The future of gaming is fast approaching, and the UK is buzzing with excitement. New research from Uswitch broadband reveals which upcoming games, consoles, and subscription services are capturing gamers’ attention ahead of the 2025–26 release schedule.
GTA VI Reigns as the Most Anticipated Game
With over 6.4 million searches in the past year, Grand Theft Auto VI is the UK’s most anticipated game. Fans are particularly keen on release details, generating more than 2.1 million searches alone. The next instalment promises Rockstar Games’ signature open-world storytelling, fan-favourite locations, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
- Battlefield 6: 902,600 searches – Large-scale multiplayer battles and immersive campaigns set to hit PS5 and Xbox Series X this October.
- Borderlands 4: 644,190 searches – Looter-shooter fans are excited for new worlds, co-op play, and the series’ signature humour.
Other highly anticipated titles include Ghost of Yotei, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Arc Raiders. Check the full list of the UK’s most searched upcoming games in Uswitch’s data.
PlayStation 6 Leads Console Buzz
Despite no official release date, the PlayStation 6 tops UK console searches with almost 929,000 hits. Rumoured next-gen consoles like Steam Deck 2 and ROG Xbox Ally X also generated significant interest, highlighting the UK’s appetite for cutting-edge hardware.
PlayStation Plus Tops Subscription Searches
UK gamers are most curious about PlayStation Plus, with over 2 million searches in the last year. Xbox Game Pass follows closely, while Prime Gaming completes the top three. These numbers highlight how subscription services are becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming access.
Franchise Critic Scores: Who’s Up and Who’s Down?
Uswitch also compared Metacritic scores to track franchise improvements and declines over time:
- Metroid: +30 points – From 58 in 1986 to 88 today.
- Grand Theft Auto: +27 points – GTA V climbs from 70 to 97.
- Red Dead: +23 points – Red Dead Redemption 2 scores 97, up from 74.
- Fallout: -37 points – Fallout 76 drops from 89 to 52.
- Wolfenstein: -34 points – Cyberpilot falls from 84 to 50.
- The Sims: -22 points – The Sims 4 scores 70 versus 92 for the original.
Expert Tips for Smooth Gaming
Uswitch broadband expert Max Beckett shares advice for UK gamers to ensure lag-free play and healthy habits:
- Pick the right broadband: Fibre broadband is ideal for low latency and consistent performance.
- Optimise your setup: Place your router centrally, use Ethernet for competitive gaming, and minimise simultaneous heavy usage.
- Prioritise gaming traffic: Use QoS on your router to give games top priority.
- Manage screen time: Take breaks every 90 minutes to maintain focus and reaction times.
- Keep your connection secure: Enable WPA2/WPA3, update router software, and use strong passwords.
Whether you’re hyped for GTA VI, waiting for the PlayStation 6, or exploring subscriptions like PS Plus, this research highlights what’s on the minds of UK gamers heading into 2026.
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