The Most Popular Video Games for Christmas 2025

Video games are a high demand item every holiday season. If you want to buy one for someone you care about, usually the best thing to do is just ask. However, sometimes you want to surprise them, or you just want to get a good one for yourself.

What are the most popular video and computer games right now? I’ll give you the top 10, and these are all multiplatform titles. In other words you can get them almost regardless of what modern gaming system you own. I include direct links to access the games on Amazon.

#1:  NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 is #1 right now, and since we are in basketball season I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise. A multiplatform title it is available on the Switch 2, original Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. It’s heavily discounted right now, the standard edition is only $30. It is rated E for Everyone.

This year features improved player animations using real NBA footage for smoother, more realistic movement. Shooting requires precise timing with new rebound mechanics. Offense and defense gain new moves, plus smarter computer-controlled players. MyCAREER (build your own player’s career), MyTEAM (collect player cards and build teams), and MyNBA (manage a franchise) all have deeper progression with TV-style broadcast presentation.

Is it worth buying? If you–or the person you are buying it for–owns 2K25, probably not unless they’re hardcore fans. If you own 2K24 or earlier, you’re getting a significant jump: two years of animation improvements, better AI, custom layup packages, new rebound timing, and upgraded graphics with better lighting and player models. The overall gameplay feels much more responsive. It’s rated E for Everyone.

#2:  EA SPORTS College Football 26

We are still in football season too, so it’s no surprise to see this year. College football games are finally back this year, after have an 11-year drought. EA Sports College Football 26 is only available on the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X. They are both discounted now too, and are currently just $35. It’s rated E for Everyone.

This year adds thousands of new plays, defensive strategies, and automatic player substitutions across 10,000 real college players. Dynasty Mode (manage a college program across multiple seasons) now features transfer portal movement where players switch schools, location-based recruiting trips, and changeable recruiting priorities. Road to Glory (build your own player’s career) now starts in high school, letting you navigate the entire recruiting process. New player types, dozens of unique abilities and intense home-field crowd effects deepen the gameplay.

Is it worth buying if you have CF 25? It depends. If you enjoy Dynasty Mode it’s definitely worth it. The recruitment overhaul, location-based visit costs, and one-on-one recruiting battles add depth that 25 didn’t have. You can now manually improve players over time, giving you actual control over their development. If you’re more of a casual player who just likes playing college football games, it does have smoother gameplay, but you may not need it.

#3:  Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Sonic is always popular, and this year is no exception. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox. They are all discounted to $45, which is quite a dip from the original $70. It’s rated E for Everyone.

It is a fast-paced kart racer where Sonic, Tails, Shadow, and friends compete across colorful tracks with a unique twist: mid-race portals warp you into 15 wild “CrossWorlds” that completely transform each lap with new challenges. Players can customize karts with fun gadgets, race locally with 4-player split-screen, or compete online with up to 12 players. It’s perfect for kids who love Sonic and families wanting Mario Kart-style chaotic fun.

Who should get it? Kids who love Sonic, families wanting local 4-player split-screen fun, and Mario Kart fans seeking more variety and challenge—CrossWorlds offers deeper customization with the Gadget system that lets you build your perfect kart. Great for solo players too, with unlockable Rivals and tons of progression goals. Skip it  if: You want a story mode or open-world exploration, prefer realistic racing simulations, get frustrated by heavy power-up chaos, or already own Mario Kart and just want the exact same experience.

#4:  Madden NFL 26

Yes, more football, and it’s not a surprise either. It is currently available on the Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. At the time of this writing Madden NFL 26 is discounted a bit, you can get it for $48 if you click ‘see all buying options’, but if you buy it digitally it’ll likely be more. It’s rated E for Everyone.

26 delivers the biggest overhaul in a lot of years, with quarterback-specific animations and signature throws like Patrick Mahomes’ no-look passes and Josh Allen’s cross-body throws. The game now uses real NFL coaching data for authentic play-calling, and dynamic weather affects visibility and player footing during games. A new injury system forces you to strategically manage your roster depth throughout the season. New positions include Edge rushers and Long Snapper, plus 50 new traits that make computer-controlled players behave more realistically.​

Is it worth buying? Even if you own Madden 25 it may still be worth getting. The 500+ new quarterback animations, authentic NFL play-calling, and dramatically improved defensive AI make gameplay feel genuinely different rather than just a roster update. If you own Madden 24 or earlier, it’s absolutely worth the upgrade.

#5:  EA SPORTS FC 26

Yes, sports games are a surefire pick for good reason, a whole lot of people like them and buy them! FC 24 is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 and original Switch. These games are all discounted too, and are around $35 right now. It is rated E for Everyone.

This soccer game introduces FC IQ, a tactical system where players automatically position themselves based on over 50 different roles. Rush, a new fast-paced 5v5 mode, is available across Career Mode (manage a team), Clubs (play online with friends), and Ultimate Team (collect player cards). Career mode now lets you jump into any point of a real-world season with accurate rosters. Improved dribbling control and over 10,000 authentic player reactions make matches feel more realistic.​

Is it worth getting? If you own FC 25, it’s debatable. FC IQ fundamentally changes how teams position and play tactically with dozens of roles that didn’t exist in FC 25. If you enjoy Ultimate Team or deep tactical Career Mode gameplay, it’s worth it; otherwise, probably not. If you own FC 24 or earlier, you’re getting the complete FC IQ overhaul, vastly improved dribbling, smarter AI positioning, better goalkeeper animations, two gameplay speed options, Rush mode, and significantly better physics.

