If you are lucky enough to have found one of the new Xbox Series X or S consoles available for purchase for yourself or to give to someone else as a gift then you are probably interested in knowing more about some of the best games that are available for these consoles as well as finding out about upcoming releases.
This new generation of Xbox consoles is able to give you an awesome gaming experience. Games that are designed for the unique specifications of the Series X|S offer some of the most incredible visuals and gameplay you will ever encounter.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to new games that were created specifically for the Series X and S consoles. Thanks to their backward compatibility you can play virtually every game that was made for the Xbox One on the Series X|S consoles. In fact, you can play literally thousands of games from across four generations of Xbox consoles on the Series X and S consoles. So when you are shopping for games you can also feel free to check out some classic games from the past.
Whether you are looking to buy a game for yourself, as a gift for a loved one, or to treat your kids to a new game when they have a break from school you should think about the following criteria to find out which top video games are the best for you or the person your are shopping for.
- Stick with your favorite genres or series. For example, if you love first-person shooters then you will probably be happier picking up some of the best FPS games for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S than if you bought sports games. In a similar way, if you are a fan of any particular game franchise then you will want to consider the next release in that series.
- Make sure that the content is age-appropriate. If you are buying a game for your kids then you need to know the content so you can be confident that it is appropriate for them. A good way to do this is to make sure you check the game’s ESRB rating before purchasing any game. This will help you avoid any surprises. ESRB ratings are found on the game box.
- Look at what games are popular. In the past, playing video games was something most people did by themselves, but now playing your favorite games is a social activity for a lot of people. Since most video games these days have an online component, you will probably want to play online with your friends to ensure that you get to experience the best multiplayer gaming available. So you may want to think about which games your friends have or are planning on getting. If you don’t know what games your friends are playing look at the best-selling games in the stores you frequent. This will give you an idea of what games people are buying and could give you a clue as to which games might be most popular with your friends.
- Keep in mind what console you are buying the game for. Remember that this latest generation of Xbox consoles has two versions the Series X and the Series S. The Xbox Series S does not have a disc drive, which means that it can’t play physical copies of video games making digital copies of games your only option. Conversely, in addition to its’ SSD drive, the Xbox Series X also has a disc drive, which means that it can play both digital as well as physical copies of games. If you are buying a game for the Series X and aren’t sure whether you should buy digital or physical copies of a game you can check out our article where we compare physical video games vs. digital video game copies and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Before we get to our list of the most popular games we wanted to highlight for your a few games that we really enjoy. Some of these might be on your list and others may not, but all of them could be great as birthday or holiday gifts. If you want to skip directly to the list of the most popular games, click here.
Here Are Some of Our Favorite Xbox Series X & S Video Games
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is a long-running and popular video game series known for its fun and age-appropriate games for gamers of all ages. The latest entry in the franchise, Sonic Frontiers, launched on August 17, 2022.
Sonic the Hedgehog’s latest adventure finds him stranded on an ancient island full of unusual creatures. Sonic must search for the missing Chaos Emeralds while navigating the massive Starfall Islands. This open zone platforming adventure is packed with action, adventure, and mystery, and will require Sonic to use all of his speed and agility to overcome the challenges and puzzles around every corner.
NBA 2K23 came out on September 8, 2022, and is considered by many to be the best basketball video game out there. If you are an NBA fan or a basketball fan in general NBA 2K23 should be on your must-have video game list. So if you are looking for a video game for that basketball fan in your life NBA 2K23 will give them hours of entertainment.
Link to buy a digital copy of NBA 2K23
Released on October 7, 2021, Far Cry 6 is the sixth offering in the Far Cry series. The action takes place on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, which is ruled as a dictatorship by “El Presidente” Antón Castillo who is raising his son Diego to follow in his rule. Players of Far Cry 6 play as Dani Rojas, who is a guerilla fighter trying to overthrow the Castillo regime. If you are looking for an action-adventure first-person shooter game set in an open-world environment Far Cry 6 is a popular option.
Link to buy a digital copy of Far Cry 6
Here is a promotional video that gives you a feel for the game’s storyline.
Every year football fans and video game fans, alike, eagerly await the latest version of the Madden NFL franchise. This year it arrived on August 19, 2022. Madden NFL 23 is sure to please both football and sports video game fans alike.
Link to buy a digital copy of Madden NFL 23
The FIFA Soccer franchise from EA Sports is one of the most polished sports video games out there. FIFA 23 is a must-have video game for that soccer player in your life. It was released on September 27, 2022.
Link to buy a digital copy of FIFA 23
If you are looking for a party game and like music and dancing, Just Dance 2023 is a terrific game to consider. Released on November 2, 2022, this new version is great fun for families as well as holiday gatherings or other get-togethers.
