Upcoming Video Game Release Schedule 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for gaming, with long-awaited sequels, brand-new IPs, and returning franchises launching across every major platform. Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo hardware, there’s going to be something worth marking on your calendar.

Below is a month-by-month release guide to help you keep track of what’s coming in 2026, including major AAA launches and notable indie titles. Release dates can change, so consider this your go-to roadmap for what’s on the horizon.

January 2026 Game Releases

January often kicks off the year with smaller but exciting titles – perfect for players looking to clear their backlog after the holiday rush.

Many gamers spend this month catching up on popular titles they missed, like Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, or Helldivers 2, especially when digital sales are running.

This is also when players plan their budget for upcoming releases, and a common strategy is to stock up early on digital gift cards to grab games instantly when something drops.

February 2026 Game Releases

February tends to be the first month where bigger releases start rolling in. It’s also a great time for competitive and co-op experiences.

Games like Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, and Rainbow Six Siege keep pulling players back with new seasons and updates – and a surprise new release can easily steal the spotlight.

If you play on PC, having a Steam gift card ready can be useful for last-minute game launches, seasonal discounts, and add-ons.

March 2026 Game Releases

March is historically one of the busiest months for major new titles, as publishers aim to launch before the spring rush.

This is also a big month for RPG fans who enjoy massive worlds like The Witcher 3, Final Fantasy, or Elden Ring, since many studios love to launch large adventures around this period.

Console players often plan ahead with an Xbox gift card or PlayStation gift card, especially for premium editions that include early access or bonus content.

April 2026 Game Releases

April is usually a strong month for variety – big games still arrive, but indie releases and creative experiments also get time to shine.

It’s also a great month for Nintendo players who love titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

For eShop purchases, a Nintendo Switch gift card can be a simple way to grab games instantly or take advantage of limited-time digital bundles.

May 2026 Game Releases

By May, publishers often start ramping up toward summer with larger releases and multiplayer-heavy games – and with GTA 6 currently set to launch on May 26, 2026, anticipation across the industry tends to ramp up even more.

June 2026 Game Releases

June is one of the most exciting months of the year thanks to major announcements, showcases, and surprise release drops.

It’s common to see new trailers for massive games like Grand Theft Auto, The Elder Scrolls, and upcoming PlayStation exclusives. Even if a game isn’t releasing immediately, June often reveals the titles that will dominate the rest of the year.

If you’re switching between platforms, keeping a few digital gift cards available makes it easier to buy quickly – whether on console or PC.

July 2026 Game Releases

July is a mix: some publishers slow down, but others release games that benefit from less competition.

This month is also popular for people returning to evergreen hits like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, which continue to attract millions of players year after year.

August 2026 Game Releases

August often brings a wave of late-summer launches, including action titles and competitive games aiming for long-term seasonal play.

This is also when many gamers revisit big multiplayer favorites like EA Sports FC, NBA 2K, and Rocket League, especially as new editions or seasonal updates appear.

A Steam gift card can be especially useful here, since PC storefront sales and bonus bundles tend to be stacked during the late-summer window.

September 2026 Game Releases

September starts the ramp-up to holiday season – and it often arrives with huge releases or early launches ahead of the busiest months.

It’s also a huge month for annual favorites like NBA 2K, Madden NFL, and EA Sports FC, along with major shooters and live-service titles that push new seasons.

If you’re planning to buy new releases or DLC, an Xbox gift card or PlayStation gift card can make checkout faster.

October 2026 Game Releases

October is one of the biggest months of the year. Horror games thrive here, and blockbuster titles start landing weekly.

Players usually see major launches, plus updates for big titles like Resident Evil, Dead by Daylight, or darker seasonal events in Fortnite and Call of Duty.

With so many releases, many people buy gaming gift cards so they can quickly grab whatever becomes the surprise hit of the month.

November 2026 Game Releases

November is the heart of holiday gaming. This is the month where publishers drop their biggest projects.

It’s also when franchises like Call of Duty, large open-world games, and major RPGs tend to dominate conversation – along with huge sales events that encourage upgrading your game library.

This is a great time to grab gifts for friends, and options like a PlayStation gift card, Nintendo Switch gift card, or Steam gift card are often easier than guessing which exact game someone wants.

December 2026 Game Releases

December is usually lighter for brand-new launches, but it’s packed with big updates, expansions, and end-of-year editions.

Many gamers spend December grinding events in long-running favorites like Genshin Impact, Destiny 2, and Fortnite, while others take advantage of end-of-year sales to pick up discounted hits.

It’s also one of the best times to use digital gift cards for deals on full games, DLC, and bundles.

Games With 2026 Release Windows (TBA)

Not every game has a confirmed date yet, but plenty of titles are expected to arrive sometime in 2026. These “TBA” games can shift months – or slip into the next year – so they’re worth keeping on a watchlist.

Best Ways To Buy Games in 2026

With so many releases coming, planning ahead can help you stay on top of your wishlist while managing your budget.

Here are a few simple approaches gamers use:

Use platform credit for flexibility

Buying games with digital gift cards lets you choose later – instead of locking in a preorder too early.

Keep options for every console

Different players stick with different platforms. Popular options include:

• Steam gift card
• Xbox gift card
• PlayStation gift card
• Nintendo Switch gift card

Full Games Release Schedule

From massive blockbusters to unexpected indie hits, 2026 is shaping up to be packed with games worth playing. Keep an eye on release updates as dates change, and consider keeping digital gift cards ready for the platform you play on most.