2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gamers, with Rockstar Games’ GTA 6 topping the anticipation ladder and Switch 2 entering its first full year on the market. The release calendar reads like a living document, blending long-awaited sequels with bold new IP across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo ecosystems. As publishers reveal firm dates, the timeline tightens from a wide 2026 window into concrete days, weeks, and quarterly milestones. This article aggregates the month-by-month outlook, highlights the biggest drops, and flags undated titles that could reshape the year. If you followed 2025’s launch wave, you’ll recognize the pattern: strategic platform crossovers, cross‑gen expectations, and a relentless push from Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Bethesda, Square Enix, Rockstar Games, Capcom, Activision, and others. Stay tuned: the calendar will continue to evolve as new announcements roll in.
Exciting Release Calendar for 2026: Monthly Highlights and Major Drops
The year kicks off with a mix of JRPG remasters, strategy titles, and platform staples, followed by a spring surge led by one of the most anticipated launches in gaming history. The calendar below distills confirmed dates and credible windows, offering a practical roadmap for players planning purchases and milestones.
- January includes The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch, PC) on January 15 and Hermit and Pig (PC) on January 22.
- February brings Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch, PC) on February 5, Mewgenics (PC) on February 10, Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2) on February 12, High on Life 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) on February 13, Tides of Tomorrow (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) on February 24, and Resident Evil Requiem (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC) on February 27.
- March features Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC) on March 13, Copa City (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) on March 26, and 007 First Light (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC) on March 27.
- May is headlined by Grand Theft Auto 6 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) on May 26.
- Undated window holds a broad slate of titles that publishers are dialing in, including long-expected entries and ambitious new IP from major studios.
GTA 6 and Switch 2: Year Shapers and Industry Trends
Two flagship developments stand out as 2026 unfolds. First, Grand Theft Auto 6 becomes a defining marquee for Sony and Microsoft platforms, shaping purchase cycles and online ecosystems. Second, Nintendo’s Switch 2 era reinforces the importance of cross‑gen experiences and portable power, pushing publishers to optimize for a broader audience. Together, these forces influence release cadences, marketing bets, and post-launch support across major publishers.
- Rockstar Games anchors the year with GTA 6, a title expected to redefine open‑world benchmarks on PlayStation and Xbox.
- Ubisoft and Electronic Arts drive multi-platform campaigns, balancing Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo audiences.
- Bethesda and Square Enix continue expanding their catalog with ambitious RPGs and live-service plans across PC and consoles.
- Capcom and Activision push competitive and co-op experiences that leverage cross‑play and community ecosystems.
- Platform implications: PlayStation and Xbox gamers will often share launch windows, while Nintendo’s Switch 2 ports and exclusive titles shape a different strategic approach.
- Industry dynamics: the year emphasizes cross‑platform optimization, anniversary events, and ongoing support for live-service titles alongside single‑player epics.
Platform Trends and Publisher Highlights
- PlayStation continues to host expansive single-player experiences while expanding multiplayer lifecycles with cross‑play and PC releases.
- Xbox maintains strong first‑party momentum, leveraging Game Pass to extend the reach of major launches.
- Nintendo strengthens its hybrid model, with Switch 2 defining portable power and docked versatility for new and evergreen IP.
- Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Bethesda, Square Enix, Rockstar Games, Capcom, and Activision each push a mix of sequels, remasters, and new franchises to keep audiences engaged all year long.
- Indie and mid‑tier studios seed 2026 with intriguing experiments, ensuring a broad spectrum of experiences beyond the biggest names.
Undated Titles To Watch
Beyond the firm dates, a growing list of titles remains in flux. Expect multiple hopefuls from major publishers to settle into concrete calendars as the year progresses. These undated projects span RPGs, action adventures, and strategy hits, with potential cross‑gen and platform‑exclusive moments that could shift release windows at short notice.
- New entries from established franchises with a focus on next‑gen performance.
- Ambitious indie players exploring innovative mechanics and narrative experimentation.
- Cross‑platform social and competitive titles designed to sustain busy online communities.
Further Reading and Release Dates Resources
For deeper dives and ongoing updates, consult a curated set of release calendars and platform roundups. These sources blend final dates with credible windows and platform-specific notes:
- Game Release Schedule Overview
- Upcoming Video Game Releases
- Video Game Release Dates Tracker
- Xbox Series Upcoming Titles
- Nintendo Direct Titles on Xbox and PC
- Top New Video Game Releases
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is GTA 6 releasing in 2026? GTA 6 is scheduled for a May 26 release on PlayStation and Xbox platforms, with additional PC and potential console enhancements announced closer to launch.
- Which platforms will Switch 2 support in 2026? Switch 2 is anticipated to be a central hub for a mix of first‑party exclusives and cross‑gen ports, alongside multi‑platform titles from major publishers.
- Are there any delays expected in the 2026 calendar? As with any year, timelines can shift; the calendar below reflects firm dates as they’re confirmed and flexible windows for others as publishers refine plans.
- Which publishers are driving 2026’s lineup? Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Bethesda, Square Enix, Rockstar Games, Capcom, and Activision are among the key players shaping the year, alongside platform holders and a range of studios from indie to AAA.
- Where can I follow real‑time updates? Check ongoing release calendars and platform pages, plus the linked sources, for the latest dates and official announcements.