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The Nintendo Switch 2 is releasing soon, and people are excited to get their hands on the next generation of Nintendo console. The company is still announcing games that will make up its 2025 lineup, including in the March Nintendo Direct, which includes both games for the original console, and the Switch 2. If you’re interested in which first-party games will launch on Nintendo Switch in 2025, we have everything you need to know.

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A remake of the 2010 Wii game Donkey Kong Country Returns launched for the Nintendo Switch under the name Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16. This is a reboot of the Donkey Kong Country series of side-scrolling platformers that originally launched on the SNES. You can read our full Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review here.

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A full remaster of the Wii U action RPG from 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched for Nintendo Switch on March 20. This updated version includes new characters and story beats, as long as smaller changes to gameplay. You can find our full Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition review here.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A 195733

Announced during Pokémon Day 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the next game in the Legends subseries following Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It will feature a different battle system from both the mainline Pokémon games and Arceus, and will focus on catching Pokémon out in the wild. The game’s Royal Tournament was announced during the March Nintendo Direct. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is launching in late-2025, and is expected to be available on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 4o2l47

The long-awaited new entry in the Metroid Prime series, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled to launch in 2025. Metroid Prime 4 was first announced in 2017, but we didn’t see footage until 2024. The first-person action game will see the return of Samus Aran, and introduces psychic power to her arsenal. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is expected to launch late in the year, and be available for both Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2.

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Mario Kart World is a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This latest mainline entry in the series will boast the most players at once with up to 24 players in the lobby. In addition, the game will feature an entire open-world map to explore. Players can pick select tracks to race on or even explore the various regions with friends.

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This looks to be a full-on remake or at least remaster of the original Nintendo GameCube racing game. Players will be able to race as Kirby and friends throughout gorgeous landscapes. Perhaps most surprisingly, Masahiro Sakurai himself will be returning to the helm as the director of this Switch 2 title. It will release sometime for Switch 2 in 2025.

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This open-world adventure from Nintendo appears to be a pseudo-successor to Donkey Kong 64. Players will be able to explore a vast world. There are mines, open areas, and plenty of enemies to fight in the Switch 2 game. Most of the adventure seems to take place from a 3D perspective. However, there are also the occasional, traditional 2D moments. It will release on July 17, 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, and a Nintendo Direct with more information on the console appeared on April 2, 2025.

The post All Switch 2 Games Published by Nintendo in 2025 appeared first on Siliconera.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is finally available for Nintendo Switch and not exclusive to just the Wii U. With this release, there are only a few meaningful Wii U titles left on the system that are not available on modern platforms. The Siliconera staff has come together to give our thoughts on the Wii U games we want to see as a remaster or remake on Nintendo Switch next.

Siliconera Speaks Up: Wii U Remaster We Want Next 4q3w6z

It's been nearly a decade since we've sat in the cockpit of an Arwing. If a new installment isn't in the works, I'd at least like to see Star Fox Zero remastered for the Switch 2. With some upgraded visuals and a few tweaks to the controls, there's enough there to satiate the ever-growing hunger of Star Fox fans…for the time being, at least. -- Thomas

When it comes to kart racers Mario Kart will always be considered the king, but Mario Kart 8 isn't my favorite Wii U character racer. I'm a Sega kid at heart, and in the long running battle between the two titans, I think that Sonic has won the battle on the race track. If Diddy Kong Racing could live in harmony with Mario Kart 64, I believe that Switch players should be able to experience the joy that Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed brings. Switching from cars to planes to boats seamlessly, it remains my favorite rocket road racer. -- George

With the release of Xenoblade Chronicles X, that is almost every single game on the Wii U that I have been looking forward to. That is, of course, except for the remastered Zelda titles. Twilight Princess, in particular, is a game that I need to see on either the original Switch or Switch 2. Twilight Princess is shamefully one of the only Zelda games I have never played, which is ironic since its style is one of the most appealing to me, personally. I would love to see Twilight Princess make a return on the Switch 2 so I can finally see how it ranks against the other amazing titles in the series. -- Cody

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is available now for Nintendo Switch.

The post Which Wii U Game Still Needs to Return on Nintendo Switch? appeared first on Siliconera.

Xenoblade Chronicles X ended up often being the “odd one out” prior to the Definitive Edition Switch debut. It was the one that wasn’t a numbered sequel. It didn’t seem to have a place in the overall timeline. Aside from the Nopopon, it didn’t feature familiar races. It focused more on gameplay and exploration than a story. While a number of those things are still true, there are a lot of positive additions and changes in this latest version of the game. So much so that while it does still feel different from the three other entries, it is now even more appealing.

