2026 is going to be a banger year for fans of franchises old enough to start thinking about mortality a little more. Some of these milestones are older than me, and let me tell you, I'm not Spring Quinton, as they say.
We like to talk about important anniversaries in this industry because they can sometimes feature big announcements. They don't need it; Let me emphasize that those who are less respected in this stuff. Often, fandoms will be hyped for the 5th, 10th, 20th, so on, only to be disappointed by the loud noise of crickets and the silence of publishers. These are chief IPs, though. If it's just business and artwork, something is sure to happen. At least in one case, we know better what's coming our way.
There's a lot more here
What we all love to see is the announcement of a new game. That's the best, right? Not always. In fact, on many occasions, it is not. The Legend of Zelda's 35th anniversary, back in 2021, of course Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remasters announced for Nintendo Switch. It was shouted from the roof of the house. People thought it was premeditated. no
That doesn't stop us from thinking about what might or might not happen. Nor does it diminish the ultimate importance of seeing a franchise we love succeed enough to drum up those hopes every time the clock strikes a memorable number for it. And striking 2026 oh so many clocks:
As you can (probably) see, Redditor yotam5434 helpfully documented the whole thing. I don't know the exact source of the image, I'm afraid; If you do it, let me know and I'll give you credit! Perhaps this thread had its own creator.
- Turning 40: The Legend of Zelda; Metroid; Dragon Quest; Baby Icarus; Castlevania
- Turning 35: Sonic the Hedgehog
- Turning 30: Pokemon; personality
- Turning 25: animal crossing; Luigi's Mansion; Pikmin
I don't know why, but for some reason, it's Luigi's Mansion hitting the quarter-century mark that makes me feel old. The rest… make more sense. I'm having a hard time with that.
What might be in store for all of this? Pokemon is almost certainly getting a big Gen 10 pair. Leaks are out there. Oh, they're so, so, out there. Maybe we'll see Dragon Quest 12? i don't know It's been radio silent since the announcement four years ago… who knows. we will be Check out Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, though! In two months!
Personality 6, maybe? please? Like, I'm literally begging you, Atlas? And I can easily imagine another Animal Crossing. As for Zelda, I'll be real – I'm expecting news updates on the movie hitting in 2027. The rest… I don't know.
but what you Hoping? I don't “let us know in the comments!” Often shtick, but I look forward to reading your thoughts. Have a big prayer for your age-gracious gaming titans?
