5 PS5 Games to Watch in August 2026

August 2026 keeps the PlayStation 5 release calendar busy, following a July that delivered major launches including Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and Halo: Campaign Evolved. The month begins with a challenging action RPG, moves through superhero combat and American football, then finishes with new adventures from the A Plague Tale and Star Wars universes.

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1. Beast of Reincarnation

Release date: 4 August 2026

Game Freak is best known for Pokémon, but the studio has also developed several projects outside that series. Beast of Reincarnation is its next non-Pokémon release, described as a “one-person, one-dog action RPG”.

The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic Japan 2,000 years in the future. Emma and her dog, Koo, travel through this dangerous world while battling disturbing monsters and hostile robots. Its combat has a distinctly Soulslike flavour and is expected to be demanding, although players can choose between difficulty options.

2. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Release date: 6 August 2026

Spider-Man, Wolverine and other Marvel heroes headline Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, an anime-influenced tag-team fighter from Arc System Works, the studio behind Dragon Ball FighterZ and Guilty Gear Strive.

Matches put teams of four against each other in fast, stylised battles. A distinctive rule means the entire team is not available from the opening bell: players must land a “Wall Break” attack during the match to unlock another fighter. The full team also shares one health pool.

Additional fighters are planned as downloadable content, with Phoenix Cyclops scheduled to arrive sometime in autumn 2026.

3. Madden NFL 27

Release date: 14 August 2026

With the football season approaching, EA follows July’s new College Football release with Madden NFL 27. The core experience is likely to feel familiar to players of recent entries, but this instalment adds several changes around its established formula.

A new Persona Engine gives players individual personalities that influence their decisions and behaviour in Franchise Mode. Wide receiver and defensive back encounters have also been expanded to make contested passes feel more authentic, while presentation updates aim to give each stadium and broadcast its own character.

Madden NFL 27 image showing a Broncos receiver going for a pass in the End Zone while a CHargers DB defends it

4. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Release date: 27 August 2026

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel that takes the AA series in a more combat-focused direction. Rather than centring on stealth, this chapter places greater emphasis on action as Sophia investigates the mysteries of Minotaur’s Island.

The game unfolds across two periods, moving between the Middle Ages and the ancient Minoan era. Its official description hints at a mythical creature, raising the possibility that the island’s legendary Minotaur will become an enemy to confront.

5. Star Wars Zero Company

Release date: 27 August 2026

Described as “Star Wars meets XCOM”, Star Wars Zero Company closes August with turn-based tactical combat set during the Clone Wars. The Republic recruits a makeshift group of misfits to investigate and stop a new Separatist threat.

Its deliberately measured battles give players time to plan each move, but poor decisions can have lasting consequences. The game includes permadeath, so any member of the squad can die after suffering enough damage. The playable team consists of new characters created for this story, although familiar figures such as Anakin Skywalker are expected to appear. Fans may even spot some suitably obscure Glup Shittos along the way.

While these releases are designed for PS5, their mix of fighting-game action, tactical planning, sports simulation and adventure could also appeal to arcade fans. Those considering a dedicated setup can compare home arcade buying advice, browse upright arcade cabinets or choose a space-saving bartop arcade.