The familiar January slowdown for video game releases is officially over, and players are already feeling the change as February's slate picks up speed. After several weeks of smaller launches and a quiet schedule, the industry's release schedule is once again starting to resemble its usual high-traffic pace. But February 2026 isn't content with making it easy to get players back. Instead, this month saves the biggest surge until last.
The last week of February stands out as one of the busiest video game release periods of early 2026. Between long-running franchises, high-profile remasters, console ports, and releases strategically aligned with major gaming anniversaries, there's little breathing room at the end of the month. For players, this marks the point where the post-holiday lull gives way to a constant flow that will define the rest of the year.
PS5 has 8 big games coming in February 2026
PlayStation 5 gamers have a lot to look forward to as eight big new games launch in February 2026.
New game released in the last week of February 2026
The last week of February is coming hot with plenty of variety for all types of players. Horror fans will enjoy many things resident evil Games are available across platforms, and RPG players can choose between remasters and narrative-focused titles. However, even players who enjoy niche experiences may enjoy an item or two.
- Don't Sleep for Kaname Date – In AI: The Somnium Files (PS5, PS4, XSX/S) – February 26
- Tokyo Extreme Racer (PS5) – February 26th
- Icarus: Console Edition (PS5, XSX/S) – February 26
- Disney Afternoon Collection (Switch) – February 26
- Resident Evil Requiem (PC, PS5, XSX/S, Switch 2) – February 27
- Reign: The Witcher (PC, mobile) – February 27
- Tales of Berseria Remastered (PS5, PC, Switch, XSX/S) – February 27
- resident evil village and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Switch 2) – February 27
For many players, the final week of February 2026 will mark not only the end of a busy month, but also the unofficial beginning of the first true backlog crisis of the year. Best of all, we're just a few weeks away from the video game's spring 2026 release. So if players are already faced with an entire library of games to get started, or have lost the battle to keep their wallets full, this block of releases will make it harder to keep up.
history repeats itself
Oddly enough, last year's release schedule seems to have become the norm for this year. The video game release calendar for February 2025 was packed with some of the year's most notable titles. What's even more interesting is that the last week's push was repeated. Here are the games that were making headlines this time last year:
- cabernet – February 20, 2025 (XSX/S, PS5, PC, Switch)
- Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirates of Hawaii – February 21, 2025 (PS5, XSX/S, PC)
- repo – February 26, 2025 (PC)
- monster hunter wild – February 28, 2025 (PS5, XSX/S, PC)
Pokemon Day celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise.
As if the release schedule wasn't enough to keep gamers busy, Pokémon Day is also included within this period. Pokémon Day is celebrated on February 27th to commemorate the original release of Pokémon. pokemon red and green In Japan in 1996. In recent years, this event has become an occasion for:
-
New Game Announcement
-
Franchise Updates and Trailers
-
Limited-time in-game events across multiple titles, including: Pokemon Go
This year is an important year as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon series. This year in particular, there's a lot of anticipation surrounding upcoming 10th generation games or new spinoffs to kick off a new decade of Pokemon. Despite not yet confirming a release or announcing any Pokémon gifts for Pokémon Day, February 27th continues to dominate social media and gaming discourse in the Pokémon fandom year after year. The uproar further intensified the competition for attention during an already packed week.
February’s release crunch doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Who is that character?
Check out the silhouette before time runs out.
start
Check out the silhouette before time runs out.
Easy (7.5 seconds) Medium (5.0 seconds) Hard (2.5 seconds) Eternal Death (2.5 seconds)
Adding to the chaos of the last week of February is the return of IGN Fan Fest, a two-day live stream on February 25th and 26th. The event spans games, movies, and TV, but its timing aligns directly with one of the busiest release periods in early 2026. The showcase promises new trailers, gameplay reveals, and in-depth looks at upcoming titles. This means players are competing even more for attention during an already overwhelming period. Some of the most notable games scheduled to appear are:
- 007 first light
- crimson desert
- Invincible VS
- street fighter 6
- WWE 2K26
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflections
- outside 2
- Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, warhammer 40,000: The Dark Heresy, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
With dozens of additional reveals expected and more announcements scheduled in the days leading up to the event, IGN Fan Fest further amplifies what is already expected to be one of the loudest weeks on the gaming calendar. For players, this means the final days of February are filled with not only releases but information overload, cementing this week as an early test of how competitive 2026 will be.
