Much has been said about it PlayStation 5s lacks gameplay compared to previous generations, a notion that 2026 doesn't do much to disprove — at least not yet. Partly due to an unexpectedly slow start to the generation triggered by COVID-19 and scalpers, and partly caused by Sony's messy transition into live-service gaming, the PS5 probably still hasn't reached its full potential. While 2026 has brought the love-it-or-hate-it extraction game Marathon to the console, and players can access the phenomenal Resident Evil Requiem and pleasant Pragmatics on PS5, the reality is that many of the year's best games are unplayable on PlayStation. That's a real shame, although there are some important caveats to keep in mind.
PS5 has 8 major games releasing in April 2026
PlayStation 5 players should mark their calendars accordingly for the eight biggest games coming to the platform in April 2026.
Opencritic's Top 10 Games of 2026 (in April) Tell a Story
1. OPUS: Prism Peak (91) – PC and Switch 2
2. Pokemon Pokopia (90) – Switch 2
3. Lost and Found Co. (90) – PC
4. Resident Evil Requiem (89) – PC/PS5/Switch 2/Xbox Series X
5. Mewgenics (89) – PC
6. Hermit and Pig (89) – PC
7. Esoteric Ebb (88) – PC
8. Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times (87) – PC
9. Pragmatics (87) – PC/PS5/Switch 2/Xbox Series X
10. Tombwater (86) – PC
Looking at this lineup, it should immediately stand out that the PS5 (and Xbox Series X for that matter) only offers 2 of the best reviewed games. The Nintendo Switch fares a little better than the competition thanks to the excellent exclusive Pokemon Pokopiawhich, when paired with the hilariously insane Tomadachi Life: Living the Dream (79 on Opencritic), has already made an impressive 2026 for the console. It also offers Opus: Prism Peakthe best performing game on the list. Even then, it's clear that PC is the ideal place for gamers looking for a variety of experiences, as 7 of the best games of the year so far have skipped consoles entirely.
Who is that character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
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Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)
Obviously, there is one important caveat to highlight, which is how few reviews some of these games have. For example, Opus: Prism Peak sits at the top of the list, but only has 16 verified critic reviews at the time of writing. Its emotionally resonant story could certainly make it a game that deserves that score for fans who connect with titles like Life is strangebut the small selection of scores compared to games that Resident Evil Requiem must be taken into account. Still, it's clear that the people who have played these niche titles love them, and the list above can serve as a reminder that the list of phenomenal PC games is practically endless.
Of the games on this list, the most viral is without a doubt Mewgenicsa crazy game from the mind on Binding of Issacs creator offering satisfying breeding, Chris Chan Easter Eggs (yes, really) and more. Lost and Found Co. is a hidden object game that mixes humor and relaxation, while Hermit and Pig is a charming turn-based RPG with clear influences such as Grounded. Esoteric Ebb is a deep RPG that will satisfy those looking for a game that Disco Elysium, Rhell: Warped Worlds and troubled times is a challenging puzzle game, and Tombwater is a brilliant blend of Dark souls and The Legend of Zelda. All of these titles are currently tied to PC, and therefore unavailable on PS5.
Obviously, PlayStation ports are likely to happen for a number of these games, with one for Mewgenics already confirmed. Binding of Isaac was eventually released on the PlayStation, so it's hardly a surprise that a Mewgenics the port also comes.
Why 2026 won't be all doom and gloom for PlayStation fans
Although it can be a bummer that PlayStation fans haven't gotten to play games like Mewgenicsthere are some big exclusive releases on the PS5 this year. Saros is out at the end of April, and given Housemarque's track record as well as the quality of Return (the game Saros is a spiritual successor to), it's likely to be a Game of the Year contender. Later in 2026, Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games releases, as well Kena: Bridge of the Spirits follow-up Scars of Kosmora. Marvel Token: Fighting Souls will also be a PS5 console-exclusive fighting game, while both PlayStation and Xbox will make a big profit over PC if GTA 6 reaches its release date in November. Ultimately, 2026 should be very kind to the PlayStation 5, but you might not think so if all you had to go by was Opencritic's top 10 list for the first third of the year.
