Disclosure: This post may contain text and/or image affiliate links where GameIdealist.com can earn commissions if products are purchased.

Top 10 upcoming console exclusives that Xbox One S owners should check out

The Xbox One S is now available. For the uninformed, the new console offers a slimmer build of the Xbox One in addition to having exclusive features such as 4K video and HDR. If you decide to join the Xbox One family with the Xbox One S, there are several upcoming console exclusive games that should be worth checking out. You can find our most anticipated list below.

10. Phantom Dust

Phantom Dust is one of the more underrated games on the original Xbox. In this thrilling action-role-playing game, you get to fight against other combatants by using abilities gained from cards. Fortunately, you get to see what the fuss is all about with its upcoming re-release on the Xbox One. In addition to the improved graphics, the multiplayer has also been reworked to support the modern day incarnation of the Xbox Live.

Phantom Dust is expected to come out in 2017 for the Xbox One.

9. Recore

Recore is being developed by Mark Pacini, the same director behind the acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy. As a result, new Xbox One S owners can expect a mysterious world to explore along with fighting against mysterious creatures. The main character, Joule, also has multiple robotic companions on her side to help her on her journey. Recore is shaping up to be a sleeper hit for the Xbox One as it has all the makings of a great little gem.

Recore releases on the 13th of September. You can preorder the Xbox One console exclusive with this link on Amazon.

8. Crackdown 3

The original Crackdown was highly regarded on the Xbox 360 due to its chaotic third-person shooting open-world gameplay where you hunt down gang leaders. Crackdown 3 will ramp up the action even further due to massive environment destruction, which is rendered with the Azure cloud servers from Microsoft, in both the single-player campaign in addition to the online multiplayer. If you are a fan of the first game, make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming title.

Crackdown 3 is expected to come out in 2017. Order the upcoming sequel via this page.crackdown-3-teaser-horiz-rgb-jpeg-050114

7. State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 expands on the original acclaimed prequel by adding more dynamic elements to the open-world horror game where you will be rescuing survivors, building bases and scavenging objects. The biggest new addition, however, is the online multiplayer where you can explore the world cooperatively with up to three other players. Fans of the first game should definitely check out the upcoming Xbox One console exclusive sequel.

You can buy State of Decay 2, which is coming out in 2017, here.

6. Scalebound

Scalebound is the latest project from Hideki Kamiya, the director behind Resdient Evil 2, Devil May Cry and other critically acclaimed games. In the upcoming new intellectual property, players get to team up with a giant dragon. Not to mention that up to four players can also partake in the open-world role-playing game experience. If you are a fan of Platinum Games, make sure to keep an eye on their latest title when it launches.

You can preorder Scalebound, which is arriving in 2017, by using this link.scalebound-gamescom-2015-04

5. Cuphead

Cuphead immediately jumps out with its 1930s cartoon-like aesthetics. The pleasant looking game initially started out as a run and gun action platformer where players get to fight off boss after boss. The development team at Studio MDHR recently added traditional platforming stages to flesh out the gameplay. Add in the ability to play co-op with another player and there should be plenty to be excited about in this new intellectual property.

Cuphead is expected to come out sometime later this year.cuphead-bat-jpg

4. Forza Horizon 3

The Xbox One is known for its great Forza racing franchise. The latest installment is Forza Horizon 3, an open-world arcade racer that takes place in Australia, which is twice the size of the playable area of Forza Horizon 2. Not to mention that there are over 350 cars in addition to the ability to play with three other players in the campaign. Needless to say, racing fans have plenty to be excited about with the upcoming sequel.

Forza Horizon 3 releases on the 23rd of September in North America. You can preorder the Xbox One console exclusive racer via this page.Forza Horizon 3 Crossing Stream

3. Halo Wars 2

Halo Wars showed that real-time strategy games can be done well on consoles when it came out for the Xbox 360. The long awaited sequel comes with over a dozen single-player missions that take place after the events of Halo 5: Guardians. Furthermore, players can also participate in the chaotic three versus three online multiplayer battles. If you enjoyed the original and/or the Halo franchise in general, Halo Wars 2 is a must buy.

Halo Wars 2, which is coming out on the 21st of February in 2017, is available for purchase with this link.Halo-Wars-2-Campaign-Final-Blow

2. Sea of Thieves

After years of disappointing fans, Rare is finally look like it will be returning to its former glory with the upcoming Sea of Thieves. The open-world pirates game allow you to team up with friends to form a crew. Not to mention that your party can also fight against other players in the massive world. So it looks like Sea of Thieves is shaping up to a dream pirates game as well as Rare’s return to form after a long hiatus.

Sea of Thieves is expected to come out in 2017. Reserve the console exclusive here.Sea-of-Thieves_E3_2016_PIrate-Tavern-Screenshot-1

1. Gears of War 4

Gears of War 4 features some significant changes when compared to the previous new installments. In addition to featuring a new development team, the sequel also has a new protagonist in J.D. Fenix as it takes place many years in the future. One of the main gameplay additions is weather as players will have to deal with the heavy wind, lightning storms and more. The third-person shooter looks like it will be another excellent installment of the franchise and, thus, is our most anticipated Xbox One console exclusive that new Xbox One S owners should check out.

You can preorder Gears of War 4, which is launching on the 11th of October, with this link.gears-of-war-4-3So, if you recently joined the Xbox One family with the Xbox One S, make sure to check out the upcoming console exclusive games we mentioned above.