With the holiday season behind us, many lucky gamers are unboxing shiny new consoles! Whether you're a wide-eyed six-year-old or a seasoned 60-year-old, you might be pondering which new games should claim your attention first.

While I can share my personal favorites, let’s dive into the highest-rated exclusives for each console. Brace yourself for an epic gaming journey ahead!

Top Picks for PS5:

1. **Astrobot** – 94 Metascore: A vibrant platformer that's a must-play for fans of creativity and exploration. 2. **God of War: Ragnarok** – 94 Metascore: A captivating sequel that dives deeper into Norse mythology. (P.S. Start with the original God of War for context.) 3. **Final Fantasy VII Rebirth** – 92 Metascore: An excellent continuation of the beloved story. (Don’t forget to get into the Remake first!) 4. **Demon’s Souls Remaster** – 92 Metascore: A visually stunning remake that challenges your skills and patience. 5. **The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered** – 90 Metascore: A gripping narrative that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. (Catch up with Part 1 Remastered first!)

Must-Plays for Xbox Series X/S (Also on PC):

1. **Forza Horizon 5** – 92 Metascore: Experience the thrill of racing through stunning landscapes. 2. **Microsoft Flight Simulator** – 90 Metascore: A breathtaking simulation that’s perfect for aviation enthusiasts. 3. **Sea of Thieves** – Previous scores aren’t optimal, but this game has flourished into a pirate adventure like no other! 4. **Halo Infinite** – 87 Metascore: Engaging multiplayer experiences make it worth your while now. 5. **Indiana Jones and the Great Circle** – 86 Metascore: A treasure-hunting narrative that will thrill fans of the franchise.

Nintendo Switch Essentials:

1. **The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild** – 97 Metascore: Considered one of the greatest games of all time – it’s a must if you own a Switch! 2. **Super Mario Odyssey** – 97 Metascore: Journey through imaginative worlds with Mario and his charming hat. 3. **The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom** – 96 Metascore: A magnificent sequel to Breath of the Wild. (Play the original first!) 4. **Metroid Prime Remastered** – 94 Metascore: Explore alien worlds in this atmospheric action-adventure. 5. **Super Smash Bros. Ultimate** – 93 Metascore: The ultimate crossover fighting game featuring characters you love.

Incredible Third-Party Games (Many on PS5 & Xbox, Some on Switch):

1. **Elden Ring** – 96 Metascore: A masterpiece that combines open-world exploration with challenging gameplay. (Don’t miss the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion!) 2. **Baldur’s Gate 3** – 96 Metascore: Dive into deep role-playing adventures in this critically acclaimed title. 3. **Metaphor: ReFantasio** – 94 Metascore: A unique adventure with beautiful storytelling. 4. **The Witcher 3 Remastered** – 94 Metascore: An expansive RPG that keeps on giving. 5. **Tetris Effect: Connected** – 93 Metascore: An immersive twist on a classic puzzle game that’s also available on Switch! 6. **Hades** – 93 Metascore: A rogue-like adventure filled with engaging narratives and fast-paced action. 7. **Resident Evil 4** – 93 Metascore: A thrilling survival horror experience remade to perfection. 8. **Persona 5 Royal** – 91 Metascore: If you haven’t explored this stylish RPG yet, now’s your chance! 9. **Balatro** – 90 Metascore: A roguelike that shines best on the Switch. 10. **Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth** – 89 Metascore: The latest entry in a beloved franchise that's bursting with charm.

Bonus Pick: Cyberpunk 2077 – After a rough start, this game has transformed into an extraordinary experience, earning its place as my top recommendation. However, it's best suited for adult players.

While my personal highlights include **Elden Ring**, **The Witcher 3**, the **God of War** series, and both **Zelda** masterpieces, the right game for you ultimately depends on your gaming preferences. Fear not, you can’t go wrong with any title from this fantastic list!

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