The festive season is the perfect time to treat gamers to unforgettable adventures, immersive storytelling, and high-energy gameplay that lasts long after the decorations are put away. Whether you’re curating a Christmas guide for family, friends, or an audience of gaming enthusiasts, this year’s lineup delivers experiences that blend innovation with nostalgia in extraordinary ways. The holidays aren’t just about exchanging gifts — they’re about creating memories, and few gifts accomplish that better than the latest must-play gaming releases.
Gaming continues to be one of the world’s most popular entertainment mediums, and understanding its evolution offers valuable insight into why it has become a holiday essential. Exploring the broader background of the industry through resources like video game history can help you appreciate how modern gaming has grown into a global cultural force. Today’s releases entertain, immerse, challenge, and inspire players of all ages — and this year’s standout offerings do exactly that.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — A Thrilling New Chapter for Action Fans
One of the most electrifying highlights of the season is the newest entry in the iconic Black Ops series, delivering a fresh, heart-pounding first-person shooter experience perfect for fans of cinematic action and tactical gameplay. This installment introduces a mind-twisting Co-Op Campaign featuring David Mason and the dramatic return of Raul Menendez, offering a narrative that evolves with each playthrough thanks to its replayable Endgame element. Built to encourage experimentation, teamwork, and deep re-engagement, the campaign is a standout addition to any festive gaming lineup.
Beyond its ambitious story mode, the game features 18 diverse multiplayer maps designed to push players’ strategic abilities to new heights. With innovative mechanics such as the Overclock system and intense game modes like Overload and Skirmish, there is endless room for mastery and creative combat.
For holiday gamers seeking chills and high-stakes survival, the Round-Based Zombies mode dives into the eerie Dark Aether universe, bringing back reimagined versions of familiar characters and delivering hours of cooperative excitement. It’s an exceptional choice for gamers who love community-driven challenges during the festive season.
Price: AED 257.06 / SAR 262.54
Available for: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1–4 Bundle — The Definitive Skateboarding Experience Returns
For those who prefer expression, rhythm, and the freedom of movement, this revitalized bundle brings together four legendary skateboarding titles rebuilt with modern technology. Each entry stays true to the original spirit while elevating visuals, mechanics, and environments to meet today’s expectations. Smooth controls, fluid animations, and vibrant settings make every trick and combo feel deeply satisfying — whether you’re revisiting the classics or stepping onto the virtual board for the first time.
Players can explore brand-new parks crafted for the modern era, enjoy an expanded roster of skaters, and shred to a soundtrack that amplifies the energy of every moment. Its polished design and intuitive gameplay make it a fantastic fit for gamers who enjoy precision-based challenges, freeform creativity, and progression-based achievements.
Perfect for nostalgia lovers as well as younger gamers discovering the franchise’s timeless charm, this bundle bridges generations and stands out as a budget-friendly yet content-rich gift option.
Price: AED 110.15 / SAR 112.50
Available for: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Microsoft Store), and Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Ancients — An Epic Adventure for Story-Driven Players
For gamers who crave sweeping worlds, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable quests, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Ancients emerges as a holiday standout. This latest entry introduces the innovative Dual-Realm Exploration system, letting players shift between two interconnected timelines to unravel mysteries, solve puzzles, and reshape the destiny of Hyrule.
Dynamic dungeons, evolving character relationships, and a richly orchestrated soundtrack create an atmosphere of cinematic grandeur. Whether mastering new combat mechanics or uncovering ancient civilizations, players will discover an experience full of wonder and depth — making it a perfect escape during the festive season.
Price: AED 231.00 / SAR 236.70
Available for: Nintendo Switch (enhanced for Nintendo Switch 2)
Final Fantasy XVII — A Masterclass in Fantasy, Emotion & Cinematic Combat
Bringing together the best elements of modern RPGs and the franchise’s signature emotional resonance, Final Fantasy XVII delivers one of the most captivating releases of the season. Its sweeping narrative explores a fractured world where magic collides with advanced technology, all rendered through breathtaking landscapes and film-quality animation.
The groundbreaking Synergy Battle System allows characters to perform powerful coordinated abilities that evolve based on their relationships, adding depth and strategy to combat. With a semi-open world filled with quests, secrets, and towering adversaries, players can expect a deeply immersive experience ideal for winter nights indoors.
Price: AED 299.00 / SAR 305.70
Available for: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam)
Super Mario Galaxy 3 — A Whimsical Cosmic Adventure for the Whole Family
Rounding out the family-friendly offerings is Super Mario Galaxy 3, a joyous and visually dazzling platformer that brings back the series’ beloved gravity-bending mechanics. This installment introduces Starlink Worlds, expansive interconnected galaxies brimming with puzzles, secrets, and charming cosmic characters.
The upgraded Co-Star Mode offers cooperative fun perfect for holiday gatherings, letting a second player assist in collecting items, stunning enemies, and solving platforming challenges. Galaxy 3 is a gift that brings excitement, color, and cheer to players of all ages.
Price: AED 220.00 / SAR 225.50
Available for: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch 2
Horizon: Beyond the Brink — A Stunning Expedition Through Wild Frontiers
Closing out this year’s curated picks is a breathtaking expedition into a world where nature, humanity, and machine intertwine. Horizon: Beyond the Brink expands on the franchise’s acclaimed foundation with new ecosystems, deeper crafting systems, and a gripping storyline rooted in ancient technologies awakening once more.
Players will traverse striking landscapes inhabited by mechanical beasts, discover thriving settlements, and unravel mysteries tied to the world’s forgotten history. With its blend of exploration, tactical combat, and immersive storytelling, this title is one of the season’s most compelling choices for fans of cinematic single-player adventures.
Price: AED 285.00 / SAR 292.00
Available for: PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam/Epic Games Store)
Why These Games Belong Under the Christmas Tree
The magic of Christmas isn’t found in the size of the gift but in the joy it brings — and few presents deliver happiness quite like a great game. These titles were chosen not only for their innovation and entertainment value but also for their ability to bring people together:
- Co-op titles that make holiday gatherings more fun
- Nostalgic games that spark shared memories across generations
- Long-form adventures perfect for cozy winter days indoors
- Competitive multiplayer options for friendly festive rivalry
Whether you’re building a personal wish list, surprising a loved one, or crafting a guide for your audience, these games represent the very best of holiday gaming magic — full of excitement, emotion, creativity, and wonder.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for seasoned gamers or newcomers eager to jump into extraordinary worlds, this year’s holiday lineup offers something for every playstyle and passion. From pulse-pounding shooters and nostalgic throwbacks to sweeping fantasy epics and family-friendly delights, these must-have gaming experiences promise to spark joy long after the holiday lights fade.