World of Warcraft's Future: Why 2025 Could Be Its Biggest Year Yet
With major expansions on the horizon and the possibility of a console debut, World of Warcraft is poised for its most transformative year yet in 2025.
World of Warcraft has stood the test of time as one of the most enduring MMORPGs in gaming history. Even after celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, the game continues to attract millions of players worldwide. Blizzard Entertainment has kept the momentum alive by consistently rolling out expansions, most recently with World of Warcraft: The War Within.
But Blizzard isn’t stopping there. With two more expansions—World of Warcraft: Midnight and World of Warcraft: The Last Titan—already in the pipeline, the game’s future looks as promising as ever. However, there’s an opportunity for Blizzard to push the franchise even further by venturing into uncharted territory: bringing World of Warcraft to consoles.
World of Warcraft Could Finally Arrive on Consoles
For decades, World of Warcraft has remained exclusive to PC and Mac, with the broader Warcraft series rarely stepping onto console platforms. The Sega Saturn and PlayStation versions of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness stand as the franchise’s only console appearances. Historically, MMORPGs and real-time strategy games thrive on mouse-and-keyboard controls, making console adaptations challenging. However, with the rumored advancements of the Nintendo Switch 2, World of Warcraft might finally have the perfect opportunity to expand beyond PC.
Nintendo Switch 2 Could Revolutionize WoW Gameplay
Rumors suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce Joy-Con controllers with mouse-like functionality. This potential innovation could bridge the gap between traditional console and PC gaming, making World of Warcraft more accessible to a new audience. Given the hybrid nature of the Switch, a console release wouldn’t just appeal to new players—it could also offer PC veterans a new way to experience Azeroth.
Bringing World of Warcraft to the Switch 2 would also make sense from a business perspective. The original Nintendo Switch became a massive success, attracting a broad player base and solid third-party support. If the Switch 2 follows suit, Blizzard could capitalize on this market to introduce World of Warcraft to millions of new players who may have never considered trying the game before.
Could WoW Be Part of Microsoft’s Bigger Strategy?
Another factor that could drive World of Warcraft to the Switch 2 is its publisher’s connection to Microsoft. Xbox head Phil Spencer has already confirmed that Microsoft plans to bring Xbox games to Nintendo’s next-generation console. With Blizzard now under Microsoft’s umbrella, the possibility of World of Warcraft making the jump to Switch 2 seems more plausible than ever.
Blizzard has already demonstrated a willingness to bring its major franchises to Nintendo platforms. Diablo III and Overwatch have both seen successful releases on the Switch, proving that there’s a strong market for Blizzard titles on Nintendo consoles. If Microsoft wants to further integrate its gaming ecosystem with Nintendo’s, adding World of Warcraft to the mix could be a major move.
The Time is Now for World of Warcraft to Evolve
While a console release for World of Warcraft has always seemed like a long shot, 2025 presents a unique opportunity for the franchise to break new ground. Between technological advancements, Microsoft’s expanded reach, and the potential of the Switch 2, Blizzard could redefine World of Warcraft’s accessibility and player base.
If Blizzard is serious about keeping World of Warcraft relevant for another 20 years, expanding to consoles might just be the next logical step. While nothing is confirmed yet, the possibility of exploring Azeroth on the go with a Nintendo Switch 2 is an exciting thought for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.