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January 2026 Video Game Releases

January 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting month for video game enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of releases spanning multiple genres, platforms, and styles. From highly anticipated remakes to innovative new titles, from free-to-play multiplayer experiences to beloved franchise continuations, the month offers something for every type of gamer. One of the most anticipated releases is Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, an enhanced version of the classic RPG that has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. Releasing on January 22 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, this version features improved visuals, a photo mode, and includes the 'Intermission' DLC starring Yuffie Kisaragi. The release represents a significant moment for the Final Fantasy franchise, bringing one of its most beloved entries to new platforms and introducing it to new audiences. The enhanced visuals and additional content make this more than just a port; it's a comprehensive experience that honors the original while taking advantage of modern hardware capabilities. Highguard represents an exciting development in the first-person shooter genre. This free-to-play multiplayer game, developed by WildLight Entertainment—a studio comprising former Respawn developers—is set to launch on January 26 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The pedigree of the development team, which includes creators of Titanfall and Apex Legends, suggests that Highguard will bring innovation and polish to the shooter genre. The free-to-play model makes the game accessible to a wide audience, while the developers' track record suggests a commitment to quality and ongoing support. The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin brings the popular anime series to the gaming world in an open-world gacha format. Scheduled for release on January 28 for PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile platforms, the game offers expansive exploration and character-driven narratives. This release represents the growing trend of anime adaptations in gaming, combining the visual style and storytelling of anime with interactive gameplay. The open-world format allows players to explore the series' universe in depth, while the gacha mechanics provide ongoing engagement and collection elements. Code Vein II continues the post-apocalyptic vampire-themed adventure that began with the 2019 original. Launching on January 30 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the sequel promises to build on the original's challenging combat and atmospheric world-building. The game's unique blend of action RPG mechanics with vampire mythology creates a distinctive experience that appeals to fans of both genres. The sequel has the opportunity to refine and expand upon the original's systems while introducing new challenges and storylines. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition represents a beloved franchise's adaptation to new hardware. Available from January 15, this new edition features additional content and enhancements tailored for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Animal Crossing series has been particularly successful in creating relaxing, community-focused gameplay experiences, and this new edition will likely build on that foundation while taking advantage of the Switch 2's improved capabilities. The game's focus on creativity, community, and peaceful gameplay makes it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to dedicated fans. The diversity of January 2026's releases reflects the current state of the gaming industry, which is more diverse and accessible than ever before. From high-budget AAA titles to innovative indie games, from single-player experiences to multiplayer competitions, the month offers a wide range of options for different types of players and preferences. The platform diversity is also noteworthy, with games releasing on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices. This multi-platform approach reflects the industry's recognition that players want to access games on their preferred devices, and it also allows developers to reach broader audiences. The month's releases also demonstrate the continued evolution of gaming genres. The combination of open-world exploration with gacha mechanics in The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, the free-to-play model with high-quality development in Highguard, and the enhanced remake approach in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade all show how developers are finding new ways to engage players and deliver value. The timing of these releases in January is also significant. Coming after the holiday season, January releases often benefit from players looking for new content and experiences. The month also represents a fresh start for the gaming year, with developers and publishers looking to establish momentum for the rest of 2026. The variety of business models represented in January's releases—from free-to-play to premium purchases, from single-player to multiplayer, from remakes to original titles—demonstrates the diverse ways that games are being monetized and delivered to players. This diversity benefits players by providing options that match their preferences and budgets. The technical quality of January's releases is also noteworthy. Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Code Vein II are taking advantage of current-generation hardware to deliver improved visuals, performance, and features. This focus on technical excellence demonstrates the industry's commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering high-quality experiences. The storytelling in January's releases spans a wide range, from the character-driven narratives of The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin to the atmospheric world-building of Code Vein II. This diversity in narrative approaches shows that games continue to be a powerful medium for storytelling, with different titles exploring various narrative techniques and styles. The accessibility of January's releases is also important. Free-to-play titles like Highguard make gaming more accessible to players who might not be able to afford premium purchases, while games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition offer experiences that appeal to players of all skill levels. This focus on accessibility helps ensure that gaming remains an inclusive hobby. As we look forward to January 2026's releases, we see a month that represents the best of what the gaming industry has to offer: innovation, diversity, quality, and accessibility. These releases demonstrate that gaming continues to evolve and improve, offering new experiences and taking advantage of new technologies while maintaining the core elements that make games enjoyable and engaging. The month's lineup also reflects broader trends in gaming, including the continued importance of franchises and remakes, the growth of free-to-play models, the expansion of anime adaptations, and the ongoing evolution of established genres. These trends suggest directions that the industry will continue to explore in the coming year and beyond. January 2026's video game releases offer something for everyone, from casual players to hardcore enthusiasts, from fans of specific genres to those looking to try something new. The diversity, quality, and accessibility of these releases make January an exciting time to be a gamer, with plenty of new experiences to explore and enjoy.