Gaming
Final Fantasy fans have two big reasons to look forward to 2026
HD remasters and HD-2D
The latest Nintendo Direct delivered a pair of announcements for Final Fantasy fans, with Square Enix confirming the arrival of classic remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 and unveiling an all-new HD-2D adventure.
First, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. Both physical and digital versions will be available.
The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy X launch in Japan. It also gives longtime fans and newcomers another way to experience two of the series’ most beloved RPGs at home or on the go.
Square Enix also released a new trailer alongside the announcement.
Final Fantasy Resonance launches this October
The bigger surprise from the showcase was Final Fantasy Resonance. It is the first HD-2D title in the Final Fantasy series.
The game launches on October 22, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Steam version arrives a day later on October 23.
Square Enix will also offer a Digital Deluxe Edition with the base game and additional in-game items.
A Collector’s Edition is planned as well. It includes the game, an artbook, a soundtrack, and a promotional Final Fantasy Trading Card Game card.
A modern take on a classic Final Fantasy formula
Square Enix describes Final Fantasy Resonance as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy. The game combines retro-inspired HD-2D visuals with a strategic turn-based battle system that adds modern mechanics to the traditional formula.
Players can expect familiar series staples including chocobos, espers, and airships. The game will also feature appearances from iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Tidus, and Warrior of Light.
While Resonance draws from the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Square Enix says it is far more than a direct port. The title has been extensively rebuilt into a full-fledged console RPG experience.
More details about Final Fantasy Resonance will be revealed closer to launch.
Nintendo has revealed that its remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026.
The announcement came during Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8. Series producer Eiji Aonuma also showed the first gameplay from the remake.
Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, Ocarina of Time has been rebuilt for a new generation. Nintendo says the remake features completely overhauled visuals, refreshed sound, and symphonic orchestral music.
The game also introduces several changes to its controls and presentation. Players can now jump and run using newly added button commands. Camera controls have also been updated, with the Right Stick providing more freedom of movement.
A more detailed Hyrule
Nintendo has remodeled the game’s locations with additional details and a more dynamic presentation.
Characters will now be fully voiced during expanded cutscenes, with additional dialogue throughout the adventure. The day-and-night cycle will also continue regardless of where Link is, including when he is in towns.
The remake adds a new feature called Threads of Time. Players can check their progress in the story and view their next objective at any point during the adventure. A large tapestry will gradually fill in as Link’s journey progresses.
Nintendo has also expanded how players interact with the game’s iconic ocarina. Players can hum a song Link has already learned, and the game will recognize the melody through the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Link will then play the corresponding song on his ocarina.
The game will also support new playable and electric ocarinas coming later this year.
New features through ZELDA NOTES
Ocarina of Time will also receive support through ZELDA NOTES, a game-specific service available through the Nintendo Switch App on compatible smart devices.
The service will let players view a chronological record of their daily accomplishments, including statistics such as the number of enemies defeated.
Another feature, Gossip Quest, challenges players to locate areas in the game based on hint images. Completing these challenges earns points toward music scores for the virtual ocarina.
Players can also use their smart device as a virtual ocarina. They can follow a guide, have songs played automatically, or create their own music scores and share them through QR codes.
ZELDA NOTES will also include an Ocarina of Time Quiz with more than 2,000 questions. Players can take the quiz once a day or spend rupees earned in the game for additional attempts.
A physical edition with special packaging
Nintendo says the first print run of the physical version will come with special packaging featuring textured foil cover art. The special packaging will be available while supplies last.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Nintendo lists the game at US$59.99.
The remake is part of Nintendo’s broader celebration of The Legend of Zelda‘s 40th anniversary, which will also include anniversary hardware and accessories, concerts, new amiibo, and the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.
Gaming
Civilization VII is finally adding a fourth Age
Plus, an upcoming paid expansion will introduce space-themed gameplay.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I had fun with Civilization VII. Despite spanning seven generations already, the 4X game series is now going through a rough patch with the current entry, riddled as it is with lackluster reviews. Again, I had fun with it, but I can see that it’s still lacking in some respects. Next year, Civilization VII is finally plugging in some of those gaps with a free update and a paid expansion.
Coming in 2027, the upcoming “Arc of Tomorrow” will introduce something that every fan is wishing for: a fourth Age. Currently, the game has three playable Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, spanning from ancient prehistory to the 1950s. Now, the Atomic Age will span from the 1950s to the 2050s.
As the name implies, the Atomic Age will introduce the nuclear arms race, pitting nations against each other in a race to disarm or escalate the accumulation of nuclear warheads. The update also teases a “fun twist on mutually assured destruction.” Likewise, new Civs, leaders, and units are coming. Oh, and series favorite Gandhi is coming back with the nukes.
Then, adding a bit more mystery into the future of the series, the upcoming paid expansion, Earthrise, will introduce astronomy and spacefaring as mechanics. Starting from the early Ages, players can ponder the stars and discover space-themed mechanics to help conquer the world. The Modern Age will then have the standard operations to the Moon. Finally, the Atomic Age will have players engage in interplanetary missions to get new resources and help life back on Earth.
Love the game or not, Civilization VII is proving that it is a dynamic game still pushing for perfection. There’s hope that this upcoming update will be a state of completion that everyone is happy with.
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT will launch on March 5, 2027, bringing a new action-focused sci-fi story to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia also opened pre-orders for the game and released a new trailer. The footage offers a closer look at its story, gameplay, characters, and a mysterious black Mobile Suit with glowing red eyes.
The game puts players in the cockpit of the Gundam Helix. Players take on the role of RE-X, a pilot who joins a group of soldiers fighting against the Apocalypse, an unknown threat facing humanity.
Build your own Mobile Suit
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT gives players several ways to customize the Gundam Helix for combat.
Players can equip different weapons, frames, thrusters, and Apocalypse Units (AP-U). They can also select their own color scheme.
Each weapon comes with its own actions and skills. This lets players adapt their approach as battles move across expansive ground and aerial environments.
RE-X will also encounter several characters throughout the story.
Vii is RE-X’s Haro companion and serves as an intelligent assist unit built specifically for the Gundam Helix. April Freeman is the captain of the Stellarvane, an independent special-duty vessel that takes on missions against the Apocalypse.
Meanwhile, Elaine Galath is a knight commander and skilled Mobile Suit pilot who leads her forces from the front lines. Big Paul leads a group of sand pirates who hunt the Apocalypse while raiding wealthy transports to distribute supplies to settlers.
Sophia also appears as the game’s heroine. She is a mysterious girl who monitors RE-X’s situation.
Three editions available
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT will be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions.
The Standard Edition includes the base game and an Early Unlock Earth Blue Color Customization. The bonus is available with packaged early purchases and digital pre-orders.
The Deluxe Edition adds the Premium Mod Skins Set, a 14-color Mobile Suit Color Pack, Digital Artwork & Music Selection, and a Mission Reward Booster.
The Collector’s Edition includes all Deluxe Edition content, along with a steel case, five GUNDAM Card Game promo card designs, and an HG 1/144 ARK-10 GUNDAM HELIX model kit in the Earth Blue version.
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT launches March 5, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
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