{"id":2012757,"date":"2026-06-26T15:46:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T12:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2012757"},"modified":"2026-06-26T15:46:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T12:46:59","slug":"playstation-console-sales-fell-to-their-lowest-may-total-in-26-years-following-ps5-price-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2012757","title":{"rendered":"PlayStation Console Sales Fell to Their Lowest May Total in 26 Years Following PS5 Price Rise"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-cy=\"article-content\" class=\"jsx-2870106660 article-content page-0\">\n<section data-cy=\"article-subtitle\" class=\"article jsx-3932497636 article-section jsx-862658659 news\" data-autopogo=\"true\">\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">May was a catastrophic month for PlayStation and Xbox sales in the U.S., driven by price rises that have clearly had a significant impact on consumer interest in buying a new console.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/sony-announces-price-rises-for-ps5-ps5-pro-and-playstation-portal-blames-continued-pressures-in-the-global-economic-landscape\">Sony raised the price of PS5 consoles in April<\/a>, bringing the cost of a standard PS5 to $649.99, the PS5 Digital Edition to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro to $899.99. Those price rises appear to have dented PS5 sales in the U.S. in May, when, according to new Circana data, PS5 spending fell 43% year-on-year, and unit sales plummeted 58%.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Xbox didn\u2019t do much better. Surprisingly, Xbox Series hardware spending actually grew 7% versus a year ago, but unit sales fell by 12%. That\u2019s the result of Xbox Series costing more in May versus the previous May (Microsoft increased the Xbox console price by $20-$70 in the U.S. last October).<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" style=\"display:none\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">The Best PlayStation Game of 2025<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Superheroes, ronin, insect warriors, and postal service workers. Whatever your fantasy this year, PlayStation could deliver it. But which PS5 game was the best? We at IGN have voted and picked out what we think are the five most worthy of recognition from across 2025, naming one of them the very best PlayStation game of the year, as well as shouting out a few honourable mentions that were very close to making the cut.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nIn an era where console exclusives are a dying breed, as Sony\u2019s competitor, Microsoft, has shown us more than ever over the past few months, we\u2019ve made the decision this year to branch out and open up the criteria for what can win our platform-specific awards. These aren\u2019t the top five Sony exclusives, but the top five games that were released on PS5 in 2025, full stop. So, without further ado, let\u2019s get on with it and crown the best PlayStation game of 2025 before we all die of old age.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Hollow Knight: Silksong&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIt finally happened. 2025 was the year that Hollow Knight: Silksong saw the light of day, and what a relief that we not only got to play it, but it was also extremely good. Team Cherry\u2019s much-anticipated sequel may be a whole lot more punishing than the original, but it is still home to that same magic, which can be found all over its sprawling, bug-sized world full of secret nooks and crannies. The platforming pathways to get to those places are tight and challenging, with new lead, Hornet, showing off a fresh batch of skills stemming from her fundamentally game-changing diagonal dart. But it\u2019s in combat where she really comes into her own, promoting a more aggressive style of play which lets you take the fight to Silksong\u2019s bestiary of bosses. These tough creatures of all shapes and sizes with nasty tricks up their sleeves may have presented some of 2025\u2019s biggest roadblocks, but persevere, and the glory waiting behind them leads to one of this year\u2019s greatest games.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 6 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Dispatch&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nSuperhero drama Dispatch manages to recapture the magic of those Telltale-esque episodic visual novels that we all fell in love with a decade or so ago. Following the story of Robert Robertson, a hero who is nothing without his now-destroyed mech suit, it&apos;s a heartwarming tale of redemption that isn\u2019t without its fair share of bite, too. Managing your many relationships, both personal and professional, as they intertangle at Robbie\u2019s place of work, the Superhero Dispatch Network, is key, as is making sure your team of down-and-out supervillains successfully try their hand at crime-stopping.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; \n\nThis half of the game adds a real-time sim management wrinkle to each chapter, as you boost the skills of your squad and send them out on missions that match their skillset. From the hot-head Flambae, to the internet\u2019s new favourite demon Mommy, Malevola, you\u2019re in command of a vibrant and varied bunch that each offer a fun dynamic to each and every scene they\u2019re in. But it&apos;s outside of the SDN office monitor that Dispatch really comes to life, as Robertson\u2019s life crumbles around him, and your best attempts at rebuilding it are hidden behind dialogue choices. What comes of its cast of characters, headlined by Breaking Bad\u2019s Aaron Paul as Robbie, and with Laura Bailey\u2019s Invisagal stealing most scenes, is up to you. One thing that is guaranteed, though, is a great time.