Gaming: Best new computer games this Christmas 2026

Christmas is the ideal time to treat that gaming fan, young or old, with something new to enjoy, and so here’s our guide to the best new computer games for Christmas 2026.

Maybe it’s my age having grown up during the boom of the early gaming consoles, but there is still nothing quite like getting a brand new game for Christmas. Whether you’re a PlayStation, Xbox, PC or Nintendo Switch kind of gamer, there is sure to be plenty of options this festive season.

As a teenager, I used to love getting a new game for Christmas and spending time with friends throughout the Christmas holidays playing new games. Whether it was Alex the Kid or Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Mega Drive, or Onside Soccer and Destruction Derby on the PlayStation 1, I have many fond memories of Christmas gaming.

So what of 2026? Well, the gaming market has probably never been more competitive. Autumn and winter this year sees the launch of one of the next instalments of probably the biggest computer game franchise ever, not to mention some other big franchise releases as well as some more niche options.

Here is our list – beware, some of these will be adults only. You can check out more information on each after the table. 

(Note: This article contains affiliate links to some of the games mentioned, which is a link that directs you to the product page on Amazon. Feel Christmassy may earn a small commission should you click one of the links and end up making a purchase. However, in the interest of transparency, in well over 15 years of running this website, we’ve yet to receive a single penny in affiliate revenue as our referrals are small!)

Best new computer games for adults

Grand Theft Auto VI – Xbox Series X/S & PlayStation 5 (ages 18+)

Releases: 19th November 2026

There is probably only one place to start this Christmas, and that is with the November release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI). It’s the first new game in the series since GTA V all the way back in 2013 and to say the 13-year gap has built anticipation up would be an understatement.

For many gamers, GTA VI will top their 2026 gaming Christmas wishlist, and rightly so. Set in a fictional recreation of Florida called Leonida, the game returns to modern-day Vice City and follows Jason and Lucia as they become caught up in a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state. Rockstar has confirmed the game for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a release date of 19th November 2026.

The campaign is likely to dominate the first few weeks of many gamers’ lives after they get their hands on it, while GTA Online is expected to become a huge part of the game’s longer-term appeal.

One slightly unusual thing about GTA VI is that the boxed physical version contains a digital download code rather than a conventional game disc. Rockstar says physical versions will be available from 12th November to allow pre-loading ahead of the 19th November launch.

That does mean there is still something physical to wrap up on Christmas morning, although a PlayStation Store or Xbox voucher is another option if you want to let the recipient choose how they download it.

Grand Theft Auto VI – Xbox Series X/S – Standard Edition

Grand Theft Auto VI – PlayStation 5 – Standard Edition

Xbox Store vouchers

PlayStation Store vouchers

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC & Nintendo Switch 2 (18+)

Releases: 23rd October 2026

Another one of the most successful gaming franchises over the last couple of decades has been Call of Duty, and the latest instalment in that particular line-up also arrives comfortably in time for Christmas.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is due for release on 23rd October 2026 and once again brings together a single-player campaign with the series’ hugely popular multiplayer experience. The official game site lists Xbox, PlayStation, PC via Battle.net and Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2 among the platforms.

This time around, the campaign is set against a major conflict on the Korean Peninsula, while Captain Price is also back in the story.

Of course, for many Call of Duty players the campaign is almost secondary to the online experience. Multiplayer, competitive modes and the wider Call of Duty ecosystem are likely to keep players occupied throughout the Christmas holidays.

And then there is Warzone, which continues to offer a free-to-play route into the Call of Duty universe.

If you know somebody who spends a large chunk of their free time with a controller in their hand and enjoys online multiplayer, this is an obvious Christmas contender.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Xbox Series X/S (download code)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4: Vault Edition – Xbox Series X/S

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – PlayStation 5

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Nintendo Switch 2h

Gears of War: E-Day – Xbox Series X/S & PC (18+)

Releases: 6th October 2026

If you like your Christmas gaming rather less festive, then Gears of War: E-Day should certainly be on the radar.

The latest entry in the long-running Gears of War series takes players back to the very beginning of the story. It is set 14 years before the original Gears of War and follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde erupts from below during the terrifying events known as Emergence Day.

This is very much an action game rather than something for younger members of the family, with plenty of violence and horror. There is a full campaign which can be played alone, in split-screen co-op or with up to four players online.

It is also a particularly interesting option for Xbox gamers because it is available day one through Game Pass, meaning subscribers don’t necessarily need to buy the game separately.

For somebody who has fond memories of the original Gears games, E-Day could make for a particularly nostalgic Christmas present – albeit one that is about as far removed from a Christmas game as you can get!

Gears of War: E-Day – Xbox Series X/S

EA SPORTS FC 27 – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (16+)

Released: 25th September 2026

The biggest selling football gaming franchise of all time releases its latest annual instalment in September, perfectly timed for the Christmas rush.

