The Best Video Games to Gift in 2026: 8 Picks by Console, From $19.99

Published October 31, 2026. Black Friday is November 27.

The best video game gift is one that runs on the console they already own. So start there. Here are eight picks from Gavler's community-ranked game lists, sorted by platform, plus the two big releases that will dominate the holidays. If you buy only one: Mina the Hollower ($19.99, every platform) when you don't know their console, Donkey Kong Bananza for a Switch 2, and Clair Obscur for a PS5.

Works on almost anything

Mina the Hollower — $19.99

The safest gift on this list. Yacht Club Games' Game Boy-style action-adventure is #1 on Best Games of 2026 and was tied for the top-rated game of the year on Metacritic. It's on PS5, Xbox, Switch, Switch 2 and PC at $19.99 (if the card shows more, it's out of date), so you don't need to know their setup. It sold 300,000 copies in its first three days, and its developer has said it should be selling faster. It's a top-down dungeon game built around a whip and sub-weapons, so it suits anyone who grew up on Zelda or Castlevania. Rated E10+.

Hollow Knight: Silksong — $19.99

#2 on Best Games of 2025 and the year's best value. IGN called it "a masterpiece", and it runs on every current console plus PC. Give it to someone who loved Hollow Knight or likes hard games. Skip it for a casual player: it's a demanding game.

Hades II — $29.99

Supergiant's roguelike sequel is #5 on Best Games of 2025, and IGN gave it a 10/10, calling it "the best roguelike of this generation". It's the gift for someone who loved the first Hades. It's on PS5, Xbox, both Switches and PC. Rated T.

Split Fiction — $49.99

The couples' and siblings' gift. It's a two-player-only co-op adventure, and GameSpot said it "could very well be the best cooperative game I've ever played". It's on PS5, Xbox, PC and Switch 2. You need two people on the couch or online. Solo players should skip it.

For a Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza — $69.99

The Switch 2 game to own. It's #4 on Best Games of 2025, IGN gave it a 10/10, and Nintendo Life called it the console's "first absolute must-play". Everything in its levels can be smashed, and a second player can join. Rated E10+, so it works for kids and adults.

Pokémon Pokopia — about $69.99

#3 on Best Games of 2026 and the highest-rated Pokémon game on Metacritic (89). It's a relaxed building and town sim, not a battle game, which makes it a good gift for younger kids and cozy-game fans. Amazon listed it at $69.99 at launch, so a lower price on the card is likely a sale or out of date.

For a PS5

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — $49.99

The Game Awards 2025 Game of the Year, and #1 on Best PS5 Games of 2025. It's a turn-based RPG where you dodge and parry in real time, so the fights stay active. It's also on Xbox and PC. Rated M, and the story is heavy, so it's a gift for adults.

Ghost of Yōtei — $69.99

The PS5 exclusive to give someone who loved Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch's open-world samurai game is #4 on Best PS5 Games of 2025, and you can't play it on any other console. Rated M. For a 2026 PS5 pick instead, see Best PS5 Games of 2026, where Mina leads.

The two big releases to know about

GTA VI (November 19). It will be the most-requested game of the season. Rockstar still has it dated November 19, and pre-orders are $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. It's PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, with no PC or Switch 2 version announced. The physical box contains a download code instead of a disc, according to Forbes and T3. It isn't on a Gavler list yet because it isn't out.

Forza Horizon 6 (Xbox and PC only for now). It's #2 on Best Games of 2026, but the PS5 version moved to January 26, 2027, per VGC. Don't wrap it for a PS5 owner.

Before you buy

• Check the console, then check their library. On PlayStation and Xbox, a gift card is the safe fallback if you can't confirm they don't already own it.
• Pair it with hardware. A second controller is the cheapest add-on. See Best Gaming Controllers, Best Gaming Headsets, and our handheld gift guide. For gifts across budgets, see the Best Tech Gifts of 2026.

Common Questions

What is the best video game to give as a gift in 2026?

If you don't know what console they own, Mina the Hollower. It is #1 on Gavler's Best Games of 2026 list, it's $19.99, and it's on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 and PC. For a Switch 2 owner, Donkey Kong Bananza. For a PS5 owner who likes RPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025.

Is GTA 6 a good Christmas gift?

Yes, if they own a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar's release date is November 19, 2026, the Standard Edition is $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition is $99.99. There is no PC or Switch 2 version announced. The boxed physical copy contains a download code instead of a disc, so don't buy it expecting a disc to resell or lend.

Can I gift Forza Horizon 6 to a PS5 owner this Christmas?

Not yet. Forza Horizon 6 is out on Xbox and PC, but Playground Games moved the PS5 version to January 26, 2027. Gift it to an Xbox or PC player, or wait.

What's a good video game gift for two people?

Split Fiction. It's a two-player co-op game from the studio behind It Takes Two, GameSpot gave it a 10/10, and it's $49.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Switch 2.

Should I buy a physical copy or a gift card?

Buy the game if you know their console and you're confident they don't own it. Otherwise, a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo eShop gift card is the safer gift, and it lets them pick up whatever goes on sale around Black Friday, November 27.