MLB The Show 25 is set to launch on March 18, 2025, exclusively for current-gen platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. This marks the first time the series has abandoned last-gen consoles, though with the Nintendo Switch 2 expected later this year, this may be the baseball franchise's final appearance on Nintendo's current platform.

Release Details and Editions

Players can get early access beginning March 14, 2025, by purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition. The game will release simultaneously worldwide at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Here's a breakdown of the available editions:

• Standard Edition ($69.99, $59.99 on Switch) Base game5 The Show Packs (preorder bonus)
• Base game
• 5 The Show Packs (preorder bonus)
• Limited Edition (Physical only, $69.99, $59.99 on Switch) Base game5 The Show Packs (preorder bonus)Exclusive MLB The Show Topps Trading Card featuring one of the cover athletes (while supplies last)
• Base game
• 5 The Show Packs (preorder bonus)
• Exclusive MLB The Show Topps Trading Card featuring one of the cover athletes (while supplies last)
• Digital Deluxe Edition ($99.99) 4 days early access (starting March 14)Base game20 The Show Packs5 Gold Choice Packs1 Diamond Choice Pack1 20th Anniversary Choice Pack20,000 StubsEquipment PackCover Athlete Bat SkinDouble daily rewards
• 4 days early access (starting March 14)
• Base game
• 20 The Show Packs
• 5 Gold Choice Packs
• 1 Diamond Choice Pack
• 1 20th Anniversary Choice Pack
• 20,000 Stubs
• Equipment Pack
• Cover Athlete Bat Skin
• Double daily rewards

Cover Athletes

For the first time, MLB The Show 25 features three cover athletes representing baseball's exciting young talent:

• Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds)
• Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles)

Major Mode Updates

Road to the Show

Road to the Show receives significant improvements after years of stagnation:

• New "Amateur Years" feature lets players start in high school and college
• Eight playable college teams including Tennessee, LSU, UCLA, and Texas
• Revamped progression system with no attribute caps
• New first-person camera option
• Enhanced Impact Plays and QTE system

Franchise Mode

Franchise mode promises several improvements focused on free agency:

• Big market teams will have more negotiating power
• New "Motivation" system adding risk/reward elements
• Improved trade and free agency logic

Diamond Dynasty

The game's most popular mode gets the biggest overhaul:

• Year-long progression system replaces seasonal restrictions
• New Diamond Quest mode featuring roguelike elements
• Weekend Classic competitive mode offering top-tier rewards
• Team Affinity gets team-focused progression trees
• Integrated Program system across multiplayer modes

Other Features

• Negro Leagues Storylines returns for Season 3, featuring James "Cool Papa" Bell, Wilber "Bullet Joe" Rogan, and Norman "Turkey" Stearnes
• New "G.O.A.T" difficulty level for ultimate challenge
• "Ambush Hitting" system for more realistic plate approaches
• Enhanced audio including authentic high school and college sounds
• Hundreds of new animations for increased realism

Unlike previous years, MLB The Show 25 will not feature a physical Collector's Edition or pre-launch test, which may disappoint some long-time fans.