The Anticipation for Video Games in 2026

The latter half of 2026 is gearing up to be an exciting time for video games. With the recent launch of *Star Fox* on the Nintendo Switch 2, the remake of *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, and the upcoming release of *Grand Theft Auto VI*, this year could go down as one of the most significant in gaming history.

Will it be? I’m a bit skeptical, but let’s take a moment to reflect on five standout years in gaming to consider how 2026 might measure up when all is said and done.

May 2007

May 2007 was a year packed with exemplary titles, narrowly edging out 2017 for a spot on this list.

No matter your preferences in gaming, 2007 had something for everyone. First-person shooter fans were treated to *Halo 3*, a cornerstone of its genre, and *Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare*, which is still celebrated today.

Additionally, games like *Mass Effect* and *Bioshock* were critically and commercially successful action-adventures—so good, yet sadly, later entries often felt lacking. *Portal* and *Rock Band* also contributed to the diversity of the year’s lineup. And let’s not forget about *Super Mario Galaxy*, which delighted Nintendo enthusiasts.

While a major hardware release was absent, 2007 stands strong on its gaming merits.

April 2004

2004 didn’t feature any major console launches, aside from the Japanese debut of the PSP, but it still made waves in gaming.

Once again, we saw a *Halo* title—*Halo 2*—captivating audiences with its innovative gameplay. Also noteworthy was *Half-Life 2*, which revolutionized gaming with its physics engine and remains a beloved classic over 20 years later.

These two heavyweights were enough to earn 2004 a spot here, but there’s more. *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas* hit the shelves that year, and many consider it the high point of the series. Other notable releases included *World of Warcraft*, *Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II*, *Metal Gear Solid 3*, and *Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door*.

Sure, there were numerous sequels, but overall, 2004 was truly explosive in the gaming scene.

March 2001

Now, shifting to 2001—this is where everything changed with the original *Halo: Combat Evolved*. It redefined the FPS genre.

What’s more, the Xbox debuted on November 15, marking a crucial moment for Microsoft. Nintendo was not to be overshadowed either, launching the GameCube, a console that has developed a loyal following over the years.

Along with the console releases, *Grand Theft Auto III* stunned gamers, originating the 3D sandbox genre that has inspired many since. It’s hard to imagine open-world games existing today without its influence.

We also had *Super Smash Bros. Melee*, *Final Fantasy X*, and *Metal Gear Solid 2* enhancing their respective franchises. Honestly, it’s surprising that any years surpass this one.

2. 1997

Talk about a tight race—1997 and 1998 were neck-and-neck for the top spots on this list.

Did the console version not launch? Not a big deal! This year saw the peak of several franchises, particularly with *GoldenEye 007* on the Nintendo 64.

And if you appreciate RPGs, *Final Fantasy VII* was another gem from this year. Plus, titles like *Diablo*, *Mario Kart 64*, *Star Fox 64*, and *Fallout* also made their debut.

This year was pivotal, and it’s hard not to acknowledge that many gamers might hold these titles near and dear to their hearts. It’s a hard year to top.

1. 1998

Was there any other contender for the best year? I think not!

1998, undeniably my favorite year in gaming, introduced *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, which constantly earns acclaim as one of the greatest games ever. Its impact led to multiple remakes on modern consoles.

Also released was Sega’s Dreamcast, often overlooked during its time but later regarded as a classic for its innovative titles.

Not stopping there, we saw releases like *Banjo-Kazooie*, *Half-Life*, *Metal Gear Solid*, *StarCraft*, *Resident Evil 2*, and *Baldur’s Gate*. And let’s not forget the launch of *Pokémon Red* and *Pokémon Blue*—legendary entries into the franchise.

Really, no matter how you cut it, it’s difficult to argue for any other year taking the top spot. What do you think? What year brought you the most joy in gaming? Share your thoughts!