The Nintendo Switch 2 has more exclusive games than the PS5, Xbox Series X combined

Once upon a time, exclusives were a major talking point in the gaming industry among fans, critics and developers. It is quite simple. Exclusives propel consoles forward, and if the PS5 or Xbox have games you really want to play, that gives you a reason to invest in one. Nintendo has always been in the mix, but it's never really been part of that competition. In fact, there really is no competition Nintendo Switch 2Although it has been out for a fraction of the time of other consoles.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in 2025, while the PS5 and Xbox Series X were released in 2020 — 5 years apart.

Such talking points have practically dwindled in recent years since Phil Spencer capitulated to the console wars. The Xbox strategy has shifted to a more multiplatform approach, while the PS5 has previously had fewer exclusive games for development reasons (among many others). Still, recent insiders have suggested that Sony's port-to-PC approach is slow. It's a completely different ballfield compared to the previous generation.

While not immune to the industry's current turmoil, Nintendo has maintained a steady release of exclusive games. Most of them are third-party, but still, they are special. For accuracy, this list does not include upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives Pokemon Pokopia or DuskbloodsLike the upcoming PS5 exclusives Saros or Marvel's WolverineOr any Xbox exclusives. Remasters were also not included. Nothing with a release date after February 26, 2026 is included.

Nintendo Switch 2 has 11 exclusives until February 2026

Within six months of the Nintendo Switch 2's release, there were 9 completely exclusive games on the console. It has been slowing down ever since Mario kills tennis fever and Tokyo Scramble The list has been expanding in recent weeks, but more are scheduled for 2026. Rumor Gen 10 Games Pokemon Wind and Wave Likely to be released this year and said to be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Pokemon Presents is likely to confirm this. Still, within 7 months of its release, releasing 11 exclusive games is impressive.

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• Survival children

• Drag X Drive

• Chilling by the fire

• Fast Fusion

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

• Mario Kart World

• Kirby Air Riders

• Donkey Kong Banana

• Mario kills tennis fever

• Tokyo Scramble

Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive Review Average (via OpenCritic)

PS5 has 9 exclusives until February 2026

With the PS5, it's worth repeating that there's a difference between true specification and console specification. Some PS5 games are console exclusive to Sony systems, meaning they're not available on Xbox or Switch, but some have been released—or ported—to PC. As such, games with PC ports are not fully developed PS5 exclusives. For example, Death Stranding 2 Releasing on PC in March, that means it's no longer a true blue PS5 exclusive; This is a PS5 console exclusive. This distinction is important as many PC players will simply wait for those ports instead of buying a console. As such, the list of true PS5 exclusives is small for 5 years on the market.

• Astro Bot

• Astro's Playroom

• Code Purple

• Demon spirits

• Destruction AllStars

• Ghost of Yotei

• Sparta's sons of war

• quantum error

• Silent Hill: A Short Message

Synapse and Horizon Call of the Mountain are PSVR2-exclusive games, and require a PS5 to play. However, they are defined as PSVR2 exclusives because players must purchase a $400 helmet. PS5 owners cannot buy and play them.

PS5 Exclusive review average (via OpenCritic)

The Xbox Series X also doesn't have any full-blown exclusives

Unfortunately, the Xbox Series X/S generation suffers when using a strict understanding of “exclusive”. It has some console exclusives, but all Xbox Series X/S games are also available on PC. Many Xbox Series X/S games have also been ported to the PS5. This is no doubt why many Xbox fans have been begging new CEO Asha Sharma to make Xbox exclusive again.

The Xbox Series X/S generation saw the release of many of Xbox's best games, with Xbox-owned studios releasing games Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Grounded 2, Forza Motorsportand Starfield. These games are also only available on PC and/or PS5. Xbox Game Studios also has notable upcoming releases fableGears of War: E-Dayand Forza Horizon 6But they are also multi-platform.

Exclusives of the Big Three compared

Xbox's multiplatform strategy was announced to mixed reception, and unfortunately, it's unclear how it will ultimately affect the console's future. Combined with the current Xbox leadership reshuffle, there is a lot of uncertainty. But when it comes to true exclusives, it's out there.

Looking at review scores for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 games provides some interesting insights. In general, Nintendo Switch 2 games have been slightly better received, placing the two very close in terms of overall total average. The important caveat there is that the Nintendo Switch 2 has been available for about 8 months, and the PS5 has been available for 5 years. If the PS5's biggest exclusives don't make the jump to PC, that might be a different story.

Interestingly, while the PS5 has higher highs and lower lows than the Nintendo Switch 2, the worst games on the Switch 2 are still getting better reviews than some of the worst games on the PS5.