As the industry moves past 2025 and toward a packed 2026, anticipation around upcoming video games is already taking shape. Grand Theft Auto 6 continues to dominate headlines, but not every player sees Rockstar’s next blockbuster as their most exciting prospect. Looking across the release calendar for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and Xbox platforms, a different picture emerges - one where variety, developer trust, and gameplay design can matter more than scale alone.
Rather than focusing only on market hype, this article examines which games are generating genuine personal interest and why GTA 6, despite its status, doesn’t automatically sit at the top of the list.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Release Window
With many players still clearing through their 2025 backlogs, attention is shifting to what 2026 might deliver. Several major publishers are lining up sequels, reboots, and platform updates that aim to define the second half of the current console generation. The rise of Switch 2 alongside PlayStation 5 and evolving Xbox strategies means players are increasingly thinking about where and how they want to play, not just what they want to play.
That context matters when considering anticipation. A technically impressive game is important, but accessibility, pricing, and familiarity with a studio’s previous work often shape excitement just as much as trailers do.
Revisiting Familiar Worlds on New Hardware
Nintendo’s presence in 2026 is already anchored by upgraded versions of existing titles. Final Fantasy 7 Remake arriving on Switch 2 offers a portable entry point for players who skipped the original release. For many, interest is cautious rather than urgent, driven more by timing and price than by immediate need.
A similar situation applies to Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s Switch 2 Edition. While the original was well received, replaying it depends largely on how meaningful the new content feels compared to its cost. The idea of revisiting familiar worlds is appealing, but only when the upgrade feels justified rather than mandatory.
These releases highlight a broader trend for 2026: platform upgrades alone don’t guarantee excitement unless they add real value.
Curiosity Around New and Returning Franchises
Several mid-to-high-profile releases sit in a space between curiosity and commitment. FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods draws attention largely because of Elden Ring’s open-ended design. Players who normally struggle with the studio’s more rigid structure are interested in seeing whether this new project embraces freedom or leans back toward traditional difficulty-focused progression.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also fits into this category. Its puzzle-heavy, exploration-driven approach differs from action-first adventure games, and that change in pace makes it more interesting to revisit, especially if future releases land on Switch 2 at the right price point.
Meanwhile, Playground Games’ Fable reboot benefits from the studio’s reputation with the Forza Horizon series. Even without nostalgia for the original Fable titles, there’s interest in seeing how Playground handles RPG mechanics after years of building technically strong open worlds around driving.
Sony’s Narrative and Action-Driven Lineup
Sony’s upcoming slate continues to emphasize cinematic action and strong presentation. Marvel’s Wolverine is one of the most visible PlayStation 5 projects in development, following the success of Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales. The question isn’t whether it will be polished, but whether it can meaningfully separate itself from Spider-Man’s structure rather than feeling like a reskin with claws.
Control: Resonant, however, stands out for different reasons. The original Control built its reputation on telekinetic powers, unusual storytelling, and atmosphere rather than spectacle alone. Its follow-up carries expectations around expanding those systems while keeping the unsettling tone that defined Remedy’s earlier work. Among narrative-focused action games, Control: Resonant feels less predictable and therefore more compelling.
Horror and Legacy Franchises in 2026
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem adds another layer to the 2026 landscape. While not every player identifies as a long-term Resident Evil fan, the franchise’s consistency keeps it relevant. Early impressions suggest a return to familiar locations like Racoon City, paired with classic survival horror elements such as zombies and recognizable characters.
The appeal here isn’t reinvention, but refinement. For players who enjoy structured tension and exploration, Resident Evil Requiem offers something dependable in a year filled with experimentation.
Why GTA 6 Still Isn’t the Top Pick
Grand Theft Auto 6 is almost guaranteed to be one of the most important releases of the decade. Rockstar’s track record suggests a technically ambitious open world that pushes PlayStation 5 and Xbox hardware. Yet anticipation is shaped by more than reputation alone.
A lack of recent gameplay footage creates uncertainty, and ongoing conversations about Rockstar’s internal culture affect how some players view the studio. There’s also the persistent sense that GTA 6 could face further delays, making it harder to fully commit excitement this far out.
That doesn’t diminish GTA 6’s potential impact, but it does explain why it might rank behind games that feel more tangible, better understood, or closer in scope to what players already know they enjoy.
Forza Horizon 6 and the Value of Consistency
Forza Horizon 6 becomes a standout largely because of reliability. Even for players who don’t normally gravitate toward racing games, the Horizon series mixes structure with freedom. Off-road events, street races, speed challenges, and large-scale showcase moments provide variety beyond traditional circuits.
The expectation of smooth performance, broad accessibility, and creative event design makes Forza Horizon 6 feel like a safer emotional investment than a massive but distant open-world project. If it launches day one on PlayStation 5, its appeal widens even further. If not, alternative platforms still make it approachable.
In contrast to GTA 6’s mystery, Forza Horizon 6 benefits from clarity: players already understand what kind of experience they are getting.
Platform Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Anticipation for 2026 is also shaped by how platform holders position themselves. Nintendo is expected to deliver something substantial for Switch 2, whether through a new 3D Mario, a Zelda remake, or expanded third-party support.
Sony continues to face pressure to strengthen its first-party output beyond isolated projects like Wolverine. Players want clearer roadmaps and more frequent exclusives that justify long-term investment in PlayStation 5.
Microsoft, meanwhile, is navigating uncertainty around Xbox’s future. Rumors of PC-style consoles and wider platform integration sounded promising, but Game Pass price increases weaken that momentum. Expanding day-one releases to PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 could do more to rebuild interest than hardware revisions alone.
The Bigger Picture for 2026 Gaming
What defines anticipation in 2026 isn’t simply scale, graphics, or marketing. It’s about trust, consistency, and how well a game fits into a player’s habits and platforms. GTA 6 may still dominate headlines, but games like Forza Horizon 6, Control: Resonant, and Resident Evil Requiem show that excitement grows from understanding what an experience will feel like, not just how big it will be.
In that sense, GTA 6 doesn’t lose importance. It simply shares the spotlight with projects that feel closer, clearer, and more personally aligned with how people actually play.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why isn’t GTA 6 the most anticipated game for everyone?
While GTA 6 is expected to be huge, uncertainty around gameplay footage, possible delays, and Rockstar’s recent reputation make some players more excited about clearer, more familiar experiences.
What makes Forza Horizon 6 stand out in 2026?
Forza Horizon 6 benefits from proven design, varied events, and accessibility. Players already know what the series delivers, which makes anticipation feel safer and more grounded.
Is Switch 2 important for 2026 gaming?
Yes. Switch 2 expands Nintendo’s role in third-party releases and upgrades, making portability and cross-platform availability more relevant for players planning future purchases.
Which Sony games are drawing attention for 2026?
Marvel’s Wolverine and Control: Resonant are key titles, with Control: Resonant standing out for its powers-based combat and atmospheric storytelling.
Will GTA 6 still be one of the biggest releases of the decade?
Almost certainly. Even if it isn’t everyone’s top personal pick, GTA 6 is expected to push technical limits and shape the open-world genre when it releases.
