Image: User:AsmodeanUnderscore (Series S), Ian Hughes https://www.flickr.com/photos/epredator/ (Series X) / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: Autumn 2026 is one of the strongest gaming seasons in years. The headline is Grand Theft Auto VI, launching on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Before that, Final Fantasy Resonance (22 October) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (23 October) arrive. Sony brings AI upscaling to the base PS5, Microsoft a compact controller, Nintendo a busy Switch 2 line-up and Steam a big demo festival.
Key dates
| Date | Game or event | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| 19–26 Oct | Steam Next Fest | PC |
| 22 Oct | Final Fantasy Resonance, Switch Sports Resort | incl. Switch 2 |
| 23 Oct | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 | incl. Switch 2, PC |
| 12 Nov | GTA VI preload and physical release | PS5, Xbox |
| 19 Nov | Grand Theft Auto VI | PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
GTA VI: the official facts
Pre-orders opened on 25 June 2026. According to Take-Two, the standard edition costs $79.99 in the US and the Ultimate Edition $99.99; euro prices vary by retailer. There is no PS4 version and no PC version has been announced. The game is PS5 Pro Enhanced. Preloading starts on 12 November, when the physical edition also arrives; it contains a download code. At launch it is single-player. Pre-order bonuses are the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+ if you buy before 20 November. The story follows Jason and Lucia in the state of Leonida and Vice City.
Consoles, PC and mobile
Sony's new QSSR brings AI upscaling to the base PS5, starting with Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei. Microsoft announced the $49.99 Xbox Nano Controller, and Game Pass added Battlefield 6 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Nintendo's October line-up for Switch 2 includes the Kingdom Hearts collection, Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4 and Switch Sports Resort. On PC, Steam Next Fest offers free demos from 19 to 26 October. On mobile, Sifu, 9 Kings and Vampire Crawlers launched, and No Man's Sky is coming to iPhone and iPad. Planning a new rig? See our gaming PC for 1,000 euros guide and our memory price report.
Who should care
If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, GTA VI is the must-play of the year, so plan storage space and budget. On PS4 or Xbox One you will need an upgrade. Switch 2 owners get many big titles for the first time. PC players can test demos for free. More in the gaming section.
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