Games You Should Keep Installed Even When You’re Not Playing Them

by

Before consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 came out, players didn’t have to install games or download updates. PC gamers were used to installing games, but even those installs weren’t as lengthy or frequent as they are now, because older games were much smaller in size.

Many top-tier video games now require 100GB or more of storage space, making it tough to manage what stays on your system. Players often struggle with deciding which games to delete or move to external drives. For various reasons – whether it’s the game’s size, frequent updates, or simply enjoying it – people tend to keep certain games installed, just in case they want to play them again in the future.

Minecraft

Getting Out The Lego Bucket

Minecraft doesn’t require a lot of storage space on any device, and it’s easy to pick up and play again even after a long break. It’s similar to the feeling of getting a bucket of LEGOs as a child – instantly inviting endless creativity and fun.

Honestly, one of the coolest things about Minecraft is that there’s no set story or goal. It’s totally up to you what you want to do, which is incredibly freeing. I can just wander around and build stuff on my own, or team up with friends and create whatever we can imagine. It’s all about making your own fun!

Grand Theft Auto 5

Causing Chaos Online

A lot of players have already finished everything there is to do in Grand Theft Auto 5, including the story and all the extra missions. However, even though the game is from 2013, it’s still worth keeping on your system.

The main reason Grand Theft Auto Online remains popular is its continuous stream of new heist updates, which always give players something fresh to do. Plus, the game is designed for pure, unadulterated chaos – it’s simply enjoyable to load it up and cause destruction, seeing how long you can evade the police.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Hoping For Tie-Ins

Monster Hunter Wilds, like previous Monster Hunter games, is known for regularly releasing new content. While fans had hoped for updates more frequently, they eagerly enjoy the new additions when they arrive.

Honestly, even small updates can get me hooked again – like adding a new monster to hunt or changing up the look of the main town for a season. But the best thing Capcom’s done with Monster Hunter World so far, in my opinion, is the Final Fantasy collab. It’s stuff like that that keeps me coming back for more!

Fortnite

Getting Ready For The Next Big Event

Fortnite is a massive, online multiplayer game that feels like it came straight out of the novel Ready Player One. Players can customize their characters with outfits and items from almost any popular franchise you can imagine.

In 2025, Fortnite created a huge buzz online when it transformed its map into a recreation of Springfield from The Simpsons. Fans hadn’t seen a dedicated 3D Simpsons game since 2007, so it was exciting to revisit the town on consoles. These large-scale events in Fortnite often attract a wide range of players, even if it’s just for a quick round of action.

Mario Kart World

A Good Racer For All

While Mario Kart World didn’t immediately become a huge hit when the Switch 2 launched, it was another dependable installment in the Mario Kart franchise. Nintendo consistently updated Mario Kart 8 for nearly a decade, starting with the Wii U in 2014 and continuing through the Switch version until 2023.

If recent patterns hold, owners of the new Switch 2 will likely receive updates for Mario Kart World at least once a year. It’s a good idea to keep the game installed so you’re always ready for those updates, and so you can easily play with friends whenever they visit.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Getting Back To Weeding

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a popular game from the original Nintendo Switch, is getting a significant update in January 2026. This update is a great reason to either keep the game on your Switch or download it again if you’ve removed it.

Even with updates, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game you can easily pick up and play whenever you have time. It’s a very relaxed experience, letting you unwind with simple activities like gardening or crafting without needing to think too much.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Fight On!

There are many excellent fighting games available, and most are fun to keep on your system for playing with friends online. Many fans likely have a go-to favorite already installed, and for Nintendo Switch owners, that game is almost certainly Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

This game is a platform fighter that’s easier to pick up than traditional head-to-head battles, because anyone can win. Plus, with characters from so many different video game series – like Sora from Kingdom Hearts or Snake from Metal Gear Solid – there’s bound to be someone every player will enjoy controlling.

Balatro

Another Game Of Cards

Roguelike games are perfect for consoles because they offer endless replayability and are designed for short bursts of play – you can easily enjoy a fifteen-minute session whenever you have time. Plus, they don’t take up much storage space. Of all the options, Balatro is particularly easy to pick up and play, as it’s essentially a unique take on Poker.

Balatro has more rules than Poker, but they’re easy to pick up again, even if you haven’t played in a while. If you have it on your Switch or Steam Deck, be careful – its portability makes it incredibly addictive!

Among Us

Deduce Online

Among Us is a popular social deduction game that became a hit during the early 2020s. It’s easy to pick up, even if you don’t usually play games, and it’s a fun way to connect with friends.

I’m totally hooked on this game where you try to figure out who the aliens hiding among the humans are! It’s a really cool idea – people have been playing games like this for ages, but I honestly think Among Us gets it just right. It’s always a blast to play with my friends when we have the time.

The Jackbox Party Starter

Always Good For A Party

If you’re looking for games to play with friends, especially at parties, the Jackbox games are super easy to get going. All you need is a TV and everyone uses their phones as controllers. I’d recommend the Jackbox Party Starter – it’s a really good deal because it’s cheaper than some of the bigger packs, and it comes with three games that are always a hit with a group.

Whether it’s creating silly t-shirts or playing a trivia game with a suspenseful, movie-like vibe, Jackbox games offer a lot of fun and different experiences. Every video game player should have at least one Jackbox game downloaded – they’re guaranteed to be a blast!

Read More

2025-12-29 07:35