Grab your controller, charge your headset, and clear some space on your wall for new gaming-inspired Displates, because the 2026 lineup is shaping up to be legendary for gamers. With the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, widely predicted to be one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time, we’ll also see plenty of sequels to popular franchises, along with a number of brand-new games across consoles and mobile.
So whether you’re a die-hard RPG adventurer, a sports simulation strategist, or someone who just loves the smell of digital rubber on virtual asphalt, this is your ultimate 2026 video game release calendar.
The Best 2026 Video Game Releases to Look Forward To
The year hasn’t even started yet, but the hype train for the 2026 video game release calendar is already full steam ahead. Developers and publishers have begun teasing what’s coming, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting gaming years in recent memory.
From long-awaited sequels to bold new IPs, these are the upcoming games already dominating wishlists and pre-order charts.
Editor’s Note: Release window dates are based on the latest information available at the time of publication and may change before the final official release.
| Title | Genre | Publisher | Release window |
| The Elder Scrolls VI | RPG | Bethesda Softworks | Late 2026 |
| Grand Theft Auto VI | Action / Open World | Rockstar Games | Early 2026 |
| EA Sports FC 26 | Sports | EA Sports | September 2026 |
| Forza Horizon 6 | Racing | Playground Games | Q4 2026 |
| Star Wars: Frontier Worlds | Action / Adventure | Respawn Entertainment | Summer 2026 |
| Cyberpunk 2077: Rebirth | RPG Expansion / Standalone | CD Projekt Red | TBD 2026 |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf Storm | FPS | Activision | November 2026 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Lost | Action / Adventure | Nintendo | TBD 2026 |
| The The Witcher IV | RPG | CD Projekt Red | TBD 2026 |
RPGs and Adventure Games That’ll Rule 2026
Let’s start where many gamers’ hearts truly lie: the world of immersive storytelling and open-world escapades.
The Elder Scrolls VI has been the holy grail of RPG fans for over a decade, and 2026 might finally be the year. Expect breathtaking landscapes, political intrigue, and more dragons than you can count. Bonus points if your first in-game action is stealing a sweet roll.
Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077: Rebirth is CDPR’s chance to prove that Night City still has life left in it. This standalone expansion promises a new protagonist, next-gen AI, and expanded roleplay systems.
The Witcher IV is reportedly launching as the start of a new saga, introducing a fresh storyline (and possibly a new protagonist, though Geralt might still make an appearance). Built on Unreal Engine 5, it marks CD Projekt Red’s shift away from its proprietary REDengine, promising a more dynamic and visually detailed world.
If you lean toward a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Frontier Worlds aims to blend exploration, bounty-hunting, and space combat in a seamless opeFrontier Worlds aims to blend exploration, bounty hunting, and space combat in a seamless open-world format. Think No Man’s Sky, but with lightsabers.
Upcoming Sports Video Games in 2026
Sports fans, rejoice! The upcoming sports video games of 2026 are set to make realism even more jaw-dropping.
EA Sports FC 26 (still unofficially “FIFA” in most of our hearts) continues to evolve with hyper-real player physics and the rumored addition of dynamic crowd interactions. For basketball fans, NBA 2K26 will likely launch with upgraded ProPLAY features, smoother animations, and deeper career modes.
On the more extreme side, whispers of a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater: Recharged reboot have skated across the internet, and if it’s true, we’re ready to relive our kickflip glory days in 4K.
Upcoming Racing Video Games in 2026
Few things get a gamer’s adrenaline pumping like the roar of engines, even if it’s digital. The 2026 racing video game lineup looks like a gearhead’s dream.
Forza Horizon 6 is rumored to take players to Japan, complete with drift culture, mountain passes, and neon-lit cities. If that’s true, prepare for photo-mode obsession levels like never before.
Meanwhile, Gran Turismo 8 is in development and could drop late in the year, pushing PS6 hardware to its limits (and our reaction times, too).
And let’s not forget Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown 2, said to expand the open-world racing formula with dynamic weather and real-time tournaments. Your garage of supercars is about to get a serious upgrade.
Other Cool Upcoming Video Games Worth Watching
Some games fly under the radar only to become cult classics—and 2026 has no shortage of potential candidates.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – yes (maybe), finally.
- BioShock 4 – rumored to be titled Isolation, set in a dystopian Antarctic city.
- Metroid Prime 5 – bringing back Samus in another visually stunning mission. Plenty of time to replay the series and get in the mood.
- The Sims 5 – possibly arriving as a full installment with massive social integration features.
And if the indie scene keeps up its momentum, expect more creative surprises like Hades II and Lies of P2. Watch this space: 2026 might just be the year when “indie” and “AAA” finally blur into one.
What Platforms Will Dominate 2026?
The battle between consoles and PCs isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As 2026 rolls in, we could see the arrival of the PlayStation 6 and an upgraded Xbox Series X2, each promising lightning-fast load times, massive open worlds, and even more photorealistic environments.
Meanwhile, PC gaming continues to reign supreme for players who love customization and raw power. With next-gen GPUs and Unreal Engine 5 pushing visuals into cinematic territory, 2026 could be the year we stop saying “realistic” and start saying “indistinguishable.” Expect developers to lean heavily into ray tracing, AI-driven rendering, and cross-platform saves that make switching between devices almost effortless.
And of course, portable gaming is having a major glow-up. The Steam Deck 2 and Nintendo Switch successor are already turning heads, while the handheld ROG Xbox Ally—released in late 2025—is gaining traction fast. Designed for full Game Pass integration and cloud gaming, it’s bridging the gap between console and handheld in a way fans have dreamed of for years. Whether you’re grinding XP on the train or racing through Tokyo in Forza Horizon 6 from your couch, gaming on the go is about to hit a whole new level.
The Future of Gaming Looks Unreal (Literally)
Between Unreal Engine 5 advancements, AI-powered NPCs, and cinematic storytelling that rivals Hollywood, the 2026 game releases are shaping up to redefine what gaming even means.
If 2025 was about innovation, 2026’s video game releases will be about immersion. Expect worlds that feel alive, mechanics that evolve with you, and graphics so sharp they’ll make your GPU beg for mercy.
So, while you’re saving up for that next console upgrade, don’t forget to celebrate your gamer identity IRL. Deck out your space with Displates featuring your favorite gaming titles to match your epic virtual adventures.
