Honestly, the "holiday rush" for games used to be so predictable. You’d get a Call of Duty, a Madden, maybe a big Nintendo platformer, and that was basically the entire personality of December. But looking at the data from the 2025-2026 season, things have gotten weird. In a good way.
People aren't just buying the biggest box on the shelf anymore. We’re seeing this massive split where half the world is playing $70 hyper-realistic shooters like Battlefield 6, while the other half is screaming at their cousins over a $15 card game about tacos and goats.
If you’re trying to figure out what the most popular games for the holidays really are this year, you have to look past the flashy TV commercials. The real winners are often the ones that show up in stockings or get downloaded at 11 PM on Christmas Eve because the family is bored.
The Big Budget Heavyweights (The "Safe" Gifts)
Let's talk about the giants first. According to recent Circana (formerly NPD) data, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6 are currently neck-and-neck for the top spot. It’s a classic rivalry that feels like 2011 all over again. Microsoft has been pushing Black Ops 7 hard on Game Pass, which has completely changed how people "buy" games for the holidays.
A lot of parents aren't even buying the physical disc anymore; they’re just gifting a six-month subscription. It's smart, but it kind of ruins the "unwrapping" vibe, doesn't it?
✨ Don't miss: Why the Rebellion Devil May Cry Sword is Actually a Living Character
Then you have Monster Hunter: Wilds. Capcom really nailed the timing on this one. It’s become a massive hit because it’s basically a "project" game—something you can sink 100 hours into while you’re off work or school. If you know someone who likes spreadsheets and giant dragons, this is usually what they’re playing.
Nintendo's New Reality
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch has obviously dominated the conversation. While the original Switch is still selling units (mostly the OLED model to late adopters), the Switch 2 is the "it" item. Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been the standout title there.
It’s interesting—Nintendo is leaning into more experimental stuff. Donkey Kong Bananza also surprised everyone by being a top-five seller this season. It’s a bit more "classic" than the weird Legends format, making it a safer bet for younger kids.
✨ Don't miss: Why Gun Games on Xbox Are Better Right Now Than You Probably Realize
Why "Analog" Gaming is Stealing the Show
You might think everyone is just staring at screens, but board games have had a massive resurgence. I’m not talking about Monopoly. Nobody actually likes Monopoly; they just play it because it’s there and then they end up not speaking to their siblings for three days.
The real stars of the 2025 holiday season are "micro-games."
- Hot Streak: This is a betting game about mascot racing. It’s 90% luck and 10% yelling, which is the perfect ratio for a holiday party.
- Monopoly Deal: Ironically, the card game version of Monopoly is way more popular than the board. It takes 15 minutes instead of four hours.
- Hues and Cues: This is the one where you have to describe a specific shade of "teal" or "maroon" without using the word. It's surprisingly difficult and very funny when you realize your uncle thinks "fire engine red" is actually orange.
Experts like Mat Piscatella have noted that while video game hardware spending can be hit-or-miss depending on supply, "analog" games like Wavelength and That’s Not a Hat are seeing huge spikes. They’re cheap, they’re social, and you don’t need to update a 50GB patch before you can play them.
The "Cozy" Game Phenomenon
There’s this specific vibe during the holidays where you just want to rot on the couch with a blanket. This has led to a huge spike in what we call "Cozy Games."
Stardew Valley is still somehow at the top of the charts every December. It’s the comfort food of gaming. But this year, Split Fiction has joined the ranks. It’s a buddy co-op adventure that’s been described as "emotional but chill." It’s basically the gaming equivalent of a Hallmark movie, but with better writing and more interactive puzzles.
Even older titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered are doing numbers. It turns out people just want to walk around a snowy forest and listen to Jeremy Soule’s soundtrack while it’s actually snowing outside.
Digital vs. Physical: The Great Holiday Debate
We have to address the elephant in the room. Physical game sales are down about 4% year-over-year, while digital spending is up.
It’s a bit sad. There was something special about seeing a stack of rectangular boxes under the tree. Now, a lot of "popular games for the holidays" are just codes on a receipt.
But there’s a silver lining. Because of the digital shift, indie games are getting more love. Hollow Knight: Silksong (yes, it finally exists) has been a top seller on the eShop and Steam. Without the barrier of needing a physical distributor, these smaller studios are actually competing with the likes of EA and Ubisoft for holiday attention.
🔗 Read more: Why the Afghan Cycle Clash Royale Deck Is Still Ruining Friendships
How to Pick the Right One
If you're still staring at a store shelf or a digital storefront, don't just buy what's on the "Top 10" list. Think about the context of the play.
- For the "Grind": If they have two weeks off and a high caffeine tolerance, get them Monster Hunter: Wilds or Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. These require commitment.
- For the Family Gathering: Skip the consoles. Buy Telestrations or Wavelength. These work for 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds.
- For the "Cozy" Person: Animal Crossing: New Horizons (still!) or Tea Witches.
- For the Competitive Friend: Battlefield 6 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Just make sure they have a decent internet connection.
The "most popular" game isn't always the one that sold the most copies—it's the one that actually gets played. Honestly, sometimes the best holiday gaming memory isn't winning a match in Warzone, it's finally beating your grandma at a $10 card game.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your subscriptions first: Before buying a big title like Black Ops 7, check if the person already has Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra. You might be buying something they already have access to.
- Look for "Bundle" deals: Most major retailers start deep-discounting "Standard Edition" games around December 20th to clear stock before the New Year.
- Consider "Digital Gift Cards" for specific platforms: If you're unsure about someone's taste, a Steam or eShop card is better than a physical game they might never play.
- Don't sleep on the "Indie" section: Often, the best-reviewed games of the year aren't the $70 ones. Check the "Best of 2025" lists on Metacritic or Steam for gems like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 which might be half the price of a AAA title.