The best video games in the world are often for sale right after Thanksgiving, and that is why Black Friday 2025 is shaping up to be a major moment for gaming. Retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Amazon are already teasing early access discounts across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The year’s biggest titles are set for steep markdowns as publishers compete for attention before the holidays.
Early leaks from Best Buy and PlayStation’s digital store suggest price cuts of 30 to 60 percent on major releases, plus bonus bundles featuring controllers, headsets, or subscription codes.
This year’s lineup combines blockbuster franchises and standout indie projects that carried 2025’s gaming scene. From action shooters and sports titles to family-friendly adventures, there’s no shortage of options landing on sale. The key is knowing which games deliver genuine replay value and which deals are worth locking in before shelves and digital carts clear out.
The Best Video Games To Watch For on Black Friday 2025
Borderlands 4
Gearbox’s latest entry pushes the looter-shooter formula with bigger maps, smoother co-op integration, and new character classes. Released in September 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game is expected to drop to around $49 during major retail sales. High replayability and cross-play support make it one of the most valuable titles to grab this season.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
id Software took the franchise back to its medieval roots with brutal melee mechanics and cinematic scale. The prequel to DOOM Eternal runs flawlessly on current-gen hardware and has been praised for its pacing and soundtrack. Expect markdowns near $39 from Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon during the main event weekend.
EA Sports FC 25
EA’s second installment under its new football branding improves physics, AI, and manager-mode depth. Historically, EA’s sports titles receive deep holiday discounts, and FC 25 should follow suit. Look for deals between $25 and $35 on all major platforms, including the new Switch 2 edition.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Star-Crossed World
Nintendo’s enhanced edition for Switch 2 builds on the 2022 classic with new abilities, areas, and co-op content. First-party Nintendo games rarely drop more than 20 percent, but a $59 holiday price still marks one of the lowest entries for a top-tier release this year.
Little Kitty, Big City
This indie hit remains one of 2025’s most charming surprises. Simple exploration, clever puzzles, and expressive animation make it a standout under-$25 pickup. It’s available across all major platforms and runs especially well on handheld systems.
Minecraft (PS5 Edition)
The newest version adds ray tracing, smoother framerates, and expanded creative-mode tools. It rarely drops far, but even a $10 discount on a title with endless longevity is a fair win for casual and dedicated players alike.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2025 Update)
Infinity Ward’s major post-launch overhaul this fall refreshed multiplayer maps and weapon balancing, giving the game new life. Annual Call of Duty entries always receive significant Black Friday discounts, and this one is likely to fall below $40 at most retailers. The update’s improved movement and seasonal events make it a safe pickup for shooter fans looking to grind through winter.
Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft’s open-world Star Wars epic became one of the biggest single-player experiences of 2025, blending narrative choice with deep planetary exploration. Strong reviews and replay value should drive huge demand when it inevitably drops from $69 to around $44 on consoles. For anyone who skipped launch day, Black Friday offers the perfect entry point.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Complete Edition
FromSoftware bundled the base game and its massive 2024 expansion into one definitive package. Even hardcore fans consider this the best value in modern gaming, and the expected $49 sale price on PS5 and PC makes it irresistible. Players can spend hundreds of hours exploring without paying another cent.
Hogwarts Legacy – Next-Gen Deluxe
Warner Bros.’ open-world magic RPG continues to perform well in 2025 thanks to updated graphics for Switch 2 and fresh side-quest content. Expect it to hover near $39 during peak sales. It’s an ideal holiday buy for families and fantasy fans who missed the original launch window.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
CD Projekt Red’s redemption arc is complete. After years of updates, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition finally delivers the game promised back in 2020. The current-gen version bundles all DLC, visual upgrades, and the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion. Anticipate discounts down to $29 on consoles and PC, making it a top-tier pickup for sci-fi and RPG enthusiasts.
Tekken 8
Bandai Namco’s fighter dominated esports tournaments all year, and competitive players can expect a steep $39 price during Black Friday week. With strong online stability, new training tools, and balanced DLC characters, it’s a must-have for fans of the genre.
Assassin’s Creed Red
Ubisoft’s feudal-Japan-era adventure headlines this holiday season for open-world stealth fans. Its cinematic direction, dual-protagonist system, and katana-based combat re-energized the long-running franchise. Launch sales already reached record numbers, and Black Friday cuts near $49 could make this one of the most in-demand action titles of 2025.
How To Shop Smart on Black Friday
The best video games and their deals appear earlier every year. Expect “early access” promotions to start the Monday before Thanksgiving, followed by aggressive price drops through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. Savvy shoppers will track prices with browser extensions, maintain digital wishlists, and compare physical bundles against digital-store offerings to catch the best value.
Sports titles and first-person shooters usually see the deepest cuts, while Nintendo exclusives and indie gems keep more modest markdowns. Focus on games with long-term updates, strong online communities, or planned expansions—those hold their worth beyond the initial discount window.
Retailers often combine software deals with console or accessory bundles. Keep an eye on offers that include extra controllers, Game Pass codes, or digital wallet credits, as these can push the effective savings higher than headline prices suggest.
Finally, resist the temptation to spend on filler titles simply because they’re cheap. The real wins are the heavy hitters—Borderlands 4, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Assassin’s Creed Red, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Complete Edition—games that will define your 2025 holiday season and beyond.
