The final months of 2025 are shaping up to be an exciting period for gamers, with a substantial collection of new titles and accessories slated for release on both the current Nintendo Switch and the eagerly anticipated Switch 2. As the festive season approaches, players can look forward to a diverse range of gaming experiences, from action-packed adventures to classic racing revivals and long-awaited sequels.
Nintendo is gearing up to deliver a robust lineup of games for its dedicated fan base in November and December 2025. On November 6th, the highly anticipated Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, developed by Koei Tecmo, will launch exclusively for the Switch 2. This Musou-style game, set in the universe of 'Tears of the Kingdom', invites players to join Zelda and her allies in defending Hyrule from the Demon King's forces, leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the new console. Following this, on November 20th, Masahiro Sakurai's latest creation, Kirby Air Riders, will debut on Switch 2. This sequel to the 2003 GameCube racer promises fast-paced arena battles and races, allowing players to utilize unique boost mechanics. Both a digital release in September and a physical launch on November 20th mark the arrival of Hades 2, available for both Switch 1 and Switch 2. This acclaimed title offers a rich narrative and engaging gameplay, as detailed in numerous reviews. Towards the end of November, specifically the 26th, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is expected to hit Switch 1, offering a 16-bit re-imagining of the iconic film with branching narratives. Moving into December, Assassin's Creed Shadows, a long-rumored entry in the historical stealth series, will arrive on Switch 2 on December 2nd as a Game-Key Card. Players can choose to embody a stealthy shinobi, Naoe, or a formidable samurai, Yasuke, in feudal Japan, enjoying cross-progression and touchscreen support. December 4th marks a significant day with the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for both Switch 1 and Switch 2. After years of anticipation, Samus Aran's new adventure will see her facing the deadly sharpshooter Sylux on the planet Viewros, equipped with advanced tools and a new bike. Finally, Octopath Traveler 0, the third installment in the beloved RPG series, will also launch on December 4th for both Switch 1 and Switch 2 (as a Game-Key Card on Switch 2), introducing customizable elements and city-building features to the Orsterra realm.
This surge of releases underscores Nintendo's strategy to bridge the gap between its current and next-generation consoles, ensuring a vibrant gaming landscape for all users. The introduction of Game-Key Cards for certain Switch 2 titles, while offering a new purchasing option, also highlights a shift in distribution methods, which might require some adjustment for players accustomed to physical cartridges. Overall, the upcoming holiday season promises a wealth of new adventures and familiar favorites, catering to diverse gaming preferences and showcasing the evolving capabilities of the Nintendo ecosystem.