Overview
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 drew widespread praise and multiple awards, emerging as a defining release of the year.
- Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in June with upgraded ports and new titles, with Mario Kart World debuting as an open-world exclusive for the system.
- Indie sequels Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong were cited as major successes across platforms.
- High-profile follow-ups such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei received strong critical attention.
- Ars Technica’s top 20 underscored expected franchise entries and highlighted surprise hits, while noting Grand Theft Auto 6’s delay into 2026.