Excitement is reaching fever pitch as the inaugural San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2025 prepares to open its doors in just a few days, promising a dazzling celebration of pop culture that’s already nearly sold out. For fans of video games, comics, movies, and more, this event marks a milestone: it’s the first time such a massive Comic-Con event lands on the European side of the Atlantic, and both Nintendo and Bandai Namco are pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable.
According to HQ, the convention is scheduled to kick off around September 26, 2025, and will feature an impressive roster of guests from across the entertainment spectrum. However, it’s the video game segment that’s generating some of the loudest buzz, thanks to exclusive previews, hands-on demos, and a slew of new announcements from industry giants Nintendo and Bandai Namco.
Nintendo, known for its knack for fan engagement, is offering attendees a rare treat: the chance to try out Metroid Prime 4: Beyond before anyone else. But that’s just the beginning. The company will set up a sprawling area with 56 gaming stations, each loaded with the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console. The lineup of playable games reads like a who’s who of blockbuster titles—Mario Kart World, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Donkey Kong Bananza (complete with its recent DK Island DLC) are all on offer. For those looking ahead, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is sure to draw long lines of eager fans.
Third-party titles are also making a splash at the Nintendo booths. Attendees can get their hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong—running at a smooth 120 fps—alongside big names like EA Sports FC 26, Hogwarts Legacy, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Street Fighter 6, and Star Wars Outlaws. It’s an eclectic mix designed to appeal to gamers of every stripe.
Meanwhile, Bandai Namco is determined not to be outshone. The company will host 28 game booths showcasing titles such as Little Nightmares III, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero, Digimon Story Time Stranger, and Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree. Fans can grab a friend and dive into the cooperative thrills of Little Nightmares III, or test their skills in a variety of other genres. The publisher is also embracing the broader pop culture vibe of the convention, offering cosplay workshops, an interactive photocall featuring a host of game universes—including The Blood of the Dawnwalker, Code Vein II, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—and even live music.
Speaking of music, the creative team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be on hand to connect with fans. Guillaume Broche, the game’s director, will attend in person, and the talented artist Elesky is slated to perform two live piano concerts featuring the game’s evocative soundtrack on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4. It’s a reminder that video games, at their best, are a true fusion of art forms.
But the excitement isn’t limited to what’s playable on the show floor. In the days leading up to Comic-Con Málaga, Nintendo made headlines with a major announcement during its latest Nintendo Direct presentation, as reported by GamesRadar+. The company revealed a brand-new range of amiibo figures for the Nintendo Switch 2, delighting collectors and gamers alike. These NFC-enabled collectibles, which have become a staple of Nintendo fandom, are now available for pre-order—though fans are warned to act fast before resellers swoop in.
The new amiibo lineup is nothing short of impressive. For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, fans can snag a Samus & Vi-O-La amiibo, depicting the iconic bounty hunter on her new bike—a nod to the anime classic Akira, according to GamesRadar+. This figure is priced at $39.99 and will launch on November 6, 2025, alongside a standalone Samus amiibo at $29.99. The Sylux amiibo, featuring another key character from Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, is set for release on December 4, 2025, also at $29.99.
Kirby enthusiasts haven’t been left out. The Kirby Air Riders series introduces two new figures: Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star, both priced at $49.99 and launching on November 20, 2025. These amiibo aren’t just cute display pieces—they unlock unique content within Kirby Air Riders, allowing players to train Figure Players and swap characters for added fun. Notably, these Kirby amiibo are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, reflecting the forward-looking nature of the new hardware.
Fans of the Super Mario Galaxy series can look forward to two stunning new amiibo: Super Mario and Princess Rosalina, each available for pre-order at $39.99 and set to launch on April 2, 2026. Tapping the Mario amiibo in-game grants players a Life Mushroom, while Rosalina’s figure unlocks a coveted 1-Up Mushroom in the Super Mario Galaxy Switch collection. These amiibo will be compatible with both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, ensuring that longtime fans aren’t left behind as the new generation arrives.
What about compatibility? According to GamesRadar+, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Super Mario Galaxy amiibo will work with the original Nintendo Switch, while the Kirby Air Riders amiibo are strictly for the Switch 2. Each figure unlocks game-specific content, but the broader functionality of the amiibo line remains—a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to supporting its loyal fanbase across hardware generations.
For collectors, these new releases represent both opportunity and challenge. Amiibo have a history of selling out quickly, especially when tied to major game launches. As GamesRadar+ notes, “when combined, all of these new Nintendo NFC-enabled collectibles don’t come cheap.” Prices range from $29.99 to $49.99, and with the popularity of characters like Samus, Kirby, Mario, and Rosalina, competition for pre-orders is likely to be fierce.
Beyond the gaming booths and collectibles, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2025 is shaping up to be a true celebration of pop culture in all its forms. Cosplay workshops will invite fans to step into the shoes of their favorite characters, while interactive photo opportunities promise memories to last a lifetime. The presence of high-profile developers, live musical performances, and a packed schedule of panels and tournaments ensures that there will be something for everyone—whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a comic book enthusiast, or just looking for a taste of the action.
With the event nearly sold out and anticipation at an all-time high, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2025 is poised to set a new standard for fan conventions in Europe. Nintendo and Bandai Namco’s ambitious plans underscore the growing importance of the European gaming market, while the flood of new amiibo figures signals a bright future for collectors and players alike. As the doors open and fans pour in, one thing is certain: Málaga is about to become the epicenter of pop culture, gaming, and community for one unforgettable weekend.
