Ways That Gaming Is Changing Forever In 2026

The video game industry is constantly changing and growing, and it’s likely to continue evolving for years to come. Each year brings important advancements, and 2026 is expected to be no different.

Gaming is set for a major transformation in 2026, and many players might be surprised by what’s coming. From the launch of exciting new games to the introduction of innovative technology, the next year will fundamentally change the gaming landscape.

The Steam Machine

Valve Is Finally Dipping Its Toes Into The World Of Console Gaming

For two decades, Nintendo, Sony (PlayStation), and Microsoft (Xbox) have been the main players in the competitive world of video game consoles—often referred to as the “Console Wars.” Despite attempts by larger tech companies like Apple and Google, none have been able to break into the market. But just as Microsoft started making decisions that led to financial difficulties—and many predicted its exit from the console race—Valve has revealed a new system that could potentially take Xbox’s place.

In November 2025, Valve revealed the Steam Machine, a console designed to let Steam users enjoy any game from their library on a TV or monitor. Think of it like a bigger version of the Steam Deck. Because many gamers already use Xbox to play games available on PC, the Steam Machine could potentially become a major competitor and even surpass Xbox in the console market.

Even if the Steam Machine isn’t a commercial success, Valve entering the console market will still significantly impact the gaming industry. The biggest potential drawback is the price; reports suggest it will cost as much as a powerful gaming PC, which might deter more casual gamers from purchasing it.

The First Full Year Of The Nintendo Switch 2

Is Time For Nintendo To Prove The Worth Of Its Latest Hybrid Device

In 2025, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch 2, the follow-up to the popular Nintendo Switch. The new hybrid console sparked a lot of debate. While many players loved the improved graphics, more comfortable Joy-Con controllers, and fantastic exclusive games like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, others were unhappy with the high cost of the console and its games. Some also criticized Nintendo’s business choices that year, such as making players pay for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

It’s common for a new console’s first year to be a testing period, with only a handful of strong exclusive games to attract early adopters. But in 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be entering its second year – its first full year on the market. That means Nintendo needs to make a significant impact with its game releases to maintain sales momentum and prove the console to anyone who remains skeptical.

Although we know of a few upcoming Switch 2 games, like Mario Tennis Fever and The Duskbloods, Nintendo usually announces and releases games within the same year, making long-term predictions difficult. We can expect announcements of new games in popular series like Kirby, Super Smash Bros., Pokémon (celebrating its 30th anniversary), and The Legend of Zelda (turning 40) in the coming months. If Nintendo times things well, 2026 could be a great year for Switch 2 fans.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Will Define If Other Marvel Heroes (Aside From Spider-Man) Can Star In Their Own Solo Video Games

Several major, high-budget games are planned for release in 2026, and one of the most anticipated is Marvel’s Wolverine, developed by Insomniac Games. This game is particularly significant because its success will likely determine whether other popular Marvel characters, besides Spider-Man, will get their own large-scale, standalone games.

The Batman: Arkham series by Rocksteady and Marvel’s Spider-Man by Insomniac are widely considered the most important superhero games, particularly for single-player action adventures. Many gamers are now hoping to see games featuring other comic book heroes, and the X-Men are a popular choice. While other superhero games are in the works, most are very different types of games (like Marvel Tokon) or won’t be available for quite some time (Rise of Hydra and Blade are examples).

If the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine game receives positive reviews and sells well, it could open the door for many more high-quality Marvel games featuring popular characters – the potential is huge. Early signs are promising, as Insomniac Games has spent over four years developing the title. Based on trailers and screenshots released by Sony, the game appears to be a thrilling, fast-paced, and action-packed solo experience starring the iconic Wolverine.

Grand Theft Auto 6

The Single Most Important Gaming Event Of The Year (And Possibly Of All Time)

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2026, and it’s expected to be a huge event for players, Rockstar Games, and the entire gaming industry. In fact, some reports suggest that other game companies are deliberately avoiding launching their games around the same time, fearing they won’t be able to compete with GTA 6’s popularity.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next GTA game since 2013. Rockstar has consistently promised a highly detailed and realistic experience, which has fueled massive excitement. Adding to the anticipation, Grand Theft Auto 6 has already been delayed twice, with some suggesting further delays are possible, leading to growing impatience among gamers.

Nearly every Grand Theft Auto game has been a major hit, significantly shaping the open-world genre, and Grand Theft Auto 6 is likely to continue that trend. If the game lives up to the hype and is as good as it appears, it will probably set the standard for future open-world games. However, if it doesn’t meet expectations and performs poorly, it could create significant instability for Rockstar, Take-Two, and the broader AAA gaming industry.

Generative AI Implementation

AI Is Here To Stay, And Most Gamers Absolutely Despise It

New technologies used to consistently improve game development and were generally seen as a positive force. But generative AI is different – it’s proven surprisingly controversial, and many people, including fans of movies, anime, and games, are strongly opposed to its use in the content they enjoy.

AI is already showing up in games, and not always in a good way. Many low-cost games on platforms like Steam are now using AI-created content, and some companies are facing criticism for doing so. This trend is likely to increase, as tech firms have invested heavily in AI and are encouraging smaller game developers to adopt it, potentially leading to even more AI-generated content in games.

AI-generated art often looks unpolished, and there’s concern it could replace the talented artists and designers who are essential to the gaming industry. Ideally, AI would handle simpler, more repetitive tasks, allowing human creativity to remain central to game development. Even Hideo Kojima, a renowned game creator, believes AI might have a role in the future if it’s developed and trained effectively.

2026-01-11 04:35