Holiday Gaming Hits: The Most Popular Video Games to Gift in 2025

This year has been a big time for gaming. Some of the most beloved franchises received sequels, and some companies — like Nintendo — released entirely new consoles. With all this hype comes many new titles to explore as options for holiday gifts. These are the 2025 video game releases fans are clamoring for this year as you head into the giving season.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already receiving flowers from the industry, renowned for its heart-wrenching storytelling, unique combat style and beautiful animation. It is an action role-playing game focusing on a group of travelers who seek to find answers about a mysterious, cyclical tragedy that has befallen their world — saying any more would give spoilers! It will keep your friends hooked for many hours as they uncover the twisted and haunting secrets of this realm.

Play if you like: Final Fantasy or Horizon Zero Dawn

Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza was one of the Nintendo Switch 2 early launch titles for good reason. It is bright and bombastic, with an addictive gameplay loop that will keep gamers of all skill levels busy for hours. Navigate subterranean worlds as Donkey Kong, smashing the environment to find fossils, maps, and, most importantly, bananas. The title is a brave step in the franchise, expanding what this iconic monkey can provide.

Play if you like: Super Mario Odyssey

Deltarune (Chapters 1-4)

Deltarune is one of the most singular gaming experiences someone can have. It is a parallel story to its cult-classic predecessor, Undertale. The game is told in episodes and follows a motley crew of adventurers that you will grow to love in no time. Its gameplay is one of its biggest draws, with a unique blend of turn-based and bullet-hell style mechanics to keep players engaged. Also, the soundtrack and writing are as charming as its older sibling. 

Play if you like: Omori and OneShot

Split Fiction

Split Fiction is another offering from Hazelight Studios, known for creating games optimized for co-op experiences. This game features two players immersed in genre-based worlds — one in a fantasy setting and the other in a sci-fi setting. With your powers combined, you’ll solve puzzles and have some fun platforming with unique abilities. This is great to gift to a sibling or friend who you want to play games with.

Play if you like: It Takes Two or Unravel

Hades II

Hades II is the long-awaited sequel to the beloved original. This is a rogue-like game based on Greek mythology, featuring brutal combat and electrifying music as you traverse the underworld. If you’re gifting the game to someone who hasn’t played the original — give both! We highly recommend going through the first one. It’ll be a great combo, because the characters and world are so entrancing that your loved one will be dying to head into the sequel immediately after.

Play if you like: Dead Cells or Cult of the Lamb

NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 is the latest installment in the NBA 2K series. It features numerous new enhancements compared to previous titles, including more detailed career-building mechanics. This entry plays better than anything before it, allowing players to feel more involved in their players and teams. The game has been praised for its performance, making it easier to consistently nail those perfect shots. 

Play if you like: The Madden franchise

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World has finally arrived after nearly a decade of waiting. It has the flashiness and character unlike any other kart racer. The holidays are the perfect time to gift this game, because you can sit around in a cozy living room, racing against your friends and family on Rainbow Road. With a massive roster of playable characters and the new Free Roam game mode, Mario Kart World has a lot to offer despite its hefty price.

Play if you like: Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight amassed one of the most dedicated fanbases in gaming culture, which is why Hollow Knight: Silksong was a highly anticipated game. It didn’t disappoint. Much like the original, players find themselves navigating a complex labyrinth, filled with bugs in a bleak yet endearing art style. You uncover its map as you fight deceptively difficult bosses, while listening to its amazingly atmospheric soundtrack. Gift this one to the gamer in your life who always complains that games are too easy.

Play if you like: Metroid, Castlevania or Celeste

The Best 2025 Video Game Releases for Gifting

When you’re gifting a video game this season, you want something that is immersive and joyful. You want loved ones to get many hours of gameplay from these gifts to make them more worthwhile. Not only are these some of the top-selling 2025 video game releases, but they are also some of the best. If you’re stuck on what to secure for the holidays, one of these games will surely bring a smile to someone’s face.