5 biggest game releases in January 2024: PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch

As we move on from the festive season and head into a fresh year, January tends to be a relatively calm period for the release of new video games. But this hasn't kept impressive releases off the radar, and 2024 is looking promising with the debut of several remarkable franchise entries. The Yakuza franchise leaps into its next exciting phase with the renamed Like a Dragon series, while the Prince of Persia saga brings its key introduction in a decade. A notable PlayStation game from the last console generation, The Last of Us Part II, is being revamped on PS5, introducing new game modes and stages. And a cheeky turnip intent on criminal activities lands on Xbox Game Pass in a sequel to the brilliantly named Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. These are the game launches that you should be paying attention to as we commence 2024.

While Ubisoft had put the Prince of Persia series on pause for the previous decade, 2024 witnesses its revival, returning to its classic action-adventure roots with side-scrolling strategy via Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The anime and metroidvania-influenced game will impress with its wide-ranging map, engaging movement and combat, and array of new skills to unlock over time. Coming together in a thrilling adventure set in a timescape of gods and heroes, whether you are a seasoned fan or a newbie, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is not to be missed when it releases on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on January 18.

I am fond of indie games and Snoozy Kazoo's 2021 output, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. A hilarious cocktail of online humor, classic RPG vibes, and charming graphics, it tells the captivating story of a problematic turnip committing crimes. Our little root vegetable villain continues his nefarious deeds with the sequel: Turnip Boy Robs a Bank. Join forces with the notorious Pickled Gang on an outrageous heist. This top-down roguelite shooter offers the chance to hold up hostages and use strange gadgets, bought on the dark web, to break into the vaults of the Botanical Bank. Turnip Boy Robs a Bank arrives on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on January 18, also available on Xbox Game Pass.

Recognized as one of the best PS4 games and a true masterpiece, The Last of Us Part II was already fantastic on PS5 courtesy of a free 60 fps upgrade. However, this month sees the release of an enhanced and broadened version specifically designed for the PS5. The Last of Us Part II Remastered provides a new roguelike survival mode called No Return, featuring a line-up of playable characters including some making their debut in the series. This version also includes new outfits, a free play guitar mode, a mode for speed running, and a new set of levels that were left unexplored during the creation of the original. Set to release on January 19 for the PS5 at a cost of $50, those who already own the PS4 version can upgrade for just $10.

Fans of Like a Dragon (previously known as Yakuza) were in for a treat last year with the release of two notable entries, Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon: Gaiden. This year, the main character Ichiban Kasuga heads to the sunny beaches of Hawaii in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Kasuga joins forces with Kazuma Kiryu, another lead from the series, for a thrilling journey across Japan and Honolulu. The game offers a fully-fledged Animal Crossing-style mode for a perfect island escape. Being a direct sequel to 2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this might not be the apt starting point for series newcomers, but loyal fans can look forward to its launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on January 26.

Get ready for another major fighting game. While 2023 saw the release of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 11, this year starts on a high note with the return of the Iron Fist Tournament in Tekken 8. Bandai Namco's enduring fighting franchise debuts on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on January 26. Maintaining its iconic vibe and characters, Tekken 8 introduces a cinematic touch to the action and introduces fresh fighting features like the Heat Gauge system that rewards non-stop offensive onslaughts. Tekken 8 aims to reinvigorate the 30-year-old franchise with a compelling mix of storytelling and dramatic grudge matches.