Image: Nintendo Life
As the season for numerous game awards approaches, Nintendo appears to have already secured several nominations.
The 44th annual Golden JoyStick Awards for 2026 have now opened voting across 21 categories, with a handful of Nintendo games making the shortlist.
Firstly, the surprise hit Pokémon Pokopia and the recent Switch 2 release, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, are both up for the “Console Game of the Year” award. These titles face competition from heavy-hitters such as Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata and Forza Horizon 6. Fire Emblem has also been shortlisted for “Best Storytelling“.
Console Game of the Year nominees
- Resident Evil Requiem
- Pragmata
- Pokémon Pokopia
- 007 First ライト
- Forza Horizon 6
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- LEGO Batman: Legacy of the ダーク Knight
- Saros
- Nioh 3
Apart from this, Star Fox is in the running for the “Best Remake / Remaster” award, and Rhythm Heaven Groove has been nominated for “Best Audio Design“. Nintendo EPD has also received a nomination for best studio of the year. Some other companies nominated for this award include Square Enix, Capcom and IO Interactive.
Voting will close this week on 23rd October, and the “Ultimate Game of the Year” nomination will open on 26th October. The award winners will be revealed on 11th November 2026. Of course, this is just the start of the award ceremony season, so many of the titles mentioned here are likely to appear elsewhere as well.
Have you played any of these Nintendo titles in 2026? Let us know in the comments.
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