December is incredibly front-loaded for video game releases on Nintendo Switch 2 (bar a couple of exceptions), and for good reason. As we enter the final month of the year, we all need ample time to pick up games for ourselves and loved ones before Christmas and the holidays.
It's not all just about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond this month either, as there are some other standouts worth taking note of, such as Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Octopath Traveller 0.
There are also updates to Red Dead Redemption and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, with Switch 2 Editions launching for both, alongside the first big expansion for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Mega Dimension, and plenty more.
Everything Coming to Switch 2 in December 2025
- Dec 1: Marvel Cosmic Invasion
- Dec 2: Assassin's Creed Shadows
- Dec 2: Red Dead Redemption (Switch 2 Edition)
- Dec 2: Simogo Legacy Collection
- Dec 4: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Dec 4: Octopath Traveler 0
- Dec 4: Football Manager 26 Touch
- Dec 4: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Switch 2 Edition)
- Dec 8: Skate Story
- Dec 10: Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Mega Dimension (DLC)
- Dec 11: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Dec 16: The Rogue Prince of Persia
Deal Alert: Switch 2 + Mario Kart World for $449
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Marvel Cosmic Invasion arrives on Nintendo Switch 2, bringing colourful, comic book-style beat ‘em up action to the console. Players build a tag team from 15 heroes and can switch between them instantly to chain combos and unleash powerful special attacks.
The game supports solo play or co-op via local and online multiplayer, making it easy to dive in with friends. It launches digitally on Switch 2 on December 1, 2025, with the physical edition arriving later on March 13, 2026.
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on Nintendo Switch 2, letting players switch between two distinct characters in feudal Japan. As the nimble shinobi Naoe, stealth and agility are key, while the samurai Yasuke relies on strength and precision to tackle challenges. The open world encourages exploration without overwhelming players with icons and checklists, and the game’s combat demands more deliberate timing and strategy than past entries.
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Simogo Legacy Collection comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, bringing together seven of the studio’s mobile hits in one package. The collection includes Kosmo Spin, Bumpy Road, DEVICE 6, Beat Sneak Bandit, Year Walk (with Year Walk Companion), The Sailor’s Dream, and SPL-T, with restored versions that let you play using touch, buttons, motion, or dual mouse controls.
From arcade-style novelties to experimental text-based adventures and fourth wall-breaking narratives, the collection offers a varied look at Simogo’s early work. It is a convenient way to explore the studio’s creative past on the new console.
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Rockstar's cowboy classic Red Dead Redemption is now cleared for launch on Nintendo Switch 2. The news was announced earlier in November, with Rockstar officially confirming, stating:
"Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare are coming to Netflix, iOS, Android, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 on Dec 2. Experience these epic Western adventures with free upgrades, the ability to carry over game progress, and more."
You can pick up the Red Dead Redemption on Nintendo Switch for $35 at Amazon right now, or there's a pre-owned version available at GameStop for $27.99 as well.
If you already own the game, you will be able to upgrade digitally to the new Switch 2 enhanced version for free, with Switch users able to continue their existing save data on the newer console. The new Switch 2 Edition also has support for DLSS, HDR, mouse controls, and 60fps.
Release Date: December 4, 2025
One of the most anticipated releases of the year has finally arrived in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. It's available from December 4, and costs $69.99 for the Switch 2 Edition, or $59.99 on the standard Switch (with a $10 upgrade path available. The Switch 2 version includes the game for the original Switch, plus the upgrade pack, all on the cartridge. None of that game-key card nonsense here.
Release Date: December 4, 2025
Octopath Traveler 0 is set to release on December 4. Like the previous entries in this turn-based RPG series, it’s made in the visually striking “HD-2D” art style that uses pixelated 2D characters and gorgeous HD environments, with visual effects only possible on modern platforms.
In Michael Higham's Octopath Traveler 0 - Review in Progress for IGN, he said: "Octopath Traveler 0 has so much firing off in parallel with its separate story branches, overarching themes, and complex-but-satisfying RPG combat system, and I'm excited to see how it all concludes as I inch closer to the end."
