong
Switch 2 Game of the Year
While Bananza dominated, the Switch 2 category saw a six-way tie for runner-up among other titles. Pokémon Legends Z-A took the Readers’ Choice runner-up spot. Voting was tricky this year, as many games were available on both consoles, splitting votes based on the platform played. One standout? BALLxPIT, a simple yet addictive game that edged out indie heavyweights like Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong by a single vote. Luke, the only team member who hasn’t played it, sums it up: ‘It’s a deceptively deep game with endless replayability.’
Switch Game of the Year
- Our Runner-up: Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2
- Readers’ Choice Winner: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
- Readers’ Choice Runner-ups: Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 and Hades II
Indie Game of the Year
- Our Runner-ups: Hollow Knight Silksong and Yooka-Replaylee
- Readers’ Choice Winner: Hollow Knight Silksong
- Readers’ Choice Runner-up: Hades II
The Mystery of *Blue Prince*
In a year of diverse releases, Blue Prince emerged as a surprise winner. Part mystery, part strategy, and part puzzle, it’s a game that hooks you from the start. Exploring a shifting manor, uncovering clues, and making strategic choices to reach the elusive Room 46—it’s a masterpiece of design. And let’s not forget the punny title! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the Readers’ Choice, but we’ll save our thoughts for its Switch 2 release later this year.
Party Game of the Year: The Rise of *LEGO Party*
- Our Runner-up: Tempopo
- Readers’ Choice Winner: Hollow Knight Silksong
- Readers’ Choice Runner-up: LEGO Party
LEGO Party outshone Mario Party in unexpected ways, proving that innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. But here’s a question: Is the party game genre becoming too saturated, or is there still room for fresh ideas?
Most Anticipated Game: *Pokémon Pokopia*
Combining the cozy charm of Animal Crossing with the world-building of Minecraft and the nostalgia of Pokémon, Pokopia is shaping up to be a game-changer. With just three months until release, the hype is real. But will it live up to the massive expectations?
Switch 2 Edition of the Year: *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*
- Our Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
- Readers’ Choice Winner: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
- Readers’ Choice Runner-up: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
With improved resolution, a 120fps mode, and exceptional HDR, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond took the crown. But the free upgrades for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom via Nintendo Switch Online were a close second.
Nintendo’s Wildest Move Yet
In a move that left everyone scratching their heads, Nintendo announced a new Virtual Boy—sort of. This time, it’s a visor that docks your Switch or Switch 2 for full 3D gameplay. There’s even a cardboard version! But the real question is: Why now, and why not utilize the 3DS’s built-in 3D capabilities years ago?
The Year’s Biggest Stories
From the cryptic Pikmin trailer released exclusively on the Nintendo Today app to the first photos of the live-action Legend of Zelda movie, 2025 was packed with headlines. Our scoop on Nintendo confirming no download codes for physical Switch 2 games was the year’s third-biggest story. But the most read? That Pikmin trailer, which sparked endless speculation.
The Snubbed Soundtrack: *Mario Kart World*
While Mario Kart World’s soundtrack wasn’t nominated for Best Score at The Game Awards, it deserves recognition. Hours of remixed classics and new tracks make it a celebration of Nintendo’s musical legacy. Is it time for game soundtracks to get the recognition they deserve?
Final Thoughts
2025 has been a year of innovation, nostalgia, and bold moves. As we look ahead, one thing’s clear: gaming has never been more exciting. But we want to hear from you—what was your highlight of the year? And do you think the Switch 2 will redefine gaming, or is it just another console? Let’s debate in the comments!
