Despite contemporary gaming consoles sharing similar hardware designs to PCs, there’s one major reason why individuals pick sides between Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Performance specs and feature-set aside, exclusives have been the defining choice for gamers without deep pockets to go multiplatform.

Besides the hybrid form factor of the Nintendo Switch, the console is the only place to play the latest Zelda, Mario, Metroid, and Kirby games. Sony continuously sets the bar for their cinematic single-player titles on PlayStation consoles like Last of Us Part II and Ratchet and Clank that are developed on multi-million dollar budgets.

Though the Japanese electronics manufacturer has recently dabbled in PC releases, newer releases like Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Forbidden West can only be played on Sony’s latest console.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has turned their Xbox brand into an ecosystem that stretches consoles, video game streaming, and PC. This means first-party releases like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 get Day-One releases across all of its platforms. This makes sense considering the best PC games are mainly a Windows-only affair (though the best Mac games have a lot to offer as well), and let’s not forget that the Xbox itset was named after the Microsoft Direct X API used by PC game developers.

Games made exclusively for PCs still technically exist, and some of the best free games out there are PC exclusives, including many of the hottest esports titles. However, big tentpole AAA exclusives are definitely rarer than they’ve ever been.

In 2020,

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of terror that ensues when a kid says they’re bored. We rustled up some discounts on services, subscriptions, games, and tech that can help pass the time. Be sure to check out our many buying guides for additional advice and product recommendations. Some summer-friendly options include guides to the Best Grills and the Best Co-Op Games.

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Gaming Deals

We shared this deal around Memorial Day, but it’s still around—and it’s a good one. It’s the first price drop we’ve seen for this WIRED-recommended controller. It has immersive, encompassing haptic feedback and healthy battery life, making it the best controller for the PlayStation 5. The wide array of eye-catching colors helps too. This historic low price is matched at Walmart, Target, Best Buyand GameStop. Check out our Best PS5 Accessories guide for more.

This sale at GameStop is a cheap way to beef up a game library, especially for kids who are playing on previous-generation consoles. The discount applies to games with the “Buy More, Save More” banner, and the final price will be