2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming nostalgia. Due to a unique alignment in the release calendars of the past thirty years, the upcoming months will mark significant milestones for some of the industry’s most iconic projects.
For many publishers, this presents a prime opportunity to revisit their most enduring franchises, likely paving the way for high-profile remasters, full-scale remakes, and exclusive in-game celebrations.
The anniversaries for titles originating in the 90s and early 2000s are particularly striking. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, Zelda, Quake, and Pokémon—foundational games that essentially blueprinted the modern horror, shooter, and RPG genres. Simultaneously, the gaming world will celebrate 25 years of Xbox and the debut of legendary hits like Halo: Combat Evolved, Grand Theft Auto III, and Silent Hill 2, representing what many consider a golden era of play.
Recent history is equally well-represented, with the 15th anniversaries of Skyrim and Dark Souls, as well as the 10th birthdays of Pokémon GO and Overwatch. These titles fundamentally reshaped open-world design, mobile gaming, and competitive shooters. This surge of milestones makes 2026 a genuine celebration of the creative legacy that built the modern industry.
Market analysts expect industry heavyweights such as Nintendo, Capcom, and Microsoft to fully seize the moment. Rumors are already circulating about dedicated digital showcases and the release of limited-edition hardware to honor these historic dates.
Source: iXBT.games