Every year some games make you fork out that extra few dollars to buy a new console, whether that’s finally having a new Pokémon generation that interests you or a sequel to one of your favourite PlayStation 4 games.

Here are our picks for the Top 5 Console Exclusive Games in 2022.

– Dylan Blight

5.) Pokémon Scarlet/Violet

Nintendo Switch

Even with the latest generation of Pokémon games launching with plenty of bugs and many asking for the follow-up to the Nintendo Switch to arrive soon than later, everyone that played Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet agreed how fun it is to play. Exploring an open Pokémon world for the first time led to first-time experiences, new ideas and fresh entry-point for new players, as well as an exciting change for those waiting for The Pokémon Company to try something different for so many years now.

– Dylan Blight

4.) Horizon Forbidden West 

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Horizon: Forbidden West is one reason I keep coming back to the PlayStation. The team at Guerrilla have strengthened the PlayStations’ already amazing catalogue of games. Horizon Forbidden West defies the third-person action genre by utilising a better RPG-like progression and having their sole protagonist as a brave hero with the ability to fight, think and work through the world’s problems in multiple ways. We join Aloy soon after the events from Zero Dawn, ready to figure out her next moves to save GAIA and the world at large. With ever-increasing odds against her, Aloy must learn to trust her friends and work with them to find the best solutions to the new threats.

– Jacob Hegarty

3.) Bayonetta 3

Nintendo Switch

I came into this Bayonetta as a complete newbie to the series. Of course, I needed clarification, but that did little to distract from the exorbitant experience that is Bayonetta 3. Throughout my time with the game, I enjoyed its quality action, which offered a lot of variety and uniqueness in how it played. As someone who loves diving into combat systems, I was very satisfied. There is something particular about the absurdity of Bayonetta 3 that makes it incredibly engrossing, and it stands as something different and unique in Nintendo’s exclusives lineup. 

– Wil James

2.) Kirby & The Forgotten Land

Nintendo Switch

Kirby’s first solo adventure into the 3D space was fantastic. The levels were filled with the same charm and class of discovery you expect in a Mario game, but it was all tied or, should I say, sucked together with Kirby’s particular skill set. I don’t know how or why Kirby could suck up a car and transform it into one, but this mechanic used in different ways was one of the most laugh-out-loud and original standout gameplay moments in 2022.

– Dylan Blight

1.) God of War Ragnarök

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

God of War Ragnarok stole the PlayStation banner from Horizon Forbidden West in 2022 and ran with it to become the Sony flagship franchise for the year. An experience that could not be found anywhere else showed why players were being rewarded for their Playstation 5 purchases. Many others wade into the Holiday sales to try and secure their own console. Sony Santa Monica has established itself and the God of War franchise among the crown jewels of the Playstation first parties through its beloved storytelling and characters that are hard to find anywhere else.

– Ciaran Marchant

Dylan Blight, Ashley Hobley, Ciaran Marchant, Wil James & Jacob Hegarty compiled this Top 5 list. The Video Games nominated must have been released or had a sizable update between December 13th 2021 – December 13th 2022 and have been released in Australia.