As the original Nintendo Switch bows out after an era-defining run, Nintendo gave it the send-off it deserves with a March 2025 Direct that was equal parts curtain call and love letter. In a brisk 30-minute presentation, the Big N dropped just enough nostalgia bombs and bold new ideas to keep fans talking until the Switch 2 reveal hits next week. It was a rare blend of closure and anticipation, a moment that simultaneously wrapped up an era and cracked the door open to the next one.
Here are the FactFive standout announcements that had us yelling at our screens (in a good way).
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Yes, It’s Real, and It Looks Wild
After years of radio silence, Metroid Prime 4 finally emerged from the void—and not just with a logo. Titled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the trailer teased a brooding alien world named Viewros, psychic abilities for Samus, and a showdown with longtime rival Sylux. Retro Studios appears to be in full control of this one, and the tone is moody, cinematic, and full of promise.
The visuals suggest a darker, more introspective Metroid experience, and fans are already picking apart the trailer for lore clues. The psychic twist has sparked speculation about potential new mechanics, while longtime followers are excited to see Sylux finally take center stage.
Release Date: 2025
Confirmed for: Switch and Switch 2
If this is the Switch’s swan song, it’s one heck of a finale.
- Rhythm Heaven Returns
In a move that sparked collective joy among rhythm game fans, Nintendo announced a brand-new entry in the Rhythm Heaven series. Details were scarce, but the trailer showcased the franchise’s signature offbeat humor and stylish mini-games. Expect quirky beats, dancing seals, and just enough weird to keep things interesting.
The fan-favorite series has been dormant for far too long, and its return couldn’t be more welcome. With a likely mix of old favorites and new rhythm challenges, this new title aims to recapture the addictiveness of past entries. It’s not just a rhythm game—it’s a full-on celebration of joyful absurdity.
It’s been over a decade since the last proper Rhythm Heaven game, and this one looks ready to fill the void.
- Tomodachi Life Sequel Announced
Social simulation fans, rejoice. Tomodachi Life is getting a sequel, and it looks every bit as bizarre and charming as you remember. The new title brings enhanced customization, improved interactions, and what appears to be expanded storytelling. Your Mii drama factory is about to go next-gen.
Trailers showed Miis gossiping, forming rivalries, and doing everything from karaoke battles to haunted house tours. With improved voice synthesis and deeper relationship dynamics, the sequel promises more unpredictability and chaotic fun than ever before.
Given the popularity of games like Animal Crossing and the enduring appeal of The Sims, this follow-up feels perfectly timed.
- Shadow Labyrinth: A Dark Take on Pac-Man
Bandai Namco surprised everyone with Shadow Labyrinth, a reimagining of the Pac-Man universe with an atmospheric, action-adventure twist. Gone are the bright neon mazes; in their place is a moody, monster-filled world where strategy and upgrades are key to survival.
Players will explore vast labyrinths, unlock power-ups, and uncover the secrets of a corrupted digital realm. It’s Pac-Man as you’ve never seen him before—serious, immersive, and just a little spooky. The combat and exploration mechanics look robust, giving the title a fresh identity while paying homage to its roots.
Set for release on July 18, 2025, the game adds an unexpected yet intriguing layer to the Pac-Man legacy.
- Virtual Game Cards Bring Back the Joy of Sharing
Digital game lending is finally here. Nintendo unveiled Virtual Game Cards, a new feature allowing users to temporarily share digital games between accounts. Think of it like handing a friend your cartridge, only now it’s all done through the eShop. The feature is expected to roll out in late April.
This change addresses one of the most common criticisms of digital game libraries: the inability to share. Whether you’re lending a game to a friend across town or testing a title before you buy it, Virtual Game Cards mark a significant shift toward more flexible digital ownership.
It’s a long-requested feature and a promising step forward in game accessibility.
Wrap
Nintendo didn’t just show up to say goodbye to the Switch—it arrived with a carefully crafted reminder of why the console became a phenomenon. These announcements hit that perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and just the right amount of weird. It felt like Nintendo at its best: fearless, fun, and firmly in control of its own legacy.
Now, all eyes are on April 2, when the Switch 2 steps into the spotlight. If this Direct was the appetizer, next week might just be the main course. One era ends, another begins, and if the transition is as smooth as this presentation, we’re in for something special.
