A New Year Means Endless Possibilities: Our Wildest Gaming Predictions for 2026
As we step into 2026, the gaming world is brimming with anticipation and potential surprises. The Shack Staff has put their heads together to share some of their boldest predictions for the year ahead. From corporate shakeups to beloved franchises making a comeback, here’s what might be in store for gamers this year.
**Ubisoft Doesn’t Find a Buyer and Disbands**
*By Ozzie Mejia, Senior Prognosticator*
The gaming industry has faced its share of challenges recently. Big publishers have been changing hands, as we saw with Electronic Arts near the end of last year. Many expected Ubisoft, which has been navigating financial difficulties, to attract a buyer willing to pay big. However, the twist might be that no buyer emerges. In that scenario, Ubisoft’s operations could become unsustainable, leading to the company disbanding. The fate of their various beloved IPs remains uncertain in this troubling possibility.
**Kid Icarus Returns**
*By TJ Denzer, Senior News Editor*
With the new year beginning, I must once again issue my seasonal plea for the return of Kid Icarus. It’s baffling that we still haven’t seen a Switch port of Kid Icarus: Uprising, let alone a new entry or an indie revival. Nintendo, if you’re listening, just a small sign of life from Pit and Palutena would satisfy the starving fans. Give us a crumb — a glimpse of those epic battles across the skies. We’re ready to take to the air once again!
**F-Zero Franchise Finally Gets a New Console Entry**
*By Asif Khan, Best in the Universe*
I might sound like a broken record, but 2026 is destined to be the year F-Zero fans finally get a new console installment. The grassroots efforts—starting with Operation Mute City on Twitter and expanding through the thriving F-Zero 99 community—are gaining momentum. This collective passion will push the franchise back into the spotlight. It’s happening. This year, we believe, will deliver a fresh F-Zero experience.
**GTA 6 Doesn’t Get Delayed Again**
*By Bill Lavoy, Shackmaps Overlord*
By now, most expect another delay announcement for GTA 6—it’s almost a tradition with Rockstar. Still, I’m optimistic that this year things stay on track and the next Grand Theft Auto arrives on schedule. The game has already missed its initial release window, so let’s hope 2026 is when it finally hits the streets.
**PS6 and Xbox Announcements**
*By Sam Chandler, Time Is An Illusion*
It’s been six years since the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Now that Nintendo has released the impressive Switch 2, I predict soft announcements from Sony and Microsoft about their next console generation. Typically, a new console arrives every seven years, so the timing fits. Sony will likely be coy, as they were with the PS5—expect plenty of intrigue around the console’s name, but chances are a “6” will be part of it. As for Microsoft, who knows what they’ll call it? Hopefully, the new designs will be clean and straightforward, without AI unnecessarily baked into the software.
**NetherRealm Studios Drops a New Injustice Game Over Mortal Kombat 12**
*By Dennis White Jr., Community Promo Guy*
With the new Mortal Kombat movie generating buzz, many anticipate a Mortal Kombat 12. However, corporate influences and the transition to a James Gunn-led DC Universe might shift NetherRealm’s focus. Instead, I believe they will develop a new Injustice game. Injustice 2 was a hit, winning Fighting Game of the Year at Shacknews in 2017, and the popularity of dark superhero tales like *Invincible* and *The Boys* complements this direction. NetherRealm’s ability to bring iconic comic book characters to life in ultra-violent, realistic ways sets Injustice apart, and crossover potential remains very high. If Injustice 3 is their next project, let’s hope they deliver an unforgettable experience.
**Netflix Buys a AAA Gaming Studio**
*By Donovan Erskine, Still Watching*
Netflix once launched a AAA gaming studio with big aspirations but ended up shutting it down before any game was released. Their next move might be to acquire an established studio instead. Ubisoft would be an obvious target, but it’s also conceivable they might purchase one of Microsoft’s numerous studios. Pairing such an acquisition with assets from the Warner Bros. deal Netflix is pursuing could mark a serious push into gaming.
**Pokemon, Mario, and Rad Racer**
*By Steve Tyminski, Shocker*
Nintendo predictions time! I’ve had some wins previously—remember when the Capcom Fighting Collection revived Darkstalkers? This year, I’m calling for something simpler but exciting. For Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, expect either a collection of the first 3-4 generations available on Switch or the addition of Game Boy/Game Boy Color/Game Boy Advance Pokémon games to Switch Online. It seems almost inevitable.
We’re also due for new Super Mario games—maybe a Super Mario 35-style title that won’t be pulled after a year. Mario sports fans should brace for a new Mario Baseball, especially since another Mario Tennis is on the way. Mario Kart World also deserves DLC, featuring fresh drivers, outfits, and tracks—perhaps even finally giving Chain Chomp the wheel!
Lastly, it’s time for Nintendo to add Rad Racer to the NES section of Switch Online. The NES catalog needs more variety, and Rad Racer is a classic I, and many others, want to play again.
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These are our wildest and boldest gaming predictions for 2026. What do you think? Fire off your thoughts and reactions while you can down in the Chatty! We can’t wait to see which of these come to pass—and which turn out to be way off the mark. Happy gaming in 2026!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/147368/shack-chat-2026-gaming-predictions