#6:  Bluey: The Videogame

Bluey the Videogame has been very popular for the last couple of years, based on the famous animated series. It’s available on the Playstation 4, PS5, Switch and Xbox. It’s normally about $40, but you can get it for under $20 for every platform. Rated E for Everyone.

Bluey brings the Emmy-winning TV show to life with the original voice cast. Perfect for ages 3-7, kids explore the Heeler house, playground, creek, and beach while playing as Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad. Simple platforming and mini-games like Keepy Uppy offer 4-player local co-op fun for the whole family. It’s short (2-3 hours) but delightful for young Bluey fans.

Who should get it? Parents of preschool and early elementary kids (ages 3-7) who are love the show and want a safe, gentle introduction to video games. It’s perfect for families who want to play together in 4-player co-op, parents can join in without needing gaming skills.​ Skip it if you’re buying for kids over 8 who want more challenge or depth, or if you want value for money—it’s very short (2-3 hours total) with limited replayability. Online multiplayer isn’t available, so it only works for local couch co-op.

#7:  The Grinch Christmas Adventures

The Grinch Christmas Adventures just came out this year, and has been a hit. It’s currently available on the PlayStation 4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox. It’s on sale for $20 now on every platform. It’s rated E for Everyone.

The Merry & Mischievous Edition is a festive 2D platformer perfect for ages 5-10 based on Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic. Kids play as the Grinch and Max, sneaking around Who-ville to steal presents and solve puzzles using fun gadgets like a Santa disguise, Candy Cane Lasso, and a jetpack. Local 2-player co-op and colorful Seuss-style art capture the story’s charm. Great budget gift under $20.

Who should get it? Parents buying for kids ages 5-10 who love The Grinch movie or book and want a safe, easy-to-play Christmas-themed game. Perfect for siblings who want to play together in local 2-player co-op. Great budget-friendly stocking stuffer or holiday gift under $20. Skip it if you’re buying for kids over 10 who want more challenge—this is very simple with basic platforming. Also skip if you want substantial gameplay; it’s quite short (3-4 hours) with limited replay value once completed.

#8:  DOG MAN: Mission Impawsible

Dog Man: Mission Impawsible is a hit that just came out last year and is returning to the top 10 again. It’s available on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. It is not on sale and will cost you about $50. It’s rated E for Everyone.

This game is a 2D platformer based on Dav Pilkey’s (Captain Underpants creator) #1 New York Times bestselling book series. Perfect for ages 6-10, kids switch between Dog Man and his Supa Buddies across 50 silly levels using unique abilities like rocket boots and retractable claws. Local 2-player co-op, potty humor, and beginner-friendly gameplay capture the books’ charm.

Who should get it? Parents buying for kids ages 6-10 who are obsessed with the Dog Man books and want to see their favorite characters come to life. Perfect for fans of Dav Pilkey’s silly humor and potty jokes. Great for siblings who want local 2-player co-op action. Ideal for beginner gamers who need simple controls and forgiving platforming. Skip it if you’re buying for kids over 11 who want more challenge, this is very simple with basic gameplay. Also skip if you want depth—reviews describe it as repetitive with 50 similar levels and limited variety.

#9:  Battlefield 6

Battlefield 6 is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X. This long running series is discounted down from $70 to $50 at this time. It is rated M for Mature.

Battlefield 6 returns to its roots with the classic four-class system after the previous game’s controversial hero-style characters, delivering massive 64-player battles across global locations like Cairo and Brooklyn. The new Escalation mode (gradually escalating objectives) joins returning favorites like Conquest (capture and hold zones), Breakthrough (attack/defend objectives), and Rush (destroy enemy positions). Deep weapon customization, tactical squad coordination, and vehicle combat restore the franchise’s signature chaotic, team-driven battles.

Who should get it? Battlefield veterans: If you loved BF3, BF4, or BF1 but hated BF2042’s hero characters, this delivers the squad-based, class-focused gameplay you’ve been missing. It’s also great for large-scale warfare fans, tactical players, and Call of Duty players curious about bigger-scale combat. Don’t get it if you want a strong single-player campaign or prefer smaller tactical shooters.

#10:  Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a big game this holiday season, with lots of hype. It’s available as a PC game, a PS5 game and an Xbox game. The standard edition is just fine for most folks, the other editions just include other cosmetic packs, outfits, or a Steelbook. The standard edition isn’t cheap, but you can get it for $50. It is rated M for Mature.

This game is a dark fantasy role-playing game set in a 1900s French-inspired world where a godlike Paintress erases everyone above a certain age each year. You are part of the doomed 33rd expedition sent to kill her. Combat blends classic turn-based strategy with real-time dodges, parries, and aimed shots that require precise timing. The painterly, art-gallery visuals are gorgeous, and Expedition 33 offers deep character progression with unique skill trees and party combinations.​

Who should get it? Practically everyone who is old enough. This is one of the best-received games in years, potentially the highest user-rated game ever recorded. This game is for classic JRPG fans (Final Fantasy, Persona), story-driven RPG players who love cinematic stories, and players who enjoy challenging combat that rewards learning enemy patterns. The people who won’t like it are those who dislike timing-heavy combat that requires memorizing attack patterns, find menu navigation tedious, or prefer faster-paced action games.