5 Reasons Why The Deadpool Game Sequel Is Inevitable On Xbox Series X (The Latest 2026 Update)
The Merc with a Mouth is finally making a major move on the current generation of consoles, and the Xbox Series X is ground zero for the action. As of late 2025 and early 2026, the question of a new, standalone Deadpool game remains the biggest mystery in the Marvel gaming universe, but recent, monumental events have made a sequel or a definitive re-release on the Xbox Series X an almost certainty. This comprehensive breakdown covers the official announcements, the current playability, and the seismic industry shift that has placed the future of Wade Wilson's solo adventures directly in the hands of Microsoft.
The latest update, which dropped at The Game Awards 2025, confirms that while a dedicated solo title has yet to be announced, Deadpool is officially joining the roster of a major, cross-platform title, cementing his presence on the Series X for 2026 and beyond. This is the timeline, the current status, and the five biggest reasons why the ultimate fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero is set to dominate the Xbox ecosystem.
The Merc’s Current Status on Xbox Series X: Official 2026 Announcements
While the dream of a true sequel to the 2013 cult classic remains strong, the most significant and current news for Deadpool fans on the Xbox Series X revolves around his arrival in a major team-based title, confirming his active status in the current gaming landscape.
1. Deadpool Joins the Marvel Rivals Roster (The Official 2026 Reveal)
The biggest official news for the character on the Xbox Series X is the announcement that Deadpool is joining the roster of Marvel Rivals. This 6v6 character-based PvP shooter, developed by NetEase Games, revealed The Merc with a Mouth as the next major hero addition.
- Release Date: Deadpool is set to be added to Marvel Rivals as part of Season 6, launching on January 16, 2026.
- Platform Availability: Marvel Rivals is confirmed for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, meaning this is the official, current-gen way to play as Wade Wilson on the Xbox platform.
- Gameplay Style: This introduction gives players a new way to experience Deadpool's chaotic combat, focusing on team synergy and unique hero abilities, a stark contrast to his previous hack-and-slash adventure.
2. The Original Deadpool Game is Fully Backward Compatible
For fans craving the original, standalone experience, the 2013 Deadpool game is fully playable on the Xbox Series X via backward compatibility. The game, originally developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision, can be played by inserting the physical Xbox One disc (or the 2015 re-release disc) into the Series X console.
- Performance Boost: While not a full remaster, playing the title on the Series X offers a smoother, more stable experience, leveraging the console's superior hardware for faster load times and consistent frame rates.
- The Licensing Issue: The original game was notoriously delisted from digital storefronts multiple times due to expired licensing agreements, making physical copies the only reliable way to play.
5 Reasons Why a New Deadpool Game on Xbox Series X Is Inevitable
While the *Marvel Rivals* announcement is exciting, the real story is the monumental shift in the gaming industry that has made a standalone sequel or re-release on the Xbox Series X more plausible now than at any point in the last decade. This is primarily due to the acquisition of key intellectual property and development studios.
3. Microsoft Now Owns the IP and the Original Developer
This is the single most important factor. The original 2013 Deadpool game was developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, both the publisher and the original development studio are now part of Xbox Game Studios.
- IP Control: Microsoft now effectively controls the publishing rights and the original game's code base.
- Licensing Nightmare Solved: The biggest hurdle for the original game—the complex licensing agreements between Activision and Marvel/Disney—is now significantly simplified, as Microsoft has the power to re-negotiate or re-release the title under its own banner.
- Developer Availability: High Moon Studios, known for their work on the Transformers games and the original Deadpool, is now an internal Xbox studio, making them a prime candidate to lead a sequel or a remaster.
4. The Massive Success of Deadpool & Wolverine
The phenomenal success of the *Deadpool & Wolverine* movie has created an unprecedented level of mainstream demand for the character. Gaming tie-ins and related projects are almost guaranteed to follow any major Marvel cinematic hit. The film's box office performance and cultural impact provide an undeniable business case for a new, AAA-budget video game.
- Market Timing: A new game launching in the wake of the film's success would capitalize on maximum hype and fan interest, making the timing perfect for an Xbox-led project.
- Topical Authority Entities: The movie's success directly impacts the potential for a game featuring characters like Wolverine, Cable, and other X-Men entities, expanding the potential scope of a sequel.
5. Rumors of a Re-Release are Gaining Traction
With Microsoft now owning the rights, rumors of a re-release or remaster of the original 2013 game specifically for the Xbox Series X|S have surfaced in gaming forums and industry discussions. While not officially confirmed, the ease with which Microsoft could push out an enhanced backward-compatible version or a full 4K remaster makes this a highly likely scenario to test the waters before committing to a full sequel. Such a re-release would be a major win for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
Deadpool’s Future on Xbox: Sequel or Remaster?
The journey of Wade Wilson on the Xbox Series X is currently a tale of two games: the confirmed team-up in Marvel Rivals and the backward-compatible original. However, the future is incredibly bright for a standalone title.
The consensus among industry analysts and fans is that a new, dedicated Deadpool game is not a matter of 'if,' but 'when.' The combination of Microsoft's ownership of the High Moon Studios team, the publishing rights via Activision, and the massive cultural relevance of the character post-movie creates a perfect storm for a major announcement. Whether we see a definitive 4K/60FPS remaster of the 2013 classic or a full-blown sequel featuring the voice of Nolan North, the Xbox Series X is the most logical home for the next chapter of the Merc with a Mouth's video game journey.
Entities Mentioned: Deadpool, Xbox Series X, Marvel Rivals, Marvel Comics, High Moon Studios, Activision, Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Nolan North, Wade Wilson, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, The Game Awards 2025, Season 6, NetEase Games, Deadpool & Wolverine, X-Men, Cable, Wolverine, Backward Compatibility, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, 4K, 60FPS, Daniel Way, The Bourne Conspiracy, Transformers, Marvel Ultimate Alliance.
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