I was raised on Bond films, so a game that delves into the character’s formative years captures my attention. IO Interactive, the developers behind Hitman: World of Assassination, is stepping into MI6 territory with 007 First Light.

Rather than the veteran spy we’re familiar with, this game showcases a younger James Bond who is still a bit rough around the edges. He’s arrogant, impulsive, and just starting to realize the type of agent he will evolve into. The game is set to be released on March 27, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

Preorders are currently available, with various editions offered based on your interest level.

Standard Edition

The Standard Edition is tagged at $69.99 on all platforms. On PlayStation and Xbox, you can select between physical discs or digital downloads. PC users can acquire it on Steam or the Epic Games Store. The Switch 2 version has a slight variation. Like numerous third-party titles on Nintendo’s latest console, it is packaged as a card that functions more as a key. You insert the card, download the game, and must keep the card in the system to play. It’s not a conventional cartridge but operates as a physical copy, permitting you to lend it to a friend or trade it.

– 007 First Light for PlayStation 5 — $69.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart)
– 007 First Light for Xbox Series X — $69.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart)
– 007 First Light for Nintendo Switch 2 — $69.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart)
– 007 First Light for PC — $69.99 (Epic Games, Steam)

Preordering the Standard Edition brings a few bonuses. Digital versions grant 24 hours of early access, letting you begin playing on March 26 instead of March 27. Each preorder also includes the Deluxe Edition upgrade, which provides four outfits, one weapon skin, and a pack of gadget cosmetics. Additionally, two bonus skins, the Golden Gun and the Obsidian Gold Suit, are incorporated.

Legacy Collector’s Edition

The Legacy Edition stands as the premium choice, priced at $299.99 and available physically for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. It encompasses the game, a steel case with a magnetic clasp, a certificate of authenticity, and a Golden Gun figurine with a display stand and hidden compartment. The same preorder incentives as the Standard Edition are offered.

– 007 First Light Legacy Collectors Edition for PlayStation 5 — $299.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop)
– 007 First Light Collectors Edition for Xbox Series X — $299.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop)
– 007 First Light Collectors Edition for PC — $299.99 (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop)

The Golden Gun replica is a highlight, acknowledged as one of the franchise’s most legendary weapons. It’s a collector’s item, making this edition more about display than just the game itself.

What kind of game is 007 First Light

IO Interactive characterizes First Light as a narrative action adventure. You take on the role of a novice James Bond on the trail of a rogue MI6 agent referred to solely as 009. The narrative takes Bond to varied settings, including mountains, waterfronts, nightclubs, rooftops, and public plazas. There are also boat chases and vehicles to operate. Missions provide multiple strategies, accommodating stealth and gadget utilization or loud gunfire if you like to embrace your license to kill. If you’ve experienced IO’s Hitman games, this choice philosophy will feel familiar.

What differentiates this game is its emphasis on a young Bond. He’s skilled yet unrefined, self-assured yet inexperienced. It’s less about the unflappable expert and more about his transformation into the character we recognize. This perspective lends First Light a fresh feel compared to other Bond portrayals throughout the years.