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIn many ways, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach finally fulfilled the promise of its flawed predecessor. Creator Hideo Kojima\u2019s second slice of post-apocalypse delivery adventures dialled up the action, echoing his past Metal Gear Solid successes, whilst still maintaining that singular, lonely vision of a disconnected world. Taking Sam Porter Bridges to Australia, On the Beach hands you a much expanded range of combat options, from silenced sniper rifles to homing missile mechanical dogs, and permits you to go about completing its many, many postal orders however you\u2019d like. This freedom is not just a combat feature, but is reflected in how you go about navigating each of these treacherous delivery routes, too, with new ways to travel over stormy deserts and raging rivers, including huge, looming monorail systems and bonkers coffin hoverboards.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nBut the weirdness is just one aspect of Death Stranding \u2014 and there\u2019s no shortage of it this time around, thanks to Troy Baker\u2019s excellent return as villain Higgs \u2014 as its themes of love and loss ultimately dominate, no matter how large the spectacle on screen. Lea Seydoux is subtly brilliant as Fragile, and drives the story from start to finish as the connections between herself, Sam, and baby Lou are steadily revealed. It\u2019s a fantastic example of a vision come to life, and easily one of the best PlayStation games to have come out in 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Ghost of Yotei&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nFollowing up on 2020\u2019s Ghost of Tsushima was always going to be a challenge, but developer Sucker Punch rose to it impressively well with Ghost of Yotei. This sword-slashing epic borrows everything that we loved from its predecessor, but improves on almost all of it in a multitude of fun little ways. The pulsating combat opens up further, with new weapons and skills introduced to deepen its familiar dodge, block, parry, and swing system. Among those additions is the highly satisfying disarming mechanic that has your protagonist, Atsu, send her enemies&apos; blades flying from their grasp. But it&apos;s this wandering ronin\u2019s story that drives Yotei\u2019s momentum, turning a simple tale of revenge into something much more beautiful as you explore each corner of its historical Japanese map and soak in both the audio and visual majesty on show.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nSurprise! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won another award. It really is that good, though, isn\u2019t it? Sandfall Interactive\u2019s ode to Final Fantasy of years gone by takes that age-old formula and thrusts it firmly into 2025 with lashings of style, soaring music, and a battle system that melds classic turn-based RPG mechanics with exciting real-time elements, making each and every encounter a thrill. All of that style would be nothing without substance, though, and while its combat excites from moment to moment, it\u2019s Clair Obscur\u2019s poignant story and layered cast of characters that make it live long in the memory. Jennifer English\u2019s Maelle is pitch-perfect at the heart of Expedition 33\u2019s plot, with Ben Starr\u2019s Verso a wonderful foil as its twisted themes of grief and what it is to love are untangled. All played out in front of a ticking backdrop of the Gommage \u2014 a yearly tolling doomsday clock for anyone of a certain age \u2014 it\u2019s wonderfully cinematic, making it fit right in alongside many of Sony\u2019s first-party blockbuster offerings.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nTaking inspiration from the original PlayStation\u2019s library of Japanese RPGs and bringing those ideas into the future, thanks to an all-timer video game story supported by a combat system as satisfying as it is nuanced, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the clear winner of our award for Best PlayStation Game of 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Mat Piscatella, Senior Director, Video Games at Circana said PlayStation hardware unit sales fell to their lowest May total since May 2000, which seems pretty terrible for Sony. Meanwhile, Xbox hardware unit sales were the lowest ever recorded for a May month. Bad all round.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Hammering home the point that getting into console gaming has become more expensive, Circana said the average price paid for a new unit of video game hardware reached $502 in May, up 14% compared to a year ago ($440). May 2026 PS5 average pricing increased by 33% versus a year ago to $672, with Xbox Series up 22%, to $524. Traditionally, consoles get cheaper over the course of a generation, not more expensive.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/microsoft-announces-significant-price-rises-for-xbox-series-x-and-s-2tb-model-discontinued\">Microsoft announced another Xbox Series price rise this week<\/a>, although it doesn\u2019t come into effect until August. I can\u2019t imagine those September Xbox sales are going to be particularly healthy, if what&#8217;s happened in May is anything to go by.