TL;DR
2025 saw the console landscape move further toward multiplatform releases, but Sony still shipped noteworthy experiences on and for the PS5. Highlights include a PlayStation Portal update that added cloud streaming and several first- and third-party releases ranging from remasters to experimental indie titles.
What happened
As exclusivity softened across the industry in 2025, many of the year’s top-performing titles launched on multiple platforms, making it harder for any single console to claim a unique software advantage. Sony nonetheless had a visible year on PS5 with a mix of remasters, sequels and inventive indie entries. A notable hardware-software move was an update to the PlayStation Portal that enabled cloud streaming for the device; the Portal was positioned as a lower-cost complement to a PS5 and can access over 2,000 streamable games. On the software side, Square Enix released a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, Sucker Punch delivered Ghost of Yōtei as a refined sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, and Kojima Productions launched Death Stranding 2, which shifts its setting to Australia and adds environmental elements like sandstorms. Smaller titles highlighted by critics included Baby Steps, a detailed walking simulator, and Lumines Arise, a rhythm-infused puzzle game.
Why it matters
- Multiplatform releases are diluting the role of console exclusives as the primary draw for hardware buyers.
- Manufacturers are leaning on hardware features and services—like Sony’s Portal update—to differentiate their ecosystems.
- Remasters and sequels are helping legacy franchises remain relevant on current generation hardware.
- Cloud streaming and portable companion devices expand how and where players access large game libraries.
Key facts
- Industry trend in 2025 leaned toward multiplatform launches; Microsoft has moved many exclusives off console exclusivity.
- The 2025 Game of the Year noted in the source is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched on multiple platforms.
- Sony released an update for the PlayStation Portal that enabled cloud streaming for select PlayStation titles.
- The PlayStation Portal is priced at $200 in the reporting and was described as roughly half the price of a PS5.
- More than 2,000 games were reported as streamable to the PlayStation Portal after the update.
- Square Enix issued a remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics in 2025, drawing attention to its job system and tactical depth.
- Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei is positioned as a sequel that polishes and refines the formula of Ghost of Tsushima.
- Death Stranding 2 moves its setting to Australia, introduces elements such as sandstorms, and features performers including Elle Fanning and George Miller.
- Indie and experimental titles called out for the year include Baby Steps (an intricate walking simulator) and Lumines Arise (a challenging rhythm-puzzle game).
What to watch next
- Whether console-focused 'best of' lists continue to matter as more high-profile titles release across platforms.
- How Sony evolves the PlayStation Portal and its cloud-streaming strategy as a differentiator against services like Game Pass.
- Sony’s longer-term commitment to first-party exclusives and how those titles will coexist with multiplatform blockbusters.
Quick glossary
- Exclusives: Games or content released only on one platform or family of platforms for a period of time.
- Cloud streaming: Delivering game audio and video from remote servers to a device, so the game runs on the cloud rather than locally.
- Remaster: An updated version of an older game that improves visuals, performance, or other technical aspects without fundamentally changing core gameplay.
- Companion device: A hardware product intended to complement a console by providing additional ways to play, like remote streaming or portable access.
Reader FAQ
Are the year’s best PS5 games mostly exclusive to PlayStation?
No — the source states many top-performing games in 2025 were multiplatform.
What is the PlayStation Portal and what changed in 2025?
The Portal is a PlayStation companion device that received an update enabling cloud streaming; the device was reported at $200 and able to access over 2,000 streamable titles.
Which major sequels and remasters did the source highlight for PS5 in 2025?
The source highlights a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei, and Death Stranding 2 among others.
Did Death Stranding 2 change its setting?
Yes — the source reports the sequel is set in Australia and includes new environmental challenges like sandstorms.
GAMING ENTERTAINMENT REPORT The best PS5 games from 2025 Even with the waning power of exclusives, the PS5 still had plenty worth checking out this year. by Ash Parrish Dec…
Sources
- The best PS5 games from 2025
- The Best PS5 Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic
- The 50 best games of 2025
- Game of the Year: Aaron's Top 5 PS5 Games of 2025
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