No, we don’t have Switch 2 updates to offer right now, but the other Nintendo Switch game highlights should be just as interesting. If you didn’t get a chance to catch it live, the Nintendo Direct presentation took place on March 27, 2025, and lasted for approximately 37 minutes, giving us a glimpse into what to expect for the console in terms of upcoming games.
The most exciting bit of news we saw revealed were details of the social sim game Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. The game is only expected to see a release in 2026, so it’s not the most exciting update for this year, but it’s still interesting to see the return of the old-school experience where our many Miis can come together and live in harmony. It’s no Sims 4 or InZOI, but it’s still a Nintendo Direct reveal we can get behind.
The most exciting update from the Nintendo Direct showcase is a year away (Image: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream)
Nintendo Switch Game Highlights: Top 5 Reveals We’re Excited For
Showcases and presentations are always a fun experience to look forward to because they bring us a collection of highlights to enjoy for the rest of the year and beyond. Whether you talk about a PlayStation Plus reveal or an Xbox highlight of upcoming games, there’s always at least one title that gets our hearts racing or brings a smile to our faces. This latest Nntendo Direct presentation was no different.
The Nintendo Direct games included a variety of titles, some of which were confirmed already, and others of which we had no idea Nintendo was considering reviving. The new virtual game cards feature was also interesting, adding some system upgrades into the mix. What do we mean by that? Let’s break down the Nintendo Direct highlights a little further.
The Virtual Game Card system revealed at Nintendo Direct seems like an useful proposition.
1. Nintendo Announced a Virtual Game Card System for Users
Before we get into the Nintendo Direct games, one important announcement during the presentation was the virtual game card feature for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
Designed to add “some of the flexibility of physical game cards to your digital game library,” the system makes it easier to digitally eject and load games between two systems linked to a single Nintendo account. You can switch between these systems or even play without an internet connection. This is likely done in preparation for the Switch 2 release to encourage existing customers to upgrade to the new handheld.
According to the Nintendo Direct highlights post, this will also allow you to lend games to members in your Nintendo Family group by connecting to your family group member’s system via local wireless, with an active internet connection. You can lend one game per account for 14 days, and even after the borrower returns the game, they will still be able to access their saved data in case they borrow again or purchase it. A system update is expected to bring the feature to existing Switch consoles in late April 2025.
Life-simulation games are having their moment right now.
2. Nintendo Switch Games Announces Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
The original Tomodachi Life was released back in 2013 and has since become a very niche but very fun community platform for Nintendo gamers. Featuring the iconic and oddly-shaped Mii characters, the game offers players an opportunity to live in an Animal Crossing-esque community and interact with each other like you would with your neighbors.
When you need a break from real life, a nice life simulation game is often your best bet at slowing down and smelling the virtual tulips, which is what the Tomodachi Life 2 game is offering as well. Whether you want to go frolicking with friends or get married only in theory, the game is expected to make it possible. The exact features and details of the game remain unclear, but we do know that it will only be released in 2026.
Of the current Nintendo Switch games revealed, Tomodachi Life is the one we’re most excited about.
Lots to look forward to with Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
3. Pokémon Legends: Z-A Also Got a Mention During the Nintendo Direct Event
We already knew the game was coming, but who are we to say no to a glimpse at Lumiose City? The Nintendo Switch game highlights showcase an updated glimpse at the upcoming game, taking us on a walk through the life of a trainer and his Pokémon buddies as they prepare for the battle zones to unlock at night. The new battle format puts turn-based play to rest, giving trainers a new way to strategize and win their fights.
Harnessing the power of Mega Evolution, you can transform your Pokémon to become the strongest, most invincible version of themselves, overcoming all the hurdles your opponents present to you.
The Nintendo Switch game highlights did not reveal a release date, but we do know it can be expected in late 2025.
We’re so close to a Metroid Prime 4 release, but we still don’t have a release date.
4. Metroid Prime 4—Latest News From the Nintendo Direct Showcase
Another one of the Nintendo Direct games that we’re excited about is Metroid Prime 4. We’ve already seen a lot of talk surrounding the game this year, but we’re finally getting closer to an actual release. Bounty hunter Samus Aran is returning once more, but she’s more powerful and dressed cooler than ever.
