I have been covering games for several years – here are the most significant events that took place in 2026.

      Reflecting on 2025, the standout stories will surely be the Switch 2 and the emergence of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but 2026 could potentially surpass it – particularly with the anticipated release of GTA 6.

      Each platform holder has made strides with notable exclusives, but this year, PC gaming is also enjoying its share of excitement. Valve is set to launch a hybrid console/PC Steam Machine, and there’s an unprecedented number of handheld PCs vying for attention.

      It promises to be an intriguing year – here’s why.

      All attention on GTA 6

      When it comes to games, we must begin with Grand Theft Auto 6. Its prominence is such that it could either overshadow all other titles in the industry or lead to a surge in console sales, attracting even more players to gaming.

      Originally scheduled for a May 2025 release, the game has since been postponed to May 2026, and then delayed once more in November. Interestingly, the game itself has become less of a focus than the controversies surrounding its development, particularly accusations against Rockstar Games of illegally terminating a group of developers over alleged leaks.

      Will RAM shortages cause chaos?

      As we discuss major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, a common issue among them (along with Valve and nearly all manufacturers) is the ongoing RAM crisis.

      Due to RAM being redirected to data centers to fuel AI capabilities that shareholders desire, prices have skyrocketed. This scarcity poses challenges for consumers and could impede console manufacturing (and future generations), potentially resulting in further price increases.

      PlayStation's winning streak to continue?

      Since its launch in 2025, the PS5 has been at the forefront of the current console generation. This success can be attributed to exclusive games like God of War: Ragnarok and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Although Sony is beginning to release more titles on PC, the PS5 library remains strong.

      In 2026, gamers can look forward to more Marvel content with the release of Wolverine by Insomniac Games, as well as the chance for PlayStation users to play Halo with Halo: Campaign Evolved's debut.

      Along with third-party titles such as 007: First Light, Resident Evil: Requiem, and Crimson Desert, there’s much to anticipate for those with a PS5 or PS5 Pro.

      However, one major question lingers regarding Sony's broader strategy. After the Concord debacle in 2024, the company seems to be moving away from its focus on live service games. While Destiny 2’s Renegades expansion may help revive that plan, there's expected interest in Bungie’s other title, Marathon, when it launches in March.

      Xbox remains unpredictable – and not in a positive way

      Microsoft's 2025 will likely be remembered for negative reasons. The company faced numerous layoffs, studio closures, project cancellations, and price increases for hardware and Game Pass, leaving many disappointed, even among loyal supporters.

      Nonetheless, there were some highlights. Obsidian Entertainment released three excellent games: Avowed, Grounded 2, and The Outer Worlds, with only the latter currently available on PlayStation. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is also an impressive handheld PC, despite its unusual name.

      Microsoft's efforts to broaden access to its franchises led to Gears of War and Forza Horizon being available on PlayStation for the first time, a trend expected to continue in 2026.

      This year will finally see the long-awaited Fable reboot, along with Clockwork Revolution and Gears of War: E-Day. With Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition unfolding, expect significant promotion for titles like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft’s Midnight expansion, and the new Lord of Hatred content for Diablo 4.

      Microsoft has also pledged over 75 day-one titles for Game Pass following its recent price increase and needs to justify the cost of the Ultimate membership.

      In contrast to Sony, the company is optimistic about the next generation, hinting at a more PC-like experience with various app stores, potentially placing it in direct competition with the Steam machine.

      Is Nintendo set to deliver a 3D Mario platformer?

      I was initially doubtful about the Switch 2. With the first console showing signs of age, I questioned Nintendo's ability to remain competitive in hardware, especially with the emergence of portable PCs like the Steam Deck.

      However, through innovations like DLSS and a 120 Hz display, Nintendo has exceeded expectations. This is evident in the arrival of notable third-party titles such as EA FC and Madden, as well as ambitious first-party releases like Donkey Kong: Bananza.

      Yet there’s still a notable absence – a new 3D Mario platformer. The last entirely new entry was Super Mario Odyssey, which arrived nine months after the launch of the original Switch. While Nintendo doesn’t need to rush, with a new Mario movie set for 2026, one has to wonder if something is in the works.

      It will