Every year, the same thing happens with that one hard-to-buy-for person on our Christmas list: “What on Earth do I get them?” Every gamer loves new games for Christmas alongside the latest gaming gear, especially if they are on the fence about trying one in particular. Whether it’s trying a whole new genre entirely or that sequel they’ve been unsure about, there are a lot of games out there that may not appear to be on the radar. With the holiday season right around the corner, we have compiled a list of the best video games we think would make great Christmas gifts this year!
Family-Friendly Games
Bear & Breakfast
Bear & Breakfast is a fun adventure game that sees you building a cute little bed and breakfast in the woods. The only caveat is that you’re a bear. This game can be described as a relaxing, laid-back adventure-style game and can be great for unwinding at the end of a busy holiday period. With the recent popularity of management-style games, Bear & Breakfast is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing management-simulator-style game with fun visuals and a great story.
Bear & Breakfast is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Disney Illusion Island
Disney Illusion Island is an adorable adventure for Mickie, Minnie, and more as they embark on a quest of exploration and more to find three magical books and save the island. You can play by yourself or with up to four people in total to find the books and save Monoth! Disney Illusion Island is the perfect Christmas gift for gamers who want to play with the family!
Disney Illusion Island is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and is rated E (Everyone).
- Join Mickey & Friends on a quest to explore the mysterious island of Monoth and recover three mystical books to save the world from disaster!
- Play as Mickey & Friends
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a cozy farming/world-building simulator in the same vein as Stardew Valley and Palia. Players find themselves in the enchanted world of Azoria, and get to meet interesting characters and build relationships with them all in their own unique ways. Play solo or together with up to three other players, to build a magical world that is all your own.
Fae Farm is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that follows two Children of the Solstice as they combine their powers of the sun and the moon to perform Eclipse Magic. With plenty to do, including farming, sailing, cooking and more, and lots to see, Sea of Stars is a fantastic Christmas gift idea for the RPG fan in your life.
Sea of Stars is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Sonic Origins Plus
The first compilation title in our list, Sonic Origins Plus, captures four iconic Sonic games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, as well as 12 additional SEGA Game Gear titles. Sonic Origins Plus features two ways to play each title: Classic Mode, where you play the original resolution with limited lives, and Adventure Mode, where you have unlimited lives, and the game is displayed in revamped widescreen HD. Local play for up to two players means you and a friend can tackle as much Sonic as you can handle, all in one title.
Sonic Origins Plus is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated E (Everyone).
Sonic Superstars
Sonic Superstars takes the player on an adventure through the Northstar Islands in classic 2D-sidescrolling action! You can play as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy Rose with up to three other players to use brand-new Emerald powers that give you a whole new way to attack and move in the environment. This fantastic Christmas gift idea is one that OG Sonic fans will appreciate, and newcomers will find fun and entertaining.
Sonic Superstars is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated E (Everyone).
Stray
Stray is a very unique adventure game in that you play as a stray cat, trying to reunite with your family and discover the truth behind an ancient mystery. Set in a gorgeous cybercity, neon lights and dark alleyways await the player as you navigate this dangerous locale. Stray is a single-player adventure, and the perfect Christmas gift for the cat-lover and peril junky in your home.
Stray is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks the return of everyone’s favourite mustachioed plumber in this classic 2D side-scrolling adventure. Mario and co. have been invited to the Flower Kingdom, but Bowser is up to no good, having transformed himself into a flying castle and has wrought havoc upon the land. Mario must figure out how to defeat him using all-new power-ups and items to progress through the levels. You can also team up with three additional players locally to take on Bowser or play with others online!
Super Mario Bros Wonder is available for Nintendo Switch exclusively and is rated E (Everyone).
