Happy 2025 everyone! As we look forward to the bright new year, let's take a look inwards with our third eye and make some predictions. This is inspired by some talk amongst our crew here at BetterPlay, but also by an amazing post made by Amir Satvat, so a big thank you to him!
Prediction 1: The Switch 2 will be released in tandem with a new 3D Mario
I think this is a prediction that should and will be on everyone's list. However, here at BetterPlay, we might have a bit more hope for it than most. We believe that it might be almost as powerful-- if not the same-- as the Steam Deck. There have already been some leaked models of the chassis that are insanely interesting. From the first look, the Switch 2 will certainly be bigger than its former but will have a different docking and controller mechanism. Instead of the previous slide, it will be a magnetic attachment from the metallic L and R buttons.
As for the 3D Mario game, it's a shot in the dark. Given that Mario Odyssey was released along with the first Switch, it would certainly be a fun homage to the original console. As for the topic of said game, I'm going to guess and say that it will be something similar to Odyssey, maybe even a second installment. I could even see a potential second installment of Super Mario Sunshine as well. Who knows though, these are just predictions... game predictions.
Prediction 2: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is going to be a landslide success
With the acclaim that Xenoblade Chronicles 1+2+3 have gotten on the Switch, it only makes sense that Xenoblade Chronicles X would do just as well if not better given the different feel of the gameplay. There is a distinct lack of good feeling "Gundam"-like games on the Switch as far as I'm aware, so having something different like that could be an amazing addition to the Xenoblade Switch family. The only thing I would be worried about is the fact that it is a very different approach to Xenoblade compared to the other games. It is closer to the first one in regards to the topic and overall atmosphere, so if people don't like that sort of dark RPG then this game might not be the one for them. All I know is that it is already on my wishlist and will have many hours put into it.
Prediction 3: The Haunted Chocolatier will either come out this year or a hard release date will be set
The "cozy game powerhouse" Concerned Ape has already stated that he doesn't want to set a release date until he is fully comfortable and confident, which is completely understandable! We love setting boundaries and doing what is best for you here at BetterPlay, but I have a feeling that he is at least going to hint to when it is being released or even go as far as to release it towards the end of the year. Call it a hunch, but I swear my third eye is tingling right now. Or maybe it was something from the radioactive spider that just bit me.
Prediction 4+5: Hollow Knight Silksong will be released by the end of the year AND a dark horse indie title is going to win GOTY
This is a prediction from our very own Michael Sapiro here at Better Play Studios and goes in line with another prediction that he had. He believes that a dark horse indie title is going to sweep the game awards this year. Given the quality that is coming out from all fronts, I can certainly see that. Especially given the sweeping wins by one of my favorite games out of 2024: Balatro. Silksong certainly has a lot of people expectingly waiting on its release, and with it being announced a few years ago... it would make sense that it might start rearing its beautiful head soon enough.
From Silksong to Xenoblade and from new consoles to the Haunted Chocolatier, there are lots of predictions that we have for this 2025 year in games. Our biggest and best, however, is that we see you, dear reader, being happy and healthy all year long. We hope that this was a fun little read for you as more news comes out.
And just so we're clear, the world still got a prediction list from BetterPlay before GTA6.
We hope that you're 2025 is as amazing as you all deserve. Thank you for your continued support, KOZEE friends!