Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOur top pick for 2025 is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but the right choice depends on your platform and the kind of game you want. This guide’s selections span story-led RPG combat, open-world action, destructible 3D exploration and more; they are editorial recommendations, not a universal industry ranking.
How to choose among 2025’s top games
- Start with your platform. The games below do not all run on every system. Check the platform listing before you buy, especially where a title is associated with a particular console.
- Match the play style. Consider whether you want a story-focused RPG, open-world action/adventure, exploration built around environmental destruction, or a game recognized for its visuals.
- Look at why each game stands out. These picks offer different strengths; the overall pick is not automatically the best fit for every player.
Best overall: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Tom’s Guide names Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 its Game of the Year 2025 and overall pick, highlighting its narrative, orchestral score and reactive turn-based combat. The guide lists it for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. BAFTA’s 2025 roundup also lists the game on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. See Tom’s Guide’s selection and BAFTA’s games coverage.
Choose it if you want an RPG whose turn-based battles ask for active responses, alongside a strong story and musical identity. Its status as this guide’s top pick is an editorial judgment, not an objective consensus across players and critics.
Best for open-world action: Ghost of Yōtei
For PS5 players looking for action/adventure, Tom’s Guide singles out Ghost of Yōtei for its combat and open-world setting. The recommendation is a clearer fit for someone who wants to explore a broad world and fight through it than for a player seeking turn-based RPG combat. View the guide’s Ghost of Yōtei pick.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Best for destructible-world exploration: Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza is a Nintendo Switch 2 pick built around 3D exploration and destructible environments. That emphasis makes it the standout choice here for players who want the environment itself to be part of the fun. It is listed for Switch 2, not as a general Switch recommendation. View the guide’s Donkey Kong Bananza pick.
Best for graphics: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Tom’s Guide names Death Stranding 2: On the Beach in its graphics category and lists it as a PS5 game. The cited rationale is its visual presentation; the available selection does not establish a comparative technical benchmark, so treat this as the guide’s category pick rather than a measured claim that it outperforms every 2025 release. See the category selection.
Rank #2
- ❗❗❗Tips：Due to a recent PS5 system update, vibration and controller speaker functions of our controllers may be temporarily unavailable.. No need to worry—your controller is not defective. This is a system compatibility issue that may be resolved through a future PS5 update
- 【Designed for PS5 Console Compatibility】Our PS5 wireless controller is specially designed to work seamlessly with the PS5 console. It pairs effortlessly and delivers stable performance across a wide range of PS5 games. Players can enjoy smooth gameplay with intuitive button layouts and responsive control functions, offering a true next-gen gaming experience
- 【Ergonomic Design with Immersive LED Light Effects】This PS5 controller is designed with player comfort in mind. It has a balanced weight and a comfortable grip, effectively reducing fatigue even during long gaming sessions. The built-in LED lighting system offers vibrant, customizable color effects that enhance the visual atmosphere and bring more excitement to your gaming setup
- 【Advanced Bluetooth Connection】Our PS5 wireless controller uses the latest Bluetooth technology to ensure a stable and fast wireless connection with your PS5 system.The setup process is quick and simple—just pair once and enjoy reliable communication without cables. The enhanced transmission performance minimizes interference and ensures consistent control, even during fast-paced action games
- 【Ultra-Low Latency and High-Precision Control】Built for accuracy and responsiveness, this controller features highly sensitive analog sticks and precision triggers for refined control. Every movement and command registers instantly with minimal delay, giving players a competitive edge in shooting, racing, or sports games. The optimized chip design helps maintain low input lag for a fluid, real-time response
Best for online soccer: Rematch
The guide’s displayed article text describes Rematch as online soccer and labels it its best racing/sports game. The description is more precise for readers than inferring a different genre from the category label: consider it if you want online soccer. The cited material does not establish its platforms here, so check the game’s current store listing for your system before purchasing. Check the guide’s Rematch selection.
What the award voting does—and doesn’t—show
PlayStation Blog reported nearly 1.5 million votes across 19 categories in its 2025 Game of the Year awards. That figure describes voting in PlayStation Blog’s own awards; it is not a representative survey of all players or critics, and it does not establish a single objective best game. The blog characterized the year this way: “Sandfall Interactive’s debut showcased their absolute confidence in their identity, while Sucker Punch and Team Cherry released hugely anticipated adventures to critical acclaim.” This is PlayStation Blog’s editorial description. Read PlayStation Blog’s 2025 award-results coverage.
Rank #3
- 1 case of 45 Packs, 45 Count Total
- Please note that if your PS-5 console is running version 14.0 or higher, you need to update the controller firmware to restore vibration and speaker functions. Upgrade address: we.tl/t-yAwofXJL9YOyyq3K Upgrade Guide: youtu.be/06jAORFjkf4 The firmware update must be performed on a Windows PC.
- 【Quick Connect & One Touch Wakeup】The controller can be connected wirelessly or wired to PS5 and PC (but is not compatible with PS4). Press the home button to quickly wake up the PS5 console. The first time the controller connects to the PS5 it needs a wired connection, after a successful connection it can be connected wirelessly.
- 【Controller with Speaker】Listen to higher fidelity game sound in supported games through the built-in speakers, but does not contain a microphone. Microphone functionality can be achieved by connecting headphones via the 3.5mm TRRS connector (not compatible with Apple 3.5mm headphones).
- 【Multi-Function】Built-in dual vibration motors, touchpad, integrated light bar, speakers, and 3.5mm stereo headphone jack provide gamers with a variety of new audio options. The share button allows you to easily share exciting gaming moments with the click of a button.
Check platform and edition before buying
Availability, editions, physical or digital format, price and stock can change. Confirm the current store listing for your platform before checkout; a retail listing associated with a recommendation does not guarantee current stock or price. In particular, distinguish Nintendo Switch 2 from Nintendo Switch when checking Donkey Kong Bananza, and check that an Xbox listing is for Xbox Series X/S when considering Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
