The holidays are here and people -perhaps you- are finally able to buy consoles without jumping through huge hoops. But now the question arises: what games are you going to gift?
After years of waiting for consoles to be easily accessible to purchase, you can get a PS5 on Amazon or an Xbox Series X at Target. Plus, the Nintendo Switch, including its OLED version, has seen some price cuts since its 2017 launch.
It’s the perfect time to get that gamer in your life a console. Now all that’s left to do is to buy some games. I mean, you can’t get a console without some games. But what to choose? Well, I’m here to help ease that search and give some of my recommendations for the best games to gift.
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man fan or not, Insomniac and Marvel’s sequel to the 2018 PS4 epic is not to be missed. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the ultimate superhero simulator, letting players control two Spider-Men as they swing through New York. It’s the closest you can get to being in the movies with stellar performances all around. While Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 summarizes the other two games, you can always snatch a copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales, which comes with a remastered version of Marvel’s Spider-Man if they haven’t played the previous titles. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a little darker than the others, but it’s still a remarkable, fun, and thrilling ride.
Horizon Forbidden West
If you’re buying a PS5 bundle, chances are you’ve seen this title plastered on them, and for good reason. Horizon Forbidden West, the sequel to 2016’s Horizon Zero Dawn, is one of the most gorgeous games on the console. Its rich worldbuilding and fun gameplay make this an essential title for PS5 owners. Guerilla Games outdid themselves with the many things one can do within its vast world. The combat is accessible and rewarding, and the narrative is intriguing as it is grandiose. I mean, you get to ride a robot, for goodness’ sake! It was one of my favorite titles last year, so I can attest to the fact that whoever you gift this to, they’ll be very happy.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
For something a bit more family-friendly, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a must-buy for gamers. It’s an easily accessible entry in the series, as you don’t have to play past titles to follow the story. Like Horizon, the game boasts some impressive graphics, utilizing the most of the PS5’s specs. Its story brings all the charm of a Saturday morning cartoon and amps the action up. It’s light-hearted, colorful, and full of fun gadgets to line your arsenal. Our Chris Carter called Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart as close to playing a Pixar film, which is pretty high praise. It’s the perfect game for other family members to watch too, and a great title to showcase PlayStation’s newest console.
Xbox Series X
Starfield
Want to give someone a video game they can play for days on end? Starfield is the way to go. This open-world RPG from Bethesda is one of its best if our review has anything to say about it. You get to explore tons of planets throughout the game’s vast solar system. Actions have consequences, and you get full control of your destiny (and your very own spaceship). It’s one of the Xbox Series X’s biggest titles and a huge reason many are buying the console, as it’s an Xbox and PC exclusive. If you’re gifting a space-lover, Starfield will take them over the moon.
Forza Horizon 5
This is for the car enthusiasts. While there is a more recent Forza title, I chose Forza Horizon 5 due to its critical acclaim and overall experience. With over 520 cars to choose from, you get to ride around Playground Games’ version of Mexico. The graphics are gorgeous and it’ll feel like you’re really driving. It’s vibrant and fully embraces the Xbox Series X’s power. Even people like myself, who don’t like racing games, enjoyed Playground Games’ superb gameplay and beautiful scenery. Forza Horizon 5 is the perfect playground for new players to roam around in and have a blast.
Halo: Infinite
Halo is a staple of Xbox consoles. It’s only fair to gift the golden goose of the console to a new console owner. Halo: Infinite takes the flagship FPS (first-person shooter) series into open-world territory, letting players roam around a vast landscape. The gunplay is still top-notch, and it’s still your classic Halo experience, just a bit bigger. Plus, the multiplayer is one of the series’ best, so the giftee can play with their friends and have a great time. This is the definitive Halo game for the console, so this will make for an ideal gift for an Xbox fan.
Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
You can never go wrong with Mario. It’s actually impossible. The latest entry in the series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, is no exception. It’s the 2D formula of yesteryear turned on its head (literally). As Mario and friends, you get to explore the Flower Kingdom to stop Bowser. Through loads of unique and fun stages, you (and your friends, both local and online) can race, collect coins, and find secrets. The addition of Wonder Flowers opens up new mechanics that manifest new powers or stage attributes. It’s a ton of fun and delivers that classic enjoyment Mario is known for. If there was a title that would cover all bases, Super Mario Bros. Wonder fits the bill.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Much like Mario, The Legend of Zelda is another flagship franchise for Nintendo. Tears of the Kingdom, the latest title in the legendary series, is worth the price of admission and then some. The game continues the success of Breath of the Wild‘s open-world gameplay and adds its own take on building and crafting. You can combine weapons and create your own with Fuse, or create flying bikes or bridges with Link’s Ultrahand. The sky, which you can also explore to your heart’s content, is the limit. Playing Breath of the Wild, the game’s predecessor, isn’t that necessary, but it’s fairly cheap if you want to gift that as well. As one of this year’s best titles (and one of my favorites), it’s the ideal gift for new Nintendo Switch owners.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Love great family-time games with a dash of competition? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a surefire way to get the party started. If you’ve owned any Nintendo console before, you’ve definitely played Mario Kart. It has classic racing gameplay with some fun new stages and mechanics. It’s a remastering of the Wii U original but with all the added DLC and gameplay updates. The Switch controls make for a much more smoother and enjoyable experience. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and a perfect family game.
