Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was voted as the best console game in the 2025-2026 Gamer Census.
- Nintendo titles dominated the top 15 console games, with Splatoon 3 being the second-highest rated, and Pokémon Legends: ZA ranking third.
- The upcoming release of Tomodachi Life for the 3DS has sparked controversy due to the original games exclusion of same-sex relationships, but Nintendo has pledged to include them in future titles.
- Other notable mentions from the census include Pokémon Winds and Waves, Pragmata, Persona 4 Revival, Ganbare Goemon Daishuugo, Splatoon Raiders, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Grand Theft Auto VI, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave.
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Top 15 Console Games Dominated by Nintendo Titles in 2025-2026 Census
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025-2026 Gamer Census: The survey included over 11,900 gamers. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was voted best console game. Splatoon 3 was the second-highest-rated console game. Pokémon Legends: ZA ranked third among console games. Nintendo titles dominated the top 15 console games. Donkey Kong Bananza and Animal Crossing: New Horizons both made the top 30 Nintendo titles. Other notable mentions from the census include Pokémon Winds and Waves, Pragmata, Persona 4 Revival, Ganbare Goemon Daishuugo, Splatoon Raiders, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Grand Theft Auto VI, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave. Next month marks the worldwide release of Tomodachi Life for the 3DS. The exclusion of same-sex relationships in the original Tomodachi Life release sparked controversy. Nintendo apologized for the omission and released a patch in Japan that allowed male characters to form opposite-sex relationships; however, this patch did not include same-sex relationships. Subsequently, GLAAD and others accused Nintendo of intentionally excluding LGBTQ+ relationships. Nintendo has since pledged to include same-sex relationships in future Tomodachi Life titles, including the potential sequel Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
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Exciting news is pouring in from multiple fronts! First off, Jonathan Dubinski’s latest post reveals that filming for the Amazon Tomb Raider production has resumed after Sophie Turner’s swift recovery from a back injury. The stunning Wrest Park estate is now in the spotlight as the potential new home of Lara Croft’s ancestral mansion – you won’t want to miss this insider scoop Filming Resumes Normally as Actress Recovers from Back Injury. Meanwhile, Sophie Laurent sheds light on a surprising development in the gaming world: Star Trek Resurgence has vanished from Steam after its distribution license expired. This raises intriguing questions about the longevity of digital content and our reliance on online platforms for gaming experiences – head over to Players For Life to dive into her insightful exploration Another Game Removed from Steam, 3 Years After Launch. Last but not least, Capcom has added a whopping 77GB file to the Dragon’s Dogma 2 repository, sparking rumors of an expansion. Bruno Pferd connects the dots in his insightful article, discussing the possible implications and its connection to recent hints about griffins in Ortia – be sure to check it out Capcom Adds 77GB File to Dragon’s Dogma 2 Repository, Fueling Expansion Rumors.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XCOM: Enemy Unknown |
| Brief Summary | XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. The original XCOM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. You will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle. |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, Linux, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Android, Mac |
| Released | October 9, 2012 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical |
| Play Modes | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Content Rating | 18 |
| Languages | Czech, English, Spanish (Spain), Japanese |
| Genre | Firaxis Games |
| Genre | 2K Games, Feral Interactive |
| Ratings | 86/100 (561 reviews) |
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Gamer Census '25-'26 shows Pokémon, Splatoon, and Smash Bros. as Japan's most popular games(/contents/59828-gamer-census-25-26-shows-pokemon-splatoon-and-smash-bros-as-japan-s-most-popular)Gamer Census '25-'26 shows Pokémon, Splatoon, and Smash Bros. as Japan's most popular games(/contents/59828-gamer-census-25-26-shows-pokemon-splatoon-and-smash-bros-as-japan-s-most-popular)gonintendo.com
- Nintendo apologises for failing to include same-sex relationships in simulation game Tomodachi LifeNintendo apologises for failing to include same-sex relationships in simulation game Tomodachi Lifechristiantoday.com.au
- Review: Gecko GodsReview: Gecko Godshardcoregamer.com