Just like people, video games have birthdays and anniversaries that should be celebrated. Getting to see how your favorite franchise has changed or adapted mechanics and gameplay. Such anniversaries are also great because they typically come with a new release to respark interest. One such example of a way a game company is celebrating is with Pokemon, Nintendo has released Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green for the Switch and Switch 2. Other notable anniversaries in 2026 are; Resident Evil, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Castlevania, and Halo.
“Nintendo announcing Fire Red and Leaf Green on their newer consoles is great, I will definitely get one of them to start and if I enjoy it on the Switch I’ll get the other. Each of them for $20 is really not bad. One thing I am still holding out for is them [Nintendo] to port the DS Pokemon games to the Switches. They have shown that they have the technology and willingness to do it and it’s good for us because we don’t have to spend so much money on an old game … There are a few announcements I am hoping for, my big one is for the Persona franchise. Persona 6 would be great but I would take any of the older games for the switch so that they can all be in one place. I think that we may get DLC (Down Loadable Content) for some of the newer Zelda games; Echoes Of Wisdom and Tears of the Kingdom.” Grubb said.
Resident Evil/ Biohazard is having its 30th anniversary on March 22 which is not long after the release of their newest game Resident Evil Requiem. Along with a new game, the franchise is celebrating with the RESIDENT EVIL 30th Anniversary Concerts -Symphony of Legacy- playing live music from iconic moments of the hit franchise. Keith Seay (11), a big fan of the series is looking forward to all the announcements.
“The puzzle-based action is always a great concept, and the puzzles in Resident Evil really challenge you to think. I have also always loved zombie games like the Left 4 Dead franchise and Dying Light, and Resident Evil puts its own interesting spin on zombies in the media. The change of all the viruses and how the characters develop more of the franchise. It has been a long-running franchise and has built up a great universe. I was so excited for RE9 that I bought the game on release day. I was so excited to play it, and honestly… it blew it out of the water. It was fun and really brought back the feel of the old games. Grace’s sections felt like playing Claire in Resident Evil 2, while Leon’s part felt like playing Resident Evil 4; it had me in awe the whole time. It was so great, and I recommend it to any diehard Resident Evil fan.” Seay said
While Nintendo may have missed Legend of Zelda’s 40th I am still holding on for some sort of announcement for the franchise, maybe another remake or an initial trailer for the movie. I am looking forward to the new Castlevania game “Belmont’s Curse” which was announced at Playstation’s State of Play in February. Whether or not your favorite game is having an anniversary or if you don’t play video games, try to check out any of these franchises and see if you can find a new favorite.
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