Microsoft could be looking beyond the consoles, but the Xbox Series X and its little sister, the Xbox Series S, are still powerful next-generation consoles. However, the hardware is nothing without the games to play. We’ve tested dozens of Xbox titles on the latest Microsoft hardware and there are definitely several that make the console worth it.
These are the best Xbox Series X and Series S games we love, and each one of them is gorgeous. Many of these games are also available for the previous generation Xbox One, and since Microsoft also owns Windows (and several of the studios that create these games), many are also available for PC.
Plus, if you pay for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you may already have access to some of these titles. The subscription service is still the best deal on console gaming: you get access to more than 300 games, and usually new first-party titles from Microsoft-owned studios (like infinite halo and star field).
Be sure to check out our other guides, like the best online co-op games and the best Xbox Game Pass games, for more games and our Xbox Series X/S tips and tricks to get the most out of the consoles. You can also check out our guides on The Best Gaming Headsets and The Best Gaming Controllers for any accessories you may need. And if you want to game outside your living room, be sure to check out our guides to the best gaming laptops.
Updated April 2024: added Starfield, Alan Wake II, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Diablo IV, Forza Horizon 5, and Microsoft flight simulator. We also added more information about Xbox Game Pass.
Special offer for Gear readers: get a 1 year subscription to CABLING for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to CABLING.com and our print magazine (if you wish). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.