Quinton is a Staff Writer from the United States. In his youth, Quinton was ridiculed for making video game ranking lists instead of paying attention in math class. In adulthood, people sometimes pay him for it. Life’s a trip.
Taking his first steps into the industry in 2020, Quinton has written for several digital publications, but his permanent literary home is right here at TheGamer.
Before striking up a conversation with Quinton, consider the risks: he’ll find a way to transform almost any topic into an analysis of either world history, Star Trek, or – at least this one’s relevant to his career – all his favorite role-playing games.
2026 is going to be a banger year for fans of franchises old enough to start getting everybody pondering mortality a bit more. Some of these milestones are older than I am, and let me tell you, I’m no spring Quinton, as they say.
We like talking about significant anniversaries in this industry because they can sometimes portend big announcements. They don’t have to; let me emphasize that for those who are less honed-in on this stuff. Often, fandoms will get hyped for the 5th, 10th, 20th, so forth, only to be disappointed by the loudness of the crickets and the silence of the publishers. These are major IPs, though. Even if it’s just merch and artwork, something’s sure to happen. In at least one case, we know full well what’s coming our way.
Here s To Many More
What we all like to see is something like a new game announcement. That’s the best, right? Doesn’t always happen. In fact, on many occasions, it has not. The Legend of Zelda’s 35th anniversary, back in 2021, surely heralded Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remasters for the Nintendo Switch. It was shouted from rooftops. Folks thought it was predestined. Nah.
That doesn’t stop us from pondering what might or might not happen. Nor does it diminish the ultimate importance of seeing a franchise we love that’s successful enough to drum up those hopes every time the clock strikes a memorable number for it. And 2026 is striking oh so many clocks:
As you can (probably) see, Redditor yotam5434 has helpfully jotted everything down. I don’t know the precise source of the image, I’m afraid; if you made it, let me know and I’ll credit you! Perhaps it was the thread’s own creator.
Turning 40: The Legend of Zelda; Metroid; Dragon Quest; Kid Icarus; Castlevania
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 tough time with that one.
What could be in store for all of these? Pokemon is almost certainly getting a big Gen 10 duo. The leaks are out there. Oh, they are so, so, out there. Maybe we’ll see Dragon Quest 12? I don’t know. It’s been radio silence since announcement over four years ago… who knows. We will see Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, though! In just two months!
Persona 6, maybe? Please? Like, I’m literally begging you, Atlus? And I can easily envision the next Animal Crossing. As for Zelda, I’ll be real – I’m just expecting news updates on the movie, which hits in 2027. The rest… I have no idea.
Want clearer perspective on those big franchise milestones? Subscribe to the newsletter for focused coverage of gaming anniversaries, informed analysis of leaks and rumors, and concise takes on what each milestone could mean for the franchises you follow.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
But what are you hoping for? I don’t do the “let us know in the comments!” shtick often, but I am curious to read your thoughts. Got any big prayers for your aging-gracefully gaming titans?
Industry
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.