<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" style=\"display:none\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">The Best Xbox Game of 2025<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"It&apos;s tough to really wrap your head around 2025 for Xbox. There were some real hits from Xbox Game Studios, fantastic day-one, third-party launches on Game Pass\u2026 and then a whole lot of baffling moves from Xbox as a platform, with multiple rounds of price increases, project cancellations, and layoffs. It was a year that constantly had our collective heads spinning. But hey, if you&apos;ve been subscribed to Game Pass and playing on your Xbox Series X\/S (or PC, or anything deemed an Xbox) this year, there was no shortage of great games to celebrate.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nHere at IGN, we\u2019ve voted across several categories for our end of the year awards, including our shortlist of the five best games that landed on Xbox in 2025. Those votes have determined the one winner that represents our pick for the best Xbox game of the year. With exclusives largely a thing of the past now, especially for Xbox \u2013 which published some high-profile games on PS5 this year \u2013 our contenders are simply what&apos;s been available on Xbox consoles this year, regardless of exclusivity or publishing status. \" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Hollow Knight: Silksong&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIt seems that every year has an indie darling that folks rally around loudly, and Hollow Knight: Silksong was certainly that game in 2025. The jokes about Silksong never coming out have finally been laid to rest, and Team Cherry&apos;s long development journey resulted in a dense, daunting, and satisfying action-adventure \u2013 or &quot;metroidvania&quot;, if you will. While it hit Game Pass on launch, its impressive sales figures and $20 price tag made it the talk of the town... aside from it being the wildly anticipated follow up to Hollow Knight, of course. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nOn its own merits, Silksong&apos;s dark and foreboding atmosphere matches the gruesome platforming challenges that make its exploration more involved than many of its contemporaries. Hornet&apos;s traversal mechanics are smooth and will have you flowing through Silksong&apos;s sprawling, web-like map, leading you towards some of the hardest-fought battles we&apos;ve experienced this year. Being smart, nimble, and aggressive against these tough and unpredictable bosses is the key to victory, but you must stay committed and locked in, try after try, even if the runback can be grueling. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBut for as punishing as Silksong may be, it&apos;s also frequently adorable, blessed with cute, memorable bug friends like Sherma, who sings his song and is generally a precious little guy!  \" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 6 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Split Fiction&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nComing off of It Takes Two, which swooped in to secure Game of the Year back at The Game Awards 2021, Split Fiction continues developer Hazelight&apos;s catalogue of great split-screen co-op adventure games. Its premise \u2013 two novel writers trapped in their respective fictional worlds made manifest \u2013 paves the way for imaginative worlds and a mashup of gameplay mechanics and genres that are consistently exciting to play alongside a friend. Coordinating with your partner in puzzles, platforming, and high-speed action is a ton of fun as you phase in and out of fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Oftentimes it blends the two remarkably well, and packs in references that reflect where its two protagonists, Mio and Zoe, are as creatives (and, as any writer knows, that sometimes means they\u2019re not very creative themselves.) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBut that&apos;s the thing about Split Fiction \u2013 art doesn&apos;t always have to be good, but it&apos;s the process through which art is created that should be respected, and that can&apos;t be treated as a commodity to be manufactured. And just when you think you had Split Fiction figured out, its finale delivers some of the most memorable sequences in recent memory, elevating the experience to one of the best games of this year. If you haven&apos;t played it yet, find a friend, give them the free co-op pass, and see what it&apos;s all about.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Keeper&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nWe hadn&apos;t heard from the team at Double Fine in quite some time after Psychonauts 2 headlined many best of lists back in 2021, but this year we got a pleasant surprise in Keeper. Playing as a walking lighthouse may not seem too appealing on paper, but the Double Fine charm and distinct art style brings to life a world that&apos;s about showing rather than telling. Its puzzles have you looking at the environments with intent, and the little interactions you have with characters living in a seemingly abandoned world create tiny stories without having to say a word. Our review described Keeper as &quot;a psychedelic exploration of life packed into a brief runtime&quot; and it&apos;s a prime example of what a studio can do when left to its own creative devices \u2013 it&apos;s easygoing and impactful, and one of the standouts for 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: The Outer Worlds 2&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBack when we saw The Outer Worlds 2 in action for the first time earlier this year, we could tell it had the makings of a top-tier Obsidian RPG. We liked the original entry well enough, but it was just as much an attempt to create a foundation for a new universe as it was the team trying to separate itself from Fallout and build atop the reputation it earned from New Vegas years ago. With this year\u2019s sequel, it seems as if Obsidian recognized the shortcomings of The Outer Worlds and has addressed almost all of them, creating a sequel that delivers what the studio is known for: dense, story-driven RPGs with a whole load of interconnected systems that let you play exactly how you want.