Biggest video games set to launch in 2023 - including Tears of the Kingdom and Final Fantasy 16

With 7 months left of 2023, there are still many exciting video game launches expected for the rest of the year. Nintendo’s latest Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom, is set to launch next Friday (May 12) with many other exciting games set to launch before the year is over.

Xbox have also officially announced the date for their next Games Showcase which will also tease what is expected to be launched by the Microsoft company over the next few years. 2023 is set to be the beginning of properly launching games for the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S generation’s, with many developers dropping support for the old consoles.

The start of the year has already seen some impressive games launched including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Hogwarts Legacy and Redfall. Some of the upcoming games such as Starfield and Spider-Man 2 have been built exclusively for the new hardware, with all console users being given plenty to look forward to.

Here’s what’s left to expect for the rest of the year.

May 2023

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

May 12 - Nintendo Switch exclusive

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to launch exclusively to the Nintendo Switch in mid may. The sequel to the Nintendo Switch launch game, Breath of the Wild, see’s the return of Link as he fights to save Hyrule once again from the wrath of Ganon.

Nintendo have kept fans in suspense as to what to expect from the game but have teased the new vertical world and building abilities. Players will be able to combine elements to create new vehicles and weapons in a new sandbox mode style.

The game is available to pre-order from the Nintendo store for £59.99.

System Shock Remake

May 30 - PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC

The remake of the 1994 first-person shooter that became a genre-defining game is set to launch this month. System Shock places the player onboard the Citadel Station as it orbits around Saturn.

Playing as a nameless hacker, the game’s aim is to shut down a rogue maniacal AI called Shodan who has overtaken the space station. System Shock is available for pre-order on the game’s website. 

June 2023

Street Fighter 6

June 2 - PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC

Street Fighter 6 is the first game from the series since 2016 and brings a brand new character creator to the game for its World Tour mode. The new feature allows players to make a custom fighter to take on Street Fighter legends.

Ken Ryu and Chun-Li will make the return alongside the 18 launch fighters and will be joined by new characters Jamie and Kimberly. The game is available to pre-order on the Street Fighter 6 website.

Diablo 4

June 6 - PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC

Diablo is set to return in 2023 with the fourth edition of Blizzard’s action-RPG due to be released in June. The game will look back into the darker roots of the franchise with a story centred around Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, Lord of Hatred.

The game will be supported by Blizzard “for years to come” and will receive new cosmetic items as well as story-driven expansions. Former game director Luis Barriga has described the game to IGN as “a bleak and shattered hellscape bereft of hope and beset by demons.”

Diablo 4 is available to pre-order on the Blizzard Entertainment website.

F1 23

June 16 - PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC

F1 23 have just released the official release date for the next game in the F1 series. The highly anticipated driving game based on Formula 1 will see new features, including the addition of the Las Vegas race circuit.

The racing game will see the return of Aiden Jackson in the new story mode ‘Braking Point’ as he makes his comeback to the Konnersport Racing Team and is joined by Devon Butler as well as a host of new characters. F1 23 can be pre-ordered from the EA website.

Final Fantasy 16

June 22 - PS5 exclusive (for 6 months)

Final Fantasy 16 is one of 2023’s biggest third-party games from developers Square Enix. Set in Valisthea, fans are transported to a fantasy land which is set against a backdrop of mediaeval Europe.