Resident Evil Showcase January 2026: 5 Key Reveals from Requiem Gameplay, Merch, and More – Full Recap

Capcom's Resident Evil Showcase streamed live on January 15, 2026, at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET, delivering a concise 12-15 minute burst of info centered on Resident Evil: Requiem (Resident Evil 9), out February 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam/Epic), and Nintendo Switch 2. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi, the event featured director commentary, extended gameplay, and merch reveals—building hype just weeks from launch. No major surprises beyond Requiem, but plenty to dissect for fans eyeing this return to Raccoon City with dual protagonists Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy. sea.ign.com +2 While light on plot spoilers, the showcase contrasted playstyles, teased mechanics, and hyped collectibles. Here's the 5 key things we learned:1. Dual Playstyles: Grace's Pure Horror vs. Leon's Evolved RE4 ActionThe standout was side-by-side gameplay showing how Grace and Leon differ dramatically. Grace's sections echo RE7/RE2's tense FPS survival: tight spaces, scarce ammo, stealth/escape options against Elpis-infected horrors. Leon delivers RE4 remake-style third-person action-thriller: parry chainsaws with a sharpenable hatchet axe, steal enemy weapons, and rampage. A single story seamlessly switches between them, post-RE6 canon timeline. Players can toggle FPS/TPS cameras per character. ign.com +1 Zombies retain human-like behaviors, adding unpredictability. The signature "Requiem" magnum (big caliber, limited ammo) passes between protagonists, tying the narrative.2. Crafting, Difficulty, and Classic RE Touches ReturnNew RE2-inspired crafting uses zombie-infected blood for injectors/special bullets to prevent mutations. Multiple difficulties include Casual (story-focused, aim assist), Standard, and "Standard Classic" (ink ribbons for saves in Grace sections). Antique coins return for Leon (RE4 nods). These mechanics blend horror tension with satisfying progression. sea.ign.com +1 3. Merch Mania: Hamilton Watches, Amiibo, Switch 2 ControllerA chunk focused on tie-ins: Limited-edition Hamilton watches (Leon's Khaki Field Auto Chrono, Grace's Pan Europ Automatic; 2,000 each worldwide, launch day Feb 27). First RE amiibo (Grace, Summer 2026). Requiem-themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (launch day). Porsche collab expanded; figures Fall 2026; orchestra concerts; Deluxe/Steelbook Editions with skins/filters. Premium Steelbook includes lenticular card. sea.ign.com +2 4. PC Tech Boost: DLSS 4, Path Tracing, GeForce NOW Day OneNvidia spotlight: Full path tracing, DLSS 4 with multi-frame gen for stunning visuals. GeForce NOW launch day support—play Steam/Epic versions on modest PCs. City environments teased (busy streets, potential open-ish areas). theouterhaven.net +1 5. Story Tease: "Elpis" Keyword and Switch 2 PortsEnded with "Elpis"—links Grace's mother's death, her past, and Leon's arc (zombie bite mark?). RE7 Gold and Village Gold Editions hit Switch 2 Feb 27 alongside Requiem. 30th anniversary year hints at more (no new games announced). consolecreatures.com +1 The showcase was merch-heavy but gameplay-focused—perfect pre-launch hype. No demo (yet?), but expect one soon per RE tradition. Requiem blends series bests: horror, action, RE Engine polish.At digital8hub.com, we dive into gaming trends 2026, horror games, Resident Evil news, Switch 2 gadgets, and AI-enhanced tech. For Requiem tips, survival horror guides, or VR horror setups, explore our resources on tech trends, gadgets, and immersive entertainment.With Feb 27 looming, Requiem positions as 2026's must-play—mark calendars!