To find the best video games available, we took the time to research the vast array of options from game developers around the globe; for each, we took a look at essential factors, including each game’s compatible platforms, age rating, multiplayer options, and gameplay. Depending on how you like to relax, you may want a family-friendly option to play with friends and family, or a more mature single-player action game. Finding the best video games can be a difficult task, but we know that you’ll find something on our list to enjoy playing from the couch. Even if you’ve never played a video game before, it’s not too late! Pick your first game from our list, and you’re guaranteed to have fun!
For the best video game available, our top pick goes to Super Smash Bros Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2018, this release in the popular Smash Bros fighting game series is the fifth sequel, allowing players to battle it out with their favorite characters from Nintendo’s franchise. The game itself is rated E10 , making it suitable for most children over the age of 10-years. When it comes to multiplayer, players can either battle online or play locally with up to eight friends. For more of the best video games, keep reading for some of the best video games 2024.
Top 7 Best Video Games
#1 Super Smash Bros Ultimate Video Game
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Continuing the legacy that began in the late 1990s, this title continues to offer an endless excitement of onscreen arcade fighting with Nintendo characters, including Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Star Fox, Kirby, Pikachu, and more.
- Over 80 playable characters
- Local and online multiplayer
- Works with a range of controllers
- Only available on Nintendo Switch
If you have picked up a Nintendo Switch, or intend on doing so in the future, Super Smash Bros Ultimate should be one of the first games on your list. A staple for Nintendo consoles, Super Smash Bros continues its legacy with this Ultimate Edition. Play as one of over 80 different playable Nintendo characters, and brawl it out on stages based upon franchise from the Nintendo universe. Best of all, you can play by yourself or with others — create a local match or head online to play with others from around the world.
We also love that Super Smash Bros Ultimate works with a variety of controllers, including the Switch Joy-Cons, Switch Pro Controller, and GameCube controllers. Rated E10 , it’s a great game for most, but one thing to note is that it is only available on Nintendo Switch.
#2 Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a more mature adventure game, this title lets you explore a wide open world as a monster slayer. One of the best games available, you can join in the fun from a Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, or PC.
- Large open-world gameplay
- Ideal for lovers of fantasy
- Available on multiple platforms
- Not for younger children
Are you ready to take down terrifying monsters as Geralt of Rivia, a mighty monster slayer? In a world where monster slayers are known as Witchers, you take control of one of the best, as you look for your missing adopted daughter who is on the run. Set in an expansive open-world environment, you can explore to your heart’s content. Lovers of the fantasy genre will quickly find themselves pulled into this exciting action role-playing adventure.
Available on multiple platforms, you can enjoy Witcher 3 on your Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Sony PlayStation 4, or Windows PC. Just know the game is not for younger players, and it does receive a rating of M (17 ) for Mature — however, for older players in the home, this is one exciting story that you don’t want to miss. Witcher 3 could easily be on the list for the best games of all time PC.
#3 The Last of Us Remastered
Award: BEST FOR PLAYSTATION 4
WHY WE LIKE IT: One of Sony’s exclusive titles, step into a post-pandemic world filled with infected humans — the only question is, can you survive? This edition also includes new stunning visuals for PS4 and a new prequel chapter.
- Includes updated visuals for PS4
- Ideal for lovers of fantasy
- Optional in-game cinematic commentary
- Only available for PlayStation
This title from the acclaimed game studio, Naughty Dog, takes you on a ride that you’ll never forget. In the post-apocalyptically United States, you’ll need to do what you can to defend yourself from the last bits of mutated humans that roam the landscape. The new Remastered Edition includes newly updated visuals for the PlayStation 4, as well as eight additional multiplayer maps for when you want to head online. The story within The Last of Us, makes this choice one of the best video games of the decade.
You can also opt to enable in-game cinematic commentary for cutscenes, listening to comments from the game’s development cast as you experience the riveting tale. Rated M for Mature, this game is limited to older audiences; it is also a PlayStation exclusive and only available on the Sony PlayStation 4. However, it is one of the best video games PS4.
#4 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Award: BEST FOR FAMILIES
WHY WE LIKE IT: An exciting multiplayer game for families to play together, you can jump in with Mario, Sonic, and friends to compete in your favorite sports. With up to eight players, you can enjoy various Olympic sports and bring home the gold.
- Over 30 different Olympic sports
- Utilizes Switch motion controls
- Play nostalgic 2D gaming events
- Not much of a storyline
If you’re looking for a great game for family game night, be sure to pop Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 into your Nintendo Switch. Rated E10 , this exciting sports game allows you to play over thirty different Olympic sports with up to eight players — either online or in person. The game makes fun use of the Nintendo Switch’s motion controls but can also be played in a variety of different ways.
Despite having not much of a storyline, the mini-games keep this title on track as an exciting gaming option. Best of all, Nintendo has thrown in a few 2D mini-games that are a throwback to older releases from past Nintendo consoles. So, grab your friends and family, and go for the gold, right from your home couch. Only available on Nintendo Switch.
#5 Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Award: BEST FOR KIDS
WHY WE LIKE IT: With an E10 rating, and the exciting world of Super Mario and the Rabbids universe combining, this turn based RPG is an excellent option for kids of all ages. Control Mario and friends to deal with the aftermath of a sudden invasion.