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nThere&apos;s a concerted effort to improving gunplay and melee combat, which goes a long way in making its violent encounters a lot more fun. But it\u2019s the deeper progression systems, along with intricate level design reminiscent of immersive sims like Deus Ex, that makes the overall RPG experience feel so much more dynamic. The game itself observes how you play, and offers tangible perks at the expense of some unusually creative debuffs as part of its Flaws system, with each one offered based on your actions. Such as system demonstrates in microcosm how The Outer Worlds 2 better accounts for your playstyle and shows you the consequences of how you interact with its world. And with a universe still rooted in dystopian satire, but with a good crew of companions and a tighter story told across much bigger worlds, The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian firing on all cylinders.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nPerhaps to the surprise of absolutely no one, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is IGN\u2019s choice for the best game to hit Xbox this year. And if you&apos;re a Game Pass subscriber, you were treated to one of the best RPGs in recent memory on day one. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIn its debut as a development team, Sandfall Interactive has drawn inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs (looking at Final Fantasy 10 and Persona 5 directly) to tell its own harrowing story about grief and the sometimes ugly ways it changes us. But while JRPGs are a clear influence, the studio\u2019s French roots are significantly responsible for making Clair Obscur what it is, from its artistic vision to its storytelling style, right down to the unqiue music that both captures the hype of big boss fights and the atmosphere of its magical, painterly world. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nLike any great RPG, Clair Obscur strives to give you an intimate understanding of its characters, drawing you in and making you feel for them in their moments of triumph and despair. It\u2019s a credit to the studio&apos;s strong writing team, and performances from an incredible cast, that Expedition 33 is able to effortlessly pull you in through all the wild twists and turns of its story.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nThere\u2019s also a top-tier turn-based combat system, bolstered by timing-based inputs for attacking and defending. That active element keeps you locked in during each and every battle with an intensity you wouldn\u2019t feel otherwise. The intricate progression and customization systems for each character make you feel like a genius tactician, creating the best builds for their unique moveset and mechanics. And damn does it look good when it all comes together. Clair Obscur is a wonderful example of executing on a clear creative vision while simultaneously recognizing what made its inspirations so great. And it very easily won the hearts and minds of us here at IGN.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">The price rises are the direct result of the &#8220;RAMpocalypse,&#8221; which is an ongoing global memory shortage and price crisis driven by semiconductor manufacturers reallocating their DRAM and NAND production capacity to high-margin hardware for AI data centers.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cLast October, we increased Xbox console price by $20-$70 in the U.S.\u201d Microsoft said when it announced Xbox price rises this week. \u201cWe hoped another price increase would not be necessary, and we have spent the last several months working with suppliers on options. Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">&#8220;The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis, but the effects are particularly hard on consoles. Unlike phones, computers, speakers, and other consumer devices, consoles are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">When Sony hiked the price of PS5, it blamed it on \u201ccontinued pressures in the global economic landscape.\u201d It\u2019s a similar story for pretty much every hardware manufacturer around. Just look at Valve\u2019s Steam Machine.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">When will this console price pain end? No time soon, reports indicate. Microsoft expects another doubling of console storage and memory prices by the fall of 2027. Fingers crossed for 2028, then!