Alien assaults forced humans to flee the Earth. We headed out into the stars in the hopes of surviving and maybe even thriving. However, things aren’t always that easy. Another altercation meant the USS White Whale, one of the last beacons of hope, crash-landed on a new world. While we didn’t plan for Mira to become home, folks are adjusting. Among them is the player, whose avatar is discovered a few months after that incident. After being discovered by Colonel Elma and working alongside an engineer named Lin, we BLADE in a search for the missing Lifehold Core while also assisting the residents of the New Los Angeles settlements and peaceful aliens. 

In general, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition plays similarly to other entries in the series, though there is a bit more of a focus on exploring the open world of Mira than traversing places on a grand journey. There’s still a substantial story that gets quite fascinating, but I always felt this entry came down to seeing every place you could reach, fighting opponents, and testing yourself as you got to learn more about Mira. New Los Angeles is your hub, with BLADE missions sending you around the planet as you help humans get settled and survive. As you head out, you’ll go on foot and via Skell mechs to reach new places. You’ll take on major and minor assignments. You recruit new allies. You’ll head into combat, which again feels inspired by MMOs due to standard attacks being automated and skills triggered. You’ll develop your avatar by picking your character’s classes, adding abilities to a palette to create a a customized hero who suits your needs. 

As you’d expect from a definitive version of a game on a more modern console, the Switch take on Xenoblade Chronicles X absolutely looks better. I found this most noticeable when it came to character and enemy models. Everything looks more natural than it did before, and I also feel like the designs seem more in line with ones for humanoid beings in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and 3. The sense of consistency is great, of course, but it also just generally looks better. Environments still look impressive as well, though I noticed I started to see more of the enhancements and upgrades after leaving the Primordia region. The updates, especially texture improvements, seemed more evident in the other biomes on Mira. 

Many of the changes also involve quality of life adjustments. There are a ton of these. My favorite is being able to swap characters who are in your party on the fly in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. Partially, this is because I found it was invaluable when deciding to alter my allies to suit different combat situations in the field. However, it’s also great for triggering heart-to-heart events! It’s so convenient! The same can be said for being able to change the time of day via the main menu. 

Which can be said for a lot of similar changes. It could be discouraging to miss bonuses for not performing certain skills in a fight due to constantly waiting on cooldowns, and the Quick Cooldown helps! It doesn’t feel like cheating, since you can’t spam it. It’s just there to help facilitate fights. The recommended paths from the Follow Ball you eventually unlock is something I think newcomers to either this game or the series in general may find handy. It doesn’t make it “easy” or “handhold” you, but instead feels like an option to offer a bit of a nudge so you don’t get too befuddled or sidetracked when going between points. The BLADE Level system being absent is huge, since it means not needing to worry about Division Points and if you can access certain missions. It’s so freeing and in line with being able to enjoy the open world and do what you want, when you want to. 

Like other Xenoblade Chronicles games that reappeared with updated releases, there’s also some new content here as well. Much of it is gated away at the end, so it’ll take some time until you really get to analyze and appreciate it. (You know, beyond the trailer teases.) In the case of much of it, it’s just really a fun bonus. For example, ahead of launch Nintendo specifically mentioned a new Skell. (By the way, Skell controls and flight still feel great.) And while what was here originally is all fantastic, I liked getting the extra options and other lore-related insights from such additions.

Now, I’m not going to get into any spoilers for the later parts of the game. However, I will say that I felt satisfied after getting through Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and I think most of the additions in the Switch version tied to the story felt reasonable and well-integrated into what I originally experienced so many years ago. It largely seemed natural and plausible. Can you tell certain elements are new to this release? Honestly, yes. Even if you haven’t played it before, I think you’d be able to pick out the story changes. My only criticisms are minor and I'll wait to discuss thoughts on the ending until after launch, but I'm generally pleased. I am curious to find out what comes next, especially when Monolith Soft reveals the next installment in the series. 

I will say that this time around, I think I cared more about Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition's story than I did when the game appeared on the Wii U. Part of that might have been due to my searching for hints and possible new additions early on. But also, it might have come down to my caring more about that years later than I did when I hopped into the original release eager to explore a new world. I will say that it does require a bit more thought and investment on the part of the player than the numbered entries. There are still mysteries here. Yet, I also felt like that extra investment on my part paired with the additions helped me enjoy it more.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition feels like a stronger game on the Switch. The quality of life adjustments make it so much more enjoyable to play. It looks fantastic on the system. Also, the new elements sometimes feel like a fun treat since it means new insights and options for players. While I do wonder what this means for what comes next, it’s a delight to play and I’m glad the game is no longer trapped on the Wii U.  

