MLB The Show has carved out its niche on the Nintendo Switch, now marking its fourth year on this platform. It’s undeniably impressive that such an ambitious and feature-packed sports game functions on Nintendo’s aging hybrid console. Yet, the increasing limitations of the system are becoming more noticeable, making it harder to wholeheartedly recommend unless it’s your only means to enjoy some virtual baseball. Having reviewed MLB The Show on this console for four years for Nintendo World Report, I can say the game modes have never been sharper all at once. It’s commendable how the developers consistently bring fresh twists to these modes. However, it’s lamentable that the brilliance is overshadowed by the constraints of dated technology.
A standout in the latest iteration is the revamped online-only Diamond Dynasty mode. For those unfamiliar, it’s a dynamic mode where you gather virtual cards to build a team for both solo and multiplayer fun. Previously, Diamond Dynasty could get a bit tangled with its seasonal resets, which effectively erased your progress. Happily, that’s been adjusted in 2025, albeit with a more gradual pace in team building. Even so, the change is largely a step forward.
Diamond Dynasty also features a new and exciting roguelike board game mode called Diamond Quest. Picture this: rolling a die to navigate a grid, uncovering spaces, and facing challenges. It’s an inventive idea that mixes short tasks like striking out batters with slightly longer challenges such as three-inning games. While this feature is a highlight, its charm is dampened on the Switch due to slow load times. Despite the concept’s appeal, the zippy experience needed isn’t quite there, turning it into a bit of a drag.
Road to the Show, where you construct your player’s career path, saw significant updates last year that I largely praised. This year, it’s even more refined, thanks to tweaks in the story and additions of high school and college entry points. Compared to last year, it seems more ready for prime time on the Switch, though some technical blips remain due to the hardware.
Franchise mode is another aspect I previously overlooked, though I’ve always enjoyed these features in various sports games. This time around, it feels more refined with enhanced general manager elements—dive deeper into free agency, drafts, and contract negotiations. If you’re the type to relish balancing budgets and strategizing in sports management, this mode could be incredibly captivating. The tutorials could use some polish, as my initial attempt was rocky despite having some understanding of baseball’s offseason shenanigans. But once you get the hang of it, building a team as a general manager, pulling all the available strings, proves to be satisfying.
Storylines museum modes introduced in 2023 are a delight, albeit showing signs of getting repetitive. Witnessing the stories of Negro League icons like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes is fantastic. Sony’s commitment to future updates with more Storylines is encouraging, though we’re missing a big draw like last year’s Derek Jeter narrative. Regardless, the Negro Leagues content is impressive, even if it’s treading familiar ground.
For those who have a Switch and are eager to play a licensed baseball game, MLB The Show 25 gets the job done. While it encapsulates the excellent game design and variety the franchise is known for, the Switch does impose its limitations on the experience. Fingers crossed that Switch 2 will be a more suitable platform for MLB The Show 26 in the years to come.