<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-1475529924\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 adunit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 bobble bobble-1 pogocnt pg-article\">\n<div data-mix-name=\"secondaryMedrec\" data-pos=\"1\" data-pogo-hide=\"1\" class=\"jsx-343126785 pogo-slot\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">May was a catastrophic month for PlayStation and Xbox sales in the U.S., driven by price rises that have clearly had a significant impact on consumer interest in buying a new console.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/sony-announces-price-rises-for-ps5-ps5-pro-and-playstation-portal-blames-continued-pressures-in-the-global-economic-landscape\">Sony raised the price of PS5 consoles in April<\/a>, bringing the cost of a standard PS5 to $649.99, the PS5 Digital Edition to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro to $899.99. Those price rises appear to have dented PS5 sales in the U.S. in May, when, according to new Circana data, PS5 spending fell 43% year-on-year, and unit sales plummeted 58%.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Xbox didn\u2019t do much better. Surprisingly, Xbox Series hardware spending actually grew 7% versus a year ago, but unit sales fell by 12%. That\u2019s the result of Xbox Series costing more in May versus the previous May (Microsoft increased the Xbox console price by $20-$70 in the U.S. last October).<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" style=\"display:none\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">The Best PlayStation Game of 2025<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Superheroes, ronin, insect warriors, and postal service workers. Whatever your fantasy this year, PlayStation could deliver it. But which PS5 game was the best? We at IGN have voted and picked out what we think are the five most worthy of recognition from across 2025, naming one of them the very best PlayStation game of the year, as well as shouting out a few honourable mentions that were very close to making the cut.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nIn an era where console exclusives are a dying breed, as Sony\u2019s competitor, Microsoft, has shown us more than ever over the past few months, we\u2019ve made the decision this year to branch out and open up the criteria for what can win our platform-specific awards. These aren\u2019t the top five Sony exclusives, but the top five games that were released on PS5 in 2025, full stop. So, without further ado, let\u2019s get on with it and crown the best PlayStation game of 2025 before we all die of old age.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Hollow Knight: Silksong&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIt finally happened. 2025 was the year that Hollow Knight: Silksong saw the light of day, and what a relief that we not only got to play it, but it was also extremely good. Team Cherry\u2019s much-anticipated sequel may be a whole lot more punishing than the original, but it is still home to that same magic, which can be found all over its sprawling, bug-sized world full of secret nooks and crannies. The platforming pathways to get to those places are tight and challenging, with new lead, Hornet, showing off a fresh batch of skills stemming from her fundamentally game-changing diagonal dart. But it\u2019s in combat where she really comes into her own, promoting a more aggressive style of play which lets you take the fight to Silksong\u2019s bestiary of bosses. These tough creatures of all shapes and sizes with nasty tricks up their sleeves may have presented some of 2025\u2019s biggest roadblocks, but persevere, and the glory waiting behind them leads to one of this year\u2019s greatest games.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 6 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Dispatch&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nSuperhero drama Dispatch manages to recapture the magic of those Telltale-esque episodic visual novels that we all fell in love with a decade or so ago. Following the story of Robert Robertson, a hero who is nothing without his now-destroyed mech suit, it&apos;s a heartwarming tale of redemption that isn\u2019t without its fair share of bite, too. Managing your many relationships, both personal and professional, as they intertangle at Robbie\u2019s place of work, the Superhero Dispatch Network, is key, as is making sure your team of down-and-out supervillains successfully try their hand at crime-stopping.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; \n\nThis half of the game adds a real-time sim management wrinkle to each chapter, as you boost the skills of your squad and send them out on missions that match their skillset. From the hot-head Flambae, to the internet\u2019s new favourite demon Mommy, Malevola, you\u2019re in command of a vibrant and varied bunch that each offer a fun dynamic to each and every scene they\u2019re in. But it&apos;s outside of the SDN office monitor that Dispatch really comes to life, as Robertson\u2019s life crumbles around him, and your best attempts at rebuilding it are hidden behind dialogue choices. What comes of its cast of characters, headlined by Breaking Bad\u2019s Aaron Paul as Robbie, and with Laura Bailey\u2019s Invisagal stealing most scenes, is up to you. One thing that is guaranteed, though, is a great time.