I can hardly believe we’re nearing the end of 2025 already. This year will go down in history as one of gaming’s best, but it’s not over just yet. While December tends to be slower when it comes to major video game releases, this year is a bit different. There’s a good mix of titles to look forward to, whether you’re looking to play alone or with friends this holiday season. There’s Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a highly anticipated title that will finally arrive on Switch and Switch 2. FromSoftware also recently made a surprise announcement that Elden Ring Nightreign’s DLC, The Forsaken Hollows, will arrive before year’s end.
Personally, I’m looking forward to running through Marvel Cosmic Invasion with friends, since that’s right up our alley. Considering how much I surprisingly enjoyed Elden Ring Nightreign, I may jump back in to experience The Forsaken Hollows, depending on time. I honestly haven’t enjoyed a Metroid game since Super Metroid on SNES, but I might also give Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a shot. The game I’m really looking forward to, though, is Unbeatable because it’s been a while since we’ve had a really good rhythm game.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
From the team who brought us the wonderful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge comes Marvel Cosmic Invasion. Touted as a love letter to the Marvel Universe, this beat ’em up features 15 playable heroes, including the likes of Nova, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Phyla-Vell, and Captain America. Players also have the ability to choose two heroes for each level and switch between them instantly through the Cosmic Swap tag-team system. For those of us who grew up playing side-scrolling beat ’em ups at the arcade or on the original NES, Marvel Cosmic Invasion looks to recapture a lot of that fun.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion releases on December 1, 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched earlier this year, bringing the franchise to feudal Japan. The game features two protagonists: Naoe, who is a shinobi focused on quick attacks and stealth, and Yasuke, a samurai with a focus on melee combos with a katana or naginata. The game makes its way to the Switch 2 in December, allowing players to take the adventure on the go.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases on December 2, 2025 for Switch 2.
Red Dead Redemption
Wait, what is a game from 2010 doing on this list? Well, Red Dead Redemption is getting a makeover and heading to new platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, mobile, and even Netflix. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, players can expect a smooth 60 FPS experience with resolutions up to 4K, while on Switch 2 the game runs at a “high resolution” 60 FPS. If you have never experienced the story of John Marston, this is a great way to spend the holiday season.
Red Dead Redemption releases on December 2, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Android, iOS, and Netflix.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
At long last, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond arrives, 18 years after Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and over eight years since it was first announced at E3 2017. Samus Aran’s newest adventure takes her to the planet of Viewros after a battle with her rival Sylux. Along with many Metroid staples making a return, such as the ability to scan enemies and objects, Samus gets a new toy in the form of a motorcycle called Vi-O-La. She’ll also get psychic abilities that will surely open up new ways to interact with the environment and solve puzzles. Whether it lives up to expectations remains to be seen, but I’m just happy to see a new Metroid Prime game after all these years.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases on December 4, 2025 for Switch and Switch 2.
Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows
Elden Ring Nightreign was one of my biggest surprises of the year, not because I didn’t expect it to be good, but because I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I’m not a huge Soulslike fan and have never managed to complete Elden Ring, but Nightreign’s faster-paced co-op gameplay really had me hooked. The Forsaken Hollows DLC adds two new Nightfarers (Scholar and Undertaker) to the roster, along with a pair of Day Three bosses, a new Shifting Earth, and more.
Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows releases on December 4, 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Octopath Traveler 0
A new entry in the Octopath Traveler series is coming, but there’s a catch. Octopath Traveler 0 is actually a prequel set in the realm of Orsterra and is largely based on the mobile game, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent. It also differs from the other mainline entries because players can create their own character and there’s a town building minigame. Octopath Traveler 0 features over 30 travelers, and players will be able to bring eight at a time on their adventure.
Octopath Traveler 0 releases on December 4, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and Switch 2.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Another game on the list that isn’t exactly new is Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, which heads to new platforms in December, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Designed to be the definitive edition of the prequel to the Yakuza series, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut tells the story of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, two characters who have made numerous appearances throughout the franchise. This version of the game adds more insights into key events and character backstories with fresh new cutscenes. There’s also an online multiplayer mode called Red Light Raid, which has players joining forces with friends and choosing from 60 playable characters to take down hordes of enemies.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut releases on December 8, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Skate Story
I love it when games add a wacky premise to an existing genre. In Skate Story’s case, players play as a demon in the Underworld, constructed from glass and pain. The Devil has given you a skateboard and a task to skate to the Moon and swallow it. Only then will you be freed. How can you possibly not be interested after reading that synopsis? The game also has a pretty unique art style to it and the entire adventure is accompanied by a soundtrack from Blood Cultures and John Fio.
Skate Story releases on December 8, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, iOS, and PC.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (PlayStation 5)
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 really needs no introduction at this point, considering it’s over a year old now. But it is heading to PlayStation 5, marking yet another title from Xbox Game Studios going multi-platform. It’s a bit of a big deal since PlayStation gamers can now experience what many consider to be the most realistic and complete flight simulation game around. The latest entry features the most detailed recreation of planet Earth to date. For the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, players will also be able to exit their aircraft and explore 27 highly detailed biomes.
Microsoft Flight Simulator releases on December 8, 2025 for PlayStation 5.
Unbeatable
I didn’t pay too much attention to Unbeatable when it first debuted, but after checking out its demo, I’m pretty interested in the full release. It’s a rhythm adventure game starring a pink-haired girl named Beat, and the rhythm gameplay revolves around just two buttons: up and down. Part of the game involves walking around and taking things at your own pace, while the other half is taking on all the rhythm challenges. It’s an extremely stylish game, and while the gameplay seems basic, it’s quite fun if you’re a fan of rhythm games. Unbeatable features a story mode that lasts six to eight hours, while arcade mode offers unlimited hours of fun.
Unbeatable releases on December 9, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Terminator 2D: No Fate
After numerous delays, Terminator 2D: No Fate might finally release in December. Relive the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day in pixel art and action-arcade gameplay as you take on the roles of Sarah Connor and the T-800 to take down the T-1000 and Skynet. Players also get to lead the Resistance as John Connor in the future. The game’s story blends iconic scenes from the movie with original scenarios, while adding multiple endings. We’re hoping those delays result in a polished experience because this one could be a gem for Terminator fans.
Terminator 2D: No Fate releases on December 12, 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