Link to buy a digital copy of Just Dance 2023
The latest LEGO Star Wars video game, The Skywalker Saga, was released on April 5, 2022, for the Xbox Series X/S consoles.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a great choice for both young and old Star Wars fans. The game is based on the nine-part Skywalker saga, featuring over 300 playable characters and over 100 vehicles, and is full of puzzles to solve and enemies to defeat. The game also features cooperative multiplayer modes, making it a great choice for family gaming sessions.
Link to buy a digital copy of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
We’ve been waiting on this game for quite some time, and Halo Infinite arrives on December 8, 2021! This is the latest installment in the Halo series, which has always been known as a top-notch first-person shooter franchise, but Halo Infinite is poised to take things to another level. The long-awaited return of the legendary series offers the most expansive Master Chief campaign yet, with a showdown against the most ruthless foe he’s ever encountered. Plus, Halo Infinite offers a groundbreaking free-to-play multiplayer experience.
Link to buy a digital copy of Halo Infinite
Here is the official Halo Infinite Launch Trailer.
Over the years Star Wars has not only provided us with a multitude of movies, toys, and more recently spin-off series like The Mandalorian, and it has also given us several Star Wars inspired video games. The most recent game is Star Wars: Squadrons, which was released on October 2, 2020. If you or the person you are shopping for have ever watched one of the Star Wars movies and ever wished that you could be a pilot in one of the X-wing fighters, TIE fighters, or ships from any of the other starfighter classes from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets, this is the video game for you. You can play the thrilling Star Wars single-player story set in the time after Return of the Jedi. You can also compete online in multiplayer modes (Dogfight, Fleet Battles, and Custom Matches).
Link to buy a digital copy of Star Wars: Squadrons
The Official Reveal Trailer (below) gives you a great feel for what the game is like.
HERE-The Xbox One exclusive, Sea of Thieves is an action-adventure video game where you get to live the pirate life as you sail and fight together, hunt for treasure, and create your own legends. You can experience a world of unspoiled islands, mythical monsters, and treasures. In this game, you have the freedom to decide how you approach the world as well as the other players.
Link to buy a digital copy of Sea of Thieves
The 18th and newest game in the Call of Duty series is Call of Duty: Vanguard, which was just released on November 5, 2021. This visually impressive first-person shooter is set during WWII where you will experience combat around the globe.
Any game franchise that has been around this long has a large fanbase and with that fanbase comes high expectations meaning these Call of Duty (COD) games have a lot to live up to. To be fair we should mention that with COD: Vanguard some diehard fans feel that it is too similar to some past titles, while others believe the game offers too little innovation in the gameplay department. That said, between its campaign, multiplayer, and zombie modes Call of Duty: Vanguard most people will find that it is a very fun game to play.
Link to buy a digital copy of Call of Duty: Vanguard
Below is a trailer that gives you a feel for the game.
If WWII isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you will find the Cold War period of the 1980s more interesting. Taking place in the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War puts you in locations like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters, and more. Offering tactical, grounded gameplay and player choice, it is hard to go wrong with the Call of Duty franchise for online combat fans.
Link to buy a digital copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Here is a promotional video that gives you a flavor of what the game is like.
HERE-Between allowing players to turn their imaginations loose playing in creative mode and going on adventures in survival mode the action in Minecraft never ends. You can play alone or with friends in split-screen multiplayer and online. That is why Minecraft has been a favorite on the Xbox One since it was released. Know that you need the Xbox Live Gold Membership in order to play Minecraft online. Minecraft is rated: E for Everyone 10+
If you enjoy racing video games Forza Horizon 5 is hard to beat. The Forza racing and driving video games, which are exclusive to Xbox consoles, have long been favorites on the Xbox One and that hasn’t changed with Forza Horizon 5. This newly updated title, which was released on November 9, 2021, is a surefire winner for that car or racing enthusiast on your list.
Below is the launch trailer that will give you get a better feel for what the game is like.
If you are looking for an affordably priced video game that is different from so many of the games out there Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which was released on March 11, 2020, is a beautifully crafted game where you explore a vast, beautiful, immersive, and dangerous world filled with gripping enemy encounters, challenging puzzles and thrilling escape sequences as you unravel Ori’s true destiny. This engaging, story-driven adventure is the follow-up to the 2016 release Ori and the Blind Forest is exclusive to Xbox consoles. Rated E for Everyone, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is appropriate for gamers of all ages.
Link to buy a digital copy of Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age. Set in 1899 America, the end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. Even though Red Dead Redemption 2 was released on October 26, 2018, this immersive game continues to be very popular and was still one of the top-selling games during the 2020 holiday season.
Below is our list of the Top 10 Most Popular Xbox Series X and Series S Games for 2024. Enjoy.
- CampusIQ – Immerse yourself in authentic, fast-paced, college football gameplay with CampusIQ.
