Review of MLB The Show 25

As MLB The Show marks its fourth year on the Nintendo Switch, I’m finding it increasingly challenging to recommend it unless you have no other platform options. The game itself is a marvel of ambition, especially when packed into Nintendo’s aging hybrid console. Over four years, covering MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report has been a fascinating journey, with the current iteration showcasing the sharpest approach across all game modes. It’s impressive to watch a developer continuously innovate these modes effectively. However, the experience feels hampered by the hardware’s outdated technology.

The online-only Diamond Dynasty is one of the standout features this year. For those unfamiliar, it’s a mode where you collect virtual cards to craft your team and compete in various modes. Previously, Diamond Dynasty had become quite convoluted with different sets and seasons resetting your collections throughout the year. That’s all changed for 2025, but the trade-off is a more gradual progression in team-building. Overall, though, it’s a step in the right direction.

Another highlight is the remarkable Diamond Quest, a roguelike board game mode within Diamond Dynasty. You roll a die to navigate a grid, unveiling spaces and taking on challenges. The concept is fantastic, offering a mix of quick tasks (like striking out two batters) and longer ones (like playing a 3-inning game). While Diamond Quest shines in MLB The Show 25, its sluggish loading times on the Switch hamper the experience, turning an enjoyable mode into a bit of a slog. This lack of performance also affects the wider Diamond Dynasty, which feels sluggish to navigate on the Switch.

The Road to the Show mode, a fan-favorite where you guide a custom player through their career, saw significant improvements last year. This year, it’s even better, with more streamlined storytelling and new starting points in high school and college. While last year I felt it wasn’t quite major league-ready on the Switch, this year’s version is considerably polished, though still grappling with the Switch’s technical limitations.

Franchise mode, a staple of sports games that I hadn’t explored much before, has undergone significant enhancements. It’s shifted more towards a manager simulation, with deeper and more complex elements like free agency and drafts. Although the tutorials could use some refinement – I struggled during my first off-season despite being familiar with baseball’s winter dealings – the experience of building a team is engaging, especially once the basic mechanics click.

I’ve been a fan of the Storylines museum modes since their debut in 2023, although they seem to be losing a bit of their initial shine this year. Even so, exploring the history of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes remains fascinating. Sony has mentioned plans to add more Storylines in future updates. However, the absence of something akin to last year’s unique Derek Jeter Storyline is a letdown. Nevertheless, the content honoring the Negro Leagues is outstanding, despite some repetitions from previous titles.

So, if you’re gearing up for a baseball game and the Nintendo Switch is your only option, MLB The Show 25 is a satisfactory choice. It faithfully offers the gameplay and variety the series is known for, but it’s undeniably held back on the Switch. Here’s to hoping the next iteration on Switch 2 delivers a more seamless experience with MLB The Show 26.