Experience James Bond's early days as 007: First Light release date revealed
We all start somewhere


IO Interactive, the masterminds behind the Hitman series, are back, and they've traded their bald assassin for everyone’s favourite suave spy. 007: First Light is an origin story that promises to show us James Bond as a young, resourceful, and perhaps a tad reckless recruit, still trying to figure out which end of the shaken martini goes where.
007: First Light release date
The highly anticipated gameplay trailer and release date for this Amazon-backed venture dropped on the 3rd of September, revealing that Dexter: Original Sin star Patrick Gibson will be lending his voice to the iconic British spy. The game, set to launch surprisingly soon on the 27th of March, 2026, will give us a glimpse into Bond’s early days within MI6's training program, because even super spies need a bit of schooling, apparently.
You can check out the new deep dive below that shows off lots of gameplay, highlighting how IO are the perfect team for the job, bringing the freedom from Hitman and merging it with the action we expect from Bond.
007: First Light is set to be a thrilling narrative action-adventure game, which, let's be honest, we'd expect nothing less from a Bond title. The voice and motion-capture cast includes Priyanga Burford as the ever-authoritative M, Alastair Mackenzie as the gadget-loving Q, Kiera Lester as the perpetually patient Miss Moneypenny, Lennie James as Bond’s mentor (good luck, John Greenway!), and Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth.
007 First Light editions
For those eager to dive into Bond's humble beginnings, pre-orders are already underway, with a few pricing options that might leave you at least slightly shaken, if not completely stirred. The Standard digital edition for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store) will set you back £59.99. Pre-ordering this gets you a snazzy upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, which includes 24 hours of early access and some cosmetic goodies. After launch, the Deluxe Edition jumps to £69.99.
If you're feeling fancy, there's a physical Specialist edition that includes everything from the Deluxe, plus the Classic Tuxedo Skin, perfect for those virtual black-tie affairs. For the ultimate Bond aficionado with pockets as deep as the Mariana Trench, the limited-edition Legacy package is quite steep at £259.99. This physical-only behemoth includes exclusive weapon and outfit skins, a Golden Gun figurine (with a secret compartment, naturally), a certificate of authenticity, a magnetic steel case, and, to top it all off, a big box.
Get exclusive shortlists, celebrity interviews and the best deals on the products you care about, straight to your inbox.

Morgan got his start in writing by talking about his passion for gaming. He worked for sites like VideoGamer and GGRecon, knocking out guides, writing news, and conducting interviews before a brief stint as RealSport101's Managing Editor. He then went on to freelance for Radio Times before joining Shortlist as a staff writer. Morgan is still passionate about gaming and keeping up with the latest trends, but he also loves exploring his other interests, including grimy bars, soppy films, and wavey garms. All of which will undoubtedly come up at some point over a pint.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
BFI London Film Festival: The 20 most anticipated films you need to see
Our picks of the most exciting films, documentaries and in-competition debuts playing at the 69th LFF this October, at cinemas in the capital and all around the UK.
-
From Attenborough to Astronauts: The best documentaries of 2025 so far
Food for the mind
-
Silksong, the most anticipated game of the year, will also be one of the cheapest
A beautiful bargain
-
Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 sales prove physical media can still thrive
Let's get physical
-
PlayStation Plus September games include Psychonauts 2 and an all-time indie classic
Claim your classics
-
The best of Gamescom 2025: Black Myth: Zhong Kui, Hollow Knight: Silksong, He-Man and 16 other games to add to your wishlist
Let the games begin
-
Battlefield 6 hands-on preview: 16 things to know about the series’ return
Back with a bang. Lots and lots of bangs...
-
The OG Football Manager sim is making a comeback — and it'll be here sooner than FM26
FM26 who?
-
Microsoft announces Hollow Knight: Silksong demo for select few
Finally
-
Swarovski and Minecraft team up in surprise collaboration
Gaming glamour