Neon Genesis Evangelion returns in 2026 with immersive XR experiences based on the original series

Prepare for the revival of a classic: Neon Genesis Evangelion returns in 2026, bringing immersive XR experiences that promise new adventures and perspectives.

The battle against the Angels is far from over. In fact, it's about to begin again: after several revisions and reboots, the cult classic series Neon Genesis Evangelion will return in 2026 through three projects in Extended Reality (XR). Technically, these are not just games, but immersive experiences based on the original 26 episodes of the beloved show.

To provide some context, this initiative is being handled by the South Korean studio Pixelity. What makes this project intriguing is that players will experience the events from the perspective of a new character. XR, or Extended Reality, is a term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), like that seen in Pokémon Go, and Mixed Reality (MR). This fusion of technologies promises an interactive experience that could resemble an interactive movie but with deeper engagement.

While the specifics of how closely this will adhere to the anime remain unclear, Pixelity has teased elements of cooperative gameplay and interactions with familiar characters from the series. The idea of piloting an Eva in an XR format is already garnering excitement among fans, even if it all unfolds against the backdrop of humanity's impending doom.

Unfortunately, Pixelity has yet to release images or detailed information about which platforms will support this new trilogy. Historically, the studio has published its previous games on platforms like Pico, Meta Quest, and potentially Apple Vision Pro, making it a likely candidate for this initiative, although that remains speculative at this point.

The gaming legacy of Evangelion spans numerous PCs and consoles, and while integrating an original character into the series isn't a new concept, leveraging the most immersive format tied to the anime's original 26 episodes could be the catalyst needed for fans to don VR headsets.

It's evident that even after the release of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time a few years ago, Hideaki Anno's narrative still holds potential for new perspectives. While it's too early to determine if this will be the definitive way to experience Neon Genesis Evangelion, it’s reasonable to speculate that even after this trilogy concludes, more captivating notes and revisions could continue to enrich the story.