Nintendo Holiday Party
A Nintendo Holiday Party
A couple weeks ago, we were lucky enough to be invited by Nintendo to their NYC Holiday Showcase, and wow! Think giant screens, non-stop button-mashing, and enough Mario, Kirby, and Pokémon magic to make even grown-ups squeal. We got to test-drive the hottest games coming this holiday season, and have the inside scoop for you!
Yoshi is always the life of the party!
Pokémon Legends: Z-A — The Star of the Show
The biggest buzz was around Pokémon Legends: Z-A, launching October 16, 2025 on Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2. This isn’t your old turn-based Pokémon. Battles are real-time, you can sneak on trainers, swap Pokémon mid-fight, and the action feels alive.
It took me a moment to get used to the new battle mechanics, and fainted more times than I’d like to admit, but it was fun every second. Ethan (our 13-year-old old resident gamer) had no issues adjusting to the new mechanics and said, “This is the next gen of Pokemon and I love the real time battle mechanics!”
Our Gamer Kid, Ethan’s verdict: “Finally, Pokémon feels like a real action RPG again. This could be my favorite.”
Exclusive Pokemon: Legends Z-A gameplay
Kirby Air Riders — Chaos With Wings
Coming November 20, 2025 to Switch 2, Kirby Air Riders is pure multiplayer chaos. Up to 16 players zoom, crash, and power-up through City Trial mode, ending in wild mini-events.
It’s colorful, responsive, and hilarious, even when you’re losing. (I won. Just saying.)
Ethan’s take: “I want to master the meta strategies, not just drive in circles.” Translation: he’s hooked. Also, a little annoyed that he lost to his mom.
It’s an over-all beauty
Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 Remastered
Launching October 2, 2025, these classics shine on modern hardware. Gravity-bending jumps, crisp visuals, and Star Bit collecting still feel magical. The graphics on the Nintendo Switch 2 were incredible. As a huge fan of the originals, I will snag these day 1.
It’s also a good refresh before the new Super Mario Galaxy movie comes out next year!
Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 on the Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza & Mario Kart World
Donkey Kong Bananza allows you to smash everything! Big, bold levels and co-op chaos make it the kind of game you pull out at family gatherings.
Read our Donkey Kong: Bonanza review
The new Mario Kart World lets up to 24 racers battle it out on huge tracks. The world is open, and the racing is smoother, brighter, and still a blast. Plus, the new knockout game type is addictive fun!
Gamer Kid’s hype: “This is what I’ll be playing online with my friends all Christmas break.”
So many fun games to try out!
Nintendo Switch 2 — The Holiday Gift
The Nintendo Switch 2 is THE holiday gift. After trying it, we get it:
- sturdier build
- brighter, sharper screen
- smoother controls
- games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundled in
If you’re upgrading or buying your kid’s first console, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a future-proof holiday win.
Read our Switch 2: Nintendo Switch 2 review
It’s an over-all beauty
Final Thoughts & Our Gamer Kid’s Top 3
Nintendo’s holiday lineup is stacked. Here’s our quick list:
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A: fresh, action-packed, a big leap forward
- Kirby Air Riders: chaotic multiplayer joy
- Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2: classics remade beautifully
- Donkey Kong Bananza: family party pleaser
- Mario Kart World: fun, fast, bigger than ever
- Nintendo Switch 2: the gift to conquer all other gifts
Ethan’s hype ranking:
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Kirby Air Riders
- Mario Galaxy 1 & 2
Nintendo’s NYC Holiday Showcase convinced us, this is going to be a big season for family gaming!
Disclaimer: The Real Family received product, services, or other compensation in exchange for this review. However, the opinions expressed within are entirely our own and reflect our honest views and real experiences.
We're the Real Family!
We believe in honest, thorough, well-thought-out feedback from a family-oriented and clean perspective. Mom Caroline works in marketing, Dad Craig is an electrician, and Kid Ethan is a full-time middle schooler. We have been adventuring together for 12+ years. Join us as we cosplay at comic cons, meet other car enthusiasts at car shows, travel to new places, immerse ourselves in live theater on Broadway, and share our experiences with the latest movies, games, shows, social media fads, and more!
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