The 2026 slate of games is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in years. A lot of big titles were pushed back from 2025, and it just means there are too many titles for finance and time to handle. There’s a slew of titles planned for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
New intellectual properties are introduced alongside familiar franchises in the new year. Rockstar breaks a ten-year silence with GTA 6. Capcom presses on with its Resident Evil revival. Nintendo loads Switch 2 consoles with in-house exclusives. According to Newzoo’s market analysis, console gaming revenue exceeds $50 billion annually – money that fuels the ambitious projects releasing throughout 2026.
Early 2026 Releases: January Through May
The beginning of 2026 offers some games that are worth looking out for. You could also follow the latest developments in the gambling world, which also have some very interesting releases. We also recommend reading about 120 free spins from Slotozilla for casino slots, which will make exploring new games more exciting. Studios avoid the holiday congestion by launching in quieter windows where titles receive more attention.
Confirmed release dates for early 2026:
| Game | Release Date | Platform | Developer |
| Highguard | January 26 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Unknown 9 Studio |
| Reanimal | February 13 | PS5, PC | Naughty Dog |
| Resident Evil Requiem | February 27 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Capcom |
| Pragmata | April 22 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Capcom |
| Saros | April 30 | PS5, PC | Housemarque |
| 007: First Light | May 27 | PS5, Xbox, PC | IO Interactive |
007: First Light puts James Bond in the hands of IO Interactive, developers behind the Hitman trilogy. The game explores Bond’s origin story with gameplay systems proven across three Hitman releases. IGN reports the project entered development shortly after IO acquired the license in 2020.
Fall Blockbuster: Grand Theft Auto VI
November 19 brings the year’s biggest release. Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X after over a decade of development. Rockstar’s previous entry sold over 200 million copies, creating pressure that delayed this sequel repeatedly. The announcement trailer broke records across platforms. The Verge documented 93 million views within 24 hours, surpassing any previous video game trailer in YouTube history.
GTA VI returns to Vice City with dual protagonists – a first for the series. The map reportedly dwarfs GTA V’s Los Santos. Online components will evolve from GTA Online’s blueprint, which generated billions in microtransaction revenue since 2013. Expect nothing else to release in November. Publishers learned from past GTA launches that competing against Rockstar means losing.
TBA 2026: Dates Still Pending
Several major titles target 2026 without confirmed launch windows. These games could arrive any month once developers lock schedules. Games awaiting specific release dates:
- Control Resonant continues Remedy’s connected universe after Alan Wake 2’s success.
- The Duskbloods launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave brings tactical RPG gameplay to Switch 2.
- Marvel’s Wolverine delivers Insomniac’s take on the X-Men character for PS5.
- Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis reboots Lara Croft again with Unreal Engine 5.
- Zero Parades: For Dead Spies introduces new stealth action IP.
Marvel’s Wolverine carries high expectations after Insomniac’s Spider-Man games sold tens of millions combined. Sony’s financial reports credit first-party exclusives as primary drivers of PlayStation platform engagement. Wolverine’s M-rated approach promises something grittier than web-slinging adventures.
Additional titles still awaiting dates:
- Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve continues Bandai Namco’s flight combat series.
- Multiple unannounced projects from major studios likely targeting fall windows.
- Potential Game Pass day-one releases from Xbox first-party teams.
Switch 2 exclusives remain partially mysterious. Nintendo reveals software closer to launch windows than competitors. Fire Emblem and Duskbloods suggest strong RPG support for the new hardware during year one.
What 2026 Means for Players
The year balances nostalgia against innovation. Established franchises like Resident Evil and Fire Emblem satisfy existing fanbases. New properties from Naughty Dog and Housemarque push creative boundaries. GTA VI bridges both worlds – familiar brand, fresh setting. Console owners face spending decisions throughout the year. Full-price games cost $70 each. Purchasing every major release from this list exceeds $500 easily. Game Pass subscribers gain day-one access to certain titles, changing value calculations for Xbox and PC players.
Patient gamers could hold out for reviews after recent launch mishaps in the industry. Pre-order culture waned after too many fractured releases left early adopters burned. Savvy buyers wait for the reviews in the launch coverage. What game occupies the top slot on your 2026 wishlist? The diversity means there is a little something to suit almost every preference – open world crime, survival horror, tactical strategy, super hero action. The hardest part is finding the time to play everything that’s worth playing.
