Review of MLB The Show 25

Stepping into its fourth season on the Switch, MLB The Show continues to impress simply by existing on Nintendo’s enduring and somewhat outdated hybrid system. It’s a testament to the developers’ determination to maintain a full-fledged sports game on this platform. However, it’s getting trickier to recommend it unless you’re bound to the Switch for your virtual baseball fix. Over my four years covering MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report, I’ve witnessed the most refined alignment of game modes to date. The team’s ability to innovate and consistently breathe new life into these modes is commendable. Yet, it’s unfortunate that this excellence is overshadowed by the limitations of decade-old technology.

This year’s edition introduces an impressive overhaul of the online-focused Diamond Dynasty mode. If you’re not familiar, it’s all about collecting virtual cards to assemble your own team and compete across both single-player and multiplayer settings. The previous iterations often felt convoluted with resetting sets and seasons, essentially nullifying your hard-earned collections. Thankfully, this aspect was revamped in 2025, offering a more gradual progression towards building your dream team. Overall, this change is a step in the right direction.

One of the highlights of this mode is undoubtedly the inventive roguelike board game feature named Diamond Quest. It’s a captivating mix where you roll a die, navigate a grid, and uncover various challenges. You might be tasked with quick feats like striking out a couple of batters or slightly longer ones like a mini 3-inning game. While the concept is stellar, the Switch’s sluggish performance somewhat tarnishes the experience, turning enjoyment into a bit of a chore. The drawn-out load times are primarily to blame, not to mention the lack of variety in challenges.

The Road to the Show mode, where you craft your player’s career, saw significant improvements last year. This year, it’s even better, with the addition of high school and college as starting points and streamlined narrative elements. Although it hasn’t completely shed its technical pitfalls on the Switch, it’s evidently more polished and big-league-ready compared to the previous version.

Franchise mode, which I’ve dabbled with on and off in various sports games, has undergone a notable transformation. Traditionally similar each year, this mode now brings about substantial changes, creating a more engaging general manager simulation. With intricacies like detailed free agency and draft processes, it’s perfect for those who enjoy delving into the numerical and strategic aspects of sports management. Admittedly, the tutorials could use some refinement, as even with my familiarity with baseball’s off-season dynamics, I found myself struggling initially. However, once I grasped the mechanics, constructing a team became a compelling experience.

The Storylines museum modes that began in MLB The Show 2023 are still a delightful inclusion, although they’re showing signs of repetition. The incorporation of historical narratives around Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes remains fascinating. Sony has plans to introduce additional Storylines via future updates, but the absence of a unique narrative like the Derek Jeter Storyline from last year is a bit disappointing. Nonetheless, the existing Negro Leagues content continues to be a highlight, even if some of it revisits familiar ground.

Ultimately, if you’re set on playing a licensed baseball game and are limited to the Switch, MLB The Show 25 serves its purpose. This version captures the essence of the series’ renowned gameplay design and diverse mode offerings, but each part feels constrained by the hardware. Here’s to hoping that Switch 2 offers a more fitting home for MLB The Show 26.