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National Video Games Day

Ready to game? Celebrate National Video Games Day by playing your favorite classic or trying something new - it's time to get your game on!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYGaming

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your controllers ready to celebrate National Video Games Day on September 12! This day was created in 2008 to recognize the impact that video games have had on our culture, from providing entertainment and fostering friendly competition among friends to inspiring creativity and innovation. It's a great opportunity for gamers of all types, from young kids just getting into gaming all the way up to seasoned veterans, to get together for some good old-fashioned fun.

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

3 brands have run a deal

TIMELINE

National Video Games Day Timeline

First Video Game Creation

Physicist William Higinbotham invents the first true video game, Tennis for Two, which was showcased at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Start of Atari Era

Atari Inc. was founded and it launched the classic video game 'Pong', revolutionizing the gaming industry.

Nintendo Enters Gaming Scene

Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and with it, the iconic video game Super Mario Bros., forever changing the landscape of video games.

Age Ratings Established

Due to violent video games like Mortal Kombat, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) was established to give age and content ratings for video games.

Microsoft's First Console

Microsoft introduces the Xbox, its first gaming console, expanding the competition in the gaming industry and giving birth to the popular Halo franchise.

National Video Games Day

National Video Games Day is created to celebrate the cultural impact of video games on society.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Video Games Day

Organize a video game tournament

Gather up your friends and organize a video game tournament. Pick the game you want to play and set up a bracket to see who comes out on top.

PLAY

Play an all-day marathon

Choose your favorite game and spend the entire day playing it. Invite some friends to join you and make it a competition to see who can finish first or hit the highest score.

EXPLORE

Explore a new game

Take some time to explore a new game that you haven't played before. Find something interesting in the App Store or Xbox Live Marketplace, or visit your local game store to find something unique.

VISIT

Visit an arcade

Take a trip down memory lane by visiting an arcade near you. Enjoy all the classic games or try something new that you've never seen before.

PLAN

Plan a gaming party

Invite your friends over for an evening of gaming fun! Set up multiple consoles with different games and let the competition begin!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Video Games Day

Video games help build friendships & relationships

Playing video games with friends and family can help bring people together. You can bond over a shared passion for gaming while learning strategies from each other and having fun! If you don't have anyone to play with, there's always the option of joining online gaming communities where you can make new connections!

Video games provide entertainment

Video games provide a fun and interactive way to pass the time. Whether you're playing alone or with friends, you can enjoy hours of varying challenges and exciting gameplay that will keep your brain active and engaged!

Video games have something for everyone

From first person shooters to RPG's, there is an unlimited variety of games available to suit different tastes. You are sure to find something that fits your interests - no matter what kind of game you prefer, you'll never be without something to play!

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National Video Game Day

Play your favorite video games and join the fun on National Video Game Day - explore new worlds, challenge yourself, and make it a day to remember!

National Retro Video Game Day

A fan observance on March 8 celebrating retro video games and early gaming innovations, particularly honoring Ralph Baer and classic titles that shaped the industry.