- Find wonder in the Flower Kingdom in the next side-scrolling Super Mario adventure
- Collect Wonder Flowers for surprising, game-changing effects like pipes coming alive, an enemy stampede, and much, much more
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In this epic sequel to Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sees Link return to Hyrule and gives the player the ability to choose their own path across the magnificent landscapes and mysterious floating islands in the sky. Nefarious forces at work will force Link to use new abilities to fight back and save Hyrule. A single-player adventure, Tears of the Kingdom will provide hours upon hours of exploration, adventure, and puzzle-solving for all, making it a great Christmas gift this year.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
- Ultrahand: Using the new Ultrahand ability, Link can pick up, move, and rotate almost any object, and can even attach objects together to create bridges, vehicles, and more!.Energy-Efficient Ethernet : Yes
- Fuse: Magically fuse almost any object to Link’s current weapon, shield, or arrow to increase durability, damage, or even add a new effect. Experiment with lots of different combinations to come up with surprising—and sometimes hilarious—results!
Rated Teen & Up
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the survival-horror hit Alan Wake. Taking place 13 years after the original title, Alan Wake 2 is “a culmination of masterclass storytelling and…is so exhilarating it will seize the player and hold tight with a cold clammy grip until the credits roll”, according to our reviewer Philip Watson. A single-player delve into darkness, Alan Wake 2 is a great Christmas gift idea for the survival-horror buff in your life.
Alan Wake 2 is available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and on the Epic Games Store, and is rated M (Mature 17+).
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is the latest entry in the mech combat series from the makers of Elden Ring and Dark Souls. In this game, you’ll create a fully customized mech from an array of parts whilst taking on challenging missions. ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is a great Christmas gift idea for any fan of FromSoftware games and the Souls series.
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam, and is rated T (Teen).
Baldur’s Gate 3
Prepare your party because Baldur’s Gate 3 is the role-playing adventure you’ve been waiting for. This Dungeons & Dragons adventure features an epic campaign set in the land of Faerûn. The land is under siege, and you have the choice to resist the corruption of the invading Mind Flayers or embrace the growing power inside you. With support for up to four players online, grab your squad and delve into the adventure!
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now on Steam and PlayStation 5, with the Xbox release coming in December 2023. The game is rated M (Mature 17+).
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI, the latest title in the long-running series, has players taking control of Clive Rosfield, the First Shield of Rosaria and guardian of his younger brother, Joshua. This entry in the series marks a shift in tone towards the darker side, with a story that features power struggles, tragedy, revenge, and more. A single-player action-adventure story, Final Fantasy XVI is a great gift for newcomers and fans of the series alike and would make a great Christmas gift for the gamer in your life.
Final Fantasy XVI is available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and is rated M (Mature 17+).
- An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.
- This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix.
Lies of P
Lies of P is a new title that sees the player taking control of none other than Pinocchio himself as he works his way through the city of Krat, a Belle Époque-inspired locale, in search of Mr. Geppetto. This Soulslike will have Pinocchio battling for his life against a myriad of opponents on his quest to become a real human. This solo adventure would make a great Christmas gift idea for anyone even vaguely familiar with the story of Pinocchio.
Lies of P is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam, and is rated M (Mature 17+).
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Marvel’s Spider-Man and lets you take control of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales to take on multiple iconic villains from the Spider-Man rogues gallery. New powers, abilities, and the capability to quickly switch between Peter and Miles all highlight the features of this new title. A single-player adventure with a lot of replay value is the perfect Christmas gift for the comic-book fan on your list.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and is rated T (Teen).
- Launch Edition Includes: Arachknight Suit for Peter early unlock (includes three color variants), Shadow-Spider Suit for Miles early unlock (includes three color variants), Web Grabber gadget early unlock, +3 Skill Points
- Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.
Remnant II
Remnant II is a third-person shooter-RPG title that pits humanity’s survivors against deadly creatures, god-like bosses, and a sprawling hellscape. You can play solo or team up with two other friends to explore the unknown to prevent the destruction of reality itself, making this a fantastic Christmas gift idea.
Remnant II is available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, and the Epic Games Store and is rated M (Mature 17+).
