The Must-Play Nintendo Game of 2025
▼ Summary
– The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in 2025, beginning a new console generation with a strong lineup of first-party, third-party, and indie games.
– IGN’s best Nintendo game of 2025 was Donkey Kong Bananza, a critically acclaimed 3D platformer that revitalized the franchise.
– Runner-ups for the top spot included Mario Kart World, a visually impressive launch title, and Kirby Air Riders, a polished sequel to a niche racer.
– Other highly-rated games were the long-awaited sequels Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2, the latter receiving a perfect 10/10 score.
– The original Switch also remained active in 2025 with significant releases like Super Mario Galaxy 2 and cross-generation titles.
The year 2025 marked a significant shift for Nintendo, with the launch of the powerful Switch 2 console creating a vibrant new chapter alongside the enduring legacy of the original Switch. This dual-system landscape delivered an exceptional array of games, from major first-party releases and surprising ports to highly anticipated indie titles. With so many compelling options across both platforms, selecting the standout experiences became a delightful challenge. The following list highlights the games that captivated us most, beginning with several noteworthy titles that just missed the top spots.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time offered a perfect launch window experience for Switch 2 players seeking a relaxed adventure, blending life simulation with accessible RPG mechanics. Pokemon Legends: Z-A quickly brought the beloved franchise to the new hardware, confining its entire adventure to a meticulously detailed Lumiose City and introducing a more action-oriented battle system. Fans of large-scale combat found plenty to love in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which cleverly incorporated abilities from Tears of the Kingdom into its thrilling hack-and-slash formula. Although it arrived after our initial voting period, the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond proved to be worth the extensive wait, delivering a sci-fi adventure that stands among the series’ finest moments.
Mario Kart World faced the immense challenge of following a phenomenon. As the flagship launch title for Switch 2, it needed to demonstrate the new console’s capabilities while stepping out from the long shadow cast by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While the game’s open-world structure shows some inconsistency, its core racing remains impeccably polished. The new Knockout Tour mode is a tense and brilliant innovation, creating white-knuckle moments as drivers are eliminated at regular intervals during a cross-country race. Combined with a stunning visual style and a soundtrack packed with nostalgic remixes, it ensures the series’ future is in good hands.
In a year of unexpected projects, Kirby Air Riders emerged as a delightful surprise. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, this sequel to a cult classic GameCube title received the lavish “Ultimate” treatment, packed with diverse modes, deep customization, and a staggering amount of content. Its unique control scheme, built around one or two buttons, presents a distinct learning curve. Those who embrace its philosophy will discover a deeply polished and inventive experience that carves its own unique niche within the racing genre.
The arrival of Hollow Knight: Silksong felt like a minor miracle. This sequel to a beloved indie masterpiece not only met towering expectations but exceeded them, expanding its haunting world with confident artistry. It stands as both a respectful continuation and a phenomenal game in its own right, feeling perfectly at home on Nintendo platforms. Similarly, Hades 2 achieved the rare feat of improving upon a landmark title. Supergiant Games refined its signature formula, delivering breathtaking art, captivating characters, and endlessly replayable combat that solidified its status as one of the year’s absolute best games.
However, our choice for the best Nintendo game of 2025 is Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo took a bold risk by prioritizing a grand revival of its classic ape over a new 3D Mario at the launch of its new console. That gamble paid off spectacularly. This 3D platformer is a masterclass in design, built around a profoundly satisfying core mechanic: destruction. Donkey Kong’s moveset allows players to tear the vibrant, layered environments apart, using the debris to platform, solve puzzles, and attack in dynamic ways.
The game champions player freedom in a manner reminiscent of modern classics like Breath of the Wild, encouraging sequence breaks and creative problem-solving. The development team thoughtfully acknowledges these clever exploits, creating a wonderful dialogue between player and game. By weaving together the character’s rich history into a fresh, groundbreaking adventure, Nintendo has not only brought Donkey Kong back to prominence but has also redefined what a 3D platformer can be. Donkey Kong Bananza is a triumphant, essential adventure and the undeniable king of Nintendo’s stellar 2025.
(Source: IGN)
