Christmas 2026's Most-Requested Games, Based on Real Sales Data

Based on actual US sales data and the fall release calendar, the games most likely to show up on Christmas lists this year are Marvel's Wolverine, Grand Theft Auto VI, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, this year's sports games, and, for Nintendo homes, the new Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. That's not a guess at a wish list. It's what's selling and what's launching.

We didn't invent a ranking. Nobody publishes reliable data on what people ask for, so this guide uses the closest thing: the Circana sales charts that track US game sales each month, plus confirmed release dates. Every pick comes with the platform and rating checks a non-gamer needs.

Where this list comes from

Circana (formerly NPD) is the research firm that tracks US video game sales. Its monthly chart ranks games by dollar sales across physical and full-game digital purchases. It doesn't include mobile games or add-on content.

The most recent chart covers September 2026, which ran from August 30 to October 3, 2026. We used it alongside VGC's release schedule for games launching between now and Christmas. When a game hasn't come out yet, it can't be on a sales chart, so the big November releases are listed separately.

What's selling right now: Circana's September 2026 chart

Here's the US top ten for September 2026, as published by My Nintendo News from Circana's data. We've added the details a gift giver needs.

On the hardware side, the PS5 was the best-selling console in September, ahead of Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. Kotaku reports PS5 unit sales were up 22 percent from a year earlier, while Switch 2 was down 14 percent and Xbox down 27 percent.

The year so far

For 2026 overall, Circana's year-to-date chart is led by NBA 2K27, followed by Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, MLB The Show 26, and Crimson Desert. These are games people have been buying all year, which means many fans already have them. They're better gifts for someone who's been holding off.

The big ones, and how to buy them

Marvel's Wolverine

The top seller of September and a PlayStation exclusive. It's the most obvious gift for a PS5 owner who likes Marvel or Spider-Man games, but it's mature-rated and violent, as you'd expect from Wolverine. Our Wolverine buying verdict goes deeper.

Grand Theft Auto VI

GTA VI is scheduled for November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, per VGC's schedule. Take-Two said in February that it was on pace for that date, as Shacknews reported after the company's earnings call. It's likely the biggest game launch of the year.

Two cautions. First, it's rated M and is very much an adult game. Second, a huge share of fans pre-ordered it. Before buying, check whether they've talked about pre-loading it. If you want to give it anyway, our GTA VI edition guide explains which version to buy.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

Released October 23, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch 2. Nintendo's news page confirmed the Switch 2 version is out now. This year, it's not part of Game Pass at launch, according to Thurrott, so it's a reasonable gift even for Xbox subscribers. It doesn't run on PS4 or Xbox One. Our Modern Warfare 4 review roundup covers whether it's worth full price.

The sports games

NBA 2K27, EA Sports FC 27, and Madden NFL 27 all made September's top ten. Sports fans often buy these on launch day, so ask yourself whether they'd have waited. If they're a casual fan who doesn't buy every year, this year's edition can be a welcome surprise. Our sports gamer gift guide helps you pick.

Big releases for Nintendo households

Switch 2 owners have their own list. These are the notable dated releases between now and Christmas on VGC's schedule.

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2, November 5): a remake of one of the most famous games ever made. Nintendo posted an overview trailer on October 14.
• Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy (November 12): a family-friendly strategy game.
• Minecraft for Switch 2 (October 27): a native version for the newer console.
• Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave: already out and number four in September's chart.

For more ideas, see our Switch 2 gift guide.

Family-friendly picks from the fall calendar

Almost nothing in September's top ten is aimed at young kids. If you're shopping for one, these fall releases from VGC's schedule are better fits. Check the ESRB rating on each store page, since ratings aren't listed in the schedule.

• Bluey's Happy Snaps (October 15): on nearly every platform, including Switch, Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox.
• Sonic Pico Park (November 12): a co-op puzzle game on PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and Switch 2.
• Toy Story: Retro Roundup! (October 15): on Switch, Switch 2, Xbox, PS4, PS5, and PC.

For age-by-age picks, our guides for ages 6 to 8 and ages 9 to 12 go further.

When a gift card beats a game

A list of popular games is also a list of games people buy for themselves. If the person is a dedicated player, there's a real chance they already own the biggest titles here. In that case, a store gift card for their platform lets them pick something they don't have.

Gift cards also sidestep the trickiest checks: platform, edition, and whether they pre-ordered. To make one feel less like cash, pair it with something small and physical, such as a controller in a new color. Our gift card vs. physical game guide walks through the trade-offs, and our digital game gifting guide explains how to send a specific game directly.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying the wrong platform. Wolverine is PS5 only. GTA VI isn't on Switch 2 or PC at launch. Zelda is Switch 2 only.
• Buying a game they pre-ordered. This is the big risk with GTA VI.
• Ignoring the rating. The top sellers are mostly M-rated. That's a real issue if a child is the recipient.
• Buying last year's sports game on sale. Sports fans want the current year's edition.
• Waiting for the next sales chart. Popular games sell through stock in December. Buy early and keep the receipt.

How to use this list

1. Confirm the console. Our console detective guide helps if you're not sure.
2. Check the age rating on the store page if the gift is for someone under 17.
3. Ask a friend or sibling whether they already own or pre-ordered the game.
4. Buy physical if you're unsure, and get a gift receipt. Our guide to returning video games explains why.
5. Fall back to a gift card if two or more of these checks come up empty.