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. The original version of the game is available on the Wii U. 

The post Review: Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Feels Stronger appeared first on Siliconera.

Nintendo released an overview trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition showing off the world and various gameplay systems. It released ahead of the remaster’s release on March 20, 2025.

The overview trailer is meant primarily for anyone new to Xenoblade Chronicles X, as it is designed to introduce them to the game’s various gameplay systems. Things begin by looking at the introduction and character creator. From there, the game’s combat is detailed, with an introduction to Arts, the Overdrive system and the use of the Skell mechs in battle. All this will be familiar to players of the original Wii U version of the game, but it may be a suitable refresher for those who need it. It also details that the online multiplayer elements of the original game will be returning for this release.

There are also introductions to the game’s story and world. New Los Angeles, the player’s home city and central hub of Xenoblade Chronicles X, got a significant focus. As well as an introduction to the city as a whole, the overview trailer also discusses how the city acts as the place to get most of your quests. Again, this will all be familiar to Wii U players, although the trailer does end with a teaser of the remaster’s new story elements. We get glimpses of a new floating continent, which has been seen in previews of new characters, along with an ominous encroaching orb of energy.

Xenoblade Chronicles X originally released for the Wii U in 2015. It was the first followup game to Xenoblade Chronicles and offered a stand-alone story with similar mechanics. With the release of the Definitive Edition, all Xenoblade games will be available for the Switch.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will release for the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025.

The post Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Trailer Shows Gameplay appeared first on Siliconera.

Xenoblade Chronicles X came up at a weird time in my life. I played it. I beat it. However, I didn’t get to do absolutely everything in the game due to an eye injury that kept me from spending a ton of time staring at a screen. Two weeks after I recovered, I needed to catch up to work and never got a chance to get back to it. In my first hours returning to Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Switch, I really get to appreciate getting back to the game and experiencing life on Mira again.

As this is a Definitive Edition of an existing game, the introduction is as straightforward as always. Fleeing an alien threat, humans evacuated Earth on ships intended to help them find new homes in the galaxy. The White Whale crash lands on the planet Mira, and a BLADE member known as Elma finds the player’s pod a few months after everyone else started to get settled. What follows is finding a place for yourself in this new world, assisting other survivors/settlers, growing as a person, and hopefully finding answers to some of the mysteries that popped up around you.

Now, the early hours of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Switch are identical to the Wii U version, in that they’re mainly preparing you for life on Mira. You’re restricted in these early chapters, in some ways. The path between Elma finding your White Whale pod and getting to New Los Angeles is relatively straightforward during the introduction, as an example. Even so, it’s possible to experiment and push limits in a way that isn’t present in most game tutorials. You choose how to get to the city, after a certain point, which can immediately put you in harm’s way. If you spend enough time goofing around and exploring in this area (guilty as charged), you can max out the starting Drifter class and already be heading down the Assault, Commano, or Enforcer track before you even get to the barracks and commit to BLADE hip.

What I appreciated, now that I went through early chapters again, is how much freedom Monolith Soft gave us when heading out into this new world. You aren’t forced back onto course if you step off the path for a bit to collect materials or see if you are strong enough to challenge some monsters. While there will be an introduction to ing Divisions, it isn’t hammered over your head and you get to explore what being a Curator or Reclaimer is like via doing after making your decision. You can take on a number of sidequests and even start seeing Heart-to-Heart events with allies. I get the distinct impression it respects my time and intelligence when I started going through it again. 

However, I will say that now that I’m wading back in to Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, I feel a bit like I appreciate the “mainline” entries’ combat systems a bit more. To be fair, this is also quite good. It similarly pulls from MMOs, in that your avatar automatically attacks and you select specific skills when cooldowns allow. Your allies will shout out and highlight when certain moves would be advantageous to use. This is still incredibly fun and cohesive, and the ability to “react,” with Soul Voice responses involving boons like HP restoration. It still feels really fresh and unique in a way some other JRPGs don’t. I do appreciate the third entry's combat most, but we can still see the growth of various systems even in this earlier installment.

