2025’s Must-Play Video Games: The Exciting Titles Everyone’s Talking About!

New year, fresh games.

While 2024 brought a lot of exciting gameplay (alongside a few letdowns), 2025 has an exciting lineup.

Anticipated launches this year consist of eagerly awaited and long-promised sequels, new entries in major franchises, as well as a new Nintendo console.

Although release dates might fluctuate for some titles, based on what we currently know regarding this year’s offerings, 2025 could be a robust year for gaming enthusiasts and a prosperous one for developers.

Here are some of the most significant video games and gaming highlights we are eagerly anticipating in 2025:

Successor to the Nintendo Switch

New Nintendo hardware is on the way this year. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced in May that the company will reveal details about the successor to the Switch “within the fiscal year,” concluding in March. The upcoming console will be backward compatible, according to the company.

The Switch debuted in 2017 and is among the top-selling gaming consoles worldwide, with over 143 million units sold as of October 2024.

The Sims 25th anniversary

The ultimate life simulation game, The Sims, celebrates its 25th anniversary on Feb. 4, and Electronic Arts is planning to celebrate in the weeks leading up to the anniversary with kits (three launching on Jan. 16), limited events, a 25-hour live stream, and a free content update for The Sims 4 base game, which will include over 70 new items and more.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds, developed and published by Capcom, is an upcoming action RPG where players will track and combat monsters while dealing with environmental challenges during the hunts. This game continues after the previous installment in the series, 2018’s Monster Hunter: World.

Release date: Feb. 28

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Carmen Sandiego

In this new chapter of the legendary adventure series, players will have the opportunity to embody the iconic Carmen Sandiego for the first time. The game, which draws inspiration from the “Carmen Sandiego” Netflix animated series (2019-2021), will have players traveling to various global locations, solving puzzles, engaging in stealth and espionage, and outsmarting the villainous organization.

The upcoming reboot by Gameloft celebrates the 40th anniversary of the classic series and will launch on iOS/Android via Netflix on Jan. 28 before being introduced globally in March for consoles and PC.

Release date: March 4 (Jan. 28 on iOS/Android via Netflix)

Platforms: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, mobile/Netflix

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players will parkour and explore feudal Japan as either a samurai or a shinobi assassin. This forthcoming series installment from Ubisoft will be an open-world experience, featuring dynamic weather, seasons, and responsive environments, allowing players to enhance combat abilities and gather weapons to confront foes.

Release date: March 20

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Tales of the Shire

Here’s your opportunity to settle in Hobbiton. Tales of the Shire is an upcoming cozy life-simulation game from developer Wētā Workshop set within the Middle Earth universe from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” Players will explore the Shire, interact with fellow Hobbits, decorate their homes, garden, fish, cook, and much more.

Release date: March 25

Platforms: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC

GTA6

Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the most awaited video games in recent times, is projected to release in 2025.

This installment in the franchise takes place in the imaginary state of Leonida and centers around criminal duo Lucia, the first female lead in the series since 2000, alongside her companion. The vast open-world title from developer Rockstar Games will feature a contemporary backdrop and satirize current culture, incorporating elements like references to Internet memes and influencer phenomena.

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

This collaboration is fraught with tension. A young Steve Rogers (Captain America) and T’Challa’s ancestor, Azzuri (the Black Panther of his time), set their disagreements aside to confront HYDRA in this forthcoming action-adventure game from Skydance and Marvel Games.

The historical backdrop, figures, and narrative in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra seem to draw influence from the Marvel Comics limited series “Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers.”

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: TBA

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Professor Hershel Layton returns to unravel mysteries alongside his aide Luke in the upcoming chapter of the puzzle-adventure series from developer/publisher Level-5.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam occurs one year after the conclusion of Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (which launched in 2010 in North America) and will adopt a steampunk style.

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Switch

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

In this anticipated, long-delayed installment of the Metroid Prime saga, Samus — the universe’s premier bounty hunter — returns for a fresh objective. The first-person action-adventure title has been crafted by Retro Studios and will be distributed by Nintendo.

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: Switch

Shadow Labyrinth

This 2D action platformer from Bandai Namco presents a darker interpretation of Pac-Man. In Shadow Labyrinth, a somber and gritty reimagining of the classic franchise, players will navigate a enigmatic, war-ravaged world, accompanied by a levitating orb named Puck.

The video game is linked to an episode of Prime Video’s animated anthology series “Secret Level,” which shares narratives adapted from and inspired by video games.

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Wylde Society

Wylde Society is set on the Fairhaven island during the early 20th century and serves as a prequel to the 2022 cozy life-sim Wylde Flowers, from developer Studio Drydock. Similar to its predecessor, this forthcoming title will incorporate magical elements and witchcraft.

Players will assume the role of Vivian Wylde, managing a magical boarding house, which includes personalizing and adorning the house, taking care of residents, and hosting community gatherings.

Release date: TBA 2025

Platforms: TBA