Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa named Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as Nintendo Switch titles scheduled for release in 2025 during a February 4, 2025 quarterly-results Q&A. That was a statement of Nintendo’s plans at the time—not a promise that either game would be exclusive to the original Switch. Nintendo later listed Switch 2 Editions for both games.
What Nintendo said about the two Switch games
In Nintendo’s February 4, 2025 quarterly results briefing Q&A, Furukawa identified Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as announced Nintendo Switch titles scheduled for release that year. The English wording below is BGR’s translation of the Japanese answer:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time | Buy on Amazon |
“As of now, we have announced Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as titles for the Nintendo Switch scheduled for release in 2025.”
Furukawa also said Nintendo would like to release attractive software for Switch “if we can develop it,” while noting that dedicated software is important when launching new hardware. He described balancing those priorities and finding ways for customers to play Nintendo games across Switch and Switch 2; he did not promise a broad, ongoing slate of original-Switch releases. BGR’s February 5, 2025 report provides the translated quotation and context.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
What later Nintendo listings say about platforms and dates
| Game | February 2025 statement | Later Nintendo listing |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Named as a Nintendo Switch title scheduled for 2025. | Nintendo lists the Nintendo Switch release date as October 16, 2025. Nintendo also lists a Switch 2 Edition for October 16, 2025. Nintendo of America product page · Nintendo Switch 2 games list |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Named as a Nintendo Switch title scheduled for 2025. | Nintendo’s Switch 2 games list includes a Switch 2 Edition dated December 4, 2025. The cited official material does not establish the original Switch version’s release date or physical SKU details. Nintendo Switch 2 games list |
Nintendo’s UK page says the upgraded Pokémon Legends: Z-A version on Switch 2 offers improved resolution and frame rates; the US product page describes Switch 2 compatibility and says gameplay is consistent with the Nintendo Switch version. Nintendo UK’s game page has the upgraded-version details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does “coming to Switch” mean original-Switch exclusive?
No. Furukawa’s answer named the two games as planned Switch titles, but did not say they would be exclusive to that console. Nintendo’s later Switch 2 list confirms that Switch 2 Editions were listed for both. Those later listings add platform information; they do not change what the February 2025 Q&A said.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Nintendo says compatible physical and digital Switch games can be played on Switch 2, while warning that some titles may not be supported or fully compatible. That general compatibility note is separate from the dedicated Switch 2 Edition listings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Become the Hero of Time and save Hyrule from darkness
- Venture into dungeons, solve puzzles, and travel across time in two different eras to restore balance to the land
- A classic tale, reborn for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, visuals built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and more
- Play Link’s in-game ocarina by humming or singing into the Nintendo Switch 2 system microphone
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
