It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, as we prepare for PAX Aus. What might already feel like Christmas for gaming and pop culture fans will now get that much bigger, with the addition of Nintendo, World of Warcraft and Bandai Namco Entertainment joining the expo floor line-up this year.
Play Some Nintendo Switch 2 Games Ahead of Their Release
For the first time down under, fans will get the chance to try Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ahead of its release later this month on the 22nd of October. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also an exclusive Pikmin Bloom event on the show floor, along with demos for Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass. You’ll even be able to enjoy a hands-on opportunity with upcoming titles from Nintendo’s partners, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Minecraft Dungeons II, 007 First Light and many more!
Holly Longdale Will be Chatting World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft executive producer Holly Longdale will open PAX Aus 2026 as the Storytime keynote speaker. With two decades of experience across the video game industry, Holly will share both adventures and lessons learned throughout her career, along with the ongoing evolution of the Warcraft universe and its impact on the MMO genre.
World of Warcraft associate production director Clay Stone will join Holly to share an in-depth look at one of the new dungeons we’ll see in World of Warcraft: Forever. Clay will also provide the audience with a behind-the-scenes look into the development team’s design philosophy, creative process, and approach to building new gameplay experiences, along with an exclusive dungeon deep dive.
The World of Warcraft: Forever booth will also give fans a chance throughout the weekend for hands-on beta opportunities. While there, attendees will also have the chance to snap a selfie at the themed photo experience and collect a special ‘Raid for Riches’ quest card. Completing quests will unlock a World of Warcraft: Forever Pinny Arcade pin and earn participants entry into a prize draw with a range of epic rewards.
Bandai Namco Entertainment is Bringing Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 will make its debut here before its release in 2027. Fans will be the first in the country to get hands-on with the latest chapter in the Xenoverse series, stepping into the Dragon Ball universe and getting a taste of what’s in store when the game launches next year. Just days after its 2nd October launch, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will also be giving fans the chance to get hands-on with the latest instalment in the acclaimed series.
There’s Plenty More in the Queue Hall!
The PAX Queue Hall is the perfect place to join the hype before the show floor opens, giving attendees a dedicated space to gather, soak up the atmosphere and kick-start their day with the wider PAX community. The hall will be open from 8:00 am to 10:00 am; it’s a chance to catch the pre-show buzz and build the excitement before heading into the main event.
Ahead of Street Fighter hitting cinemas on the 15th of October, the franchise is making a knockout entrance at PAX, taking over the Queue Hall and hitting fans with an immersive brand presence from the moment they arrive.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to be pulled on stage to play Street Fighter 6 live and get the chance to potentially win some cool merch. Bluey will even make an appearance here with a special activity taking place each morning. Lucky players will be invited on stage to take part in “Here Come the Grannies!”, with the chance to win prizes including Bluey merchandise and copies of Bluey’s Happy Snaps: Activity Book Edition.
PAX Aus 2026 will take place from the 9th to the 11th of October, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
