Want to find the best video games to give as Christmas gifts in 2021? Look no further than our list of the best titles for PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X. These games will make the Holidays special for your loved ones and have them thanking you for hours of fun.
Best Christmas Gifts: PS5 games
The PS5 is still facing supply problems, but those that have managed to get their hands on the new console have some amazing games to choose from. Here’s a selection of some of our favorites from the PS5’s first year.
Demon’s Souls
The PS3 classic has been beautifully remade for the PS5. Demon’s Souls contains the same difficult and addictive gameplay while taking advantage of the increased power and capabilities the PS5 has to offer.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima takes us back to a gorgeous recreation of feudal Japan. This game is one of the best last-gen PlayStation exclusives, and it’s even better on PS5 with improved visuals and performance.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed surprised us by being one of the best racing games of the year. Fun gameplay and tons of collectibles mean this is a game that the whole family can enjoy for hours and hours.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart flexed the PS5 muscle to quickly load expansive levels. For a family-friendly test of the console’s power, look no further.
Returnal
Returnal brought the rogue-lite mainstream with excellent gameplay, a haunting mystery, and great use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. This game is challenging but fair and is one of our favorite PS5-exclusive experiences.
Best Christmas Gifts: Switch games
The Switch might have a compact, portable form-factor, but its games are anything but bite-sized. These titles bring AAA goodness on the go for your loved ones.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Amid lockdown, Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm. Over a year later, players are still tending to their islands and enjoying new content from Nintendo.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart needs no introduction, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the best entry in the series. This king of cart racing is an essential title for the Switch.
Metroid Dread
Metroid was (largely) a dormant franchise for years, but Metroid Dread brought it back with a vengeance. It was one of our favorite games of this year and shouldn’t be missed.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Return to nostalgic Sinnoh with these remakes of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Catching them all is just as fun as you remember it, and now a whole new generation of trainers get to experience it for the first time.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The last DLC was recently released for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. Now is a great time to pick up a copy of one of the most beloved fighting games of all time.
Best Christmas Gifts: Xbox games
There’s great value in Xbox Game Pass, but the platform has some amazing games that aren’t available there. Here’s some of the best titles outside of that service.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Return to the time of Vikings in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This game is one of the largest Assassin’s Creed games yet, and it’s only going to get bigger with future DLC.
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Go back to World War II in this year’s Call of Duty. Vanguard’s campaign isn’t the best, but its multiplayer is one of the hottest of the year and features some improvements over last year’s Black Ops Cold War.
DOOM Eternal
The ripping and tearing continue in Doom Eternal. It takes the winning formula of Doom (2016) and adds more diverse weaponry and mobility to make a worthy successor.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
The definitive version of Dragon Quest XI brings all the content of the original along with a 2D classic play mode and an orchestrated soundtrack. This was one of the last works from acclaimed composer Koichi Sugiyama before his death and is a treat for any RPG fan.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect Trilogy is one of gaming’s greatest achievements, and the Legendary Edition brings it to modern consoles for all to enjoy. This updated version brings enhanced graphics, quality-of-life upgrades, and more.