"Great RPGs live or die by how their final acts play out – with the expectation of wild boss battles, story revelations, and resolution to an 80-hour-plus journey, a lot is riding on it. And I'm just as eager to finalize my thoughts and feelings on Octopath Traveler 0 soon after."
Release Date: December 4, 2025
Football Manager 26 Touch lands on Switch 2 on December 4, giving the console a low maintenance football sim for anyone who does not fancy the full fat PC grind.
It runs on a refreshed engine that improves player movement and match presentation, so it is not just the same old handheld port, but expectations should stay realistic, this is still a streamlined version built for quick sessions.
Women’s football and the Premier League are included from launch, which helps it feel current, and the Touch format remains a decent fit for playing in short bursts on a handheld. It is not the headline release of December, but if you want something to poke at between bigger games, it fills that role well.
Release Date: December 4, 2025
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, and will be available digitally for players priced $69.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack will also be available for $10 to owners of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, allowing both content and progress to transfer over.
A physical version is coming, which Sega says will "feature the full base game on the cartridge", but that's not expected to release until "early 2026."
For the savvy shoppers, the original Switch version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available for $44.99 right now from Amazon, with the Switch 2 upgrade then bringing that up to a total cost of $54.99. But, that's still $15 cheaper overall when compared to paying $70 for the digital version.
Jada Griffen's 9/10 IGN review: "Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds fires on all cylinders with a fantastic roster of 24 of my favorite hedgehogs, foxes, echidnas, and more. The lineup of 24 main tracks and 15 Crossworld tracks is the best designed selection we've ever gotten in any Sonic racing game, and there is a generationally great soundtrack to accompany them. The racing itself feels fast, fantastic, and intuitive, with lots of options to tweak your stats to your preferred playstyle."
"There are plenty of modes that entertained my friends and me for hours, and CrossWorlds will probably be a regular staple of hangouts as more courses and characters are added over the coming months – though I do wish it had the option for splitscreen when playing online. The titular Crossworld mechanic is an awesome idea that keeps each race fresh, and a great way to potentially turn the tables on opponents thanks to a lengthy list of customization options. While I'm still speeding my way to complete all the challenges, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one that I know I'll enjoy playing plenty more of in the months to come, crossing the finish line as my new favorite kart racing game of all time."
Release Date: December 8, 2025
Skate Story arrives on Switch 2 on December 8, offering a quirky, narrative-driven skateboarding adventure. Players start as a beginner and gradually unlock tricks and skills while exploring the Underworld, taking on the Devil’s bizarre challenge to skate to the moon.
Along the way, the game blends platforming, combat, and story elements, making for a compact but memorable experience on Nintendo’s new handheld.
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Mega Dimension, the upcoming paid DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A ($29.99 USD) due for launch on December 10. The expansion is headlined by two new Mega Raichu designs, and also includes Mega Zeraora, though unlocking it will be a "little difficult", apparently. A new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A also recently revealed a surprise new Mega Evolution for the fan-favorite Lucario.
Release Date: December 11, 2025
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 11, bringing the grimdark 40K universe to the hybrid handheld. Players engage in tactical combat, explore rich narrative paths, and interact with some of the franchise’s most iconic and dangerous elements.
IGN’s Leana Hafer gave it 8/10 in her review when it first launched a couple of years ago, praising the "excellent writing, great combat, and the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most interesting and exciting elements of the 40K universe," while noting that "its systems are a complicated beast to master and the bugs are numerous and significant."
Despite these challenges, she concluded that Rogue Trader "stands out as one I wouldn't want to have missed" and represents a strong step forward for Owlcat as an RPG developer.
Release Date: December 16, 2025
The Rogue Prince of Persia arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 16, offering fast-paced parkour and combat across a roguelite world. IGN’s Imran Khan gave it 7/10 in his early access review, noting that "with a slick presentation and an incredibly fun combat system, all the right pieces are here for The Rogue Prince of Persia’s success," but warning that "the repetition you’ll face and the faint whisper of a story…wear thin far too quickly" at launch.
He added that bug fixes and expanded content will be key to improving the experience, and while Early Access is rough around the edges, it shows promise as a future roguelite contender.
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