007 First Light: the James Bond game of 2026, release dates and platforms
The 2026 James Bond game is 007 First Light, a third-person action-adventure from IO Interactive, the Danish studio behind Hitman. It launched on May 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam and the Epic Games Store). The Nintendo Switch 2 version was held back and is scheduled for March 18, 2027. Patrick Gibson plays a young James Bond in an original origin story.
This page covers the release timeline, platforms, cast, story and how the game plays, based on IO Interactive's announcements and the extended gameplay premiere.
007 First Light release dates by platform
007 First Light is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and the Switch 2 edition follows on March 18, 2027. IO Interactive first announced the James Bond game for 2026 in June 2025, then set March 27, 2026 as the launch date during Sony's September 2025 State of Play. In December 2025 the studio moved the game back two months to give the team more time to polish it, and it went gold ahead of the new date.
| Platform | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | May 27, 2026 | No PS4 version |
| Xbox Series X|S | May 27, 2026 | No Xbox One version |
| PC | May 27, 2026 | Steam and Epic Games Store |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | March 18, 2027 | Delayed separately from the other versions |
If you are choosing a platform, the current-generation consoles and PC are the only places to play right now. Owners of a PS5 Slim with the smaller SSD should check free storage before installing, since modern AAA games take a large share of the drive.
Why the Switch 2 version comes later
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light was delayed so IO Interactive could keep working on optimization and performance for Nintendo's hardware. The studio originally planned a simultaneous launch on all four platforms. In April 2026 it moved the Switch 2 edition from the May launch to a summer 2026 window, in September 2026 it pushed it to March 2027, and in October 2026 it confirmed March 18, 2027 together with a new trailer, after showing playable builds at gamescom and Tokyo Game Show.
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 version are open through the Nintendo Store, Amazon and selected retailers. The Switch 2 Deluxe Edition is listed at $69.99 (€69.99, £69.99) and adds early access to the GoldenEye Suit, four gadgets and four outfits. A Switch 2 Special Edition with the Classic Tuxedo is exclusive to Amazon in the US. Prices for the other platforms vary by store and edition, so compare the listing on your platform's store before you buy.
Who plays James Bond in 007 First Light
Irish actor Patrick Gibson plays James Bond in 007 First Light. He is known for The Tudors and for playing young Dexter Morgan in Dexter: Original Sin. The main cast includes:
- Priyanga Burford as M
- Alastair Mackenzie as Q
- Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny
- Lennie James as John Greenway
- Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth
- Lenny Kravitz as the antagonist Bawma
The game is not based on any Bond film. It is a wholly original origin story that shows a younger, more reckless Bond earning his 00 number, and IO Interactive has said it wants to build on the storyline in future games.
How 007 First Light plays
007 First Light plays like a cinematic Hitman with more action: you can solve most situations through stealth, conversation, gadgets or gunfire. The extended premiere IO Interactive released in September 2025 ran about 30 minutes, with roughly 20 minutes of gameplay and 10 minutes of developer commentary, and focused on Bond's first field mission.
The footage showed several systems that will feel familiar to Hitman players:
- Multiple routes around obstacles such as security checks, including talking your way past NPCs
- Gadgets and picked-up objects used as distractions, combined with objects in the environment
- A "License to Kill" moment that opens up lethal options when enemies are about to fire
- Car chases, melee fights and large gunfights with heavy use of explosions and slow motion
- A talkative Bond who narrates his thoughts, often with dry humor
The preview footage had visible frame drops and heavy motion blur during the driving section. That was a pre-release build, so check current performance reviews for your platform before buying, especially on PC where results depend on your graphics card.
Where to watch the 007 First Light trailers
IO Interactive publishes 007 First Light trailers on YouTube. The two videos from the September 2025 reveal are still the best introduction:
- The release date gameplay trailer (about 2 minutes)
- The extended gameplay premiere (about 30 minutes with developer commentary)
The October 2026 Switch 2 trailer was released alongside the Switch 2 date announcement and shows the Nintendo version in action.
FAQ
Is 007 First Light out now?
Yes, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC since May 27, 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is due on March 18, 2027.
Is 007 First Light on PS4 or Xbox One?
No. The game is only available on current-generation hardware: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and, later, Switch 2.
Who made 007 First Light?
IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman series, developed the game. The Switch 2 date was announced by IO Interactive together with Amazon MGM Studios, the studio behind the James Bond films.
Was 007 First Light delayed?
Yes. The original March 27, 2026 date moved to May 27, 2026 in December 2025, and the Switch 2 version was later delayed separately to March 18, 2027.
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