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIn many ways, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach finally fulfilled the promise of its flawed predecessor. Creator Hideo Kojima\u2019s second slice of post-apocalypse delivery adventures dialled up the action, echoing his past Metal Gear Solid successes, whilst still maintaining that singular, lonely vision of a disconnected world. Taking Sam Porter Bridges to Australia, On the Beach hands you a much expanded range of combat options, from silenced sniper rifles to homing missile mechanical dogs, and permits you to go about completing its many, many postal orders however you\u2019d like. This freedom is not just a combat feature, but is reflected in how you go about navigating each of these treacherous delivery routes, too, with new ways to travel over stormy deserts and raging rivers, including huge, looming monorail systems and bonkers coffin hoverboards.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nBut the weirdness is just one aspect of Death Stranding \u2014 and there\u2019s no shortage of it this time around, thanks to Troy Baker\u2019s excellent return as villain Higgs \u2014 as its themes of love and loss ultimately dominate, no matter how large the spectacle on screen. Lea Seydoux is subtly brilliant as Fragile, and drives the story from start to finish as the connections between herself, Sam, and baby Lou are steadily revealed. It\u2019s a fantastic example of a vision come to life, and easily one of the best PlayStation games to have come out in 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Ghost of Yotei&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nFollowing up on 2020\u2019s Ghost of Tsushima was always going to be a challenge, but developer Sucker Punch rose to it impressively well with Ghost of Yotei. This sword-slashing epic borrows everything that we loved from its predecessor, but improves on almost all of it in a multitude of fun little ways. The pulsating combat opens up further, with new weapons and skills introduced to deepen its familiar dodge, block, parry, and swing system. Among those additions is the highly satisfying disarming mechanic that has your protagonist, Atsu, send her enemies&apos; blades flying from their grasp. But it&apos;s this wandering ronin\u2019s story that drives Yotei\u2019s momentum, turning a simple tale of revenge into something much more beautiful as you explore each corner of its historical Japanese map and soak in both the audio and visual majesty on show.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nSurprise! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won another award. It really is that good, though, isn\u2019t it? Sandfall Interactive\u2019s ode to Final Fantasy of years gone by takes that age-old formula and thrusts it firmly into 2025 with lashings of style, soaring music, and a battle system that melds classic turn-based RPG mechanics with exciting real-time elements, making each and every encounter a thrill. All of that style would be nothing without substance, though, and while its combat excites from moment to moment, it\u2019s Clair Obscur\u2019s poignant story and layered cast of characters that make it live long in the memory. Jennifer English\u2019s Maelle is pitch-perfect at the heart of Expedition 33\u2019s plot, with Ben Starr\u2019s Verso a wonderful foil as its twisted themes of grief and what it is to love are untangled. All played out in front of a ticking backdrop of the Gommage \u2014 a yearly tolling doomsday clock for anyone of a certain age \u2014 it\u2019s wonderfully cinematic, making it fit right in alongside many of Sony\u2019s first-party blockbuster offerings.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nTaking inspiration from the original PlayStation\u2019s library of Japanese RPGs and bringing those ideas into the future, thanks to an all-timer video game story supported by a combat system as satisfying as it is nuanced, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the clear winner of our award for Best PlayStation Game of 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Mat Piscatella, Senior Director, Video Games at Circana said PlayStation hardware unit sales fell to their lowest May total since May 2000, which seems pretty terrible for Sony. Meanwhile, Xbox hardware unit sales were the lowest ever recorded for a May month. Bad all round.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Hammering home the point that getting into console gaming has become more expensive, Circana said the average price paid for a new unit of video game hardware reached $502 in May, up 14% compared to a year ago ($440). May 2026 PS5 average pricing increased by 33% versus a year ago to $672, with Xbox Series up 22%, to $524. Traditionally, consoles get cheaper over the course of a generation, not more expensive.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/microsoft-announces-significant-price-rises-for-xbox-series-x-and-s-2tb-model-discontinued\">Microsoft announced another Xbox Series price rise this week<\/a>, although it doesn\u2019t come into effect until August. I can\u2019t imagine those September Xbox sales are going to be particularly healthy, if what&#8217;s happened in May is anything to go by.<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" style=\"display:none\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">The Best Xbox Game of 2025<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"It&apos;s tough to really wrap your head around 2025 for Xbox. There were some real hits from Xbox Game Studios, fantastic day-one, third-party launches on Game Pass\u2026 and then a whole lot of baffling moves from Xbox as a platform, with multiple rounds of price increases, project cancellations, and layoffs. It was a year that constantly had our collective heads spinning. But hey, if you&apos;ve been subscribed to Game Pass and playing on your Xbox Series X\/S (or PC, or anything deemed an Xbox) this year, there was no shortage of great games to celebrate.