January is one of those months where the calendar quietly fills up with real surprises. Once the hangover from holiday launches subsides, we start seeing the first real contenders for “games you’ll play long after the month ends.” This year is no different — with a mix of indie gems, long-anticipated cross-platform arrivals, and bigger releases that are already turning heads.
Below you’ll find the biggest drops, what makes them notable, and which ones you shouldn’t sleep on — because going into 2026 without a plan is like showing up to a snowstorm with only flip-flops (trust me, I’ve been there).
What’s Worth Your Time
MIO: Memories in Orbit (January 20)
If you’ve already caught our deep dive, you know MIO isn’t just another indie platformer — it’s a love letter to classic Metroidvanias wrapped in gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and clever traversal mechanics. You play as MIO, a nimble robot with aerial mobility and combat that rewards creativity and timing. Remember: hitting enemies regenerates jumps, so combat becomes traversal and traversal becomes adventure.
⭐ Why it’s worth your time:
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Beautiful world design
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Tight platforming that feels satisfying
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A genuine sense of discovery
If there’s one indie title that will stick in your mind weeks after playing, MIO is right up there.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (January 22)
For fans who waited a long time, this is the release you’ve been hoping for. FF7 Remake Intergrade finally lands on more platforms, including Nintendo’s new hardware and Xbox, bringing the enhanced story of Cloud, Tifa, and Avalanche to players who never got to experience it before.
🌟 What to expect:
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Beautiful visuals and familiar score
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Expanded Yuffie Intermission content
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A great gateway for new fans
Even if you’ve played this before, returning for story and performance improvements is a chill way to kick off 2026.
Arknights: Endfield (January 22)
Taking the Arknights franchise in a bold direction, Endfield mixes action-RPG mechanics with exploration on a mysterious moon called Talos-II. This one balances combat and world discovery in a way that’ll fit both mobile sessions and longer play times.
🎯 Strengths:
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Accessible free-to-play setup
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Combines tactical depth with platform action
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Strong art direction and lore
Whether you’re coming from the original Arknights or not, this month’s action RPG feels like a solid “worth a download” title.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition) (January 15)
This doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it. The Switch 2 edition brings performance enhancements and new quality-of-life features to one of the most comforting franchises on the planet — perfect for winding down or hanging out with friends online.
🌿 What’s new:
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Enhanced visuals
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Better loading
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Added social features
If cozy gaming is your vibe, this one scratches that itch like no other.
Cairn (January 29)
Brought to you by the creators behind Furi and Haven, Cairn is a climbing sim that turns each ascent into a boss-like challenge. It’s Zen, tactical, and surprisingly gripping once you dip past the visuals and really start moving up those walls.
🏔️ Why try it:
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Unique climbing mechanics
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Gorgeous art style
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High-reward pacing
This one’s for the explorers and the “I just need one more try” crowd.
Other Notables & What They Bring
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Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Jan 28) – A sandbox survival with co-op appeal that feels right at home on handheld or living room setups. Steam version available.
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CODE VEIN II (Jan 30) – Souls-like fans looking for that next hit should find this sequel’s combat loop engaging.
What’s Worth Calling Out (With Caveats)
Code Violet (Jan 10)
This horror shooter came out with a ton of noise, but not all of it was praise. Critics were rough on it, yet it still topped some storefront sales lists — an odd combination that suggests strong curiosity but not universal love.
What's Worth Your Time — Quick Hit List
Here’s a snapshot of January’s notable drops worth checking out:
January 2026 wasn’t quiet. In fact, it was surprisingly diverse, with big cross-platform arrivals, comforting staples for chill gaming sessions, and smaller indie experiences that deserve attention.
Whether you’re here for story and exploration, something cozy to play after a long day, or hardcore action to kick off the year with a bang, January had something for everyone.
