Thousands of gamers descend on Melbourne for PAX Aus 2026

Melburnians — brace yourselves. The city is about to be completely taken over by tens of thousands of passionate gamers.

PAX Aus 2026 is making its annual return, completely transforming Geoff’s Shed (MCEC) into gamer paradise.

When the doors officially open this week, gamers will get hands-on with the latest video games from Nintendo, SEGA, Activision, Ubisoft, not to mention the dozens of independent gaming developers showcasing their hard work.

Last year’s event attracted more than 85,000 attendees, and this year’s lineup is even bigger.

It’s easy to think of PAX as a convention just for hardcore gamers, but the numbers tell a different story.

According to the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), 82 per cent of Australians play video games, with the average player now 35-years-old and women making up 51 per cent of the country’s gaming audience.

From October 9th through to the 11th, gamers can expect everything from blockbuster unreleased games and esports tournaments to cosplay, tabletop gaming, celebrity creators and hands-on tech from some of the world’s biggest entertainment companies.

What’s on at PAX this year?

Nintendo is the biggest name on the 2026 expo floor, bringing one of its largest Australian showcases for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort will be playable in Australia for the first time ahead of its October 22nd launch.

Fans will also get hands-on with Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Splatoon Raiders, Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and more.

There’ll also be an exclusive Pikmin Bloom event for the mobile gamers.

PAX has built its reputation on giving fans access to games before they launch, and this year’s lineup is packed with heavy hitters.

PAX will play host to several keynote guests, including World of Warcraft’s Executive Producer, Holly Longdale, composer for DOOM, Mick Gordon and game director for SAROS, Gregory Louden.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be playable weeks ahead of its global release, while SEGA is bringing four major titles including Alien: Isolation 2, Persona 4 Revival, Stranger Than Heaven, and Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000.

Square Enix is also returning with FINAL FANTASY XIV Online and a special showcase for FINAL FANTASY VII Revelation, offering Australian fans an early look at the conclusion of the remake trilogy before its April 2027 release.

Then there’s Indie games galore. If you’re a lover and supporter of up and coming independent games, PAX Rising is showcasing the next lineup of potential indie hits.

Australia has had huge success with indie games in recent years, with Cult of the Lamb, Hollow Knight and Big Walk, just to name a few.

The other big game on everyone’s lips is Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI, though there’s no word yet if the studio is making an appearance.

Magic, esports and tech

Away from the game demos, there’s plenty happening across the convention.

Magic: The Gathering is hosting a live Commander Showdown in the Main Theatre, alongside Learn to Play sessions, tournaments, artist signings and creator meet-and-greets throughout the weekend.

Ubisoft is bringing the Rainbow Six Siege APL Oceania Stage Finals, while the Just Dance party stage returns for anyone happy to swap controllers for questionable dance moves.

PAX Aus 2026 is also hosting the first Australian Red Bull Wings Cup Wildcard Tournament — and fans are able to compete for a wildcard spot in the National Final!

More info: https://www.redbull.com/au-en/events/red-bull-wings-cup-australia-2026

There’s also new gaming hardware from brands including ASUS ROG, SteelSeries, PowerA, Thermaltake and more.

So, gamers. If you’re keen on the next big AAA release, hunting for indie gems or just turning up for cosplay and tabletop games, PAX Aus 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends on Australia’s gaming calendar.

See you there!