With new psychic powers and a new armor to switch up her look, Samus is set to explore the ruins of the floating jungle planet Viewros. The giant tree at the heart of the lands holds many mysteries that must be unlocked, but the mission is not without its challenges, as bug-like aliens skitter forth to interrupt her journey to donning her role as the “Chosen One.”
The latest news on Metroid Prime 4 still didn’t offer a release date, but the game is expected in 2025. After the many long delays in its release, we can wait a little longer for an update on this one.
Rift of the NecroDancer is available for purchase right now.
5. Nintendo Switch Game Releases Available Today
All of the other Nintendo Switch game highlights we just presented are for releases later in the year, but we do have some games available to purchase and play right now! A few of the announced titles were made available for release later in the day, so if you’re bored with your current games and don’t want to wait till Tomodachi Life 2 to try something new, go see what these titles have to offer:
- SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered: This is a Choice-based game for those who like historical world-building ($29.99)
- Rift of the NecroDancer: Rhythm-based game with the option to take down monsters or develop your own custom beat maps ($17.99)
- Disney Villains Cursed Café: Meet iconic Disney villains like Captain Hook, Maleficent, and Ursula, and follow their story as you craft magical concoctions for them ($14.99)
- RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army: Remastered classic where you work with demons to solve supernatural mysteries. Available for pre-purchase as it releases on June 19. ($49.99)
- GRADIUS ORIGINS: This is a Side-scrolling shooter game collection featuring 18 versions across all 7 arcade titles in the series. Available for pre-purchase as it releases on August 7 ($35.99)
The GRADIUS ORIGINS collection is open for pre-orders.
Other Nintendo Direct Games and Announcements
While we’ve shared our personal top highlights from the Nintendo Switch game announcements, there were a few more releases and updates you might be more interested in. For one, the company announced a new Nintendo Today! app for your smart devices, which will act as a news hub for all things Nintendo.
While you could just wait for emailers and news articles like this one, there’s always an app for everything that promises to do it better. You can expect daily updates, an animated themed calendar, and a fun widget for your home screen if such details delight you.
Full List of the Nintendo Direct Games Announced
For a full recap of the Nintendo Switch games announced at Nintendo Direct, this is what you need to know:
- Rift of the NecroDancer (March 27, 2025)
- SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered (March 27, 2025)
- Disney Villains Cursed Café (March 27, 2025)
- RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (Preorders open, releases June 19, 2025)
- Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27, 2025)
- PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY (July 11, 2025)
- Shadow Labyrinth (July 18, 2025)
- No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25, 2025)
- GRADIUS ORIGINS (Preorders open, releases August 7, 2025)
- MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (Winter 2025)
- STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar (August 2025)
- Monument Valley, Monument Valley 2, and Monument Valley 3 (Summer 2025)
- The Eternal Life of Goldman (2025)
- Witchbrook (2025)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)
- DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (2025)
- EVERYBODY’S GOLF: Hot Shots (2025)
- King of Meat (2025)
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (late 2025)
- Rhythm Heaven Groove (2026)
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (2026)
Featured montages from partner-developed games coming to Nintendo Switch this year:
- Star Overdrive (April 10)
- High On Life (May 6)
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (May 21, 2025)
- The Wandering Village (July 17, 2025)
- King of Meat (2025)
- Lou’s Lagoon (System exclusive releasing in Summer 2025)
Switch 2 Announcements From March 2025
There were no exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 updates provided during the Direct showcase, but the company did confirm one detail. Information about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will be shared during the Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 presentation on April 2 at 6 a.m. PT. This was only a rumored possibility, but it’s great to see some concrete evidence on when we’ll learn more about the console.
Whether Nintendo will open up pre-orders for the Switch 2 or not remains a mystery, but considering the console has already been revealed, we expect that the next step will be a pre-order and release timeline. Until then, you can make the most of the other Nintendo Switch game highlights and see which ones you want to add to your purchase calendar for 2025.
Of the Nintendo Switch games announced, we’re most excited for Tomodachi Life, Witchbrook, and Lou’s Lagoon. What about you? Subscribe to Technowize for more updates on the world of technology and gaming and everything that it has to offer.