With the arrival of autumn and the beginning of the school season on the horizon, there are still numerous thrilling games on the way in 2025 to anticipate.

This year has already been impressive for major game releases. We’ve witnessed the debut of a fresh Nintendo console, indulging in remarkable titles such as *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, *Donkey Kong Bananza*, and *Death Stranding 2: On The Beach*. However, the calendar is not complete yet; with November and December currently lacking significant release dates (at least for now), there remains a wealth of upcoming games that leave us contemplating how to integrate them into our hectic lives.

Here are the 5 most notable games still to be released in 2025 that have us excited:

## 5) *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* (September 30)

*Final Fantasy Tactics* has long been regarded as one of the finest strategy-RPGs ever made. Released in the shadow of *Final Fantasy VII* in 1997, it occupies a cherished spot close to its more renowned counterpart on numerous “best games of all time” rankings. Nonetheless, playing it has become increasingly challenging as generations progressed—all three previous iterations have their drawbacks, such as the torturous slowdown found in the PlayStation Portable port.

Finally, the demand for an update has been addressed, and on September 30, *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* aims to present a definitive, modernized experience. Completely rebuilt, the enhanced version of the game boasts full voice acting, a thoroughly updated script, quality-of-life enhancements, and a revamped user interface, among other improvements. For those who wish to experience the original version, the classic mode allows players to revert to the original gameplay with the PSP English script.

The opportunity to revisit this cherished classic justifies its place on our list of upcoming games; however, it will be particularly special to witness a new generation embarking on the adventure for the first time in *The Ivalice Chronicles*.

## 4) *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* (TBA)

For fans of Samus Aran, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* has been one of the most eagerly awaited upcoming titles for several years now. The fourth installment in the *Metroid* subseries was revealed back at E3 2017, when the original Nintendo Switch had just launched. Nintendo later expressed dissatisfaction with progress in 2019 and returned it to the original *Prime* creators, Retro Studios.

…then it vanished until last year, when Nintendo announced the official subtitle and showcased the first glimpse of gameplay. We are still anticipating an official release date; however, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is expected to launch sometime in the latter part of 2025 on Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. (Possibly in November?)

While it’s uncertain how it will weave into the broader narrative of the franchise, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* will provide Samus with new psychic abilities to manipulate her surroundings or control her shots. This long-awaited title has us excited to see what Retro has been developing (along with the other powers that accompany Samus’ new third-eye suit).

## 3) *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* (October 16)

Whether or not you believe the main Pokémon series has become repetitive over 9 generations, *Pokémon Legends Arceus* was undeniably a bold, innovative move that transformed the franchise. Much like *Breath of the Wild* for Pokémon, this daring spin-off significantly altered our understanding of the series by plunging us into its ancient past with an open-world depiction of the Sinnoh region.

Now, a new *Legends* title approaches, and it ranks among our most anticipated upcoming games in 2025. *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* captures the essence of *Arceus*’ open-world exploration while confining it within the expansive urban landscape of Lumiose City in Kalos, previously showcased in *Pokémon X&Y*. Many beloved features from the original return, such as direct trainer control during battles, while divisive aspects have been set aside.

As a trainer aiming to carve out their legacy amidst Lumiose’s extensive urban renewal initiatives, players will compete in the city’s battle league by night and explore the metropolis by day. Although Nintendo and Game Freak have kept a tight lid on details, the legendary Zygarde is likely to play a central role in this new adventure when it launches on both Switch and Switch 2 in mid-October.

(Additionally, it’s introducing