Nintendo Switch 2: December 2025’s Biggest Games & Updates

December 2025 is shaping up to be a massive month for the Nintendo Switch 2, packed with major releases and significant updates. The calendar is strategically front-loaded, giving players plenty of time to pick up new games before the holiday season kicks into high gear. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is undoubtedly the headliner, a diverse lineup of other titles, from expansive RPGs to classic remasters, ensures there’s something for every type of gamer.

Beyond the long-awaited return of Samus Aran, December brings other standout experiences. Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Assassin’s Creed Shadows offer very different flavors of action, while Octopath Traveler 0 continues a beloved RPG tradition. Significant updates are also landing, including Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Red Dead Redemption and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, plus the first major expansion for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Here is a complete look at everything arriving on the platform throughout the month.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion kicks off the month on December 1st. This vibrant beat ’em up lets players build a tag team from 15 different heroes, switching between them instantly to chain elaborate combos and unleash powerful special moves. It supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, either locally or online. The digital version launches on the first, with a physical edition following in March 2026. Reviewers have praised its accessible, fast-paced action and the joy of experimenting with different character abilities, especially when playing with friends, calling it a very good entry in the genre.

Arriving on December 2nd, Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to feudal Japan with a unique dual-protagonist system. You can switch between the stealth-focused shinobi Naoe and the strength-oriented samurai Yasuke, each offering a distinct approach to the open world. Critics highlight the refined combat and exploration, which feels more deliberate and less cluttered than some previous series entries. The game has been celebrated as a polished and refreshing realignment for the franchise, making excellent use of its historical setting.

Also on December 2nd, the Simogo Legacy Collection bundles seven of the acclaimed studio’s mobile hits into one convenient package. This collection features restored versions of creative gems like DEVICE 6 and Year Walk, playable with touch, button, motion, or dual mouse controls. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the innovative and often experimental early work of a beloved developer on a modern console.

The iconic western epic Red Dead Redemption gallops onto the new hardware with a Switch 2 Edition on December 2nd. This enhanced version includes the base game and the Undead Nightmare expansion, featuring technical upgrades like support for DLSS, HDR, and a smooth 60fps performance. Owners of the original Switch version can upgrade digitally for free and carry over their existing save data, preserving their progress on the more powerful system.

The month’s most anticipated release, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, finally arrives on December 4th. The Switch 2 Edition is priced at $69.99 and includes the base game and upgrade pack all on the physical cartridge. For those with the standard Switch version, a $10 upgrade path is available. This first-person adventure marks the long-awaited continuation of Samus’s story, promising to be a cornerstone title for the new console.

Octopath Traveler 0 also launches on December 4th, continuing the series’ tradition of gorgeous “HD-2D” visuals and intricate, turn-based combat. Early impressions note the game’s complex, interweaving story branches and satisfying RPG systems, with much anticipation building around how its lengthy narrative journey will conclude. It stands as a must-play for fans of deep, classic-inspired role-playing games.

For sports simulation fans, Football Manager 26 Touch offers a streamlined version of the popular management sim on December 4th. Built for quicker sessions on the go, it includes women’s football and the Premier League from launch and runs on a refreshed engine for improved presentation. It’s the perfect option for strategic gameplay in short bursts between other adventures.

Racing fans get an upgrade on December 4th with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Switch 2 Edition). This enhanced version boasts a fantastic roster of characters and brilliantly designed tracks, accompanied by what reviewers have called a generationally great soundtrack. The core racing is fast and intuitive, with a novel Crossworld mechanic that keeps every race feeling fresh and dynamic. Owners of the original can upgrade for $10.

Skate Story brings a unique, narrative-driven skateboarding adventure to the platform on December 8th. Players progress from a beginner to a skilled skater, exploring a strange underworld and accepting a challenge from the Devil himself. It blends platforming, light combat, and an offbeat story into a compact and memorable experience.

The first major expansion for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, titled Mega Dimension, launches on December 10th. This paid DLC introduces new Mega Evolutions, including two designs for Raichu and a fan-favorite Mega Lucario, expanding the game’s world and challenges for returning trainers.

The grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 arrives on December 11th with Rogue Trader. This deep CRPG features rich narrative choices and tactical combat, letting players engage closely with the iconic lore of the franchise. While its systems are complex, it has been praised for its excellent writing and as a standout RPG experience.

Closing out the month on December 16th is The Rogue Prince of Persia. This roguelite entry focuses on fast-paced parkour and combat, with a slick presentation and fun core mechanics. Early impressions suggest the experience can become repetitive, but ongoing updates and bug fixes are expected to shape it into a compelling title for fans of the genre.

(Source: IGN)