MLB The Show continues its journey on the Switch for the fourth year, and while it’s impressive to see such a fully-loaded sports game running on Nintendo’s aging hybrid console, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to give it my full endorsement unless it’s your sole avenue for diving into virtual baseball. The game’s individual components are stellar, and over the past four years, watching MLB The Show evolve for Nintendo World Report has been fascinating. This iteration stands out as the most polished I’ve seen with every game mode firing on all cylinders. The developers have done an outstanding job of pushing boundaries and consistently refreshing modes. It’s just a shame that these efforts are bogged down by the limitations of outdated hardware.
One of the most exciting updates this year is the overhaul of the online-only Diamond Dynasty. If you haven’t explored this before, it’s a dynamic mode where you collect virtual cards to build your own dream team and face off in both solo and multiplayer matches. The last couple of years made Diamond Dynasty feel a bit chaotic, with different sets and seasons resetting frequently, often rendering previous collections obsolete. Thankfully, in 2025, that’s been streamlined. There’s now a more gradual progression in assembling top-tier teams, which is generally a welcome change.
The mode is energized by the addition of Diamond Quest, a creative twist that turns into a roguelike board game. You move around a grid by rolling a die, uncovering spaces, and facing challenges. The concept is fantastic, throwing you into quick challenges like striking out two batters in an inning or hitting an extra base hit, along with longer ones like a three-inning game or reaching target runs within a set number of outs. It’s one of the highlights of MLB The Show 25, but on the Switch, the magic is lost in translation. The sluggish load times sap the fun out, turning what should be a breezy experience into a bit of a drag. There’s something to be said about the repetitive nature of challenges, but mostly, those load times are the culprits weighing down the otherwise exciting Diamond Dynasty.
Last year’s revamp of the Road to the Show mode, where you chart the career of your own player, was mostly a hit with me. Now, it’s elevated even further with tweaks to the storytelling and the addition of high school and college starting points. I mentioned last year that the mode felt unprepared for a grand entrance on the Switch, but this new iteration is definitely improved, albeit not completely free from the technical constraints of the console.
Though I haven’t delved deeply into Franchise mode in the past, it’s a feature I’ve always appreciated in sports games. Historically, it hasn’t changed much in The Show, but this time around, it’s had some significant improvements. It now feels more like a compelling general manager simulation, boasting more intricate and detailed processes in free agency, drafts, arbitrations, and contracts. If managing budgets and stats is your jam, this could be your new favorite pastime. Some tutorials leave much to be desired—my first offseason was tough even with my knowledge of baseball’s off-season antics. Yet, once I got the hang of things, it was deeply satisfying to maneuver through the intricate process of team building.
The Storylines museum modes, first introduced in 2023, became a personal favorite for me, though this year they’re losing some sparkle. Nonetheless, showcasing the history of Negro League legends like Cool Papa Bell and Turkey Stearnes remains a joy. Sony also announced more Storylines will be released for free in the near future. It’s a bit of a letdown that something as unique as last year’s Derek Jeter Storyline isn’t making a comeback. Nonetheless, the Negro Leagues content remains compelling, even when some of it feels like a rehash from previous games.
If playing a licensed baseball game on the go is what you’re after and the Switch is your only avenue, MLB The Show 25 serves its purpose well. It captures the essence of the series’ superb gameplay design and diverse modes. However, everything about it feels like a compromise on the Switch. Here’s hoping the next generation of Switch will provide a more fitting home for MLB The Show 26.
