With less than a month to go, PAX Australia 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations of gaming culture in the country’s history. Returning to Melbourne this October, the three-day festival has revealed a blockbuster exhibitor line-up that brings together the biggest names in gaming, unmissable activations, exclusive demos, and a heavy dose of esports energy.
Nintendo is going all out this year, delivering a booth stacked with new releases for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch. For the first time in Australia, fans can step into Lumiose City with a playable demo of Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition ahead of its October 16 release. Also on show are Kirby Air Riders (launching November 20), Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and the much-anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, complete with newly introduced Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Rounding out the booth are indie and third-party gems, including Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II.
The Xbox booth, aptly titled “THIS IS AN XBOX,” promises to be a mega experience. Attendees can try out the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, get hands-on with Ninja Gaiden 4, and dive into hidden surprises across a booth designed for exploration and discovery.
Fans of The Sims will be transported to the outdoors at the Camp Gibbi Gibbi booth, where the new expansion pack Adventure Awaits will be playable. Expect camp-themed activities, merch giveaways, and even a sneak peek at the next Sims FreePlay update. Devolver Digital and Melbourne’s own Massive Monster are set to unleash the world-first playable demo of Cult of the Lamb’s new DLC, Woolhaven. The booth will also feature surprises, merch, and the chance to meet The Lamb in person.
Bethesda is pulling no punches with a Fallout-inspired booth, complete with a Red Rocket diner and Vault-Tec cafeteria. Fans can score prizes, exclusive collectibles—including a Fallout 76 Pinny Arcade pin—and photo ops straight out of the Wasteland. Studio Game Director Rich Lambert will also make an appearance for a live Elder Scrolls Online panel, while DOOM props will dominate the Aftershock booth nearby.
Gearbox is showcasing Borderlands 4 with panels, behind-the-scenes stories, and the return of Moxxi’s Bar for themed drinks and giveaways. Ubisoft will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rainbow Six Siege with Asia-Pacific esports tournaments, creator showmatches, and Just Dance fun in the Expo Hall.
Meanwhile, the Australian Esports League (AEL) Nationals will deliver high-stakes matches across Rocket League, VALORANT, and Rainbow Six Siege, cementing PAX Aus as a hub for competitive gaming.
Other highlights include:
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Aftershock – live-streaming, influencer showdowns, custom PC builds, and giveaways.
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eBay’s Passport Adventure – interactive quests, prizes, and retro gaming collectibles.
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ÆRTHLINGS – a live launch of the new collectible digital game.
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Red Bull Tetris – with a tournament offering winners a chance to compete in the World Final in Dubai.
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Crunchyroll – with anime fan experiences and surprise activations.
Fans can also get hands-on with the latest hardware from MSI, Sony InZone, Thermaltake, Turtle Beach, Keychron, PowerA, and more, alongside local and international indie showcases.
Since debuting in 2013, PAX Aus has become Australia’s largest gaming festival and the crown jewel of Melbourne International Games Week. With its mix of console, PC, tabletop, cosplay, and community-driven events, this year’s edition promises to be the most ambitious yet.
PAX Australia 2025 is scheduled to run this October in Melbourne. Whether you’re chasing world-first demos, cheering for your favourite esports team, or hunting down rare merch, this year’s show floor has something for everyone.
