- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesFun
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 8
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎮
National Video Game Day powers up every July 8, inviting enthusiasts to celebrate the vibrant world of interactive entertainment. Dust off your favorite console, explore new releases, or challenge friends to a classic arcade showdown. Dive into virtual adventures and embrace the joy of gaming!
Want to sponsor National Video Game Day? Learn how
Expected National Video Game Day Deals
As National Video Game Day approaches, expect major retailers and game developers to launch exciting promotions. In 2026, look for discounts on popular titles across platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Games Store. Retailers such as GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon will likely feature deals on consoles, accessories, and merchandise. Indie game bundles might also see significant price drops on digital storefronts. Keep an eye out for limited-time offers on gaming peripherals from brands like Razer and Logitech. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Video Game Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalVideoGameDay. Share quick clips of your best gameplay moments or highlight your retro game collection.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #VideoGameDay. Post visually appealing screenshots of your favorite game worlds, or showcase your gaming setup.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalVideoGameDay. Join the conversation about new game announcements, esports highlights, and gaming industry news.
National Video Game Day Hero
Shigeru Miyamoto
History of National Video Game Day
Gaming is a serious business. Even though it has been one of the biggest hobbies sustained since its creation, many gamers have made a livelihood from playing video games. The world’s number one YouTuber, PewDiePie, is a testimony to this. Gaming has definitely come a long way, from its humble beginnings of old-school arcade games to entire universes created with elaborate digital storylines. There are video games out there with better stories than actual live-action movies. The “Batman: Arkham” series is considered the best superhero game of all time, and the story has received more appreciation than some of the recent “Batman” Hollywood productions.
The earliest video games were developed in universities in the 1950s. Experimental games included virtual renditions of paper games like tic-tac-toe. Dr. Edward Uhler Condon unveiled what is considered the first example of a gaming machine in 1940 at the New York World’s Fair. The game showcased was based on the mathematical game “Nim,” and was played by more than 50,000 people during its time on display. The computer algorithm won more than 90% of all games played.
The first breakthrough for gaming occurred three decades later in 1967, when the father of gaming, Ralph Baer, developed the ‘Brown Box,’ the first-ever game system intended for commercial use. This inspired Atari to create the now-classic game “Pong.” A copyright infringement lawsuit followed this, but Atari came out the other side with the release of their Atari 2600. This led to the era of iconic games like “Donkey Kong” and “Pac-Man.”
When the gaming scene crashed in 1983, Japan-based Nintendo had their breakthrough. They released some of the most popular gaming franchises like “Super Mario Bros.,” and “The Legend of Zelda” and smashed records with them. The competition also grew as Sega hit the market, driving towards 3D gaming.
The modern era of games in the early 21st century kicked off with the Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the Wii. Ever since, video games have stormed all digital platforms, with video game apps ranging across all stores. This also led to the birth of the online gaming community. The rising popularity of smartphones since 2007 has also evolved the way games are developed, with some of the most popular game titles belonging strictly to the mobile platform.
What’s next in gaming is virtual reality. Big companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are all aiming for breakthroughs in VR gaming.
National Video Game Day timeline
The first video game, ‘Nim’ is introduced at the New York World’s Fair by Edward Condon.
Atari’s first console, the Atari 2600, is released with games like “Frogger.”
The first Super Mario game is released!
For the first time, gamers can travel with their consoles as Nintendo releases the Game Boy in the summer.
“Pokemon Sword and Shield” for the Switch are both released.
National Video Game Day - Survey Results
NATIONALTODAY NATIONAL VIDEO GAME DAY SURVEY
Info gained from a top Entertainment Marketing Agency (Survey of 1,000 Americans)
What’s the best gaming console?
#1: Playstation (38%)
#2: Xbox (38%)
#3: Nintendo (21%)
What’s the best video game franchise?
#1: Super Mario (47%)
#2: Call of Duty (21%)
#3: Donkey Kong (19%)
#4: Grand Theft Auto (19%)
#5: Pokemon (16%)
#6: Zelda (13%)
#7: Sonic the Hedgehog (13%)
#8: Final Fantasy (9%)
#9: Halo (9%)
#10: Crash Bandicoot (7%)
How often do you play video games?
