Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve pre-orders took off this summer. But as the October 2 release date gets more into view, this is my reminder that picking it up ahead of time is the only way to nab a copy of the PS2 classic Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
Pre-orders are available for $69.99 / £54.99 digitally on Steam, and there’s a physical standard edition available for $69.99 / £64.95 (via Amazon) for the Xbox Series X and $69 / £64.95 (via Amazon) for PS5 players. For those who want more in-game goodies, there’s also a Deluxe Edition available for $20 / £20 more, which piles in 3 days’ early access, a Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, and a customizable cosmetic set. However, pre-ordering either will net you that coveted copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, the game originally released on the PS2 in 2006.
If you don’t want to miss out, pre-ordering is your only hope. Well, besides picking up a second-hand copy. Bandai Namco Brand Director Kazutoki Kono said it’s “strictly prepared as a bonus” and that there are “no plans to sell it separately” in an interview with invenglobal earlier this month. Yet don’t fret just yet, as I’ve gathered all the best US and UK retailer links below so you can catch the Ace Combat Zero bonus before Wings of Theve prepares for lift-off.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve US pre-orders
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve UK pre-orders
FAQ
When is the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve release date?
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 2, 2026.
Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition of the game will get 3 days of early access.
Is there a Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve Collector’s Edition?
Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve doesn’t have what Bandai Namco has named a traditional “collector’s edition” but there is a Joker Flight Pack version of the game, which includes the base game and Deluxe Edition content, including a “ACES at WAR A HISTORY 2029” Artbook, 2LP vinyl records, and a slipmat.
The Joker Flight Pack version is available to pre-order through the Bandai Namco online store, alongside a Premium Joker Flight Pack, which includes an XXL Gaming Mousepad with LED lighting and a woven patch.
Can you only receive Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War through pre-ordering Ace Combat 8?
In order to receive Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a bonus, you need to pre-order either a PC, PS5, or Xbox copy of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
Bandai Namco Brand Director Brand Director Kazutoki Kono stated in an interview with invenglobal that they “consider ‘Zero’ a gift of sorts to players” who purchase a copy of Ace Combat 8, and there are no plans to sell it separately. This was also the case with Ace Combat 5, which was available as a pre-order bonus with Ace Combat 7.
Love physical games? Check out our Silent Hill Townfall pre-order and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order pages.
