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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHotHardware’s December 30, 2024 list ranked seven games it expected players to look forward to in 2025. It was a snapshot of anticipation at the end of that year—not a complete release calendar, and not a list of games that are all still upcoming. Here is what made each title stand out in the original preview, alongside the later release information established for several of them.
What the 2024 list was—and what it was not
The original article was an editorial selection spanning sequels and spin-offs, from strategy and action to creature-catching and open-world games. Its order reflects the author’s ranking, not a measured forecast or a universal consensus. The notes below preserve that year-end-2024 perspective and distinguish it from dates announced later.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The seven games, in the original ranking
1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The first game’s unusual world and Hideo Kojima’s enigmatic storytelling made this sequel a distinctive prospect in the 2024 preview, which expected a PS5 launch exclusive. PlayStation subsequently announced a PS5 release date of June 26, 2025, then announced the PC version for March 19, 2026. PlayStation’s release-date announcements document those later dates.
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
The preview highlighted a change to the series’ historical strategy formula: leaders could differ across civilization ages. It anticipated a launch across current-generation platforms and Nintendo Switch. The available official information here does not establish current release dates, platform details, or editions, so those original expectations should not be treated as a current availability guide.
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- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
3. DOOM: The Dark Ages
The next Doom action game drew attention as a new entry in a series whose previous installments prompted different reactions among players. That is the 2024 author’s framing, not a claim of broad critical or player consensus. Current release and edition details are not established here.
4. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The preview anticipated a Switch game set in a modern environment inspired by Paris. The Pokémon Company later listed October 16, 2025 as its availability date. Its official page also says Nintendo Switch owners can purchase an upgrade pack for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. See The Pokémon Company’s release-date page for that date and upgrade information.
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
5. Monster Hunter Wilds
The preview presented this as the next mainline Monster Hunter and called attention to two connected ideas: using a mount to traverse zones and carrying two weapons that can be swapped while mounted. It anticipated current-generation platforms, including PC. The information available here does not verify current platform availability, regional editions, or marketplace listings.
6. Elden Ring: Nightreign
Nightreign stood apart from a conventional sequel in the preview as a cooperative roguelike spin-off. FromSoftware announced May 30, 2025 as its release date. FromSoftware’s release announcement gives the date.
The Tool Desk
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- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
7. Grand Theft Auto VI
The original preview expected GTA VI in 2025 on current-generation consoles. That expectation changed: Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 results page lists PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and a November 19, 2026 release date. As of October 8, 2026, that was a scheduled future date, not a completed release. Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 results provide the listed platforms and date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the list now
For the question “what games were coming out in 2025?”, this is best read as a historical preview of what one publication expected on December 30, 2024. Later announcements confirmed 2025 dates for Death Stranding 2, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Elden Ring: Nightreign, while GTA VI’s listed date moved to November 19, 2026. For choosing what to play, genre, solo or cooperative orientation, platform, and edition matter more than this editorial ranking; current details for some entries are not established by the sources cited here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Read the original HotHardware list by Zak Killian.
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.
