The 40 Best Console-Exclusive Games of This Generation (PS4, Xbox One, and Switch)
In the gallery above, we rank the 40 highest-scoring games that appeared on only one of the three current generation hardware platforms (Sony's PlayStation 4, Microsoft's Xbox One, and Nintendo's Switch). Titles are ranked by their Metascores, which reflect the consensus views of professional game critics.
Games with fewer than 15 reviews are excluded, and expansions, DLC packs, and multi-game compilations are excluded as well. (But games still qualify if they are also available on prior-generation hardware, PC, or handheld/mobile devices—just as long as they appear on no more than one of the three major current consoles.)
Released in 2018, the first installment in the franchise-blending fighting series for the Switch included every single playable character included in the five previous games (and DLC) along with franchise newcomers like Metroid's Ridley, Princess Daisy from the Mario series, and the Inklings from Splatoon.
“So how does it all stack up? Vocal concerns about past games have been actively addressed, every single fighter from the series is present (even Pichu), the customisability is overwhelmingly vast and it’s all topped off with super-solid single-player modes to boot. We’re not sure how you could make a more robust or pleasing Smash game. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly is the ultimate instalment in the series, and it makes you wonder where Sakurai can possibly take this franchise next.” —Nintendo Life