This is a retrospective of Tom’s Guide’s staff-favorite games of 2024, updated December 27, 2024—not an objective ranking or a guide to current prices. Astro Bot is the clearest all-around pick for PS5 players, while the rest of the lineup covers RPGs, fighting games, shooters, horror, co-op and deck-building across different platforms. Check the platform and edition before buying: the original feature does not establish current stock, regional availability or price.
What this list is—and how to use it
Tom’s Guide presented these games as staff favorites after discussing the year’s releases. Its categories reflect different genres and audiences, not a common scoring system. Use the platform labels below as a starting point, then confirm compatibility in the relevant storefront before purchase.
The list includes games that appeared in the feature’s reviewed sections; the full 13-title lineup and all category selections are not established by the available article details, so this guide focuses on the named picks rather than filling gaps with guesses. Read the original feature.
Best games of 2024 by platform and play style
Astro Bot — PS5 platforming and family play
Astro Bot is Tom’s Guide’s overall and family pick. The feature highlights inventive platforming levels, playful power-ups and PlayStation references. It is a natural first choice for PS5 owners seeking a single-player adventure with broad appeal, though the family label is not a substitute for checking the game’s content and accessibility options for a particular player.
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Its reception also extends beyond that editorial selection: The Game Awards named Astro Bot its 2024 Game of the Year, and PlayStation Blog’s 2024 player-voted awards named it the Platinum winner for Best PS5 Game. Those are distinct awards from distinct organizers, not proof of a universal consensus. The Game Awards’ 2024 winners also list Astro Bot for Game Direction, Action/Adventure and Family; PlayStation Blog’s results describe its player-voted recognition.
Stellar Blade — PS5 action
For action-focused play, the feature selects Stellar Blade, a PS5 game praised there for combat, graphics, narrative, multiple endings and unlockable costumes. This is the list’s more direct fit for someone prioritizing combat and spectacle over a family platforming adventure.
Rank #2
- This controller also works with Nintendo Switch 2 - C Button not available
- Eight RGB zones with four pre-set modes for dynamic lighting combinations
- Two programmable quick-action back buttons for customizable gameplay
- Built-in motion controls for immersive gameplay
- Ergonomic design for extended comfort
Metaphor: ReFantazio — long-form RPG
Tom’s Guide places Metaphor: ReFantazio in both its RPG and narrative selections. The article emphasizes its new setting and long-form role-playing story. Its listed platforms are PC, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Choose it if you want a substantial story-led RPG rather than short, self-contained rounds; the feature does not provide a playtime estimate.
Tekken 8 — fighting, offline or online
Tekken 8 is the fighting-game selection, with versions listed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The feature points to aggressive fighting, offline modes and online play, making it the clearest choice here for players who want versus combat and the option to play beyond online matchmaking.
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- Comfortable hand feeling design-Based on ergonomic and designed to fit your hands nicely, easier to grip than other controllers.
- Fast charging-Built-in battery 500mAh, Just charge for 2-3 hours, Switch controller can provide you with 8-10 hours of continuous gaming time.
- The wireless controller for Switch improve joystick and button sensitivity, Motor sensing, Gyro sensor function and enhance the comfort of shape, bring absolute control to players and improve accuracy at critical moments.
- This switch pro controller supports AUTO and Manual turbo operation, 3 adjustable Turbo Speed (5shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s).
- Compatible with Switch/ Switch 2/Switch Lite/ Switch OLED /Windows PC. No need to install any driver. (Support USB Cable Connection with PC) Package included: 2 wireless controllers for Switch
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 — shooter with several modes
Black Ops 6 is the shooter pick, listed for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The feature highlights its campaign, Zombies and multiplayer, as well as its omni-movement system. It is the broadest mode mix among these examples, but players should choose the specific console version that matches their hardware generation.
Still Wakes the Deep — first-person horror
Still Wakes the Deep is the horror selection. It is a first-person game set on a 1970s North Sea oil rig, with the feature listing PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions. This is the atmospheric horror option in the group; consider the genre and intensity before choosing it for a younger or horror-sensitive player.
Rank #4
- 🎮【2 Packing For Switch Controller】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Multiple Compatibility】AceGamer Wireless Controller for Switch Pro is fully compatible with Switch/Switch Lite/Switch OLED/Switch 2/PC, also compatible with Windows PC and Android Phone, and perfectly compatible with games. No need to install any driver.
- 🎮【Stable Wireless Connection】The Controller for Switch provides stable and reliable signal without delay or drop-off within 8-10 meters.After the first time pairing with switch console, you could simply press the HOME button on the controller to wake up both the controller and the game console, even if the console is in sleep.Please read the user manual first before pairing.'Note': can't wake up Switch 2 console with a single click.
