PS4 vs. Xbox One vs. Nintendo Switch: Who Has the Best Upcoming Exclusives?

PS4’s Exclusive Lineup

The PS4 has a surprising number of exclusives lined up for 2017. There are 46 games that are set to release on the PS4 alone or on Sony’s console and PC (with most falling under the umbrella of true exclusives). That’s a lot of games, but of course quantity doesn’t always translate into quality. However, we can take a step back and take a look at what big games are on the horizon and see which ones may just garner more attention and have a good chance of being solid experiences.

The first-party exclusive lineup is looking fairly impressive thanks to the likes of Gravity Rush 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, MLB: The Show 17, the upcoming Uncharted 4 standalone DLC, and Knack 2. It’s a varied group that is sure to provide many PS4 owners with hours of game time. Horizon Zero Dawn is probably the one with the most pressure riding on it, though. It’s a brand-new type of game from Guerrilla Games, and it’s also going to be one of the first titles to show what the PS4 Pro is really capable of. From the gameplay we’ve checked out and the latest trailer, it looks like there are plenty of reasons to be excited, even with all the added expectation.

While the PS4’s first-party lineup is relatively light, Sony more than made up for that with a strong third-party support system that will keep exclusive titles (some of which are highly anticipated) rolling on the console throughout the year. NieR: Automata, from PlatinumGames and Square Enix, brings fast-paced combat, interesting camera usage, and huge bosses to the console, while Nioh keeps the RPG train rolling with Ninja Theory’s own take on the Souls-like craze. Then there’s Persona 5, a highly-anticipated RPG entry in one of the best series out there, and it’s finally coming to west. Don’t worry, though, there aren’t just RPGs on the PS4. Nex Machina is putting a twist on Resogun’s bullet hell formula, Yakuza 0 and Kiwami are bringing everyone’s favorite gangsters to the PS4, and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is all about smashing boxes and surviving tight platforming challenges.

The exclusive lineup on Sony’s latest platform is definitely looking well thought out, which is very important. There is plenty of diversity spread throughout 2017, and there looks to be a healthy balance between triple-A titles and smaller indie titles. Also helping to smooth out any wrinkles is the strong third-party, multiplatform support. So titles like Mass Effect Andromeda, Call of Duy, Destiny, and more will certainly keep things lively.

Also, while not necessarily what some may look for when trying to gauge the PS4’s lineup, PSVR is also bringing some experiences to the console for those who bothered to pick up the headset. There are 18 VR titles confirmed for a 2017 release and while they’re not exactly PS4 exclusive, neither the Xbox One nor the Nintendo Switch will have them, so they are definitely something to consider.

Xbox One’s Exclusive Lineup

The Xbox One started off 2017 a bit rough thanks to the cancellation of the highly-anticipated Scalebound from PlatinumGames. That left a rather large gap in its first-party exclusive lineup, leaving Sea of Thieves, Halo Wars 2, State of Decay 2, and Crackdown 3 as the only “big” titles left in that group. More worrying is the fact that of those four, only Halo Wars 2 has an actual release date, and Crackdown 3 has gone silent since its delay into this year. In fact, other than Halo Wars 2, the only other Xbox One exclusive that has a set release date is Rise & Shine, a side-scrolling action game that has you using guns to take out enemies and solve puzzles.

The upcoming lineup for the console is looking pretty sparse, which is very surprising when you consider that Microsoft is planning on launching Project Scorpio – a 4K, HDR, VR ready upgraded Xbox One – later this year. In fact, several of the upcoming games are titles (mostly indie) that were revealed quite some time ago. Two prime examples are Below, a game that seems part A Link to the Past, part Dark Souls, and Cuphead, a challenging action game with artwork that looks like it was pulled right off of a classic cartoon screen. Both look like they can be breakout hits, and Cuphead is set for a Q2/Q3 release (think spring or summer). Below, however, still doesn’t have a set date, but is expected to release some time within the next 12 months.

There’s no easy way to say this, but the Xbox One has a lot riding on just a few titles, some of which we haven’t received any word on in quite some time. Hopefully the lack of quantity doesn’t affect the platform, as any could end up being a stellar exclusive. Chances are that Microsoft has some big announcements for upcoming events that will likely make use of the Scorpio and add to the Xbox One’s offerings. How many of those would actually be able to make it out in 2017, though, only time can tell. 

Nintendo Switch’s Exclusive Lineup

The Nintendo Switch’s lineup is looking pretty light, which is to be expected of a brand new console. Unlike the other piece of hardware releasing later this year, this isn’t just some beefed up version of a platform that already exists — it’s something brand new and doesn’t have an established library to fall back on. However, although things were pretty light, that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to be excited for a Nintendo Switch.

For starters, it was revealed that The Legend of Zelda would be a launch title, releasing on Mar. 3 (which is just around the corner). That’s a big deal; Nintendo properties tend to be huge system sellers, and even Sony and Microsoft acknowledge how powerful their stable of games is. The approach, as of right now, is a bit odd. There isn’t a whole lot appealing in launch week, and that may end up being an issue. However, the rest of the year is looking strong.

Titles releasing this year include Xenoblade 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Super Bomberman R. There’s also the impressive looking Super Mario Odyssey during Fall of this year, which will no doubt be part of the holiday push for the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else that is confirmed for 2017, with many titles sitting under the highly mysterious TBD (to be determined) umbrella.

Still, what is confirmed does look good. Having five solid exclusives within the launch year is a feat itself. Many may not recall, but it took the PS4 and Xbox One a while to get into their grooves. The Switch, being a new console, will need some time as well, but it’s not looking too shabby exclusive-wise.

Who Wins?

It’s actually a pretty exciting year when you stop to think about it. While each platform will be receiving drastically different quantities of games, there are some heavy hitters waiting for us in the next couple of months, making this an exciting time to play. However, there are some very clear disparities that stick out no matter which console you’re a bigger fan off.

There’s no denying that the Xbox One will have a tough time this year after the loss of Scalebound. If Crackdown doesn’t end up releasing in 2017, then Sea of Thieves and Halo Wars 2 will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting, and that’s a lot to ask of two games that aren’t exactly mainstream for the platform.

Even with the PS4’s massive list, it will likely have to contend with Nintendo’s own heavy hitters. Xenoblade, Mario, and Breath of the Wild are definitely no slouches, so Sony will need to hope that it’s own big games work their magic. Yet even if Nintendo does steal the show with those titles, the PS4’s spread is not to be trifled with. It’s the only lineup that can deliver multiple anticipated exclusives each month, and that’s really saying something. For that reason alone, we’re going to have to call this year in favor of the PS4.

But, as is always the case in video games, anything can happen in the next 12 months. It’s still anybody’s game — we’ll just have to see who wants it more.