New game releases in January 2025 you don’t want to miss

Welcome to 2025, gamers! January might not be the busiest month for gaming, but there’s still plenty to get excited about. This month kicks off the year with a host of thrilling adventures.  

First, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is swinging back onto the scene. This fan-favourite gets a vibrant HD makeover with extra levels packed full of nostalgic fun. Over in ancient China, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is bringing back its legendary hack-and-slash action with epic battles, iconic warlords, and a fresh storyline to explore.  

And for PC players, the wait is finally over as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lands this month, letting you team up as Peter and Miles in an open-world New York teeming with web-slinging action and iconic villains. With these games and more heading your way, here’s your guide to all the upcoming video games launching in January 2025. 

Top video game releases for January 2025

1. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
2. Dynasty Warriors Origins
3. Sniper Elite: Resistance
4. Spider-Man 2
5. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles
6. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O

1. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are back in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD! This high-definition revival of the classic Wii game drops on January 16, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch, bringing sharper visuals, bonus levels from the 3DS version, and exciting new gameplay features. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, there’s plenty to enjoy.

The game’s story follows Donkey and Diddy on a mission to recover their stolen banana hoard from the Tiki Tak Tribe. These hypnotic villains use mind control to turn the island’s animals against you, but the duo is ready to fight back with their teamwork and signature moves.

Across 80 action-packed levels, you’ll ride mine carts, blast off on rocket barrels, and charge through obstacles with Rambi the Rhino by your side. With the addition of a Modern Mode, you will enjoy a more accessible experience, featuring three hearts by default, Cranky Kong’s expanded shop inventory, and helpful items like Crash Guards and Green Balloons. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD releases for Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025. 

2. Dynasty Warriors Origins

Dynasty Warriors Origins combines nostalgic Musou action with fresh tactical RPG elements, offering an exciting new take on the series. Set before the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the story explores Zhang Jiao’s rise, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for longtime fans.

You’ll play as an unnamed, amnesiac protagonist, whose journey is closely tied to the rebellion’s events. Familiar characters like Cao Cao and Guan Yu appear in younger, reimagined roles, showing their paths before their legendary status.

Powered by next-gen hardware, Dynasty Warriors Origins delivers sprawling battlefields filled with soldiers, capturing the chaotic essence of ancient warfare. Combat updates include an improved charge system, base captures, and tougher enemies, alongside the return of moral systems and ally support for team-focused strategies.

With no DLC or spin-offs planned, Dynasty Warriors Origins launches as a complete, story-driven experience when it releases on January 17, 2025, for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and on Steam. 

3. Sniper Elite: Resistance

Set in Nazi-occupied Europe, Sniper Elite: Resistance takes you back to the gritty battlefields of World War II. You play as Harry Hawker, a skilled British operative sent behind enemy lines to sabotage the Axis and turn the tide of the war.

From sneaking through city streets to taking out enemies and wrecking their equipment, you’ll have plenty of tools and weapons at your disposal. Sniper Elite: Resistance puts a big focus on letting you play your way.

Whether you like to sneak around undetected or go all out in a firefight, the open mission design gives you the freedom to choose. Stealth gets a serious upgrade, too and you can mess with generators, cut power to spotlights, and more to distract enemies.

And yes, the iconic slow-mo “X-ray kill cam” is back, making every perfect shot incredibly satisfying. For multiplayer fans, there are co-op missions and intense competitive modes. If you grab the Deluxe Edition, you’ll also get a Season Pass for upcoming DLC. Sniper Elite: Resistance launches on January 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. 

4. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PC)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is finally here on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, bringing all the action-packed fun to more players. This critically acclaimed sequel continues the stories of Peter Parker and Miles Morales, showing how they’ve grown into New York City’s legendary Spider-Men.

With a plot that pits the duo against formidable foes like Venom and Kraven the Hunter, the stakes have never been higher. Peter’s dealing with the crazy power and corruption of the Venom symbiote, while Miles is juggling being a hero and his personal life.

The open world is bigger than before, now including not just Manhattan but also Brooklyn and Queens, with tons of cool spots to explore. You can also easily switch between Peter and Miles, each with their own unique skills and gadgets.

Additionally, with new web wings for gliding and a better gadget system, exploring and fighting in New York has never been more fun. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PC port arrives on January 30, 2025. 

5. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

Get ready to jump back into the Star Wars universe with Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles, coming to modern platforms in January 2025.

Originally released in 2000, this fast-paced lightsaber action game takes you through the events of The Phantom Menace. You’ll get to play as iconic Jedi like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, and Plo Koon, battling through droids, assassins, and Sith.

Developers Aspyr has brought the game back with a fresh look, better controls, and some exciting new features for platforms like Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. All the levels and characters are unlocked from the start, including fan favourites like Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, and Queen Amidala.

After your first playthrough, you can also unlock 13 more characters, like the Rifle Droid and Tusken Raider. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on January 23, 2025. 

6. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is dropping on January 28, 2025, and it’s set to take the legendary 3D fighting series to the next level. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA, this release marks Virtua Fighter’s 30th anniversary, packed with new features and upgrades that fans old and new are sure to love.

The story picks up where the previous games left off, with 19 fighters, each with their own unique backstory and fighting style, battling it out in intense one-on-one matches. Fan favourites like Akira Yuki and Lei Fei are back, but the stakes are higher than ever as players aim to claim the title of the world’s strongest fighter.

The game also looks amazing, with updated visuals in stunning 4K and up to 60fps support. Additionally, with rollback netcode, online play is smoother than ever, making it perfect for global competitions. On top of that, you can get new DLC like the 30th Anniversary Swimsuit Costume Set and the Ryu Ga Gotoku Series Collaboration Pack for some fun customisations. 

Other games to watch out for in January 2025 

Apart from all the games mentioned above, here’s the full lineup of all the new video games releasing in January 2025: 

1. Blade Chimera (PC, Switch) – January 16
2. Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2 (PC, Switch) – January 30
3. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – January 31
4. Cuisineer (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – January 28
5. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – January 22
6. Eternal Strands (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – January 28
7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PC) – January 23
8. Freedom Wars Remastered (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) – January 10
9. Gimmick 2 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) – January 30
10. Guilty Gear Strive (Switch) – January 23
11. Morkull Ragast’s Rage (PC, Xbox Series X|S) – January 16
12. Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos (PS5, PS4, Switch) – January 28
13. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (PC, Xbox Series X|S) – January 28
14. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero (PS5, PS4, Switch) – January 30
15. Ravenswatch (Switch) – January 23
16. Sea Fantasy (PC) – January 7
17. Synduality: Echo of Ada (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – January 23
18. Tales of Graces f Remastered (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) – January 17
19. Techno Banter (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – January 30
20. The Stone of Madness (PC, Switch, PS5, XSX/S) – January 28
21. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) – January 28
22. Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (iOS, Android) – January 14
23. Warside (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) – January 28
24. Wuthering Waves (PS5) – January 2
25. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana (PS5, PS4, Switch) – January 7
26. Yobarai Detective: Miasma Breaker (Switch) – January 16
27. Wizardry: The Five Ordeals (Switch) – January 30