Welcome to our Gaming Holiday Gift Guide for 2025, where we recommend the best new games (digital and board!) for gamers of all ages.
This year’s dominating moment was the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June. The highly anticipated console instantly became the best-selling Nintendo console of all time, and Nintendo has been at this quite awhile. The Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle, priced at $500, is a solid investment for any gaming family — my family was still rocking our original 2017 Switch right up until its release!
This year has also been fantastic for co-op games, whether playing online, or locally around the couch, with games such as Lego Party, Sunderfolk, Donkey Kong Bananza, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Borderlands 4. We love games that let families game together!
While many young gamers yearn for in-game currency for their favorite ongoing, live service games, we’re still fans of gifting new games as exciting gifts. Read on for our digital and board game recommendations in our Holiday Gift Guide for gaming families.
Board Games
Finspan
From the publishers of Wingspan and Wyrmspan, Finspan takes the beloved tableau-builder and turns it on its side — literally! Players take turns acquiring and playing fish cards into different columns and areas, laying eggs, and forming schools to get the most points. With less focus on food and synergy, the gameplay is a bit easier and more family-friendly than previous games in the series — and still well worth playing if you already enjoy the other ‘spans.
For fans of: Wingspan, fish, collecting cards
Ages: 10+
Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons
Did we really need a fifth game in the Horrified series? Probably not. But do I also love D&D and think it makes a perfect theme for the cooperative board game series? Absolutely! The city of Waterdeep and below create the most gorgeous and interesting Horrified board to date, alongside iconic D&D monsters such as the mimic and red dragon. As classic heroes, players take turns moving around the board, collecting items, rescuing civilians, and solving mini-puzzles and challenges to overcome the monsters.
For fans of: Horrified series, co-op games, Dungeons & Dragons
Ages: 10+
Disney Lorcana
Lorcana makes our list for the third year in a row, thanks to its incredible rollout of no fewer than three new expansion sets every year. The 10th set, Whispers in the Well, debuted earlier this week, adding a new Whisper variant to creatures, as well as my beloved Gargoyles. Lorcana has proven that it’s possible to break into the CCG market long-dominated by Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon thanks to a solid rules-base, strong IP, and incredibly attractive card art.
For fans of: Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Disney
Ages: 8+
Disney Villainous Unstoppable
Disney Villainous Unstoppable is an entirely new spinoff game inspired by the successful Disney Villainous card game. Unstoppable utilizes a shared board, a much smaller personal deck, and no fate cards. The result is a more interactive, easier experience as players play their cards to move and activate abilities to achieve their goals. We still prefer Disney Villainous overall, but Unstoppable is a great alternative for younger gamers, or those wishing for a quicker game with more direct player interaction.
For fans of: Disney Villainous, Disney villains, “take that” mechanics
Ages: 7+
Nature
Northstar Game Studio rebooted the decade-old Evolution board game into Nature. Nature is a true 2.0 experience, with a much tighter balance and smoother gameplay as players shepherd their custom species, grow them with different traits, and keep them fed. The base game is easy to learn and play, with several optional module expansions that add more animal types, gameplay concepts, and playstyles, such as Flight, Jurassic, and Natural Disasters.
For fans of: Evolution board game, animals
Ages: 10+
Twisted Cryptids
One of the most unique games I played this year is Twisted Cryptids, where players take on the role of mythical monsters. The monsters want to be seen, but only by certain kinds of people each round. Each turn, players play cards to shuffle different humans around the board, hoping to score big at the end of the round. The travel box-size game is published by Unstable Games, which is known for its colorful, youthful artwork.
For fans of: Hidden goals, cute monsters
Ages: 10+
Consoles
Nintendo Switch 2
It’s a no-brainer this year: the Switch 2 is going to be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. Armed with nearly full backwards compatibility, improved resolution and framerates, and attractive GameShare options for families, the Switch 2 is a clear upgrade over the 2017 Nintendo Switch.
Even if you don’t splurge on many new games, parents can purchase relatively cheap Upgrade Packs for their older Switch games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, giving some of the best Switch games a big next-gen facelift. Other Switch games received new editions with entire expansions with even more features or areas, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
And because it’s Nintendo, you can expect quality first-person games, including Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong Bananza, enjoyable by kids and adults alike.
