Best console games this year
Here’s a list of the best console games you should check out in 2026, spanning major platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder 2: Echoes of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy XVI: Revenant Edition, and more — including new releases and sales leaders this year:
1. Starfield: Shattered Realms — A major expansion for Bethesda’s beloved RPG, offering new worlds and narrative depth across PlayStation and Xbox.
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder 2: Echoes of the Kingdom — A standout on the Nintendo Switch 2, expanding on the classic platformer with new levels, mechanics, and co-op play.
3. Final Fantasy XVI: Revenant Edition — Enhanced edition with stunning visuals and new features, a must-play for RPG fans on consoles.
4. FIFA 26: Legacy Mode — The newest iteration of the world’s most popular sports franchise, with deep club management and offline play options.
5. Ghost of Tsushima: Legends Reborn — A standalone expansion to an already acclaimed adventure, with seasonal narratives and progression.
6. Forza Motorsport 2026 — One of the best racing sims of the year, with dynamic weather and AI enhancements on Xbox Series X|S.
7. Pokémon Legends: Arceus II — Celestial Veil — A fresh open-world Pokémon adventure for Switch 2 that expands the franchise’s traditional formula.
8. Red Dead Redemption 2: Frontier Edition — A beautifully updated version of Rockstar’s classic western epic, with new chapters and 4K performance on modern consoles.
9. Hollow Knight: Silksong — Definitive Edition — The long-awaited release that expands on the beloved metroidvania with voice acting and rich lore.
10. EA Sports FC 26: Manager Mode+ — A deep football simulation with tactical AI and long-term franchise continuity.
In addition to these best-selling titles, 2026 also brought several highly anticipated releases and exclusive launches that console gamers are excited about:
Marvel’s Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 later in the year, delivering brutal combat and storytelling centered around the iconic X-Man.
Resident Evil Requiem reinvigorates the survival horror genre with both classic tense moments and action-oriented gameplay on multiple consoles.
Pragmata offers a new action-adventure experience with sci-fi elements and exploration on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales brings narrative-driven action-RPG gameplay to all major consoles.
WWE 2K26 is a strong pick for sports fans, offering updated wrestling action and modes across modern platforms.
Death Howl combines deckbuilder strategy and souls-like combat for players who like unique hybrid gameplay.
Together, these games represent a diverse lineup for 2026 — from open-world epics and remastered classics to competitive sports titles and new narrative adventures, appealing to all kinds of console players.
FAQ: Best Console Games of 2026
Which game is the best overall for console players this year?
Popular sales and critical buzz suggest Starfield: Shattered Realms and Super Mario Bros. Wonder 2: Echoes of the Kingdom are among the strongest experiences of 2026 across platforms.
Are there big exclusives this year?
Yes — Marvel’s Wolverine is a major exclusive for PlayStation 5, and other platform exclusives regularly appear with enhanced features specific to their consoles.
What genre is most popular in 2026?
Action RPGs, open-world adventures, sports titles, and racing games are dominating sales — reflecting broad player interest.
Will Nintendo games still be relevant in 2026?
Absolutely — Switch 2 titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder 2 and Pokémon Legends: Arceus II remain top sellers and crowd-pleasers.
Is there something for competitive or casual players?
Yes — from deep experiences like Forza Motorsport 2026 and FIFA 26: Legacy Mode to narrative gems and unique indies like Hollow Knight: Silksong, 2026’s lineup has something for both competitive and casual gamers.