#1: Everyday (31%)
#2: Rarely (31%)
#3: 2-3x a week (23%)
When do mobile gamers like to play games on their phones?
#1: Whenever I’m bored (66%)
#2: When I’m watching TV (41%)
#3: Before I go to sleep (39%)
#4: When I’m on the toilet (34%)
#5: During my breaks at work (21%)
#6: Whenever I’m eating (20%)
#7: Before I leave for work (12%)
#8: On my commute to work (8%)
Traditions of the Day
It is a big day for gamers and game developers worldwide, and as geeky as gamers may seem to some, they sure know how to celebrate in style! Gaming marathons and conventions are held all over the world, with competitions, cosplays, and a chance to get exclusive gaming merchandise. Streaming of both classic and new games is higher than ever on websites like YouTube and Twitch.
Those who are not hardcore gamers enjoy their favorite games on their smartphones and computers. Childhood favorites like “Super Mario” and “Sonic the Hedgehog” games are revisited and even introduced to the next generation who didn’t grow up with them. Popular games are featured on Apple and Android stores and many games have special features and sales.
National Video Game Day FAQs
When is National Video Game Day?
National Video Game Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 8, inviting players to celebrate their favorite digital worlds. It’s a perfect mid-week break to immerse yourself in gaming.
How many people play video games globally?
The global video game audience is vast and continuously expanding. In 2026, it’s estimated that over 3.3 billion people worldwide will play video games across various platforms, from mobile to console and PC.
What is the history of video games?
The history of video games dates back to the 1950s with early electronic games, but the commercial industry truly began in the 1970s with arcade games like ‘Pong’ and the first home consoles. The 1980s saw the rise of iconic franchises, leading to today’s multi-billion dollar industry.
Is National Video Game Day the same as National Video Games Day?
No, National Video Game Day (July 8) is distinct from National Video Games Day (September 12). While both celebrate gaming, they are observed on different dates, offering two separate opportunities for enthusiasts to enjoy their passion.
National Video Game Day Activities
Stage a marathon with friends
Take a sick day from work (or if your boss is super chill – just let him/her know you’re calling out because it’s Video Game Day), whip out Mario Kart 64, and get ready to party like it’s 1999. Although one could easily play for hours, it’s always nice to have a couple of different games on hand for your enthusiastic guests to choose from.
Visit a themed bar
If all of your buddies are busy working, look for the nearest video game-themed bar (assuming you're over 21) and head out to mingle among other comrades. Perhaps you’ll even make a couple of new friends!
Dress up
Whether you consider yourself more of a Luigi or a Nathan Drake, putting together the costume is half the fun. The other half? Showing it off, of course.
5 Facts
The worst video game of all time
The Atari game “E.T.” is widely regarded as the worst video game of all time — it was so bad that the creators literally buried copies of the game in the New Mexico desert.
More viewers than the Super Bowl!
Such is the popularity of e-sports that the past few championships of the League of Legends World Competition have had a bigger viewership than the NBA finals or Super Bowl!
Not just for teenagers
The average age of a gamer is 35, according to a recent study — this proves that the gaming market is expanding beyond kids and teenagers.
Nameless Kombat
The greatest fighting game of all time, “Mortal Kombat,” didn’t have a name for the first six months of its development.
A game for the price of a cereal?
The game “Chex Quest” was released as part of a Chex cereal promotion — it was the first video game ever to come as a cereal box prize.
Why We Love National Video Game Day
They’re timeless
Despite our increasingly complex tech world (although we don’t have flying cars yet), video games will never go out of style. They just keep getting better all the time.
Never boring
Playing video games is one of the best ways to pass free time. Granted, there are certainly lots of other activities available — but let’s be honest: Why would we even consider these, when video games are an option? Plus, the adrenaline rush we get by saving Princess Peach from the evil Bowser is incomparable.
They teach us valuable life lessons
Believe it or not, video games can teach important life lessons. Many characters possess distinct personalities, relationships, and aspirations. You get to create their destinies through thought-provoking scenarios.
Social Media Tips for National Video Game Day
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