The console gaming landscape in 2026 is wide. Between new releases, refreshed classics, and live-service juggernauts, choosing where to spend your time is a real challenge. These five games represent the best of what is available right now across all major consoles.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring: Nightreign | Souls-like / co-op fans | 4.9/5 |
| Mario Kart World | Family / party gaming | 4.8/5 |
| Avowed | Single-player RPG fans | 4.6/5 |
| Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Story RPG fans | 4.5/5 |
| Astro Bot | PS5 platformer fans | 4.9/5 |
Elden Ring: Nightreign — Best Co-op Game Right Now
FromSoftware’s Nightreign takes the Elden Ring universe into a structured co-op experience and it works brilliantly. Three players drop into a shrinking map over three nights, facing escalating threats culminating in a boss encounter. The roguelite structure means runs are fresh each time, and the Elden Ring combat depth is fully intact. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Atcurrent pricing it is priced below a standard full-release and delivers exceptional replay value for fans of challenging cooperative play.
Browse Elden Ring Nightreign on Amazon
Mario Kart World — Best Family Game Right Now
Nintendo’s Mario Kart World launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 and represents the biggest leap the franchise has taken in years. The open-world driving between races, the expanded roster, and the significantly refined handling model make this the best Mario Kart to date. Atcurrent pricing it is a premium price, but the replay value for households with multiple players justifies the cost quickly. Course design is creative and the competitive online remains as active as any previous entry.
Browse Mario Kart World on Amazon
Avowed — Best Single-Player RPG on Xbox Right Now
Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed is the best original RPG to come from Xbox Game Studios in years. The first-person perspective, dual-wielding combat, and the richly realized Living Lands setting make it a compelling alternative to Skyrim-style games. The writing and companion characters are consistently strong. Available through Game Pass on day one, making it a no-additional-cost play for subscribers. Performance on Xbox Series X is polished and the game is also available on PC via the same subscription.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard — Best Story RPG for PS5 and Xbox
Dragon Age: The Veilguard brought the franchise back to form after a long absence. The character creator is deep, the companion relationships are well-written, and the combat system strikes a better balance between accessibility and depth than most modern action RPGs. The story pays off long-running threads for series veterans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Atcurrent pricing for the standard edition in 2026 (after price drops) it offers excellent value for a 60-plus hour campaign.
Browse Dragon Age The Veilguard on Amazon
Astro Bot — Best PS5 Exclusive Right Now
Astro Bot from Team Asobi is the best PlayStation 5 exclusive released since the console launched and is widely considered among the best platformers of the generation. Every level showcases a different PlayStation franchise and is inventive in how it uses the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The game is pure joy from start to finish. For anyone with a PS5, this is a must-own title with no caveats.
How to Choose Your Next Console Game
Start with your platform. Xbox Game Pass subscribers should prioritize titles available on the service before spending on individual purchases. PS5 owners have a strong lineup of first-party exclusives worth owning. Switch owners benefit from Nintendo’s deep back catalog alongside new releases. Then match the game to your play style: solo narrative RPGs, multiplayer co-op, family party games, and competitive online each have clear leaders in 2026. Check review aggregators like Metacritic and OpenCritic for current scores before buying.
For gaming on the go, see our guides to best console games on iOS and best console games on iPad for mobile options.
For details on how we evaluate products, visit our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best console game to buy in 2026 right now?+
It depends on your platform and preferences, but Elden Ring: Nightreign and the latest Nintendo first-party titles consistently rank at the top across most review aggregators in 2026. For pure story-driven single player, games from Sony's first-party studios remain the benchmark. For multiplayer, games like Fortnite and Rocket League offer deep free-to-play options.
Are there great console games that are also free to play in 2026?+
Yes. Fortnite, Rocket League, Warframe, and Apex Legends are all free to play on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch with strong active communities. These games receive regular updates and offer hundreds of hours without requiring any purchase beyond optional cosmetics.