While some purists have fallen out of love with the franchise (formerly known as ‘FIFA’) in recent years, it will sell in its millions once again. With a plethora of licensed leagues from around the world, UK fans of any Premier League or EFL club will be able to play with their favourite team once again.

EA SPORTS FC 27 introduces a new social football playground called The Grounds, alongside gameplay and mode changes aimed at making the game more accessible to newcomers while giving existing players new things to get stuck into.

The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The full worldwide release was 25th September, although certain editions offered early access from 18th September.

You’ll notice this has an age 16+ rating despite it being football – that is due to the inclusion of in-game purchases and the way the UK rating system handles certain types of paid-for content.

There are multiple versions of the game available as well, so check out the links below depending on your platform and version of choice.

EA SPORTS FC 27 – Xbox Series X/S – Standard Edition

EA SPORTS FC 27 – Xbox Series X/S – Ultimate Edition (download code)

EA SPORTS FC 27 – PlayStation 5 – Standard Edition

EA SPORTS FC 27 – PC – Standard Edition

EA SPORTS FC 27 – PC – Ultimate Edition

EA SPORTS FC 27 – Nintendo Switch – Standard Edition

Best new computer games for children

The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC & Nintendo Switch (ages 3+)

Released: 18th September 2026

If you’re looking for a fun game for your kids that also has a festive feel, then the newly released The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas could be a pretty popular starting point.

In this 3D platform game, you play as The Grinch and his faithful companion, Max, as they attempt to bring festive cheer to Who-ville. Players explore snowy 3D worlds, collect ornaments and use gadgets including Rocket Skates, a Jetpack and a Snowball Maker.

There are plenty of festive touches throughout the game and it can be played alone or in local co-op, with one player taking the role of Max.

Most importantly for parents, it has a PEGI 3 rating and has been designed around accessible gameplay that can be enjoyed by younger players and families.

And there surely can’t be many games better suited to Christmas Day itself than one involving The Grinch!

The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas – PlayStation 5

The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas – Xbox Series X/S

The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas – Nintendo Switch

Garfield – Escape From Monday – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC & Nintendo Switch (ages 3+)

Released: 24th September 2026

Garfield has come a long way since he was first sketched into a comic strip back in 1978, and if your kids are fans of the world’s laziest cat, then this new game could be worth a look.

Garfield – Escape From Monday is a 3D platforming adventure in which Garfield finds himself trapped in a bizarre dream world after eating spinach lasagne. Naturally, the solution is to explore strange worlds, avoid enemies and eat plenty of lasagne.

Players can explore three worlds and dozens of levels, with Garfield able to use a range of different costumes and abilities. The game is rated PEGI 3.

It is perhaps most naturally suited to Nintendo Switch, but it is also available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

For younger gamers, it offers something a little different from the huge blockbuster games aimed at teenagers and adults.

Garfield – Escape From Monday – PlayStation 5

Garfield – Escape From Monday – Nintendo Switch

PAW Patrol: Dino World – PlayStation, Xbox, PC & Nintendo Switch (ages 3+)

Released: 31st July 2026 / Nintendo Switch 2 version 2nd October 2026

PAW Patrol has become a huge part of childhood for many families, and the latest game takes the pups into a prehistoric world.

PAW Patrol: Dino World sees Chase, Marshall, Skye and the rest of the team heading to Dino Island, where players complete rescue missions, explore different environments and help care for dinosaurs.

There are also mini-games and two-player local co-op, making it an appealing option for siblings or parents wanting to get involved.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives on 2nd October with enhanced visuals, increased detail and support for local co-op and GameShare.

It is another one aimed squarely at younger players and families rather than serious gamers.

PAW Patrol: Dino World – Xbox X

PAW Patrol: Dino World – PlayStation

PAW Patrol: Dino World – Nintendo Switch

Minecraft Dungeons II – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 & PC (ages 7+)

Released: 29th September 2026

Minecraft has become one of the biggest gaming names on the planet, so it is no surprise that another Minecraft-related release makes our Christmas list.

Minecraft Dungeons II is an action RPG adventure that takes the familiar Minecraft world and turns it into a more traditional dungeon-crawling adventure.

Players battle enemies, collect weapons and equipment and explore new Minecraft-themed areas, with the sequel expanding on the original Minecraft Dungeons with a new interconnected world and new gameplay features.

It is also designed with multiplayer in mind, making it a good option for children who like playing games with friends or siblings.

The game is available across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC, making it one of the more flexible choices on this list.

If you have a Minecraft fan in the house who has already spent countless hours building their own worlds, this is an interesting way of giving them something different while keeping the familiar Minecraft universe.

