The March 2025 Nintendo Direct was one of the most jam-packed presentations in recent memory, delivering over 30 announcements and surprises for Nintendo Switch fans. From long-awaited sequels to innovative features like virtual game cards, Nintendo showcased its commitment to enriching its hybrid console experience ahead of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 reveal.
What is Nintendo Today App and how does it work?
One of the standout surprises was the debut of the Nintendo Today App, a free smart-device application available on both iOS and Android. This app functions like a daily content hub where users can browse Nintendo news, watch exclusive videos, and access comic strips featuring popular characters. Nintendo confirmed, “After the Nintendo Direct presentation about Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, you’ll also find information about the Nintendo Switch 2 system directly on the app.”
Is Tomodachi Life coming to Nintendo Switch?
Yes! A major highlight was the long-anticipated reveal of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, a brand-new installment in the quirky life simulation series. This is the first new Tomodachi Life entry in over a decade and is set to release in 2026. Players will create Mii characters based on real-life people, drop them onto a mysterious island, and influence their relationships, dreams, and drama. This game instantly became a trending topic under the tag Tomodachi Life Switch and generated questions about its release date, which Nintendo confirmed as “2026.”
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What new games are coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025?
Nintendo delivered a massive roster of titles, both first-party and from third-party developers. Notable highlights include:
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Late 2025): Set in Lumiose City, players choose from Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile and face off in intense nightly tournaments.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025): Samus gains psychic powers as she explores the mysterious planet Viewros.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove (2026): A rhythmic return from Tsunku♂ and team.
- Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27): Manage quirky shops and over 100 Tamagotchi.
- STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar (August 27): A complete reimagining of the DS classic.
- PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY (July 11): Two cult rhythm games remastered.
- Disney Villains Cursed Café (Available today): A visual novel with Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, and more.
- DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (2025): A visual and narrative upgrade of RPG legends.
What is the Virtual Game Card feature on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo introduced the Virtual Game Card, a digital solution that mimics the convenience of physical cartridges. It allows users to “eject” a purchased digital title from one Nintendo Switch system and “load” it onto another, either within the same account or across Nintendo Account family group members. Players can even lend their games to another family member’s console for up to two weeks. The feature rolls out via a system update in late April and will also be compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 at launch.
Which Nintendo Direct games are launching today?
Several titles were surprise drops, now available on the Nintendo eShop:
- SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered
- Rift of the NecroDancer
- Disney Villains Cursed Café
What else was announced during the March 2025 Nintendo Direct?
Beyond first-party exclusives, the presentation spotlighted many third-party collaborations:
- MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (Winter): Pixel-style 2D brawler with Spider-Man, Wolverine, and more.
- Monument Valley Trilogy: The first two entries arrive April 15; Monument Valley 3 launches this summer.
- EVERYBODY’S GOLF: Hot Shots: Local and online multiplayer golf with Wacky Golf mode.
- No Sleep For Kaname Date (July 25): New installment in the AI: The Somnium Files universe.
- RAIDOU Remastered (June 19): Revamped ATLUS action RPG.
- GRADIUS ORIGINS (August 7): Compilation of 17 versions of six arcade classics.
- Shadow Labyrinth (July 18): A dark, genre-blending twist on the PAC-MAN franchise.
- The Eternal Life of Goldman (Holiday 2025): 2D fairytale platformer with storybook visuals.
What indie and partner games are coming to Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Direct also included a sizzle reel of notable upcoming titles:
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (May 21)
- High On Life (May 6)
- Lou’s Lagoon (Summer)
- Star Overdrive (April 10)
- The Wandering Village (July 17)
- King of Meat (2025)
When will Nintendo Switch 2 be revealed?
Fans eager for the next generation will want to mark their calendars for April 2 at 6 a.m. PT, when Nintendo will host a dedicated Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 presentation. It’s expected to detail hardware specs, launch titles, and compatibility features including support for the new virtual game card system.
