My Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2026

2025 was a strange year for me with a lot of ups and downs. Still, I can't deny that it was an incredible year for video games. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong are sure to become future classics. We also saw huge AAA releases like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Silent Hill F, as well as memorable indie hits like Blue Prince, Peak, Absolum, Mega Bonk, and Ball x Pit. It really was an amazing year!

But alas, it is now 2026, and with the dawn of the new year comes a brand-new year of anticipation for the world of video games. Some massive games are coming this year, and in this article, I'm going to talk about MY personal Top 10 Anticipated Games of 2026.

---

DISCLAIMER

This list is just my opinion. If you're excited about games that aren't here, that's awesome. If you think some games should be ranked higher, that's cool too. Every gamer has their own taste buds.

---

#10. Rhythm Heaven Groove

Nintendo Switch

2026

I played Rhythm Heaven on the Nintendo DS over and over with my brother, and I think it's one of the best rhythm games ever, right up there with Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and PaRappa the Rapper. Rhythm Heaven Groove is the first new game in the series since 2015's Rhythm Heaven Megamix on the 3DS, and I can't wait to jump back in.

Imagine the fast-paced mini games of WarioWare mixed with the rhythm of PaRappa the Rapper—that's Rhythm Heaven. Every mini-game is full of charm. Whether you're tapping along with a boy kicking a football, karate-chopping dumplings, or saluting as an army-trained pelican, Rhythm Heaven is wacky, addictive, challenging, and always fun to replay.

---

#9: Control Resonant

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

2026

Whenever Remedy Entertainment releases a new game, I'm always excited to play it right away. From the dark, film noir style of Max Payne to the horror and mystery of Alan Wake, and the trippy sci-fi action of Control, Remedy is one of my favourite game developers.

Still, Control didn't grab me as much as some of their other games. I enjoyed it when it came out in 2019, but it didn't have the same impact as Max Payne or Alan Wake. But when Control Resonant was announced at the Game Awards, I got really excited. It looks darker and grittier than the first game, and I'm curious to see what Remedy has planned.

---

#8: Mouse: P.I. for Hire

PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PC

March 19, 2026

Waiting for this game has been tough. I like first-person shooters, though they aren't my favourite genre. But when you mix the 1930s rubber-hose animation style from Cuphead with a black-and-white, gritty film-noir setting, I'm instantly interested.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire looks amazing. It takes the first-person shooter and gives it a new visual style, adding charm and personality that many other shooters lack. I first thought it was only coming to Steam, but now that it's coming to consoles too, I'll definitely be picking it up in March, either on PS5 or Switch 2.

---

#7: Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

May 29, 2026

Lego games were a huge part of my childhood. I spent a lot of time playing Lego Rock Band, Lego Indiana Jones, and Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Still, many Lego games from the late 2000s and 2010s felt pretty similar and repetitive.

But when Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga came out in 2022, it really changed things up for the series. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight seems to follow that new style and adds in the great combat from the Batman: Arkham games. This could be the best Lego game yet. As a big Batman fan, I can't wait for Legacy of the Dark Knight in May 2026.

---

#6: Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access)

PC

March 2026

I usually don't get too into Early Access games on Steam, but I can't help wanting to try Slay the Spire 2. Roguelikes are one of my favourite genres. I love the challenge, the addictive gameplay, and the rush you get when you finally beat a tough run.

I only played Slay the Spire for the first time late last year, and it quickly became one of my favourite roguelikes. The deck-building is fantastic, and it really fits the saying "easy to learn, hard to master." We don't know when Slay the Spire 2 will fully release, but I'll definitely try the Early Access in March 2026.

---

#5: Marvel's Wolverine

PlayStation 5

2026

At last, there's a PlayStation 5 game that might actually make the console's price worth it. PS5 exclusives have been pretty limited so far, especially compared to older PlayStation consoles. But Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games feels like a real reassurance for me.

Insomniac Games has made Wolverine more violent than Spider-Man, which I think fits Logan's character much better. I also like that the game reportedly won't be open-world, but will feature open areas that change as the story progresses. The game looks great, and the trailer won me over right away. I'll definitely be playing Marvel's Wolverine when it comes out in the second half of 2026.

---

#4: Grand Theft Auto VI

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

November 19, 2026

I know... GTA VI isn't my top pick for 2026, but that doesn't mean I'm not excited. I can't wait for it. It's hard to even describe how huge Grand Theft Auto VI is going to be. I wouldn't be surprised if it breaks every video game record upon launch.

I enjoy the Grand Theft Auto series, but I'm actually a bigger fan of Red Dead Redemption when it comes to Rockstar games. Still, I'll be picking up GTA VI on day one. It's going to be a huge cultural event, and I'm all in.

---

#3: 007 First Light

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

May 27, 2026

It's wild to think IO Interactive announced 007 First Light back in 2020, before Hitman 3 even came out. The wait has been long, but my excitement just keeps growing. I'm a huge James Bond fan, and I really believe IO Interactive is the best studio to make a Bond game right now.

007 First Light is the first James Bond game in 14 years, and I love that it has an original story with a new take on 007. He's younger and hasn't earned his 00 status yet, but every trailer shows all the right ingredients for a great game and a great Bond story. There's wit, action, cool cars, and memorable villains. I really hope 007 First Light lives up to the hype when it comes out in May 2026.

---

#2: Resident Evil Requiem

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

February 27, 2026

Every time a new Resident Evil game is released, it feels like a big event. Since Resident Evil VII revived the series, every new release or remake has been a big deal, and Resident Evil Requiem is no different—especially with Leon S. Kennedy returning.

What excites me most about Resident Evil Requiem is that it has two campaigns, which hasn't happened in a main Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 6. The first campaign stars Grace Ashcroft and is more for horror fans, while the second stars Leon and is more action-focused, like Resident Evil 4. I love that Capcom is making something for both types of fans. I can't wait to see what new scares are in store when Resident Evil Requiem comes out in February 2026.

---

Honourable Mentions

There are plenty of other games I'm excited about that didn't make my Top 10. So, just like WatchMojo, here are my honourable mentions in alphabetical order:

• The Duskbloods - Nintendo Switch 2 - 2026

• Fable - Xbox Series X|S, PC - 2026

• Halo: Campaign Evolved - PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC - 2026

• Judas - PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC - TBA

• Mario Tennis Fever - Nintendo Switch 2 - February 12, 2026

• Mewgenics - PC - February 10, 2026

• Reanimal - PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC - February 13, 2026

• Saros - PlayStation 5 - April 30, 2026

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book - Nintendo Switch 2 - 2026

---

#1: Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

2026

For the second year in a row, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is my most anticipated game. I really thought it would be released last year, so the delay was tough. I've been waiting for a new Professor Layton since Azran Legacy in 2014. The wait has been long, and I just hope it finally comes out this year.

I've talked a lot about how much I love the Professor Layton series on Gaming Australia, but I can't put into words how much New World of Steam means to me. Until it's released, it will stay at the top of my list.

---

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2026: Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading about the games I'm most excited for in 2026. What games are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, take care and have a great 2026!

---