Welcome, gamers new and old, to 2026. If you are new to the hobby, a lapsed gamer, or just looking to see what is in store this year, I have you covered. 2025 felt like a factory reset of the industry, so there has never been a better time to jump in. The years of post-pandemic delays and rumors appear to be at an end, and the table is finally set for the next (current) generation.
The biggest headliner of 2025 was, of course, the June 5 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. With over 10 million units sold in the first 6 months, Nintendo proved its 'hybrid theory' (Linkin Park pun fully intended) was no fluke. Switch 2 kicked the doors down again and, with a dollop of NVIDIA DLSS, nudged its way confidently between your Series X/S and PS5. Nintendo isn't here for third place this time round.
Over on Sony's side of the field, the PS5 Pro has spent its first full year in the wild, establishing PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) as the standard for high-fidelity console gaming. We aren't just brute-forcing pixels anymore; we’re using AI to will them into existence, allowing us to hit 4K/60fps on hardware that would have buckled under the weight just two years ago.
Microsoft has had a bit of a weird one. Xbox seems intent on becoming a full-blown software developer, but at every opportunity, it reminds everyone that it is still firmly rooted in the hardware business. We've seen more exclusives in 2025 jump ship from the green box to other platforms, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5. Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo, being announced for PlayStation day one, was a crazy moment for older Xbox fans like myself. It felt like when Sonic showed up on a Nintendo platform for the first time, wild times.
And to round it all up, out of nowhere, Valve threw their hat in the ring when they announced the Steam Machine. A traditional, albeit digital, home console to complement their already successful handheld, the Steam Deck. This one could be the wildcard that shakes up the entire gaming landscape in 2026. Not much is known yet about the new challenger, but we will look into it and more in our Gamers Guide to 2026.
Nintendo Switch 2
If the original Switch was testing the water, the Switch 2 is a deep-sea diver. For the first time in two decades, Nintendo isn't just competing on novelty and first-party franchises; it has the technical muscle to keep up with the big boys.
Secret Weapon: DLSS 3.5
The biggest hurdle for the original Switch was the ports; sure, they worked, but at what cost? The Witcher 3, for example, is a marvel on the system for the fact that it even runs, but the sacrifice for playing is viewing it through a vaseline-smeared 30 fps lens. In 2026, that will be a thing of the past.
- The Magic: Using NVIDIA DLSS 3.5, the Switch 2 renders games at a lower internal resolution and uses AI to reconstruct the image to a crisp 4K when docked.
- The Result: You can finally play third-party heavy hitters like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring on a Nintendo handheld without it looking like a blurry mess on your TV. Even in handheld mode, fast-paced fighters like Street Fighter 6 maintain a steady 60 fps.
The Switch 2 Starter Set (What You Missed)
If you’re just picking up the console now, you’re likely chasing these late-2025 essentials:
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Released Dec 4, 2025, this is the system’s graphical showcase. If you want to see what the new system can do, this is the first game you should try.
- Mario Kart World: The launch-window titan. While I didn't think it was better than MK8 Deluxe, you should always pick up a new Mario Kart. Open world-lite kart racing fun for players of all ages.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: The surprise hit of last year and the first 3D DK in decades proved that the Mario team hasn't lost their touch with platforming. My personal GOTY.
Return to Form
Visually stunning, faithful return that plays it safe, offering familiarity over bold innovation.
Race Away
Ambitious open-world racer impresses visually, but lacks standout tracks compared to its legendary predecessor.
Kong Chaos
Joyful, destructive collectathon showcases platforming excellence, overflowing with charm, creativity, and content.
The 2026 Ones to Watch
Now that we’ve moved past the launch hype and staggered releases, the 2026 slate is where Nintendo will let the Switch 2 loose with some absolute bangers.
- Pokémon Pokopia (March 5, 2026): Think Pokémon meets Animal Crossing with a splash of Minecraft. This is the franchise's first foray into a life-sim, where you build and manage your own Pokémon-inhabited town.
- Mario Tennis Fever (February 12, 2026): Nintendo is bringing back its "Sports" crown with a vengeance. The new gimmick here is the Fever Rackets, which allow for some wild physics, like duplicating your ball mid-flight or literally freezing the court.
