Releases and updates··2 min read
007 First Light Gets Switch 2 Release Date: March 18, 2027
IO Interactive has set the Switch 2 release date for 007 First Light: March 18, 2027. The game was originally expected in summer 2026 but was delayed for optimisation.
IO Interactive has finally confirmed the release date for 007 First Light on Nintendo Switch 2 — March 18, 2027. The studio announced this on October 15, 2026. The Switch 2 version was originally expected in summer 2026, but about a month ago IOI announced a delay to an unspecified date in March. Now the date is locked in.
Why the delay
The reason is simple and familiar to anyone following releases on the new console: the studio needed time for "optimisation and performance." Switch 2 has weaker hardware compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X, so porting large projects requires extra work. IOI chose not to ship a rough build and instead polish it to a playable state.
What it means for players
If you plan to buy the game on Switch 2, mark March 18, 2027. Versions for other platforms follow their own schedules — check the publisher's site for current dates. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 version will likely open closer to release; price and regional tariffs should be checked in your region's eShop.
How to pay for the game from Russia and CIS
Nintendo eShop does not accept cards issued in Russia, and many CIS banks don't work either. If you want to buy the game on Switch 2, there are two practical routes:
- A virtual card from a foreign issuer. Get a Visa or Mastercard in USD or EUR, top it up, and link it to your eShop account. Important: the account region must match the card region — otherwise the payment will be declined.
- Buy a gift card code in your currency. The code is redeemed in the eShop of the selected region, and the balance can be spent on the game. This method is often cheaper but requires attention to region.
Keep extra funds on the card: the game price plus a possible conversion fee if the card currency differs from the eShop currency. Typical declines: region mismatch, insufficient balance, card without 3-D Secure. If the payment fails, check the account region and try another card.
FAQ
When does 007 First Light come out on Switch 2?
March 18, 2027 — the date was announced by IO Interactive on October 15, 2026.
Can I pay for the game with a Russian card?
Not directly. You need a foreign bank card or a virtual card issued in the same region as your eShop account.
Will it be on other platforms?
Yes, the game is coming to other platforms, but check their release dates on the publisher's site — the source only specifies the Switch 2 date.
Service names, games, and franchises belong to their respective rights holders and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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