It’s a delight to return to Xenoblade Chronicles X with the Definitive Edition and be reminded of how strong of a start Monolith Soft offers.. We’re introduced to this open world and loosely guided through it. We’re able to start going off the “safe” path right away, exploring our options and building ourselves up. There are also mysteries presenting themselves right away, tempting you to explore whenever possible, take on extra quests, and get to know Mira and its new residents better.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025, and the original game is on the Nintendo Wii U.

The post Preview: Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Reminded Me How Much I Missed It appeared first on Siliconera.

Monolith Soft shared more details about the new Hraesvelg Skell that will appear in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. Additionally, Nintendo introduced Tatsu, the Nopon companion of the protagonist and the of BLADE.

The Hraesvelg series is a new type of Skell developed by the Grenada Galactic Group (or Grenada GG.) Unlike regular mass-produced Skells, the mechs in the Hraesvelg series can’t change their equipment. To make up for this limitation, the are armed with special and unique equipment.

The image Monolith Soft shared through social media shows such unique features, such as the ability to turn into a jet when in flight mode, which was previously shown in the second trailer for the game that appeared back in early January 2025. The trailer also showcased the pilot of one such Hraesvelg units.

You can take a better look at the Hraesvelg Skell in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition here:

Meanwhile, Tatsu is a Nopon native to the planet of Mira where the game takes place. He meets the protagonist early on in the game after being freed from captivity, where he was being mistaken by food. After this, Tatsu accompanies the protagonist and his allies throughout the game.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. The original version of the game also appeared on the Wii U.

The post New Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Skell Is Hraesvelg appeared first on Siliconera.

The Xenoblade Chronicles series always featured plenty of exploration. So many quests take you on journeys to far-fledged corners of the map. From wandering across the severed arm of a mechanical titan or the ruins and depths of a skyscraper-filled city overgrown by a deep jungle, Monolith Soft asks you to wander, see strange things just out of reach, and wonder how to get there. Xenoblade Chronicles X featured Skells, pilotable mechs that act as a second layer for each playable character, and they help both to enhance combat and open up exploration.

To start, Xenoblade Chronicles X opens with your avatar being very small and fragile. You barely survive the crash of the White Whale shop. The things you'll notice first when wandering around Mira is how big the creatures are, how many things are out of reach, and how outmatched you are in a fight against many of the threats. Big animals and Ganglion scouts can kill you in very few hits. As Xenoblade tradition dictates, a gigantic, monkey-shaped, level 81 enemy named Hayreddin the Territorial is in the very first area you can access. So many areas are set up like this. You get exposed to dangerous environments or roadblocks you can just barely get past with your normal movement and strength or cant even traverse at all.

That's where the Skells come in.

The Skells are dangled in front of you from the moment you set foot in New LA. The units help with construction, with riding through the streets, and when standing guard across the town. However, you need to earn the license to use one. After completing chapter 6 of the main story, you can show your mastery of the things a member of the BLADE organization needs to know. Stepping into your first Skell is a major turning point that opens up the world. You can use the Skell's boosters to go faster and farther than ever before, jumping over things in its vehicle or mech state. It opens up a new layer to combat. In previous Xenoblade games, overcoming obstacles either required finding the right wall to climb, tunnel to follow, or field skill to unlock. Skells instead are both like getting a new party member as well as a mount that can carry you to places where, even if the mech might not be fully outfitted yet, your characters' skills might be able to keep you safe.

That's all before flight is unlocked. Later in the story, a flight unit for the Skells is developed. If you're willing to brave some very high level creatures lurking in these out of reach areas, you can go anywhere. All the massive hanging structures and geographical formations that were out of reach are now within your grasp. You can find new, important resources and see beautiful sights. You can finally explore places that contain great gear for your characters and the Skells. In previous games, you would be hopping from fast travel point to fast travel point, walking to try and find the one location you missed or the clearest path. The ability fly flight eliminates that frustration completely.

This continues into combat, as there are some enemies and rare bosses that can only be fought inside a flying Skell. In addition, the upgrades mean enemies that once terrorized you on foot now may now be an even match. New strategic options open up with super weapons. Do you focus on the basic rifles and missiles or use a railgun the size of a building strapped to your back? Do you get up close and personal with a rocket-powered drill spear or keep the enemy stunned with a shock field emitter? Both exploration and combat are far more layered with Skells than without. This helps keep every combat encounter fresh since you experiment with different loadouts for both your Skells and characters.

The Skells are one of Xenoblade Chronicles X's most important assets. They are a prime example of Monolith Soft's desire to put exploration and adventure at the forefront of the game. It not only offered options to mix and match ranged and melee weapons on foot, but the Skells crack it and the exploration open even further. With Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the horizon, I'm most excited to take flight once again to uncharted areas to experience whatever dangers and wonders they hold.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition releases for the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025

The post Xenoblade Chronicles X Skells Make Exploring Its Open World Better appeared first on Siliconera.

