Xbox posts the Forza Horizon 6 launch trailer a week before its Early Access release date — I love this tribute to a beloved racer the series partnered with

The launch trailer for Xbox's Forza Horizon 6 is here, and it's awesome.

Microsoft and Xbox have several high-profile first-party releases coming in 2026, ranging from Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears of War: E-Day to the long-awaited Fable reboot. A title that has the potential to be the most successful out of all of them, though, is Forza Horizon 6 — the next big open-world racer from Playground Games that's now just days away.

Set in the diverse and beautiful lands of Japan with more refined driving mechanics, customization options, gameplay activities, and multiplayer features than any entry before it, I've gotta say: the game looks to be a terrific sequel to Forza Horizon 5, and a must-play for racing game fans. It's slated to release on May 19 — a week and a half from the time of writing — across Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Xbox on PC), and Xbox Game Pass, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support.

Exactly one week ahead of the game's scheduled Early Access release date of May 15 exclusive to those who purchase the Premium Edition, Xbox and Playground Games have shared Forza Horizon 6's official launch trailer that you can watch here or below. Though short, it gives fans closer looks at several of the cars they'll be able to drive in action, as well as at the title's in-game environments and unique Japanese flair.

Notably, it also contains a clear nod to the late rally racer Ken Block who sadly passed away in 2023, famous for his gymkhana stunt racing videos. At 0:48, a driver carefully drifts close to the edge of a seaside road, just as Block did in his Gymkhana Nine video posted in 2016. Block collaborated with Forza several times since Forza Horizon 3, making the tribute all the more touching.

It's not the only reference in the trailer, however. Another comes right after at 0:58, when a Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and a Mazda RX-7 FD3S are neck and neck; these are the primary cars driven by the characters Takumi Fujiwara and Keisuke Takahashi in one of the first big races in the popular racing manga Initial D.

All in all, the trailer is just a good time from start to finish, with the short-and-sweet video showing off the vibrant natural landscapes and neon-soaked cities of Forza Horizon 6's rendition of Japan, along with plenty of different cars, stunts, and tense racing moments. I'm a huge fan of the vibe.

Given how popular Forza Horizon 5 was, I have no doubt that its successor will become a massive hit as well, and will likely end up being one of 2026's biggest and most popular games. It also wouldn't surprise me if we saw Microsoft bring it to PS5 at some point even as it reevaluates bringing Xbox exclusives back, as Forza Horizon 5 sold incredibly well on Sony's console.

Ahead of its release date, you can preorder Forza Horizon 6 for $69.99, though you can get the Xbox and Xbox on PC version for just $54.39 at Loaded. The $119.99 Premium Edition that includes the Car Pass, Car Packs, future DLC, and four days of Early Access is also selling for only $92.99 at Loaded. Of course, the game is also coming to Xbox Game Pass.

Do you plan on jumping into Forza Horizon 6 when it launches in the coming days? What did you think of the launch trailer? Let me know in the comments, and vote in our poll.

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Posted Saturday 9 May 2026 at 7:18 am AEST (my time).

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