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nHere at IGN, we\u2019ve voted across several categories for our end of the year awards, including our shortlist of the five best games that landed on Xbox in 2025. Those votes have determined the one winner that represents our pick for the best Xbox game of the year. With exclusives largely a thing of the past now, especially for Xbox \u2013 which published some high-profile games on PS5 this year \u2013 our contenders are simply what&apos;s been available on Xbox consoles this year, regardless of exclusivity or publishing status. \" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Hollow Knight: Silksong&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIt seems that every year has an indie darling that folks rally around loudly, and Hollow Knight: Silksong was certainly that game in 2025. The jokes about Silksong never coming out have finally been laid to rest, and Team Cherry&apos;s long development journey resulted in a dense, daunting, and satisfying action-adventure \u2013 or &quot;metroidvania&quot;, if you will. While it hit Game Pass on launch, its impressive sales figures and $20 price tag made it the talk of the town... aside from it being the wildly anticipated follow up to Hollow Knight, of course. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nOn its own merits, Silksong&apos;s dark and foreboding atmosphere matches the gruesome platforming challenges that make its exploration more involved than many of its contemporaries. Hornet&apos;s traversal mechanics are smooth and will have you flowing through Silksong&apos;s sprawling, web-like map, leading you towards some of the hardest-fought battles we&apos;ve experienced this year. Being smart, nimble, and aggressive against these tough and unpredictable bosses is the key to victory, but you must stay committed and locked in, try after try, even if the runback can be grueling. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBut for as punishing as Silksong may be, it&apos;s also frequently adorable, blessed with cute, memorable bug friends like Sherma, who sings his song and is generally a precious little guy!  \" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 6 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Split Fiction&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nComing off of It Takes Two, which swooped in to secure Game of the Year back at The Game Awards 2021, Split Fiction continues developer Hazelight&apos;s catalogue of great split-screen co-op adventure games. Its premise \u2013 two novel writers trapped in their respective fictional worlds made manifest \u2013 paves the way for imaginative worlds and a mashup of gameplay mechanics and genres that are consistently exciting to play alongside a friend. Coordinating with your partner in puzzles, platforming, and high-speed action is a ton of fun as you phase in and out of fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Oftentimes it blends the two remarkably well, and packs in references that reflect where its two protagonists, Mio and Zoe, are as creatives (and, as any writer knows, that sometimes means they\u2019re not very creative themselves.) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBut that&apos;s the thing about Split Fiction \u2013 art doesn&apos;t always have to be good, but it&apos;s the process through which art is created that should be respected, and that can&apos;t be treated as a commodity to be manufactured. And just when you think you had Split Fiction figured out, its finale delivers some of the most memorable sequences in recent memory, elevating the experience to one of the best games of this year. If you haven&apos;t played it yet, find a friend, give them the free co-op pass, and see what it&apos;s all about.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: Keeper&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nWe hadn&apos;t heard from the team at Double Fine in quite some time after Psychonauts 2 headlined many best of lists back in 2021, but this year we got a pleasant surprise in Keeper. Playing as a walking lighthouse may not seem too appealing on paper, but the Double Fine charm and distinct art style brings to life a world that&apos;s about showing rather than telling. Its puzzles have you looking at the environments with intent, and the little interactions you have with characters living in a seemingly abandoned world create tiny stories without having to say a word. Our review described Keeper as &quot;a psychedelic exploration of life packed into a brief runtime&quot; and it&apos;s a prime example of what a studio can do when left to its own creative devices \u2013 it&apos;s easygoing and impactful, and one of the standouts for 2025.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Runner-Up: The Outer Worlds 2&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nBack when we saw The Outer Worlds 2 in action for the first time earlier this year, we could tell it had the makings of a top-tier Obsidian RPG. We liked the original entry well enough, but it was just as much an attempt to create a foundation for a new universe as it was the team trying to separate itself from Fallout and build atop the reputation it earned from New Vegas years ago. With this year\u2019s sequel, it seems as if Obsidian recognized the shortcomings of The Outer Worlds and has addressed almost all of them, creating a sequel that delivers what the studio is known for: dense, story-driven RPGs with a whole load of interconnected systems that let you play exactly how you want.