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Anticipated Developments in Gaming for 2025
We outline all the gaming speculation and leaks we are aware of set to arrive next year.
This year has been substantial for video gaming. We witnessed the debut of the PlayStation 5 Pro, while Xbox eliminated the disk drive from its premier console. CNET designated Belatro as the Game of the Year, and numerous rumors concerning the successor to the Switch dominated the news. However, now we shift our gaze to what lies ahead. Here’s everything we’re thrilled about in gaming for 2025. The most talked-about gadget we are eager to experience is the forthcoming and still unnamed Switch 2. The original Nintendo Switch launched way back in 2017, followed by a slightly enhanced OLED version in 2021. Currently, there is no definitive release date for the upcoming console, but Nintendo president Shantaro Furukawa has indicated that the new apparatus will be revealed within this fiscal year, setting a timeline before March 31, 2025. Recent speculations and carrying case leaks suggest that the new Switch may be larger than its predecessor while maintaining a similar thickness, featuring an expanded screen size of 8 inches. The joycons will also receive an update, introducing a new magnetic attachment mechanism with eject buttons located on the back near the top, differing from the rails used in the initial model. There is also a newly observed C button beneath the home button, though its function remains uncertain. At this point, we do not have any confirmed titles for the new console, but there are various clues to consider. Furukawa has assured that the console will be backwards compatible with original Switch games; however, it’s ambiguous whether this encompasses downloaded titles or physical Switch cartridges. Looking toward unreleased titles, some developers have started altering their marketing language. For instance, the Ukulele remaster Yuca Relayle features a generic Nintendo logo in its announcement trailer, differing from the usual Switch logo that is typically displayed. We are also aware that the long-anticipated Metroid Prime 4 is currently in production, with a release forecasted for 2025. It’s reasonable to assume it will launch alongside the new hardware, given their close release timelines. Perhaps there will be a version available for both Switch consoles. It is common for developers to create split-generation releases during a new console’s launch to capitalize on sales from the larger last-generation consumer base, similar to Breath of the Wild, which was launched on both the Wii U and the original Switch. We are beginning to see information and leaked images regarding the new updated Steam controller. This design draws significant inspiration from Valve’s Steam Deck handheld, which is apt since Valve has stated that the Deck was inspired by the original Steam controller. The new controller appears almost identical to what you would get if you removed the screen from a Steam Deck and pressed the two sides together. This chunky controller reminds me of the similarly large controllers from the past, such as those for the original Xbox or Dreamcast. As someone who appreciates the tactile nature of my Steam Deck, I anticipate that this controller will offer a much longer lifespan than its predecessor. Recently, reports have emerged indicating that Sony is collaborating with Apple to enable support for PlayStation VR2 controllers with the Vision Pro. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentions that this announcement was originally scheduled to be made weeks ago but has been postponed for unknown reasons. This collaboration would also permit Apple to sell the controllers separately from any headset, a feature not currently provided by Sony. The Vision Pro presents a largely controller-free interaction, so this move could pave the way for many more VR gaming experiences in the future. Furthermore, the report suggests that Apple aims to use this collaboration for purposes beyond gaming, with the controllers enabling navigation within the Vision Pro’s Vision OS, enhancing control for various applications. Both Microsoft and Sony are on record asserting that they are developing dedicated gaming handheld devices; however, both have indicated that these products are several years away. This almost seems like an obvious move when considering the rising popularity of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. These are unlikely to actually ship or even be officially announced in 2025, but never say never, right? Sony’s report includes specifications aimed at targeting PS5-level titles for the handheld, which could be quite challenging to achieve in a compact and moderately priced form factor at this moment. There is also no information regarding whether this device would be dockable like the Switch or simply allow output like the Steam Deck, but we can look to Microsoft’s dual-tier Xbox strategy—the more powerful Xbox Series X alongside the less powerful but more budget-friendly Series S—as a potential approach for each company, where the less potent of the two could indeed be a handheld. On Valve’s end, they have also indicated intentions of creating a successor to the Steam Deck, though the power and components necessary are still years from being viable in the market. We are all eagerly anticipating Grand Theft Auto 6, the sequel to one of the top-selling games ever. Trailers and leaks have emerged over the years presenting the anticipated gameplay, yet the significant question is how GTA Online will evolve. Live service games did not exist when 5 was launched, and the gaming landscape has shifted considerably since its introduction in 2013. There’s also a significant question concerning whether GTA 6 will maintain its scheduled 2025 release or face delays into the following year. Bloomberg’s Jason Schrier noted that multiple publishers are delaying commitments to a fall 2025 release as they are concerned about competing with GTA 6. They are determined to distance their own games as much as possible from GTA 6’s release; we can be sure that it will garner more attention than any other game throughout 2025, and that wraps up everything we anticipate will generate excitement next year in gaming. However, I want to hear from you. Is there something that you are looking forward to or are particularly enthusiastic about? Please share your thoughts in the comments, and thank you for watching.
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