- Homefield Advantage – Game-altering homefield advantages rattle your rivals in college football’s toughest places to play. Test your squad’s road game composure and confidence levels as you play through distractions like screen shaking, missing pre-play icons, and moving play art.
- Iconic Atmospheres – From The Big House to the Swamp. From Tuscaloosa to College Station. Experience the decibel-shaking soundscape of college football putting you inside the stadium, alongside all the iconic rituals and traditions that make you feel right at home.
- Wear & Tear – With the new Wear & Tear system as the hits add up, players wear down. Manage your players’ health, limit fatigue, assess risk of injury, and avoid on field mistakes by using strategic substitutions to ensure your players are at their best when it counts the most.
- POWERED BY ProPLAY - Bring your game to life with ProPLAY, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in clutch moments, as ProPLAY powers the most authentic NBA experience to date.
- COMPETE IN THE CITY - The City is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some competitive streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Pay homage to legends of the game in MyCAREER as you eclipse their milestone achievements and usher in the greatest dynasty basketball has ever seen. Let your talents shine in a bustling City and etch your name among the greats.
- BUILD YOUR DYNASTY - Build a dynasty that transcends eras and redefine what it means to be the best as a General Manager in MyNBA. Explore the unique challenges that come with overseeing an NBA front office and cherish the ultimate reward of winning a championship, or multiple. Choose from six Eras, including an all-new Era, and become the next mastermind to change the game forever.
- Only at Amazon! Limited Edition Content* - The Rogue Infiltrator Character Pack includes cosmetics for Kay and Nix.
- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
- Past meets present in SONIC GENERATIONS! Modern and Classic Sonic team up to defeat Dr. Eggman and the Time Eater to restore their timeline to normal!
- Spin dash through a greatest-hits collection of 3D and 2D versions of iconic stages from past Sonic games, now with updated visuals and reworked cinematics
- In this new standalone campaign, Black Doom has reemerged and threatens to take over the world. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
- Harness Shadow's new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!
- Rescue Chao hiding in every level, rack up the highest pinball score in the Casino Nights zone, and check out the museum for behind-the-scenes art, music, and more!
- BOOM Tech - Hit like you mean it with FieldSENSE powered by BOOM Tech. Experience how a physics-informed dynamic tackling system, reengineered Hit Stick, and Ball Carrier Balance unlock realistic collisions & new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball.
- Physics-Based Tackling - Cut loose and attack the ball with powerful Hit Sticks, Cut Sticks, trucks, dives, and stiff arms with more control and realism than ever.
- Reloaded Hit Stick - Bring power in every phase of the game. The reengineered Hit Stick uses a timing-based mechanic to provide harder-hitting control determined by your angle of impact, stick-skill, and accuracy.
- Ball Carrier Balance - Run the rock with confidence and command. A new Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery System gives you control to absorb a big hit, break the tackle, and recover your balance.
- NFL Immersion - A refreshed Franchise experience and new broadcast teams featuring Mike Tirico, Greg Olsen, Kate Scott and Brock Huard immerse you in NFL action like never before.
- Farming Simulator 25 brings rice, spinach & other crops alongside new settings in Asia, North America & Europe. Expand your farm with new animals, production chains, and 400+ machines from 150+ brands.
- Enjoy more immersion thanks to enhanced graphics & physics - solo or with friends in multiplayer.
- Bonus Content. MacDon brings you five machines included in the MacDon Pack for Farming Simulator 25!
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Race across five massive overworlcl islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover
- Blaze a trail as you see fit and discover side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and encounter a firendly face or two along the way
- Unlock Cyber Space levels featuring signature 3D platforming at Sonic speeds and a variety of challenges to test your skills like never before
- Use the all-new battle system and skill tree upgrades, combining moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down mysterious foes
- Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes
- Pre-order or subscribe to select Game Pass plans. The Cross Gen-Bundle of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 includes the Xbox Series X and Xbox One versions of the game.
- This is signature Black Ops across a cinematic single-player Campaign, a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, and the epic return of Round-Based Zombies.
- The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.
- In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.
- Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch.
- SWAP CAPES FOR SHELLS - Fight and grow as the 4 heroes, unlocking moves and abilities to reach their full potential.
- HANGOUT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Cross the 5 boroughs bumping into old and new faces, like April, Splinter, and more.
- RISE UP TO THE CHALLENGE TOGETHER - Team up with a friend in two-player couch co-op.
- IT'S TURTLE TIME - Patrol the streets and battle enemies who MUTATE throughout the game.
- Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or co-op modes.
- Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.
- Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.
- Standard edition includes: Base game, Macragge’s Chosen DLC, with 3 unique cosmetics for your Bolt Rifle, Chainsword & Power Armour
- (Playback Language)
Last update on 2025-01-19 at 18:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
