Get ready for a new year filled with exciting games! While 2024 brought us some excellent gameplay experiences (and a few letdowns), 2025 is shaping up to be a packed year for gaming enthusiasts. Anticipated releases include highly awaited sequels, fresh entries in popular franchises, and the introduction of a new Nintendo console. Although release dates may shift for some titles, the current lineup suggests that this year could be a thrilling one for gamers and a successful one for developers.
Here are some of the most anticipated video games and gaming-related events to look forward to in 2025:
1. Nintendo Switch Successor:
New Nintendo hardware is on the horizon for this year. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the company will reveal details about the successor to the Switch within the current fiscal year, ending in March. The upcoming console will be backward compatible, building upon the success of the original Switch, which has sold over 143 million units worldwide since its debut in 2017.
2. The Sims 25th Anniversary:
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved life simulation game, The Sims, on February 4th. Electronic Arts will mark the occasion with special kits, limited-time events, a 25-hour livestream, and a free content update for The Sims 4 featuring over 70 new items.
3. Monster Hunter Wilds:
Embark on thrilling monster hunts in Monster Hunter Wilds, an action RPG developed and published by Capcom. Players will face off against formidable creatures and navigate environmental obstacles in this sequel to 2018’s Monster Hunter: World.
– Release Date: February 28
– Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
4. Carmen Sandiego:
Join the iconic adventurer Carmen Sandiego in a new game that allows players to step into her shoes for the first time. Explore global locations, solve puzzles, engage in stealth missions, and outsmart villainous organizations in this upcoming installment from Gameloft inspired by the Netflix animated series.
– Release Date: March 4 (January 28 on iOS/Android via Netflix)
– Platforms: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, mobile/Netflix
5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows:
Experience feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where players can traverse the landscape as a samurai or a shinobi assassin. This open-world installment from Ubisoft introduces dynamic weather, seasons, and responsive environments for players to master combat skills and acquire weapons to combat enemies.
– Release Date: March 20
– Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
6. Tales of the Shire:
Immerse yourself in the tranquil life of Hobbiton in Tales of the Shire, a cozy life simulation game developed by Wētā Workshop set in the Middle Earth universe. Interact with fellow Hobbits, decorate your home, tend to your garden,
An expansive open-world game developed by Rockstar Games is on the horizon, promising a modern setting that cleverly parodies contemporary culture with references to Internet memes and influencer trends. This highly anticipated release is scheduled for an undisclosed date in 2025 and will be available on the latest gaming platforms such as PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Marvel fans are in for a treat with the upcoming game “Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra,” a thrilling action-adventure that brings together a young Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, and T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri, the Black Panther of his era. The duo must join forces to combat the notorious organization HYDRA in a storyline inspired by the Marvel Comics limited series “Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers.” This exciting game is a collaboration between Skydance and Marvel Games, set for release in 2025 across various platforms.
For puzzle-adventure enthusiasts, the return of the beloved Professor Layton in “Professor Layton and the New World of Steam” is highly anticipated. Professor Hershel Layton, accompanied by his trusty assistant Luke, embarks on a new case set in a steampunk-themed world, offering a fresh challenge for fans of the series. This installment, slated for release in 2025, will continue the legacy of the popular franchise developed by Level-5 and published for the Nintendo Switch platform.
Fans of the Metroid Prime series can rejoice as “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” is on the horizon, promising a long-awaited continuation of Samus’s intergalactic adventures as the galaxy’s premier bounty hunter. Developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, this first-person action-adventure game is a highly anticipated addition to the franchise and is expected to launch for the Nintendo Switch platform in 2025.
“Shadow Labyrinth,” a dark and intriguing 2D action platformer from Bandai Namco, offers a unique twist on the classic Pac-Man franchise. Players will navigate a mysterious and war-torn planet, accompanied by the enigmatic floating orb, Puck, in this grim reimagining of the beloved series. This title, connected to Prime Video’s animated anthology series “Secret Level,” is set to release in 2025 across multiple platforms including PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Transport yourself to the enchanting island of Fairhaven at the turn of the 20th century in “Wylde Society,” a prequel to the cozy life-sim game “Wylde Flowers” released in 2022. Developed by Studio Drydock, this upcoming title offers players the chance to embody Vivian Wylde as she manages a magical boarding house, complete with customization options, tenant care responsibilities, and social event hosting. Immerse yourself in this whimsical world when “Wylde Society” launches in 2025, with platform details to be announced.
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