- Resident Evil Requiem (February 27, 2026): Capcom’s latest horror masterpiece is launching day-and-date on Switch 2 alongside the PS5 and Xbox versions. While the other consoles have the raw power, the Switch 2 version holds its own thanks to some incredible DLSS optimization. It’s the first time you can play a new mainline Resident Evil in the palm of your hand without feeling like you're missing out on the graphics.
PlayStation 5 Pro
2025 marked the PS5 Pro's first year on the market. Bringing us half a step toward the PS6, the new machine is an absolute powerhouse that sits comfortably atop the console landscape. If you’re playing on a 4K OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, this isn't just an upgrade; it’s a necessity.
Secret Weapon: PSSR
Sony’s trick for 2026 is PSSR. In simple terms, the console uses internal smarts to fill in the gaps of an image.
- The Magic: PSSR uses a dedicated AI engine to analyze every pixel on your screen in real-time. It takes a lower-resolution image and fills in the missing detail, effectively upscaling it to a crisp 4K without the heavy lifting usually required by the GPU.
- The Result: We’ve finally hit the holy grail: 4K at a locked 60 fps (and sometimes 120 fps) with full Ray Tracing enabled, meaning no more fuzzy edges or shimmering textures in the distance.
The PS5 Pro Starter Set (What You Missed)
If you just unboxed your Pro, these are the three games that define why you spent the extra cash:
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: This remake was a masterclass in modernizing a classic. On the Pro, the jungle detail is so dense it’s actually intimidating. Seeing the mud deform and Snake’s injuries heal in real time in 4K is a phenomenal achievement.
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach: Kojima’s latest fever dream is a technical marvel. On the Pro, the character models cross the Uncanny Valley and land firmly in "Is this a movie?" territory. The best-looking game on any console, period.
- Monster Hunter Wilds: While the base console can struggle when the screen fills with massive monsters and dynamic weather, the Pro eats it for breakfast. Keeping a steady frame rate during a desert lightning storm makes the hunt feel infinitely better.
Snake Bite
Faithful, stunning remake preserving story, voice, and gameplay, accessible for newcomers.
Beach Battle
Sequel blends delivery, action, and emotional storytelling into a unique, addictive, cinematic experience.
Fight Monsters
Dynamic, engaging Monster Hunter with improved story, mechanics, and addictive endgame content.
The 2026 Ones to Watch
The 2026 calendar for Sony is dominated by one thing, but a few other heavy hitters are clawing for your attention.
- Grand Theft Auto VI (November 19, 2026): Let’s not beat around the bush, this is why the PS5 Pro exists. Rockstar has already teased that the Pro will be the only console capable of running the game with Advanced Ray-Traced Global Illumination at launch. If you want Vice City to look like a photo, this is your platform.
- Marvel’s Wolverine (Fall 2026): Insomniac is back, and the early gameplay leaks from late '25 showed off a level of gore and environmental destruction we haven't seen on consoles yet. Expect this to be the Pro’s big holiday showcase.
- Halo: Campaign Evolved (TBA 2026): Yes, it’s still weird to type that. But the Master Chief is officially landing on PlayStation this year. Whether you’re an old Xbox vet or a Sony pony, seeing 'Big John' rendered in 4K with PSSR is going to be a "where were you when" moment.
Xbox Series X
While Sony focuses on building better hardware, Microsoft is focused on creating a better way to play. As we enter 2026, we stand at a significant milestone: November 15, 2026, marks the 25th Anniversary of the original Xbox.
For those of us who remember the giant Duke controller and the first time we stepped onto a Halo ring, it’s a year of heavy nostalgia, but Microsoft is using that history to launch a very different future.
Secret Weapon: Game Pass Ultimate
In 2026, the value of an Xbox isn't just in the hardware under your TV; it’s in your login.
- The Magic: Game Pass Ultimate has evolved. With the recent launch of the ROG Xbox Ally (the first official Xbox-branded handheld PC), the line between console and PC has officially vanished.
