Nintendo’s 2025: A Transformative Year Marked by Switch 2 Launch and Gaming Milestones
Introduction: Nintendo’s Landmark Year
2025 proved to be a watershed moment for Nintendo, marking one of the most significant years in the gaming giant’s history. The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on 5 June 2025, following its reveal on 16 January, whilst Nintendo also released its personalised Year in Review feature, allowing players to revisit their gaming journeys across both Switch and Switch 2 consoles. This combination of hardware innovation and player engagement underscores Nintendo’s continued dominance in the gaming market.
The Switch 2 Era Begins
More than 3.5 million units were sold worldwide within four days of release, making the Switch 2 the fastest-selling Nintendo console. By September 2025, the Switch 2 had sold over 10.36 million units worldwide, with Mario Kart World, which was optionally bundled with the console, selling over 9.57 million copies. The console’s technical improvements include support for 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, and 4K resolution with 60Hz refresh rate when docked, representing a substantial upgrade from its predecessor.
Major Game Releases
Notable 2025 releases included Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, alongside Switch 2 titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders. The September Nintendo Direct proved particularly significant, featuring a balanced mix of first-party and third-party games, with special emphasis on the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.
Year in Review Feature
Nintendo released its Year in Review for Switch and Switch 2 players two weeks into 2026. The feature covers time played, total games, favourite genre, and month-by-month breakdowns for both Switch and Switch 2. The personalised breakdown highlights playtime, most-played titles, and gaming habits from the past year, serving as both a data-driven snapshot and a nostalgia hit.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
Nintendo’s 2025 success establishes a strong foundation for the future. The Switch 2’s launch was marked by massive sales success, with Nintendo-published highlights including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. As 2026 approaches, players can anticipate more exclusive titles whilst celebrating their 2025 gaming achievements through Nintendo’s comprehensive Year in Review feature. This combination of innovative hardware and engaging software content confirms Nintendo’s position as a leader in the gaming industry.