Now that both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have launched, a new generation of gaming consoles is upon us, bringing with it plenty of new gaming experiences for fans to try. Over the years, new console generations have been marked by a slew of launch titles available on day one, and some of the most notable of these have been pack-in titles.
Video game console pack-in titles are exactly what they sound like. Pack-in titles are games that come bundled with the console, either as a separate disc or built-in to the system. Sometimes these pack-in titles are designed to be system-sellers, but other times they are more like tech demos, meant to showcase the console's unique features and capabilities.
For this list, we are mainly focusing on games that were available as pack-in titles as part of the console's launch. There have been many other video game console bundles released over the years with high-quality games, but having a pack-in title at launch has much more significance.
Astro's Playroom (PlayStation 5)
Sony's next-generation console, the PlayStation 5, is available now. While finding a PlayStation 5 to buy is next to impossible right now, those that do manage to get their hands on the new system will have a game to play right out of the gate in the form of Astro's Playroom. Astro's Playroom is a short but sweet 3D platformer that is designed to show off the PS5's unique capabilities, especially as it pertains to the DualSense controller.
Not only is it fun to play and a great way to learn how the DualSense controller works, but Astro's Playroom is also a love letter to the PlayStation brand, filled to the brink with references with some of the biggest first- and third-party PlayStation games.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt (NES)
It's true that the Nintendo Entertainment System didn't launch with a pack-in game, but later versions of the console included a variety of titles. Easily the most notable of these is Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt, an NES cartridge that contained both the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. game as well as the Duck Hunt shooter game.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt was sold as part of the NES Action Set, which included the game, two NES controllers, and the Light Gun peripheral. Released in 1989, the NES Action Set was available at a relatively low price of $150 and gave Nintendo's 8-bit console an extra boost leading up to the eventual launch of the Super Nintendo in the 1990s.
Super Mario World (SNES)
Speaking of the SNES, Nintendo ensured that its NES follow-up was going to hit the ground running by launching the console with Super Mario World as a pack-in title. Super Mario World is considered one of the best 2D platformers ever produced, so having the game available as a pack-in title with the SNES sweetened the pot quite a bit, to say the least.
Tetris (Game Boy)
The world-famous puzzle game Tetris became synonymous with the Game Boy, as it was available in a bundle with the handheld. This turned out to be a genius decision on the part of Nintendo, as Tetris became a worldwide phenomenon, and definitely helped sell countless Game Boy handhelds.
Wii Sports (Nintendo Wii)
The best pack-in titles showcase what makes a console special, and Wii Sports certainly got that job done. A pack-in title for Nintendo's ambitious new motion control console, Wii Sports does a great job of showing off all the different things that's possible with motion controls. Wii Sports may not be all that compelling as a full-fledged gaming experience, but it has an undeniable charm and there's still plenty of fun to be had.