2025 is coming ot an end, and while the year might have been a highlight for those looking for sports games outside of yearly franchises, such as EA FC, 2K, and Madden, 2026 has everything to up the stakes even further.
But as we know not everyone has the time to filter through all of the upcoming releases in search of either a breath of fresh air or what can be a future TGA contender, we decided to give you a hand. Here are nine sports/racing games you should be excited for in 2026 and why.
Table Of Contents
Cairn
- Release Date: January 26, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam)
A game all climbing fans should be counting the days for, Cairn puts you in the boots of Aava, a pro climber on a mission to be the first to reach the summit of Mount Kami. Set to provide players with a climbing simulator that shines via its wide degree of freedom, the game allows you to tackle the mountain and its story in any way you see fit, while carefully managing your resources and tools. In other words, there are no right or wrong paths here, only those you make. You can also play the game’s demo right now on Steam.
Screamer
- Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store)
From the team behind Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, as well as both the Ride and Moto GP franchises, Screamer promises to bring a breath of fresh air to the arcade racing scene and finally scratch that itch Split/Second fans have been feeling for years, all while pairing its breathtaking action and 90’s anime aesthetic with a storyline that, in the words of its developer’s, hits hard. As a huge Red Line fan, I honestly cannot wait to step on the gas and see for myself what the game has to offer.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Remember Pod Racer? Well, Star Wars: Galactic Racer has everything to bring back all of the memories of the now classic title, now featuring the graphical presentation you can expect of an AAA product in the current gen of consoles. According to its official description, the game is set within the New Republic era (post The Return of the Jedi) and will allow players to customize their repulsorcrafts to their heart’s desire while racing across many of the franchise’s staple planets. Before you ask, Galactic Racer is not a multiplayer-only title, with its main story following the mysterious Shade, “a lone racer with a dream of glory and revenge“.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve presents itself as an all-around upgrade set to bring the franchise back to where it belongs, as a staple of the genre that excels in all fronts and provides the ideal mix of arcade and aircraft simulation. Its main campaign also seems to be receiving a lot more care this time, as you take on the role of a pilot who, after receiving the monicle “Wings of Theve”, must rise as a beacon of hope within a war-torn vessel. The campaign will also be fully seen in first person, with character interaction and key decisions being one of its biggest focuses.
Mario Tennis Fever
- Release Date: February 12, 2026
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Having the task of following up on the mixed reception of Aces, Mario Tennis Fever promises to bring to fans the next step in the franchise, this time by featuring a roster of 38 characters and the addition of Fever Shots, a mechanic that further empowers your character’s arsenal by awakening the full power of their Fever Rackets. As you can see below, Fever also comes with an original storyline marking the return of baby versions of the Mario Crew.
Ride 6
- Release Date: February 12, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Showing that Milestone is really going all out in 2026, Ride 6 arrives in February with an impressive selection of more than 250 bikes and the ability to tweak your experience between its two Arcade and Pro (aka simulation) Physics modes. True to the franchise’s fame, players will also be able to tackle more than 30 different tracks on release, divided between known and novel asphalt, dirt, and off-road circuits.
Golf With Your Friends 2
- Release Date: 2026 (Early Access)
- Platforms: PC
A sequel to one of the best multiplayer games in the market, Golf With Your Friends 2 has everything to be the best golfing release in the coming year. How? It promises to double down on its predecessor’s strengths via improved mechanics, full-on cross-play support at release, and an even bulkier level editor. If you are new to the franchise, you can check out a bit more about Golf With Your Friends in our The Best Golf Games To Play In 2025 list.
NBA The Run
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC
Did you grow up playing it and miss the days when arcade basketball was at the central court? Well, NBA The Run and its 3v3-focused experience might be what you have been waiting for. According to its developer, the game is set to offer a fluid experience hyper-focused on empowering moments like key dribblers, dunks, and, of course, clutch blocks. I know there’s still very little to go by here, but I believe I’m not alone when I say the scene needs a 2K competitor ASAP.
Forza Horizon 6
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Announced during the latest Tokyo Game Show, not much is known about Forza Horizon 6 at the moment, apart from the setting of its new Festival, this time located in Japan. Nevertheless, there’s a good reason for the title to be here, as Horizon 4 and 5 made it more than clear that Playground Games are still unmatched when it comes to open-world arcade racers.
Now that you know what to expect in 2026, make sure to also take a look at The Best Free Sports Games To Play In 2025. After all, who said having a high price tag equals quality?