Minecraft Dungeons II: Standard Edition – Xbox Series X/S

Minecraft Dungeons II: Deluxe Edition – Xbox Series X/S

Minecraft Dungeons II – PlayStation 5

Minecraft Dungeons II – Nintendo Switch (1&2)

Best business simulation / strategy games Christmas 2026

If something a little more strategic is your bag, then there are some great options.

As a child, I adored the Theme Park game on PC and Mega Drive, and since then have played many variations. Also, the original Transport Tycoon was a love of mine, to the point where Transport Fever on Xbox gets a regular outing.

There are some great options here if you fancy hunkering down over Christmas and immersing yourself in business deals, transport networks, zoos and city planning.

Planet Zoo 2 – PC, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X

Releases: 13th October 2026

Planet Zoo was already one of the most enjoyable management games around for anybody who likes building and organising things, and Planet Zoo 2 takes the concept considerably further.

The basic premise is wonderfully simple: build and run your own zoo. But, as anybody who has played these sorts of games knows, it quickly becomes considerably more complicated!

You have to build habitats, look after the animals, keep visitors happy, employ staff and manage the finances. The sequel adds flying birds and fully aquatic species, along with new aviaries and aquariums.

One of the biggest new features is Wildlife Reserves, allowing players to take their conservation efforts outside the traditional zoo environment and release animals back into larger natural habitats.

It is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 13th October.

This is probably one of the games on this list that could quietly eat up an entire Christmas holiday. Just one more animal enclosure… just one more guest facility… just one more hour…

Planet Zoo 2 – Xbox X

Planet Zoo 2 – PlayStation 5

Transport Fever 3 – PC, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X/S

Releases: 29th September 2026

If Planet Zoo is about managing animals, Transport Fever 3 is about managing pretty much everything that moves.

Trains, planes, ships, buses and trucks all form part of the challenge as you build a transport network and attempt to make it profitable.

The latest game in the series arrives on 29th September and is available on PC, Mac and Linux, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The appeal is similar to the classic Transport Tycoon games that many older gamers will remember, but with modern graphics and much greater depth.

You can build routes, connect towns and industries and gradually expand your transport empire.

It is not the sort of game you are going to finish in an afternoon, which is probably exactly what you want from a Christmas holiday game.

Best new games for a family Christmas

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam – Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5 & PC

Releases: 10th December 2026

One of the more interesting games arriving just before Christmas is Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

If you remember the original Professor Layton games, you’ll know roughly what to expect: puzzles, mysteries, exploration and a storyline designed to keep you coming back for another challenge.

This is an entirely new adventure featuring Professor Layton and Luke, set in a new world filled with puzzles and a fantasy-steampunk setting. It is scheduled for release on 10th December on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.

The timing could hardly be better for Christmas. It arrives just two weeks before Christmas Day, making it a particularly good option for anybody who likes puzzle games rather than shooting, racing or sports titles.

And because it is fundamentally about solving puzzles, it is also one of those games that could have a much wider appeal across a family than some of the more adult-orientated releases on this list.

Rayman Legends Retold – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 & PC

Releases: 3rd December 2026

For something a little more colourful, Rayman Legends Retold arrives just in time for Christmas.

This is a reimagining of the much-loved platform game, with updated visuals, a new story and additional content. It can be played alone or with up to four players in local co-op, which makes it particularly interesting as a family Christmas game.

The game also includes Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition, giving players considerably more content to get through.

It is due to launch on 3rd December on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

For parents who remember the classic platform games of the 1990s and early 2000s, this could be one of the more nostalgic choices on the list, while still being accessible to a younger generation.

Rayman Legends Retold: Launch Edition – PlayStation 5

Rayman Legends Retold: Launch Edition – Nintendo Switch 2

So what are the best new games for Christmas 2026?

There is a pretty enormous choice this year.

For the big-name adult gamer, GTA VI is the obvious headline release, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Gears of War: E-Day offer plenty for fans of action and shooting games.

Football fans have EA SPORTS FC 27, while the more strategically minded can look towards Football Manager 27, Planet Zoo 2 or Transport Fever 3.

For children, meanwhile, The Grinch 2: Saving Christmas, Garfield – Escape From Monday, PAW Patrol: Dino World and Minecraft Dungeons II all offer something rather different.

And for a family looking for something they can play together over the Christmas holidays, Rayman Legends Retoldand Professor Layton and the New World of Steam are two particularly interesting options.

The beauty of Christmas gaming, though, is that it isn’t necessarily about buying the biggest or most expensive game.

Sometimes it is about finding something that everyone can sit down and play together, or discovering a game that keeps somebody entertained throughout those strange days between Christmas Day and New Year.

And if you’re of my generation, there is still something rather magical about having a brand-new game waiting underneath the Christmas tree.