Review of MLB The Show 25

It’s been four years since MLB The Show graced the Nintendo Switch, and while it’s undeniably impressive to see such a comprehensive sports game running on this aging hybrid console, recommending it becomes harder as time goes on—unless, of course, it’s your only option to enjoy digital baseball. After covering MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report over these years, I can say that this is the most polished version of every game mode so far. It’s a testament to the developer’s ability to consistently innovate and elevate each aspect of the game. However, it’s unfortunate that these advancements are slowed down by the console’s outdated hardware.

This year brings a standout improvement in the form of a major overhaul of the online-only Diamond Dynasty. For those unfamiliar, it’s a mode where you collect virtual cards to build your team and compete in various single-player and multiplayer scenarios. Past iterations of Diamond Dynasty became overly complex with resets occurring each season, which rendered previous collections less valuable. Thankfully, in 2025, they’ve simplified things, though it does mean a slower progression towards assembling stellar teams. Overall, it’s a step in the right direction.

A fresh addition to this mode is the innovative roguelike board game mode, Diamond Quest. You roll a die to navigate a grid, uncovering spaces and taking on challenges. It’s a fantastic concept that mixes quick tasks, like striking out batters within an inning, with lengthier ones like three-inning games. It stands out in MLB The Show 25, but on the Switch, it loses its charm due to sluggish loading times. While the variety of challenges could be improved, the primary issue is the slow performance, a problem that plagues much of the Diamond Dynasty experience on the Switch.

The Road to the Show mode had a major update last year that I really enjoyed, and this year, it got even better. They’ve refined certain clunky story elements, and now you can start your journey from high school or college. I felt that last year this mode wasn’t quite ready for the big leagues on Switch, but with this year’s enhancements, it’s a significant improvement despite some technical limitations inherent to the Switch.

Franchise mode is something I didn’t explore much in the past, although I’ve always enjoyed this kind of feature in sports games. Historically, it hadn’t seen much change in The Show, but recent updates have given it a fresh breath of life. Now, it’s an engaging simulation for general managers, with a more intricate system for free agency, drafts, and contracts. For those who enjoy tinkering with team budgets and figures, this mode can be quite absorbing. While some tutorials could use improvement—I had a rocky start with the offseason despite my familiarity with the intricacies of baseball’s free-agent dealings—I found it rewarding once I mastered the fundamentals. It’s incredibly gratifying to tweak a team as a general manager with so many strategies at your disposal.

I’ve always appreciated the Storylines museum modes introduced in MLB The Show 2023, but this year’s edition seems to be losing its novelty. Nonetheless, exploring the histories of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes is still thrilling. Sony has promised future updates with more Storylines. While I miss unique narratives like last year’s Derek Jeter Storyline, the Negro Leagues content remains compelling, even if some elements are recycled from previous games.

For those looking to enjoy a licensed baseball game and only have a Nintendo Switch available, MLB The Show 25 serves well enough. Although this version reasonably captures the series’ refined gameplay and diverse modes, it feels hampered by the Switch. Let’s hope that the anticipated Switch 2 provides a more fitting platform for MLB The Show 26.