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Hardware is only as compelling as the software that runs on it. You can build the slickest console or invent a novel control scheme, but none of that matters without standout games to justify playing. Despite some rocky patches this generation, both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have delivered headline titles strong enough to populate a competitive bracket.
To put that claim to the test, we assembled our own tournament.
This week we’re matching the two consoles’ libraries against each other. On the PS5 side, you’ll find Sony’s dependable slate of high-profile, first-party experiences. On the Series X side, we’ve gathered a bolder, more experimental set of releases from the Game Pass era. Each division features eight contenders, with winners advancing until one game is crowned the standout of this console generation. (Worth noting: many Series X picks are now available on PS5 as well.)
Which will emerge on top? Can a nimble platformer like Astro Bot go toe-to-toe with heavy hitters such as Kratos or Spider-Man? Will Bethesda or Obsidian become the de facto MVP for Xbox? Could an underdog run from Hi-Fi Rush rewrite the narrative around studio changes and acquisitions? That’s for you to decide — vote in the opening round and follow the bracket through to the finals.
Voting schedule
- Round of 16: Monday, November 10, 2025 — 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) through Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — 9:00 a.m. ET
- Semi-final round: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — 11:00 a.m. ET through Thursday, November 13, 2025 — 9:00 a.m. ET
- Final round: Thursday, November 13, 2025 — 11:00 a.m. ET through Friday, November 14, 2025 — 9:00 a.m. ET
- Winner announced: Friday, November 14, 2025 — 11:00 a.m. ET
Matchups
PS5 Division
- Astro Bot vs. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- God of War Ragnarok vs. Returnal
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 vs. Ghost of Yōtei
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart vs. Helldivers 2
Xbox Series X Division
- Forza Horizon 5 vs. Doom: The Dark Ages
- Avowed vs. Halo Infinite
- Starfield vs. Hi-Fi Rush
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle vs. Pentiment
Cast your votes
Ready to make your pick? Choose your favorites in the opening round and return throughout the week to follow the bracket and see who advances to the finals.
Source: Polygon
