The world of video games is about to witness an unprecedented wave of nostalgia and celebration, as 2026 aligns as the single biggest year for major franchise anniversaries in the industry's history. While years like 2025 had their notable milestones, such as the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., the coming year brings a colossal convergence of beloved series hitting landmark birthdays, from The Legend of Zelda to Sonic the Hedgehog.
A Year of Unprecedented Gaming Milestones
This extraordinary calendar of events highlights the industry's continued reliance on legacy intellectual property. While these anniversaries present a perfect marketing opportunity for publishers, their response can vary wildly. Some are celebrated with fanfare, new releases, and events, while others pass by with little more than a whisper from the companies that own them. Below is a comprehensive guide to the major anniversaries of 2026 and what fans might realistically expect from each celebration.
Major Franchise Celebrations and What to Expect
The year kicks off with one of gaming's most revered series. The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 40th anniversary on February 21. While a special Lego set and a movie are confirmed, Nintendo's plans for game-related content—be it rumoured remasters or something entirely new—remain shrouded in mystery.
Hot on its heels, Pokémon reaches the 30-year mark on February 27. Beyond the announced merchandise, strong indications point to a significant game announcement brewing, potentially alongside the confirmed Pokémon Champions.
March sees the 30th anniversary of Capcom's survival horror titan, Resident Evil, on March 22. With Resident Evil Requiem slated for release, celebrations may extend to merchandise and a film reboot, but the full scope is still unclear.
In June, Sega's blue blur takes centre stage. Sonic the Hedgehog turns 35 on June 21. Sega has announced plans for community events, merchandise, and even a narrative podcast. However, the burning question for many remains the status of a potential Sonic Frontiers 2.
Quarter-Century Celebrations and Legacy Honours
The autumn and winter months are packed with significant quarter-century milestones. Animal Crossing marks 25 years on April 14, though Nintendo's recent re-release of New Horizons for Switch 2 may temper larger celebrations.
October is a particularly busy month. Tomb Raider celebrates 30 years on October 24, with Amazon already confirming a remake titled Legacy of Atlantis for 2026. Shortly after, Pikmin enjoys its 25th anniversary on October 26.
November brings a dual celebration: the 25th anniversary of both the Xbox brand and its flagship series, Halo, on November 15. Microsoft promises a strong slate of games, including the notable Halo: Campaign Evolved remake, which will curiously mark the series' debut on a PlayStation platform.
Other Notable Anniversaries in a Packed Year
The list of 2026 milestones is remarkably deep. Other major dates include the 40th anniversary of Dragon Quest (May 27), the 30th of iconic FPS Quake (June 22), and the 45th of Donkey Kong (July 9), which also marks Mario's first appearance.
Fans will also see the 40th anniversary of Metroid (August 6), the 30th of Crash Bandicoot (September 9), the 25th of the GameCube and Luigi's Mansion (September 14), the 30th of Persona (September 20), the 40th of Castlevania (September 26), and the 30th of Diablo (December 31).
As this historic year approaches, the gaming community is poised between anticipation and managed expectations. While some publishers will undoubtedly seize the moment for major reveals and releases, other beloved series may find their big birthdays quietly overlooked. One thing is certain: 2026 will be a year that underscores the rich, decades-spanning history of video game culture.
