A wealth of options awaits to satisfy the gamer in your life this holiday season.
As the temperatures drop and the Game Awards approach, numerous websites are unveiling their selections for the top games of the year. This signals the perfect opportunity to present a comprehensive guide on what to purchase for the gamer in your life during the holidays.
New Console Highlights
Let’s begin with the standout addition to the gaming landscape this year: the Nintendo Switch 2. This upgraded console allows players to enjoy games on their television or in handheld mode, just like the original Switch. It boasts backward compatibility for nearly all first-generation Switch games, along with a selection of exciting new titles. Among these is Mario Kart World, which enhances the classic racing experience with an expansive open world to explore between races. Donkey Kong Bananza invites players to accompany the beloved gorilla on an adventure through a colossal underground realm. Additionally, Pokemon Legends Z-A offers an enriched open-world experience for capturing creatures, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond reunites players with bounty hunter Samus for more thrilling first-person action.
Not wanting to be outdone, other game developers have introduced enticing new exclusives for the PS5. Ghosts of Yotei caters to fans of samurai-themed open-world gameplay, while Death Stranding 2: On the Beach expands on the original’s post-apocalyptic journey and combat. The wave of remakes continues with Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, allowing players to revisit the iconic third entry in this esteemed series.
Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X and S continue to persevere despite challenging times for Microsoft’s console. It still features several must-play titles, including Doom: The Dark Ages, which carries on the demon-slaying FPS legacy, and South of Midnight, offering a mythical adventure set in the Deep South. Additionally, Avowed transports players to a unique fantasy realm ripe for exploration.
A Variety of Games for Everyone
Beyond console exclusives, 2025 has presented a plethora of games suitable for all types of players. Those who enjoy open-world experiences have a wide selection to explore. Monster Hunter Wilds (available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) offers expansive territories for cooperative monster hunting. Atomfall (for PS4/5, Xbox One, Series X/S, and PC) provides a post-apocalyptic adventure in Britain, while The Outer Worlds 2 (on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) delivers a humorous take on space exploration. Historical gamers can delve into Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC), set in 1400s Bohemia, or sneak through 16th-century Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (available on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and iPadOS). For those who enjoy a mix of open-world exploration and FPS gameplay, Dying Light: The Beast (on PS4, 5, Xbox One, Series X/S, and PC) offers a parkour-filled experience in a zombie-infested world.
For FPS enthusiasts, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (available on PS4/5, Xbox One, Series X/S, and PC) has garnered praise for its multiplayer modes, although opinions on the campaign vary. Battlefield 6 (for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) brings large-scale battles to a more realistic contemporary setting, while Borderlands 4 (available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) continues to deliver entertaining looter-shooter action on the planet Kairos.
Challenging Experiences and Indie Successes
Gamers seeking straightforward challenges have much to anticipate. Ninja Gaiden 4 (on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) marks the return of the beloved hack-and-slash series after a 13-year hiatus. Co-op gamers can enjoy Split Fiction, a sci-fi/fantasy two-player adventure created by the team behind It Takes Two. Horror fans will appreciate Silent Hill F (for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC), which promises chilling supernatural experiences set in 1960s Japan.
This year also showcased the growing impact of indie games, proving they can rival AAA titles in quality. Blue Prince (available on macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) has gained recognition for its roguelite mansion-building and exploration mechanics. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) blurs the lines of indie gaming with its unique turn-based RPG combat and compelling narrative, potentially positioning it for accolades at the Game Awards. The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong finally debuted this year across various platforms, including macOS, Linux, and the Switch 2, receiving widespread acclaim and excitement from fans. Additionally, Hades 2 (on macOS, Switch, Switch 2, and PC) brings even more intense roguelite action steeped in Greek mythology.
These titles merely scratch the surface of what 2025 has to offer. In essence, if there’s a gamer in your life, there’s a game ready to illuminate their holiday season.
