Ultimate Gaming Guide: Must-Have Titles for Your PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

The holiday season has passed, and numerous individuals have acquired a new gaming console as a result of some thoughtful gift-giving. Whether you’re six (though you’re likely not reading this) or 60, you’re probably contemplating what you should start playing first.

I may have my own suggestions, but if you prefer a data-driven approach, you can search for specific exclusive titles that hold the highest ratings from each console generation. So, let’s dive into recommendations for the big three consoles, followed by an extended section on third-party games:

PS5:

• Astrobot – 94 Metascore
• God of War: Ragnarok – 94 Metascore (it’s advisable to play the original God of War first)
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – 92 Metascore (consider playing Final Fantasy VII Remake first)
• Demon’s Souls Remaster – 92 Metascore
• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered – 90 Metascore (it’s recommended to play The Last of Us Part 1 Remastered initially)

Xbox Series X/S (some of these titles are no longer exclusive and all are accessible on PC)

• Forza Horizon 5 – 92 Metascore
• Microsoft Flight Simulator – 90 Metascore
• Sea of Thieves – Metascore is outdated, but believe me, it’s excellent now
• Halo Infinite – 87 Metascore (multiplayer has improved significantly)
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – 86 Metascore

Nintendo Switch

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 97 Metascore
• Super Mario Odyssey – 97 Metascore
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – 96 Metascore (play Breath of the Wild before this)
• Metroid Prime Remastered – 94 Metascore
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 93 Metascore

Third Party Titles (most available on PS5 and Xbox, with a few on Switch. I’ve excluded well-known titles like Fortnite and GTA 5, among others)

• Elden Ring – 96 Metascore (includes the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion)
• Baldur’s Gate 3 – 96 Metascore
• Metaphor: ReFantasio – 94 Metascore
• The Witcher 3 Remastered – 94 Metascore
• Tetris Effect: Connected – 93 Metascore (also available on Switch)
• Hades – 93 Metascore (also on Switch)
• Resident Evil 4 – 93 Metascore
• Persona 5 Royal – 91 Metascore (also available on Switch)
• Balatro – 90 Metascore (possibly best on Switch)
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – 89 Metascore

BONUS: Cyberpunk 2077, my all-time favorite game that launched with poor ratings but has since been refined and turned into a masterpiece over three years. I highly recommend this above all others (though it’s not suitable for children)

If I have to highlight my top picks aside from Cyberpunk, I would emphasize Elden Ring, The Witcher 3, both entries in the God of War series, both Zelda titles, and Astro Bot. Ultimately, it’s your choice, and it’s difficult to go wrong with any game from this list, depending on your preferences.

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Check out my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.