Review of MLB The Show 25

As Major League Baseball’s premier simulation, MLB The Show continues to evolve on the Nintendo Switch, now in its fourth year. The very presence of such a comprehensive sports game on Nintendo’s antiquated hybrid console is impressive on its own. However, recommending it is becoming increasingly difficult unless you’re left with no other choice for a virtual baseball experience. Over the past four years, I’ve observed MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report, and this is undoubtedly the most polished the game modes have felt collectively. The developer’s ability to innovate and revitalize each mode consistently is a commendable feat. It’s just unfortunate that these improvements are hindered by the constraints of decade-old hardware.

Among the new features, the overhaul of the online-only Diamond Dynasty really stands out. For those unfamiliar, it’s a mode where you gather virtual cards to construct your team for both single-player and multiplayer challenges. The complexity of Diamond Dynasty increased recently with its various sets and seasons, often rendering previous collections obsolete. Thankfully, the 2025 update simplifies things, though it now takes a bit longer to build stronger teams. Overall, this is a change for the better.

A fresh aspect of Diamond Dynasty is the introduction of Diamond Quest, a roguelike board game mode. Players roll a die to navigate a grid, uncovering spaces and tackling challenges along the way. This concept is refreshingly fun, blending quick tasks like striking out two batters or notching an extra-base hit with longer challenges like a three-inning game or scoring several runs. While it’s a standout feature in MLB The Show 25, the experience drags on the Switch. The long load times and repetitive challenges make it less enjoyable, a common issue throughout Diamond Dynasty on this platform. Despite its innovative nature, the mode struggles with the Switch’s limited processing capabilities.

The Road to the Show mode, where players craft their own athlete’s career, underwent a major revamp last year, which I largely embraced. This year, it sees further enhancements, refining clunky story elements and introducing high school and college career beginnings. While not entirely big-league-ready on Switch previously, this iteration is vastly improved, save for some technical hiccups due to the system’s limitations.

Franchise mode, a personal favorite I rarely explored in the past, also sees meaningful changes. It’s now a more robust general manager simulation with intricate free agency, drafting, arbitration, and tender processes. If managing team budgets and stats is your thing, you’ll find this mode highly engaging. Though the tutorials could be clearer, especially during initial off-seasons, once grasped, the depth and control available to build a successful team are immensely satisfying.

Since 2023, I have admired the Storylines museum modes in MLB The Show, though this year feels like it’s starting to lose its novelty. The depiction of Negro League titans such as Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes remains spectacular. Sony’s commitment to adding more Storylines through free updates is promising, although I miss the unique perspectives like last year’s Derek Jeter storyline. Despite some redundancy with previous content, the Negro Leagues additions are a remarkable highlight.

For Switch owners seeking a licensed baseball game, MLB The Show 25 suffices. This release faithfully captures the series’ exceptional gameplay design and diverse modes. Yet, every feature feels compromised by the Switch’s limitations. One can only hope that the next generation, possibly with Switch 2, will offer a more fitting home for MLB The Show 26.