- 🎮【Gyro Sensor&Dual Vibration】The Wireless Controller for Switch Pro with the 6-axis gyro sensor, can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, dual analog sticks and expansion triggers provide precise movement control. And dual vibration motors that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion.
- 🎮【Ergonomic Non-Slip】AceGamer Wireless Controller for Switch Pro based on ergonomic and designed to fit your hands perfectly, and light weight construction easier to grip than other controllers.The anti-slip design of silicone grip allows you not to worry about the influence of sweat on your game control, so that you can enjoy the game happily and comfortably for a long time.
Helldivers 2 — cooperative multiplayer
Helldivers 2 is Tom’s Guide’s multiplayer pick, available in the feature’s list for PC and PS5. Its appeal in the article is memorable cooperative sessions and the community around them. It is the clearest fit for players who want shared online play rather than a primarily contained solo experience.
Balatro — portable, repeatable deck-building
Balatro is the independent-game pick: a roguelike deck-builder that twists poker fundamentals. The feature lists mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions. Its round-based structure makes it a different commitment from a long-form RPG, and its unusually broad platform list gives players several ways to play—subject to checking the precise edition and storefront.
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- 🎮【Universal Compatibility】AceGamer Controller is fully compatible with Switch/Switch Lite/Switch OLED and provides perfect support for switch games. You can use it play the game of Nintendo Switch 1 on Nintendo Switch & 2.No need to install drivers, easy to connect. Note: Third-party products are not manufactured by switch. AceGamer provides warranty service, if you have any questions or problems, please contact us for an immediate solution.
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- 🎮【Sensitive Motion Control and 4-level Vibration】The integrated 6-axis gyro sensor can help you react quickly and specifically improve your experience in sports games. Buttons and joysticks respond without delay. One button to control the vibration level. Built-in dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback (0 %, 30 %, 70 %, 100 %)❗*TIPS*❗: Please calibrate before use.Please do not touch the joystick when connecting, otherwise it will cause drift. If drifted, please reconnect.
- 🎮【Programmable Button and Turbo Burst with 3 Speeds】The switch controllers have additional buttons that simplify complex skill operations with the M1/M2 button (M1/M2 = any A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/. ZR/L3/R3/D-pad buttons, up to 16 buttons). 2 programming modes: ①Single assignment ②Multiple assignment. Supports auto turbo/manual turbo mode. 3 adjustable burst speed: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s.
- 🎮【Ergonomic Design & One-Button Wake-Up Switch Console】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device.
Batman: Arkham Shadow — VR, beyond the four-platform headline
Batman: Arkham Shadow appears in the feature’s VR category, but it is not a PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X or PC pick: the listed hardware is Meta Quest 3/3S. It belongs in a discussion of the original feature’s range, not as a recommendation for someone shopping only among the four platforms in the headline.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How awards relate to the staff picks
Awards offer another perspective, but the results depend on the organizer and award category. The Game Awards named Astro Bot its 2024 Game of the Year. Separately, CESA’s Japan Game Awards 2024 named The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom its Grand Award winner and listed Nintendo Switch as its platform. Tears of the Kingdom was released before 2024, so that recognition is a 2024 award, not evidence that it was a 2024 release. CESA’s Japan Game Awards 2024 results also include Viewfinder; the jury describes it as “a puzzle game based on mapping plane photographs onto the three-dimension of the game’s world.”
Choose by fit, not by a single “best” label
- For a PS5 family-friendly starting point: Astro Bot is the feature’s family and overall selection.
- For action: Stellar Blade is the PS5 pick; Tekken 8 is the fighting-game option across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- For a story-led RPG: Metaphor: ReFantazio is the long-form choice, with versions listed across PC, PlayStation and Xbox Series X/S.
- For cooperative sessions: Helldivers 2 is the multiplayer-centered pick on PC and PS5.
- For horror: Still Wakes the Deep is the first-person selection on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- For a deck-builder across many platforms: Balatro is the most portable and broadly listed option here.
- For VR: Batman: Arkham Shadow requires the Meta Quest 3 or 3S hardware named in the feature, not one of the four headline platforms.
Check before you buy
The feature was last updated December 27, 2024. Its historical deals modules do not establish present-day prices, stock or digital availability. Before purchasing, verify the exact platform generation, edition, region and current listing. That is particularly important for games with multiple console generations, such as Black Ops 6, and for titles listed across both PlayStation and Xbox generations.
Quick Recap
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