2025 is shaping up to be a legendary year for gaming — the new Nintendo Switch 2 is rumoured to be dropping anytime now (please let it be true), plus there are plenty of AAA titles releasing throughout the year.

But first, let's dive into what you need to play this month. How many of these can you squeeze into your gaming schedule?

Arken Age — PC, PlayStation 5 (needs VR headset)

Release date: Jan 16 

This might be the first of many VR games set to wow us this coming year. As a biological alien weapon, you can jump, climb, and swim as you explore Bio-Chasm, a terraformed fantasy world. You can equip yourself with up to three customisable and paintable weapons. With 30 unique mods scattered across the world, you can craft the ultimate arsenal. Time to consider that PS VR headset purchase?

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD — Nintendo Switch

Release date: Jan 16

The best Donkey Kong platformer is swinging back into action with 80 levels of pure fun. Grab a friend to play as both Donkey and Diddy Kong to stomp baddies, ride mine carts, and blast through rocket barrels. Fingers crossed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible because this one's gonna stay in rotation all year long.

Asserto Corsa EVO — PC

Release date: Jan 16

This game aims to give Gran Turismo a drive for its money, promising the most realistic driving simulation video game for car nerds. Based on the trailer, you can expect to sit behind the wheel of legendary BMW, Audi and Ferrari cars driving on real-life tracks such as Laguna Seca (USA), Brands Hatch (UK), Imola (Italy), Mount Panorama (Australia) and Suzuka (Japan). We wish this got a console release.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins — PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Release date: Jan 17

After the lacklustre Dynasty Warriors 9, the franchise makes the leap to current gen consoles in a big way. If you've never played a Warriors game, it's basically one-versus-army epic battles using special moves and weapons. This time, the developers promised that up to 10,000 soldiers can be displayed on screen at the same time. Here's hoping for co-op mode soon because this is the game to jio your bff to team up with.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles — PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Release date: Jan 23

Relive Star Wars Episode I as you battle through iconic scenes, from the first scene fighting through the Trade Federation droid ship to the epic showdown with Darth Maul at the end. Choose from Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, or play as other prequel characters like Plo Koon, Adi Gallia and Mace Windu (hello Samuel L. Jackson!). We played this game non-stop back when it came out 24 years ago — here's hoping this remaster delivers the same magic.

Eternal Strands — PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Release date: Jan 28

From the brilliant mind behind Dragon Age comes Eternal Strands, a game dripping with potential. You'll play as Brynn, a warrior uncovering the secrets of a lost civilisation. You can manipulate the elements using a magical cloak to freeze or burn enemies. Alternatively, you can shape the game world by constructing bridges with ice or burning obstacles blocking your path.

Sniper Elite: Resistance — PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Series X|S

Release date: Jan 28

This third-person tactical combat game is set during World War II. You're an elite sniper operative tasked with infiltrating Nazi-occupied France to fight alongside the French Resistance and stop a mysterious weapon that could alter the course of war. If the SAF sniper course is on your bucket list, this might just be the closest (and safest) way to practise!

This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.