Review: MotoGP 2025 (Nintendo Switch)

MotoGP 25 is the latest in the long-running motorcycle racing series. Seriously, it stretches back to the year 2000. It’s not even the first time the series has been on the Switch, with annual editions arriving since 2019. Now, as Milestone brings the 2025 racing season to Nintendo’s hybrid console, it’s time to ride like a champion for another year. 

First things first; this game looks great. The graphics are super impressive, especially on the humble Switch. We’re talking about an eight-year-old device that’s constantly (and unfavorably) compared to other more powerful consoles. The team at Milestone has done a fantastic job at getting the very best out of this humble system, akin to what Nintendo itself often accomplishes in its own games. It’s that slick and smooth.

The realistic graphics are important because MotoGP is a racing simulation based on real-life athletes. And motorbikes. I might not recognise them personally, but the main players are all here, complete with the actual vehicles used on the circuits. It creates a sim experience that allows you to choose your favorite racers and work with them on becoming simply the best.

Things begin with a simple tutorial that belies how tricky motorcycle riding really is. I’ll be frank; I haven’t played much in the way of bike-riding games (unless the two-wheeled options in Mario Kart count). I have, however, played my fair share of car-racing outings. Let me tell you right now, there’s a huge difference in the way these two types of vehicles handle.

Practice makes perfect though, right? In the case of MotoGP 25, it really does. I appreciate that the difficulty curve comes mostly from my unfamiliarity with these beasts rather than anything to do with the game itself. In fact, the bikes handle really well overall; it’s just that they’re so fast! Cornering without falling takes a steady (and practiced) hand.

Once the tutorial is over, it’s time to get racing. Most modes play more or less the same, allowing you to dip in and out of circuits on your own, locally, or online. The most robust way to play, though, is a rather solid career mode. Here you can choose your racer and hit the road to compete for glory. I love that each outing isn’t merely a race around a track; it’s like a whole weekend of racing. There are allocated times for practicing and time trials before the race even begins. We’re talking 30 minutes of dedicated riding to work out the kinks. You can always skip these if you prefer a speedier outcome, but when you first meet a circuit, it pays to practice as much as possible.

It’s also strangely relaxing, with real-life motorcycle sounds accompanying your trip around and around. There’s actually little in the way of music to distract you, allowing you to become one with your bike and the track. No, really; it feels this good.

Nailing a tight corner, though? Now that feels superb. Those hairpin curves are tricky to master, but working the brakes and accelerator soon becomes more natural. Having said that, one of my minor nitpicks with MotoGP 25 is the way lap times are forfeited if you misstep even slightly. I have no idea about the rules of racing, so when I see a disqualified notice because my tires went over a line somewhere, it’s perplexing and slightly annoying. Thankfully, it’s also easy enough to simply do another lap. 

Other stand-out features include the level of detail and customization on offer. While you can select from a roster of real-life racers, you can also create your own. The avatar-creation tool is relatively simple since you can’t see your face most of the time. However, you can certainly customize the color and style of your outfit, including stickers and sponsors. You can even choose your preferred cornering style; who knew there were so many options in this category!

Overall, MotoGP 25 is a solid motorcycle racing sim that looks and plays well. It’s got everything an enthusiast needs, from real-life riders to customizable bikes. After some time with the game, I still prefer four-wheeled races, but I also have a new appreciation for these two-wheeled beasts.