Resident Evil 4 Remake
The Resident Evil 4 Remake brings the genre-defining adventure to PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5. Taking place six years after Resident Evil 2, Leon Kennedy finds himself travelling to Europe to investigate the disappearance of the President’s daughter. A ground-up remake, the Resident Evil 4 Remake is perfect for the horror and action aficionado on your list, and would be a Christmas gift any fan of the franchise would be happy to unwrap.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is available on Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, and is rated M (Mature 17+).
Starfield
Starfield is one of those games that allows you to explore and explore and explore, and when that’s done, you can explore some more. If that sounds good, the Starfield could be the game for you. With over 1000 planets available to land on, there’s not a lot you can’t do in this game. This single-player adventure allows you to play the game the way you want, and because of that, each playthrough can be totally different from the last.
Starfield is available on Xbox Series X|S and Steam and is rated M (Mature 17+).
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Cal Kestis’ adventure continues with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, taking place five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Cal faces threats, both old and new, as he is pushed to the edge of the galaxy by the Empire. This is a single-player, story-driven title that will whet the appetite of any Star Wars fan.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and PlayStation 5 and is rated T (Teen).
Cyberpunk 2077
It’s been almost 3 years since the release of Cyberpunk 2077, and the game is going stronger than ever, largely thanks to the DLC that launched back in September 2023 called Phantom Liberty. With a new storyline featuring Hollywood superstar Idris Elba, a revamped player upgrade system, and more, Cyberpunk 2077 is enjoying a resurgence of popularity not seen since the weeks leading up to its original release. This single-player action RPG can (and probably will) eat up a lot of your time since there is so much to see and do in Night City.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam, whereas the Phantom Liberty DLC is available only on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, the Epic Games Store, and Steam. The game and DLC are both rated M (Mature 17+).
Sports/Fighting Games
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat returns with the newest entry to the series: Mortal Kombat 1. The Mortal Kombat universe has been reborn, thanks to the Fire God Liu Kang, and players must fight their way through the competition with a host of new fatalities, game modes, fight mechanics, and more. With support for two players, Mortal Kombat 1 is a good Christmas gift idea for the fighting game enthusiast on your list.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam and is rated M (Mature 17+).
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is the latest entry in the acclaimed fighting series. 3 distinct game modes (World Tour, Battle Hub, and Fighting Ground) let you take the fight to your favourite characters. Fan favourites like Ryu and Chun-Li return and are part of the 18-fighter roster. New moves and combos highlight combat, giving you new ways to fight your opponent. Bring the fight to your friends and online with this Christmas gift idea.
Street Fighter 6 is available on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated T (Teen).
UFC 5
UFC 5 is the latest entry to the EA combat game series. An all-new authentic damage system brings the hurt in a whole new way, as the damage you take in the fight can determine speed, agility, defence, stamina, etc. This is the most authentic UFC experience to date, and you can play it with a friend, either locally or online. Give the Christmas gift of the Octagon with UFC 5.
UFC 5 is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and is rated M (Mature 17+).
EA Sports FC 24
EA Sports FC 24 is the latest entry in the annual football series from EA. With a host of new features to Ultimate Team, gameplay improvements, Advanced Defending, and more, the best time to get back on the pitch is now. As always, local multiplayer for up to four players and online play is available as well, so everyone can play on Christmas Day!
EA Sports FC 24 is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Origin, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated E (Everyone).
F1 23
F1 23, the latest entry in the annual racing series from Codemasters (and now, EA), is back and better than ever! With a new entry to the Braking Point storyline, new race length options, and more, now is the best time to get back in the driver’s seat and experience the high-intensity thrill that comes from driving an F1 car. With support for two players locally and online multiplayer, racing with your friends has never been easier. Unwrap this Christmas gift idea and get behind the wheel for this high octane racing experience.
F1 23 is available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam and is rated E (Everyone).
These are just some of our favourite video games that we think would make great Christmas gifts this year. Make sure to check out our reviews for more great options!