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nThere&apos;s a concerted effort to improving gunplay and melee combat, which goes a long way in making its violent encounters a lot more fun. But it\u2019s the deeper progression systems, along with intricate level design reminiscent of immersive sims like Deus Ex, that makes the overall RPG experience feel so much more dynamic. The game itself observes how you play, and offers tangible perks at the expense of some unusually creative debuffs as part of its Flaws system, with each one offered based on your actions. Such as system demonstrates in microcosm how The Outer Worlds 2 better accounts for your playstyle and shows you the consequences of how you interact with its world. And with a universe still rooted in dystopian satire, but with a good crew of companions and a tighter story told across much bigger worlds, The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian firing on all cylinders.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nPerhaps to the surprise of absolutely no one, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is IGN\u2019s choice for the best game to hit Xbox this year. And if you&apos;re a Game Pass subscriber, you were treated to one of the best RPGs in recent memory on day one. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nIn its debut as a development team, Sandfall Interactive has drawn inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs (looking at Final Fantasy 10 and Persona 5 directly) to tell its own harrowing story about grief and the sometimes ugly ways it changes us. But while JRPGs are a clear influence, the studio\u2019s French roots are significantly responsible for making Clair Obscur what it is, from its artistic vision to its storytelling style, right down to the unqiue music that both captures the hype of big boss fights and the atmosphere of its magical, painterly world. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nLike any great RPG, Clair Obscur strives to give you an intimate understanding of its characters, drawing you in and making you feel for them in their moments of triumph and despair. It\u2019s a credit to the studio&apos;s strong writing team, and performances from an incredible cast, that Expedition 33 is able to effortlessly pull you in through all the wild twists and turns of its story.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\nThere\u2019s also a top-tier turn-based combat system, bolstered by timing-based inputs for attacking and defending. That active element keeps you locked in during each and every battle with an intensity you wouldn\u2019t feel otherwise. The intricate progression and customization systems for each character make you feel like a genius tactician, creating the best builds for their unique moveset and mechanics. And damn does it look good when it all comes together. Clair Obscur is a wonderful example of executing on a clear creative vision while simultaneously recognizing what made its inspirations so great. And it very easily won the hearts and minds of us here at IGN.\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">The price rises are the direct result of the &#8220;RAMpocalypse,&#8221; which is an ongoing global memory shortage and price crisis driven by semiconductor manufacturers reallocating their DRAM and NAND production capacity to high-margin hardware for AI data centers.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cLast October, we increased Xbox console price by $20-$70 in the U.S.\u201d Microsoft said when it announced Xbox price rises this week. \u201cWe hoped another price increase would not be necessary, and we have spent the last several months working with suppliers on options. Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">&#8220;The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis, but the effects are particularly hard on consoles. Unlike phones, computers, speakers, and other consumer devices, consoles are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">When Sony hiked the price of PS5, it blamed it on \u201ccontinued pressures in the global economic landscape.\u201d It\u2019s a similar story for pretty much every hardware manufacturer around. Just look at Valve\u2019s Steam Machine.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">When will this console price pain end? No time soon, reports indicate. Microsoft expects another doubling of console storage and memory prices by the fall of 2027. Fingers crossed for 2028, then!<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>May was a catastrophic month for PlayStation and Xbox sales in the U.S., driven by price rises that have clearly had a significant impact on consumer interest in buying a new console. Sony raised the price of PS5 consoles in April, bringing the cost of a standard PS5 to $649.99, the PS5 Digital Edition to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,243],"class_list":["post-2012757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-ign-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2012757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2012757"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2012757\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2012757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2012757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2012757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}