European branches of Nintendo’s stores started taking Switch pre-orders for a Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Epic Bundle. It costs £57.99 / €69.99 (~$73), depending on where you order it. There is also a promotional keyring included with purchases. So far, it hasn’t shown up in other regions like North America yet. 

Essentially, buying this collector's edition bundle gets you a physical copy of the Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, as well as two guaranteed bonus items. One is a set of five holographic stickers featuring Skells from the game. The other is a desk mat that features Skell schematics on it. As a reminder, the Skells are the mechs we use to get around the game’s open world. 

As for the bonus item, it is a double-sided keychain. You see a Skell on one side, and on the other is a BLADE logo. This is 4cm long and is made of metal.

Here’s how everything looks. Note that while the keychain can come with the collector's edition, people who buy a standard physical copy from the official Nintendo stores in Europe can also get one while supplies last.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch worldwide on March 20, 2025, and the Epic Edition is confirmed for Europe. The original game appeared on the Wii U.

The post Xenoblade Chronicles X Switch Epic Edition Appears in Europe appeared first on Siliconera.

Nintendo shared more information about some of the new characters, areas, and quality of life additions introduced in the second trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. This came up both in Japan and the US social media .

The trailer showcased a new Skell mech named Hraesvelg, as well as its unnamed pilot. While the identity of the new Xenoblade Chronicles X character remains a mystery, they seem to be friendly towards the protagonist. The mech was also shown in the trailer transforming into a unique jet during flight, and it carries a weapon reminiscent of a Japanese katana.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Nintendo website revealed that one of the new characters appearing in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is called Neil Nail. She shares her name with the Neilnail Albus and Neilnail Furvus special Skell bosses that appeared in the original Wii U release and seems to be connected to them somehow. Nintendo also showed the new “floating continent” area added to the game.

Some quality of life improvements were shown. These include the Follow Ball system, which allows players to find objectives easier and is similar to the navigation system that appaeared in the main Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. Furthermore, the new “Quick Recast” system reduces the time needed to cast Arts (skills) during combat.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. The original version of the game also appeared on the Wii U.

The post New Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Characters Detailed appeared first on Siliconera.

Nintendo Europe announced that anyone who buys Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Switch by April 6, 2025 will also get Exploration Pack DLC that includes equipment. So far, only that region’s site features the intel about the bonus, but Nintendo America also confirmed it will be available. A new trailer for the game is available in every region too.

How someone gets the Xenoblade Chronicles X Exploration Pack DLC varies depending on how they get the Switch game. If someone buys a physical copy, then there will be a code included inside launch copies. As such, there would be more time to possibly get it that way. If you go for a digital copy, the Nintendo Europe site noted someone has to get it from the eShop before April 6, 2025 to get the bonus. 

Here’s how the add-on’s items will look. The extra equipment includes an Advanced Iron Knife, an Advanced Storm Assault Rifle, the Survival armor series set that gives you Survival Bodywear, Survival Footwear, Survival Gloves, and Survival Goggles, a set of six weapon augments, a set of five armor augments, and 100,000 credits you can use at in-game stores.

Here’s the latest Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition trailer. It explains how the player and their new allies ended up on a foreign planet, what life is like on the new world, and what we’ll need to do in order to survive. There’s also another look at the additional scenes added to this entry at the end of the video.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. The standard version of the game also appeared on the Wii U.

The post Xenoblade Chronicles X Switch Early Purchase DLC Adds Equipment appeared first on Siliconera.

After the recent announcement of the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Nintendo and Monolith Soft shared several new screenshots of the game running on the updated graphics engine. As a reminder, the game will appear for the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025.

The newly released screenshots showcase the planet of Mira and some of the flora and fauna that players will be able to find as they explore the various environments and ecosystems in the game. Additionally, the screenshots also briefly showcase the main characters Elma, Lin, and Tatsu.

The images were shared by the Japanese Xenoblade series X (formerly Twitter) official . Alongside them, the caption offers some data about the human-made city of New Los Angeles or NLA, and the Nopon. In the setting of Xenoblade Chronicles X, the Nopon are a friendly species native to the planet of Mira. More information about the game will continue to appear in the future.

You can check out the new Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition screenshots here:

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2025. The original game released for the Wii U in 2015, and the online servers were discontinued on April 2024.

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