- Bright & colorful graphics
- Fun local multiplayer ability
- Easy to play
- No online multiplayer
Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle combines the worlds of Nintendo’s Super Mario and Ubisoft’s Raving Rabbids. With bright & colorful graphics, you battle your way against enemy Rabbids, who gained hold of a powerful invention. Stepping into the shoes of Mario and friends, including Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi, it is up to you to save the day, but don’t worry — the game is quite easy to play but also features more difficult areas for players who want more of a challenge.
The local multiplayer is a blast to play with friends and family, but we wish it extended online. There is no online multiplayer version available for those who might want to play with others around the world, or even down the block. Otherwise, Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle is an excellent game and a fantastic choice for kids. Only available on Nintendo Switch. Also, have a look at the best gaming monitor for ps4.
#6 FIFA 20
Award: BEST SPORT GAME
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re ready to step onto the field, EA has the ultimate game for you in which you can build a squad from thousands of players. This edition even features authentic street soccer for an entirely fresh experience.
- Includes thousands of player options
- New, exciting street soccer mode
- Realistic soccer ball physics
- Some online gameplay issues
The 27th installment in the FIFA series, FIFA 20, brings an authentic soccer experience to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PCs, and Google Stadia. The soccer experience that many players have come to love is back in FIFA 20. Still, the development team has also spent time providing new upgrades such as improved ball physics for more realistic gameplay. You can even create your team from a pool featuring thousands of player options.
Most exciting is the new street soccer mode included within the game, a welcomed addition, adding a bit of difference to a series of games that sometimes feels all too predictable. The one note worth mentioning is that FIFA 20 has seen some online gameplay issues, but EA continues to work on the subject, and players are still able to play others across the globe. The best 4K gaming monitor will make your games look amazing.
#7 PAC-MAN Championship Edition 2 Arcade Game Series
Award: BEST FOR XBOX
WHY WE LIKE IT: An exciting game from Bandai Namco, players can enjoy a newly revamped version of PAC-MAN, or step back into the world of yesteryear to experience a collection of classic arcade games, including Galaga, PAC-MAN, and DiDug.
- Top retro game & an exciting new take on PAC-MAN
- Relive traditional retro arcade games
- Switch version includes co-op mode
- Controls aren’t the best
If you’re a fan of PAC-MAN, you won’t want to miss PAC-MAN Championship Edition 2, which also includes the Bandai Namco Arcade Game Series. Step into a new high-deviation world of PAC-MAN, with exciting new gameplay built for a 3D world. If you are looking for something a bit more retro-classic, you can enjoy the original 2D Pac-Man, or play classic arcade games, Galaga and DigDug. If you pick up a Nintendo Switch, you can also enjoy the exclusive co-op mode.
Don’t worry, though, as Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, in addition to the Nintendo Switch. We aren’t huge fans of the controls featured in the game, but with a little practice, they can be mastered easily. Be sure to put this on your best old video games list.
How We Decided
To find the best video games available was undoubtedly a challenge, but we did our best and invested time to find games that everyone can enjoy. For each video game, we took a close look at the compatible platforms, age rating, multiplayer options, and gameplay. Next, we set criteria for each factor, enabling us to showcase only the best games available. No matter which game you select from our guide, you’ll have a winner in your hands.
When it came to compatible platforms, we made sure that we listed a few options for the latest consoles and gaming platforms on the market, including Microsoft’s Xbox One, Sony’s PlayStation 4, Nintendo’s Switch, and Windows PCs — we don’t want anyone left out. Next, for age ratings, we chose not to feature any games with an AO (Adults Only) rating and provided a selection that explored the gambit from E10 (Everyone Ages 10 ) up to M (Mature).
Who wants to always play alone? We made sure that every game we selected offered a multiplayer mode, whether it be a local multiplayer with friends sitting next to you or an online multiplayer for gaming with others across the globe. Lastly, when it comes to gameplay, we eliminated options that showcased troublesome gameplay glitches or other factors that would prevent you from enjoying the game as it was meant to be played.
Best Video Games Buyer’s Guide
Top Factors to Consider
- Compatible Platforms: To play a video game, you will need a game console or a PC that can handle the graphics requirements of the game. When purchasing a game, ensure that your game console supports it; it will usually state this on the cover. Common game systems include the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
- Age Rating: The ESRB is an association that rates video games, providing them with a label that denotes what age ranges they are appropriate. Ratings include E (Everyone), E10 (Everyone Ages 10 ), T (Teen), M (Mature), AO (Adults Only 18 ), and RP (Rating Pending). Be sure to select a game that is appropriate for the target audience.
- Multiplayer: Playing with friends is a big part of video games, so check the back of the packaging to see if different multiplayer options are available. Local multiplayer allows you to play with another person in the same room, so long as you have an extra controller. Online multiplayer will enable you to play with others around the globe via an internet connection.
- Gameplay: When purchasing a game, take the time to research it and see how others have enjoyed, or not enjoyed, playing it. Other players offer an excellent glimpse into what you can expect from the gameplay. Additionally, you can learn whether the game might have issues, making it a title to avoid.
