Review of MLB The Show 25

MLB The Show has reached its fourth year on the Nintendo Switch, and while it’s remarkable to see such a comprehensive sports game on this aging platform, the limitations of the hardware are becoming increasingly apparent. If you have no other means to enjoy virtual baseball, it might still be worth considering, but otherwise, it’s a tough sell. Over the past four years of reviewing MLB The Show for Nintendo World Report, I’ve seen the game modes reach a pinnacle of excellence like never before. The developers have done a fantastic job reinventing and enhancing these modes year after year. It’s just unfortunate that these efforts are hindered by the limitations of the decade-old technology found in the Switch.

One of the most notable improvements is the overhaul of Diamond Dynasty, their online-only mode where you can gather virtual cards to build your dream team. Previously, the mode was bogged down by various sets and seasons that would reset over time, making your collections feel obsolete. Thankfully, they’ve done away with that in 2025, although the pace of building a great team is now more gradual. Still, this change is mostly for the better.

Adding to its charm is the new roguelike board game mode called Diamond Quest. Here, you roll dice to move around a board filled with different challenges. It combines quick challenges, like striking out a couple of batters, with longer ones, such as a short game or scoring runs. It’s an excellent concept, enhancing the game’s variety, but on the Switch, the excitement dampens due to sluggish load times. What should be a snappy, engaging mode turns into a bit of a drag. Some of this is due to repetitive challenges, but the slow loading is the main culprit. This issue extends across the Diamond Dynasty experience on the Switch—it’s a compelling mode that just doesn’t run smoothly enough.

Last year’s major overhaul of the Road to the Show mode impressed me quite a bit, but this year’s tweaks elevate it further. They’ve improved on some of the awkward storytelling aspects and added options to start your player’s career in high school or college. Last year, I felt this mode wasn’t ready for the big time on the Switch, but now, it feels much more polished, despite some technical limitations.

Franchise mode, which I haven’t consistently engaged with before but have always appreciated in sports games, has seen some meaningful upgrades. It’s turned into a more immersive general manager simulation, featuring detailed free agency, drafting, and contract negotiations. For those who love the nitty-gritty of baseball management, this mode could be highly captivating. Though the tutorials could use some work—I had a tough first offseason despite being pretty familiar with baseball’s free agent frenzy—once I got the hang of it, it was a blast crafting a team as a GM, with all the intricate controls at my disposal.

I’ve been fond of the Storylines museum modes since their introduction in MLB The Show 2023. However, this year, they seem to be reaching a plateau. Still, it’s a delight to explore the stories of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes. Sony does plan to release additional Storylines in future free updates, although there’s nothing quite like last year’s Derek Jeter storyline, which is a shame. Regardless, the Negro Leagues content remains fantastic, even if it recycles some material from previous games.

For those who are limited to the Nintendo Switch and want to experience a licensed baseball game, MLB The Show 25 delivers an acceptable rendition. The game retains the exceptional gameplay design and mode variety the series is known for, but each aspect feels a little compromised on this platform. Here’s hoping that the next iteration, possibly on a more capable Switch 2, will offer a smoother, more fulfilling experience.