While its closest rivals are known for having mascot platformers in their library, Microsoft isn't necessarily known to be a console for those who enjoy the genre. That said, thanks to a platform like Game Pass, the Xbox has an even more diverse line-up of games than it has ever had.
While most of the 3D platformer entries on the Xbox Series X/S are from third-party or indie developers, there are a couple that were made by Xbox Game Studios in recent years, beginning to build a catalog of mascots that Xbox fans who enjoy 3D platformers can look forward to seeing for years to come.
7 Sable
A game with much more of an emphasis on exploration than platforming, Sable has many sections dedicated to both navigating and jumping around that make it one of the best feeling games when it comes to moving around a beautifully cel-shaded world.
As Sable, players will journey across a desert to discover many ancient ruins that tell the story of both the world around her and learn information about herself as well. Along with many collectibles that can be found while looking into different structures, Sable also has activities like fishing to keep the player busy.
6 Pac-Man World: Re-Pac
One of the most iconic video game franchises of all-time, Pac-Man will always be known for its original arcade game about a yellow mouth that attempts to gobble as many pellets on a screen before the ghosts get him. But Pac-Man has expanded beyond its original premise, including a 3D platformer that got a remake in Pac-Man World: Re-Pac.
Originally released on the first PlayStation, Pac-Man World is the story of Pac-Man rescuing his family after they had been kidnapped at his birthday party. Along with many 3D levels that consist of the hero beating up enemies and solving puzzles, there is a Maze Mode that brings the classic Pac-Man navigation into a 3D environment.
5 Sonic Frontiers
The Sonic franchise hasn't had a ton of recent luck in terms of its 3D offerings. However, Sonic Frontiers was a massive hit among fans of the franchise as it took a couple of steps necessary to make the idea of a 3D Sonic game that much more appealing.
In Sonic Frontiers, the blue hedgehog is stuck on an island and needs to find the missing Chaos emeralds. The main loop revolves around Sonic moving around the island, fighting enemies, and taking on large platforming areas or bosses. There are also the occasional challenge room that features the classic fast-paced 3D Sonic levels.
4 Tinykin
While Xbox hasn't done much recently with Banjo-Kazooie, there are other collect-a-thons that have filled the void in many 3D platformers hearts. One of these games is an indie title called Tinykin about exploring a house has a small astronaut.
As Milo, players will explore each room of a large house as they meet insects that have formed colonies and learn more about the world while trying to collect ship parts to get home. Tinykin does not feature any combat, instead focusing on puzzles that can be solved using creatures named Tinykin that have specific skills.
3 It Takes Two
Xbox Game Pass is partnered with EA Play, which allows players to experience select EA titles if they are subscribed to Game Pass instead of EA Play directly. One of the best EA titles to be made available on Game Pass is It Takes Two, a cooperative 3D platformer exclusively for two players.
As Cody and May, a married couple who have been going through a rough patch and have been turned into dolls, players must work together while adventuring across many areas of their household and interacting with various sentient objects that reside there. It Takes Two is the second title from Hazelight Studios.
2 Hi-Fi Rush
Tango Gameworks has been known for producing horror titles, or at least games with a supernatural vibe. But, in a surprise shadow drop, they released a game that has a much more lighthearted, colorful, and musical vibe called Hi-Fi Rush.
Chai, who was initially looking just for an enhanced arm, accidently gets fused with his music player. Because of this, everything in the world is synced up to a beat and the company that gave him the new arm is looking to kill him because he is a "defect." Teaming up with other rebels, Chai takes on the establishment in Hi-Fi Rush with rhythm-based combat and fun traversal.
1 Psychonauts 2
Double Fine had been working on Psychonauts 2 for years before it was acquired by Microsoft to become an Xbox Game Studio. Upon its completion, the sequel to the 2005 3D platformer became one of the best 3D platformers on an Xbox platform.
Immediately following the events of the original game and a VR spin-off, Psychonauts 2 tells the story of Raz as his first days in the junior agent program at The Motherlobe, the Psychonauts' headquarters. The game features many levels that involve Raz jumping into people's minds and a huge hub world to explore.