Written by: Diego, Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Are you gaming this summer? Why not neglect your backlog of games some more by borrowing from our ever-growing video game collection!
San Mateo County Libraries’ game collection contains Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5 and Xbox titles available for check-out! We’ve got games of all genres and for all types of gamers. Whether you’re into award-winning RPG’s, indie-darlings or you want to host a gaming night with friends and family, here are 10 must-plays we have on our In-Luck shelves.
Reminder that these titles do not show up on our online catalog, they are In-Luck items which means that you will have to call about or look in-person for these items.
Multiplayer Games
Minecraft
Starting off strong with arguably one of the best video games ever made, Minecraft is a pop culture phenomenon that was recently adapted into a movie. Gather friends and experience the adventure of exploring and surviving the blocky world of Minecraft together.
Nintendo Switch Sports
While not as popular as the coveted Nintendo Wii Sports version, Switch Sports is equally as fun and a blast to play with friends or family. Just make sure to use the wrist-straps because you might chuck the controller across the room!
Stardew Valley
Famously developed by just one person, Stardew Valley is equal parts farming game and a life simulation RPG. The cozy vibes will be strong in this one as you manage your farm and build relationships with the townspeople. Recruit some friends and become residents of Pelican Town.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Beware that this game could fracture relationships via thrown banana sabotage! With a new entry every generation, the Mario Kart series is a cultural sensation that never gets old. Prepare for the new Mario Kart World by practicing on this iteration.
Split Fiction
Experts in developing cooperative games, Hazelight Studios surprised no one when they came out with yet another award-winning split screen game with innovative mechanics and bonkers writing. With levels inspired by fantasy and science fiction tropes, fans of the genres will enjoy the easter eggs. Whoever your co-op partner might be, you will be in awe at all the ways this game creates fun.
Single-Player Games
Balatro
You won’t want to put your controller down once you start this addictive indie gem. At its core, it’s a twist on poker—but the real fun begins when you unlock joker cards that trigger wildly powerful effects, sending your score soaring. It’s easy to pick up, but nearly impossible to resist falling into the dopamine-fueled rabbit hole of mastering every combo and strategy. Best of all? This is another indie darling that was developed entirely by a single person.
Until Dawn
In the mood for a scary movie? Why not take control of the horror yourself? This interactive fiction game lets you step into the story, making the tough decisions that horror characters usually get wrong. Tired of yelling at the screen when someone takes the creepy shortcut? Now it’s your turn to choose. With branching narratives, classic jump scares and a surprisingly star-studded cast, your horror movie knowledge might just be the key to keeping your favorite character alive.
Astro Bot
2025 Game of the Year Winner has received as much praise as is possible already but it is simply not enough. Charming, hilarious and vibrant, this game is not only a treat for the eyes, but also kind of just makes you happy. Not only does it take you back to the days of great 3D platformers but it also honors a lot of those beloved titles. If you grew up with a PlayStation, you'll definitely feel nostalgic playing certain levels as the joyful hero explores different planets searching for his friends—characters borrowed from various PlayStation franchises.
God of War Ragnarok
The legendary God of War series has been a Playstation staple for decades now and their most recent entry displays the expertise Santa Monica Studios brings to the table. They bring a very mature approach to not only their technical achievements, but to their storytelling as well with a focus on character-driven narratives. The story of this series—as well as the journey of main character, Kratos—is an inspiring example of how far video games have evolved as an art medium.
Elden Ring
Perhaps the truest gamer test, playing a FromSoftware game will consist of you dying more times than you can count, however, the feeling you get when you finally defeat that difficult boss is definitely unmatched. With the addition of an open-world and a slightly more forgiving leveling up system, this FromSoftware title is not only the most ambitious and grand, but also the most approachable one of their games!
Learn more about the video game collection available at San Mateo County Libraries!
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