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As MLB The Show steps into its fourth year on the Nintendo Switch, I must say, it’s still quite a feat to see such an ambitious sports game running on the Switch, even if it’s starting to show its age. Now, if the Switch is your only avenue to dive into some virtual baseball, then it’s a viable option, but it’s getting tougher to wholeheartedly recommend it otherwise. Across the years of reviewing this series for Nintendo World Report, I’ve seen the game evolve, and this time around, each mode appears sharper than ever. The continuous innovation and revitalization of these modes by the developers is quite impressive. The only drawback? It’s all held back by the limitations of the decade-old technology of the Switch.
One fresh addition that stands out is the refined Diamond Dynasty mode, which operates solely online. For the uninitiated, this is where you gather virtual cards and assemble your team to tackle various single-player and multiplayer challenges. In the past, things got a bit tangled with multiple sets and seasons resetting throughout the year, often leaving your previous collections obsolete. Thankfully, this year sees the end of all that chaos in 2025, though it has resulted in a slower progression towards building stronger teams. Overall, it’s a positive move.
Another fun twist in this mode is the introduction of Diamond Quest, a roguelike board game adventure. You roll the die, move across a grid, and tackle different challenges. It’s a brilliant concept, pushing you through a mix of short and slightly longer objectives. On the Switch, however, the experience is slightly marred by sluggish loading times, which can make this engaging mode feel like a drag at times. It could benefit from more varied challenges, but the main issue lies with the slow performance, affecting most of the Diamond Dynasty experience.
Turning our attention to the Road to the Show mode, which had a significant overhaul last year, things are looking up. This year sees further refinement, with the cumbersome parts of the story mode smoothed out and options to start in high school or college added. It’s a step up from last year, although it still wrestles with technical limitations due to the Switch’s hardware.
Although Franchise mode wasn’t always my cup of tea, this edition’s enhancements caught my interest. It now offers a richer experience for anyone wanting to simulate the life of a general manager, with more intricate layers to manage free agency, drafts, arbitrations, and contract tenders. For numbers enthusiasts, this could be dangerously absorbing. However, the tutorials could use some work, as my first offseason didn’t go as planned, despite my familiarity with baseball’s offseason antics. Once past the initial hurdles, it was a blast crafting a team with the tools at my disposal.
The Storylines museum, a favorite feature since 2023, might have seen better days, but it’s still a joy to explore the tales of Negro League icons like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes. It’s a bit of a letdown that no new storylines, similar to last year’s Derek Jeter feature, are on the horizon, yet the Negro Leagues content remains compelling, even with some recycled bits.
For those who only have a Nintendo Switch and want a taste of MLB action, MLB The Show 25 fulfills that need. It faithfully represents the acclaimed gameplay and mode variety the series is known for, but unfortunately, every aspect feels slightly compromised on the Switch. Hopefully, the next iteration of the console will provide a more fitting stage for MLB The Show 26.
