Our Final Predictions For The 2026 Xbox Games Showcase

With that in thoughts, now we have plenty of ideas about what Xbox may — and typically actually ought to — go forward and announce this yr. From new recreation reveals to {hardware} bulletins and perhaps even a foolish prediction or two, listed below are our ultimate predictions for the 2026 Xbox Games Showcase:

Xbox Finally Unveils The Elite Series 3 Controller

Believe it or not, it has been nearly seven years because the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller was launched. Microsoft opted to launch their second elite controller revision proper on the finish of the final technology, and we have a humorous feeling they are going to do the very same factor this yr.

That humorous feeling is not simply baseless vibes, although – we have just lately seen proof that this factor is actual in some trend. It might be a prototype, however photographs of the Elite Series 3 just lately leaked of their most plausible kind but. So yeah, we’re anticipating this (together with the Xbox Cloud Gaming pad that leaked alongside it) to be formally revealed on the showcase.

New Backwards Compatible Games, Possibly Shadow Dropped

It’s obtained to be time for extra again compat bulletins, proper? Microsoft mentioned that this system will likely be revived in some trend for Xbox’s twenty fifth anniversary this yr, and what higher solution to at the least get that ball rolling than through the summer season showcase? One of our most hyped E3 moments of all time continues to be Phil Spencer unveiling this system again in 2015!

As for the precise nature of this one, actually, we’re undecided. We’d like to see the present carry some actual concrete bulletins (and probably shadow drops), however we may additionally see Asha merely tease extra additions for later within the yr. Either a kind of ought to internet her some candy brownie factors with the Xbox trustworthy.

Asha Sharma Brings Back An OG Xbox IP For Long-Time Fans

What’s Asha Sharma been talking on most since she took over as Xbox boss? Returning the model again to its roots. And, with that in thoughts, we reckon she’s going to talk to that core viewers right here by asserting the revival of a basic OG Xbox IP.

We’re going to maintain it broad for now and simply say it’s going to be one thing that Microsoft itself owns, however aside from that, we’re not so positive. Phil Spencer famously introduced again Voodoo Vince simply because he seemingly had a delicate spot for it, so what’s subsequent, a Blinx revival? Who is aware of, however we expect Asha needs to evoke a few of that ‘renegade’ power this yr.

Banjo-Kazooie Finally Returns To The Xbox Stage

We know, we all know, yearly or two we predict this one — up to now to no avail — however we reckon 2026 may lastly be the yr for a brand new Banjo-Kazooie reveal. Since final yr’s showcase, we have heard that a number of studios might have pitched Xbox a few new Banjo recreation of some type, and identical to we talked about earlier, this could be one other win for the older Xbox followers amongst us.

Will long-time developer Rare be on the helm? We’re inclined to say “no” provided that Everwild was cancelled lower than a yr in the past and the group continues to be engaged on Sea Of Thieves, however you by no means know. Which different studio would take it’s anybody’s guess – we’re open to solutions on that down within the feedback!

Gears Of War: E-Day Will Open The Show, Release Date To Be Announced

We know that Gears of War: E-Day is getting its personal Direct instantly after the primary showcase, however we’re anticipating some kind of teaser earlier than that as nicely. The recreation closed out the 2024 showcase, and with The Outer Worlds 2 bookending final yr‘s present, we reckon Xbox will do the identical this yr with Gears.

We additionally assume that the sport will get a launch date right here, for round September/October time. We’re undecided the place within the present that date will pop up, however both through the early-show trailer or the ultimate Direct, Gears is giving us a date. We can really feel it in our age-old Delta Squad bones.

Halo: Campaign Evolved Will Also Appear, With A Summer 2026 Release

Halo continues to be Xbox’s most iconic franchise, and in a yr the place each the platform and everybody’s favorite huge inexperienced Spartan hit 25 years of age, there’s simply no means the collection does not have an enormous presence on the Xbox Games Showcase 2026.

This is one other title, identical to Gears, the place we expect a launch date will come – and it will in all probability be before you assume. Recently, experiences round a July launch date surfaced, and given how busy the remainder of the yr seems to be for Microsoft and the business at massive, we’re inclined to consider it.

New Limited Edition Xbox Hardware Will Be Shown Off

We know that issues have been somewhat quiet on the restricted version {hardware} entrance lately, significantly consoles, however now we have a sense that this present will ship on one thing within the regard. Whether the group goes full LE Xbox Series X or S we’re undecided, however Sharma and co. have actually been placing extra consideration on these consoles in current months.

We’ve obtained Gears and Halo which were talked about in these predictions already, and people large Xbox franchises are rife for restricted version {hardware} of some type. Personally, I’d like to see a Gears of War: E-day console, particularly contemplating Xbox has gone arduous with goodies for that franchise previously, however I suppose I’d take a controller and/or headset for it too. Maybe each Halo and even Fable will be part of that social gathering as nicely… we’ll simply have to attend and see!

A Major New Xbox Initiative Will Be Announced

We’re going to shut out with a daring one – some kind of main new initiative will likely be introduced by Xbox through the present. Think one thing like Xbox Game Pass, Play Anywhere, Backwards Compatibility or FPS Boost – we expect Microsoft goes to go huge on its new course and announce a brand new program for Xbox followers.

We have just a few choices for what this might be, or it is perhaps one thing that takes us unexpectedly. Microsoft may unveil this rumoured disc-to-digital program to get forward of all the most important Project Helix information subsequent yr, or what about one thing to do with official Xbox emulation on PC because the group continues to enhance the Windows gaming expertise? Those are our greatest guesses for now, however we expect one thing huge is coming from Team Green.