The 2025 Nintendo Direct is just around the corner, and we’ve been counting down the days. As lifelong Nintendo fans (and proud Amiibo hoarders), we’ve been speculating nonstop about what could be revealed alongside the highly anticipated Switch 2. From long-awaited sequels to hardware upgrades we didn’t know we needed, there’s a lot on our wishlist.

In this post, we’re sharing our biggest hopes and predictions—some realistic, some wishful thinking, but all fueled by our love for Nintendo. 

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Another prediction is that Nintendo will announce a new Super Smash Bros. game. I refuse to believe they would be done with the franchise—or with the incredible lineup of Amiibos they’ve built alongside it. Given how Amiibos have become integrated into other games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I can see Nintendo expanding the collection even further.

I remember when Michael and I spread our Amiibos across the table, scanning each one to see what bonuses they’d unlock. We’ve even had friends come over just to borrow them! But Smash Bros. took things to another level—letting players train Amiibos, level them up, and even battle against them. I had two terrifying contenders in our collection: Wii Fit Trainer (yes, believe it or not) and Johnny (AKA Villager). Johnny was, and still is, the hardest Amiibo to fight in our lineup.

A Smash Bros. game on the next console just makes sense. Whether it’s an expanded Ultimate or something entirely new, Nintendo isn’t about to let one of its biggest franchises sit on the sidelines.

So my first prediction is probably the most obvious one but I just cannot let this one pass. Metroid Prime was the game that cemented my love for this hobby like no other game. And while Metroid Dread on Switch was just a phenomenal experience, I ever-so-slightly prefer Samus’s 3D outings. 

Looking back at the reveal trailer from 2024 I still can’t really believe how so many people were convinced this game was running on an original switch. Just look at it! If the trailer is any indication of what to expect we are looking at an experience that will probably fall more in line with Metroid Prime 3 than 1 or 2. The imminent release of Metroid Prime 4 gives me hope that we may yet see a remaster of Metroid Prime 2 Echoes and 3 Corruption.

After the massive success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I’m expecting a successor. And I know I’m not alone. Sure, there are other cozy games like Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Stardew Valley, and Story of Seasons, but none quite fill the space Animal Crossing left in our hearts. The home design, seasonal events, and—let’s be honest—the power to kick out a neighbor you don’t like (I mean… carefully curate your community). There’s nothing else quite like it.

Animal Crossing exploded in popularity during the pandemic, providing a peaceful escape when we needed it most. That’s why I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo not only announces a new game but also releases a limited-edition console alongside it. A new Animal Crossing Switch 2? Sign me up.

Another absolute freebie. It’s been 11 years…11 long years since we last got a new Mario Kart game. No, I refuse to count the Switch Deluxe Edition as a proper stand-alone experience. Sure, the course booster pack was great at extending its lifespan. The courses were of really high-quality, but it simply does not make up for the fact that we haven’t seen anything new in ages. Considering the runaway success that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was Nintendo would be stupid not to follow up with the next entry soon. 

The main issue I have right now is actually trying to figure out what Nintendo has in store for us next? Double Dash introduced the concept of having two racers, Mario Kart Wii introduced the absolutely fantastic bikes, and 8 introduced gravity-defying tracks. What will Nintendo do next? I personally hope for a return of the dual drivers, but I’m sure Nintendo will have a surprise or two up their sleeve.

Maybe onto something a little less obvious: Mario Odyssey 2. While I am not sure if Nintendo will make a sequel to the critically acclaimed Odyssey, I do believe we aren’t too far away from a proper 3D Mario adventure. And no, despite its name I simply don’t count 3D Mario World +  Bowser’s Fury as a proper 3D Mario experience akin to Odyssey, Galaxy or Sunshine.

Even though my username pays tribute to the Metroid franchise, my true passion lies with the Fire Emblem series. I have played every game this series has to offer and after the mixed fan-reception Engage received we are due for another “proper” Fire Emblem experience. Could it be a remake of Genealogy of the Holy War? Will it be a brand-new adventure in the style of the epic Three Houses or will Intelligent Systems keep going down the route they took with Engage? While I may have my clear preferred path (please keep the Fates/Engage-Style behind…) that Intelligent Systems could take the franchise, more Fire Emblem is always a good thing.

Please, please, pleeeease make this happen! I need another one. I loved the first game so much that when Dragon Quest Builders 2 was announced, I picked it up right away—complete with all the cute in-game accessories! There’s something so satisfying about building your own base from scratch, watching your villagers pitch in with cooking, farming, and defending against waves of enemies. Sure, it broke my heart every time monsters smashed up one of my carefully crafted rooms… but the best part? I could rebuild it even better.

Both games were well-received worldwide, so I can’t imagine Square Enix seeing a third installment as a risk. If anything, it feels like a no-brainer. I’d love to see what new features they could bring to the table in Dragon Quest Builders 3. That’s why this one’s high on my list of potential announcements for the next Nintendo Direct.

Thoughts on the hardware

…no honestly! I don’t have too many expectations on the hardware. I am very much ok with Nintendo not “innovating” so much this time around. I believe they simply nailed it with the switch so all I really need is a hardware upgrade. Bigger screen? Great, I mostly play in handheld mode already! Potential mouse support via the joycons? Fun idea, but if I can use an external mouse I might just use that instead. 2nd USB-C port? I guess it’s convenient for charging while using the kickstand. 

What matters to me more than anything about the new hardware are the specs to give us a similar lifecycle as the original switch. Maybe give the system enough horsepower to run Discord natively or even to properly run XBOX Gamepass! 

Oh and…please don’t stop with the amiibo support. My wallet would thank you, but in my heart I would be quite disappointed. 

…I’m not the most hardware-savvy person. But there are a few things about the Switch 2 that made me go, “Mmm… you sure about that?” First off, the magnetic joystick attachment. Sure, it sounds cool on paper, but I’m a little worried about how sturdy it’ll be in practice. Is it going to be flimsy? Easy to break? I guess we’ll find out, but I’m already mentally preparing myself for the potential rage.

Then there’s the “almost” full backwards compatibility. Almost, really? Why not make all of the games backwards compatible? I get that there are probably super technical reasons for it, but I’d love to hear exactly why. Nintendo said they’ll talk more about it later… but I’m kind of impatient, you know?

And finally—let’s talk about the color choice. I have nothing against sleek and minimal, but… it’s kinda boring. One of the things I loved about the original Switch was how fun and colorful it was! I’m a wee bit disappointed, but hey, I’m sure they’ll release tons of themed joy-cons later. Either that, or I’ll have to DIY it with cute button covers and joystick sleeves. (Challenge accepted.)

Closing Thoughts

As we wait for Nintendo to pull back the curtain on their next big moves, it’s hard not to feel that familiar excitement in the air. Whether they deliver long-awaited sequels, surprise remakes, or bold new ideas, one thing’s for sure—Nintendo still knows how to keep us guessing. And with the Switch 2 on the horizon, it feels like we’re on the cusp of something special.

What about you? Got any bold predictions we didn’t cover? Drop a comment or hit us up on social media—we love geeking out over this stuff as much as you do! And if none of these predictions come true… well, at least we’ll have fun pressing F5 together.