Games for Younger Kids (Under 10)
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
If you’re old enough to remember a 20-year old South Park reference, let me assure you that Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a real game, and not a punchline. Originally released on Apple Arcade in 2023, the cozy life sim launched this year on PC, Switch, and PlayStation. It’s similar to Animal Crossing and other cozy life sims with decorating, crafting, and various tasks of making friends and gathering items, but within the adorably cutesy world of Hello Kitty.
For fans of: Cozy games, life sims, Animal Crossing
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Lego Party
A shameless Mario Party clone would not normally be worth your time, but with a beloved IP, fun minigames, and legitimately hilarious announcers, Lego Party should not be overlooked. One to four players move around interactive Lego boards, playing simple but effective minigames, with a bit less chaos and randomness than Mario Party. Plus, players can unlock new minifigures and customize their own figure by swapping different parts.
For fans of: Mario Party, mini-games, customizing Lego minifigures
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Mario Kart World
Destined to remain the highest-selling Switch 2 game thanks to the launch bundle, Mario Kart World introduces an open world to explore between racing. The world is also used during races, with players racing between courses. With dozens of characters and vehicles, robust online game modes, and up to 24 players, the ninth game in the long-running racing series is another gold cup winner.
For fans of: Kart racing, single player exploration, online multiplayer
Available on: Switch 2
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny
Licensed video games often get a bad rap, but Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny is a solidly crafted action-RPG that knows its genre as much as it knows beloved Nickelodeon cartoons. SpongeBob, the Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender and more are drawn into a magical world inspired by D&D. Each hero levels up and unlocks cute and fun abilities in fast-paced combat through a lengthy campaign. Best played with two-player local co-op!
For fans of: Nickelodeon, action-RPGs, local co-op, D&D
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds
While Mario Kart World is making all the noise, Sonic and friends are doing more than coasting along. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is an excellent followup to Team Sonic Racing, with players racing through portals to new worlds, right in the middle of a course. Sonic’s friends include much more than just Tails and Knuckles, as Sega has leveraged some fun crossover IP via DLC with the likes of SpongeBob, Minecraft, and even Persona.
For fans of: Mario Kart, Sonic, car customization
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club
For parents and kids who prefer a cozier gaming experience, it doesn’t get much cozier than a high-quality Peanuts game. The beloved beagle wears many hats, and players will need to shift into his different personas, and recruit the familiar kids to help solve little mysteries around town. And perhaps get in a WW2-era aerial dogfight at some point.
For fans of: Peanuts, adventure games, exploration
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Games for Older Kids and Teen (10-16)
Donkey Kong Bananza
One of the biggest surprises of the year is our first 3D platforming Donkey Kong adventure in several generations. Teaming up with a teenage Pauline (from Mario Odyssey), DK smashes his way through fun 3D environments with a variety of satisfying moves and Pauline power-ups. Plus, Donkey Kong Bananza features a uniquely awesome local co-op mode for parents and kids, with the younger player taking on the role of Pauline as she rides along with DK.
For fans of: 3D action platforming, co-op with younger partners, bananas
Available on: Switch 2
ESRB Rating: E10+
Lunar Remastered Collection
This year has been a delight for classic JRPG fans, with a slew of remakes and remasters. We would humbly recommend the Lunar Remastered Collection for any younger gamers who want a taste of pixelated 90s RPG goodness. The two Lunar RPGs have aged incredibly well, thanks to an evolution of remasters over the years, and the usual quality of life improvements, such as combat speed. Solid translations, classic storytelling, and awesome characters backed by some fantastic anime cutscenes make them must-play RPGs for genre fans.
For fans of: Classic JPRGs, 80s/90s anime
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom has been on an absolute tear with the Monster Hunter series, and Wilds is another excellent entry. Monster Hunter Wilds continues to trim the fat while focusing on epic, large scale battles with cool monsters in dynamic environments. The new raptor-like mount brings an immediate swiftness to exploration and combat, while the wound system makes it easier than ever to pull off awesome combos.
For fans of: Monster Hunter, action games, boss battles, online co-op
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The follow up to 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus doesn’t delve into the past, but instead looks to the future by revisiting a previous urban location in Pokémon X/Y. The all-urban adventure is also remarkable for utilizing real-time battling and catching, dedicated wild zones, nightly tournament battles, and epic boss fights with Mega Evolved Pokémon. It’s one of the most ambitious Pokémon games ever made, and while it stumbles in some areas, it’s undeniably a fun game with a ton of potential for future entries.
