Review of MLB The Show 25

When it comes to MLB The Show’s fourth year on the Nintendo Switch, there’s a bit of a bittersweet vibe. It’s kind of amazing seeing such a comprehensive sports game on Nintendo’s older hybrid console, but honestly, unless this is your only choice for getting your baseball gaming fix, it’s a tough recommendation. The game itself is packed with superb features. During my four years covering MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report, this is easily the best all the game modes have performed at the same time. Hats off to the developers for consistently revamping and innovating these modes successfully. The only bummer? It all gets weighed down by the outdated hardware of the Switch.

This year, one of the standout updates is for the Diamond Dynasty mode, which is now online-only. If you’re new to the scene, Diamond Dynasty lets you collect virtual cards to create and compete with your custom team across various single-player and multiplayer modes. Previously, the mode could get pretty complex with different sets and seasons resetting periodically, basically making your past collections no longer relevant. Thankfully, 2025 has shelved that approach, though building stronger teams now feels like a more gradual process. Still, overall, it’s a move in the right direction.

Another exciting addition is the Diamond Quest—a mode that’s like a blend of roguelike and board game. You roll dice to navigate a grid, uncover new spaces, and face a mix of short and extended challenges, like striking out batters or playing short games. It’s a thrilling part of MLB The Show 25, but sadly, the Switch version doesn’t quite capture its zest. The slow loading times turn what should be a fast-paced experience into a bit of a drag. The lack of variety in challenges doesn’t help, but it’s the sluggish performance on Switch that really takes the wind out of its sails.

Meanwhile, Road to the Show, the mode where you create a player and guide their career, received a major overhaul last year. It was mostly great then, and this year they’ve further refined the experience, trimming some of the clunkier story elements and introducing starting points in high school and college. Last year, I said it wasn’t quite big-league ready on the Switch. This year, it’s a step closer, despite some ongoing technical hiccups due to the console’s limitations.

Franchise mode, which I hadn’t really explored much before, has traditionally been a favorite in sports games. It hadn’t changed much over the years, but now it’s undergone a significant transformation. The updates provide more depth for those of us who enjoy playing the role of a general manager—dealing with free agency, drafts, and salary negotiations. Though the tutorials could be more helpful (my first offseason was a little rough), once you get the hang of it, building your team strategically can be incredibly fun.

Lastly, the Storylines museum modes have been a delightful addition since they began in 2023, although this year they feel a tad repetitive. Even so, they shine a light on the rich history of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes. Sony plans to introduce more Storylines in free future updates. While there’s nothing quite like last year’s exciting Derek Jeter Storyline, the content focusing on the Negro Leagues remains impressive, albeit dipping a bit into material we’ve seen before.

If the Nintendo Switch is your sole gaming option and you’re craving a licensed baseball game, MLB The Show 25 is serviceable. It captures the essence of the series’ renowned gameplay and variety, yet it feels a bit compromised on the Switch. Fingers crossed that Switch 2 provides a more fitting home for MLB The Show 26.