2025 has been a landmark year for gaming, with all three major platforms –Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X-, delivering high-profile releases. But when it comes to console exclusives Nintendo is clearly in the lead. Since its June launch, the Switch 2 will be rolling out exclusives at a near-monthly pace, while Sony and Microsoft have taken a more selective approach.
Let’s break down where each platform stands so far.
Nintendo Switch 2: The new contender
Nintendo’s strategy with the Switch 2 has been refreshingly aggressive. Since launch, it’s delivered a mix of first-party blockbusters and third-party exclusives that can’t be played on any other console. From Mario Kart World to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the lineup is both diverse and consistent.
- Welcome Tour – June 5
- Fast Fusion – June 5
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster – June 5
- Mario Kart World – June 5
- Survival Kids – June 5
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut – June 5
- Donkey Kong Bananza – July 17
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – August 27
- Drag x Drive – August 14
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – October 16
- Kirby Air Riders – 2025
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – 2025
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – 2025
Total: 13 console exclusives
PlayStation 5: The big single player machine
Sony’s 2025 lineup is more curated, but still strong. While many of its titles are also launching on PC, several remain locked to the PlayStation ecosystem. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is the year’s biggest PS5-only release so far, with Ghost of Yōtei adding variety to the mix.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – June 26
- Lost Soul Aside – August 29
- Ghost of Yōtei – October 2
- Ballad of Antara – 2025
Total: 4 console exclusives
Xbox Series X: The “play anywhere” approach
Xbox continues to lean into its ecosystem-first approach, with all of its exclusives also launching on PC. While the cadence is slower, and some games like Perfect Dark have been canceled due to layoffs, the lineup includes some heavy hitters like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Gears of War: E-Day. Several titles have launched via Early Access or are scheduled for later this year.
- Avowed – February 18
- 33 Immortals – March 18 (Game Preview)
- South of Midnight – April 8
- Towerborne – April 29
- DOOM: The Dark Ages – May 15
- Grounded 2 – July 29 (Game Preview)
- Keeper – October 17
Total: 7 console exclusives
The takeaway
Nintendo isn’t just back in the game, it’s setting the pace. With a consistent stream of exclusives that span genres and audiences, the Switch 2 is offering the most compelling reason to buy a new console in 2025. Sony and Microsoft still have standout titles, but in terms of volume and momentum, Nintendo is clearly in the lead. Even if we only counted arguably their “major” titles, it would be up there with 6 in 2025, vs Xbox’s 3, and PS5’s 2.
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