- The Result: You can start Gears of War on your Series X, continue it on your handheld during your commute, and finish the level on your work laptop at lunch. In a world where games cost $70+, having a single subscription that covers every screen you own is a massive consumer win.
The Series X Starter Set (What You Missed)
- DOOM: The Dark Ages: It’s a prequel that swaps the speed of Eternal for a heavy, "iron tank" feel. Walking through medieval battlefields with a Shield Saw while the metal soundtrack kicks in is pure, unadulterated Xbox greatness.
- Avowed: Obsidian finally dropped their big fantasy RPG in February, and it was a return to form for them. It’s not a 200-hour slog; it’s a tight, choice-driven adventure with some of the best magic combat we’ve seen in years. If you skipped it, the Living Lands is a world you need to get lost in.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: The biggest shadow drop in history. Bethesda released a ground-up remake of the 2006 classic in April 2025. Seeing the Imperial City in modern 4K was a massive nostalgia trip that kept everyone busy while we continued the long wait for ES6.
The 2026 Ones to Watch
Microsoft is going all-in on its legacy IPs to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary.
- Gears of War: E-Day (Summer 2026): This is the one we’ve been waiting for. A prequel taking us back to the horror of Emergence Day with a young Marcus Fenix. It’s a technical showcase for Unreal Engine 5 and a return to the gritty roots of the series.
- Fable (Fall 2026): Playground Games is finally letting us back into Albion. The previews have shown off a world that’s as hilarious as it is beautiful. Expect this to be the "Big One" for the 25th Anniversary month.
- Forza Horizon 6 (Spring 2026): Rumors of a Japan setting have been confirmed. Tearing through the neon streets of Tokyo and the mountain passes of Fuji at a locked 60fps is going to be the visual highlight of the year.
Steam Machine
And now we come to the wild card. Just when we thought the "Console War" was a three-way dance, Valve decided they wanted a permanent spot under your TV. After the original Steam Machines flopped a decade ago, Valve spent years lab-testing the tech with the Steam Deck.
Now, in 2026, they are back with a vengeance.
Secret Weapon: SteamOS
The new Steam Machine (officially announced in late 2025) is a sleek, 6-inch matte black cube. It looks like an Xbox Series X that’s been put through a hydraulic press - compact, minimalist, and designed to disappear into your media center.
- The Magic: Unlike the original version, this isn't a confusing mess of third-party boxes. This is 100% Valve hardware running a refined, big-screen version of SteamOS. It’s basically a Steam Deck that traded its screen and battery for a desktop-class GPU and 4K output.
- The Secret Weapon - The Steam Controller 2: The new controller comes in the box. It keeps the legendary trackpads from the Deck but adds Magnetic TMR thumbsticks (zero stick drift!) and a massive 35-hour battery life. It includes a puck that doubles as a wireless charger.
The Steam Machine Starter Set (What You Missed)
If you’re a PC gamer, you don’t need a "Starter Set" - you already own one. The second you log in, your entire Steam library is just there.
- Half-Life 2: RTX: The definitive way to play a legend. Seeing City 17 with full path-traced lighting on your TV feels like seeing it for the first time.
- Deadlock: Valve’s 6v6 hero shooter has been the most-played game on Steam for months. The new controller’s precision trackpads make it competitive with mouse-and-keyboard players.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: While the Switch 2 struggles and the PS5 Pro glides, the Steam Machine sits right in the middle, offering a PC experience that makes your living room feel like a $1,500 battlestation.
The 2026 Ones to Watch
- The Three Valve Rumors: Every forum from Reddit to ResetEra is currently on fire with rumors of an Orange Box 2 or a Half-Life 3. Valve has been quiet, but they’ve teased a "Major Flagship Title" for the Summer 2026 window.
- Steam Frame Integration: Valve’s new VR headset, the Steam Frame, launches alongside the machine. It’s standalone but can wirelessly hand off processing to a Steam Machine, enabling high-end VR without a bulky PC in the room.
- The Verified for TV Program: Just like the Deck, Valve is labeling games that work perfectly on the Steam Machine. Expect 2026 to be the year where Controller Support becomes the #1 priority for every indie dev on the planet.
For more, stick with us at Gfinityesports: your go-to source for all things gaming.