For fans of: Pokémon, real-time battles, open world exploration
Available on: Switch, Switch 2
ESRB Rating: E10+
Split Fiction
The studio of premiere, two player co-op-only platformers has done it again with Split Fiction. The clever conceit drops two writers with very different personalities into a series of levels based on their own creations. Only by working together and using their newfound powers and abilities for each level can they overcome unique challenges and defeat the evil corporation trying to steal their creativity.
For fans of: It Takes Two, co-op action platforming, science fiction and fantasy
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Sunderfolk
One of our favorite co-op games of the year is Sunderfolk. Sunderfolk emulates the fun tactical combat of tabletop RPGs such as D&D, by turning players’ phones into their personal controllers. Using the free phone app, players play their cards and manage their character in tactical combat scenarios, then chat and shop with townsfolk between missions. Sunderfolk is built for local couch co-op in mind, and excels within its relatively niche genre.
For fans of: Co-op RPGs, tactical-strategy, Gloomhaven, D&D combat
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E10+
The Wandering Village
In The Wandering Village, players guide a small village as they discover an Onbu, a titanic dinosaur-like creature with a plateau-like back. The creature can carry the villagers through different regions of the toxic-infested world, with players scouting out resources and building up their village within the limited space. The colony sim manages to tell a compelling story with a suitably epic climax, making it a special entry in the strategy genre.
For fans of: Colony sims, environmentalism, strategy sims, post-apocalyptic stories
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Two Point Museum
The third game in the Two Point strategy management series happens to be one of our favorite games of the year. Two Point Museum smartly weaves campaign mode through multiple large museums that specialize in different themes, including prehistoric, scientific, aquatic, and supernatural, while still letting players mix and match as they please. Experts are sent on expeditions to fetch new exhibits, adding a nice bit of randomization, while players build out their museum rooms, decorate exhibit halls, and manage staff, all to attract more guests and turn a steady profit.
For fans of: Management sims, cheeky British humor, “It belongs in a museum”
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
We’ll forgive you (or your target gamer) if you never played one of the Wii U’s best RPGs. But ten years later, you’re out of excuses thanks to Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. XCX uses the MMO-like real-time combat and open world exploration of the Xenoblade series, but with a bigger emphasis on exploration and character customization over storytelling. Plus, piloting giant mechs! The result is a big success, and one of our favorite overall JRPGs. The remaster includes graphical upgrades, more characters, and new story content.
For fans of: MMO-like JRPGs, giant mechs, open world
Available on: Switch
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Games for Older Teens and Adults (17+)
Borderlands 4
With Borderlands you know exactly what you’re going to get: colorful art design, adult humor, great shooting, and billions of guns. Oh, and split-screen co-op! Borderlands 4 is arguably the best game in the series, with an all new planet that is truly open world (a series first), fantastic characters with fun skills (and personalities), and the best looting and shooting the series has to offer.
For fans of: Co-op RPGs, shootin’ and lootin’, irreverent humor
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
What happens when ex-Ubisoft developers make a high-quality RPG inspired by French art and modern JRPGs such as Persona? One of the best games of the year is born! Clair Obscur had plenty of hype rolling into its release, but still managed to blow away expectations with its innovative combat system, lovely characters, and intriguing world and story. An incredible triumph from the debut of a new game studio, and one that is favored to win Game of the Year at this year’s The Game Awards.
For fans of: Persona, art history, dark fantasy, French culture
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
Dispatch
Remember Telltale Games, and that sudden (and let’s be honest, maybe oversaturated) outpouring of narrative-heavy adventure games in the 2010s? We are ready to love the genre once again, and need look no further than Dispatch, a “superhero work place comedy” by many of the key designers of our favorite Telltale adventures. Dispatch is everything we could want: incredible voice acting, excellent character writing, and interesting choices as we navigate our team of reformed villains.
For fans of: Telltale Games adventures, superheroes, mature humor
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
The Outer Worlds 2
We know Fallout is enjoying a resurgence thanks to the successful Amazon show, but for my gaming time, I’d rather be playing The Outer Worlds and it’s new sequel. The Outer Worlds continues to nail the satirical Fallout-esque humor (specifically Fallout: New Vegas, the best of the modern Fallouts), but in space, with multiple factions, fun party members, and large areas to explore within an entirely new galaxy.
For fans of: Science-fiction, first-person RPGs, satire, Fallout
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
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