Cosplayers at last year’s Game On Expo in Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
Joystick junkies and esports pros of Arizona, start limbering up those wrists. Game On Expo returns to the Phoenix Convention Center from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15 for a weekend of video games, anime and pop culture.
The three-day video gaming convention is like Comic-Con with extra controllers. Fans can battle in tournaments, free-play retro arcade machines, hunt down vintage cartridges and browse vendors packed with collectibles and merch.
Expect a roster of special guests stacked like a final boss fight. Voice actors from games like “Final Fantasy VII,” “Resident Evil” and “Genshin Impact” will appear alongside YouTubers, retro gaming personalities and esports competitors.
Here’s everything to know about Game On Expo 2026 in Phoenix, including guests, tickets, discounts and parking info.
Does Phoenix have a video game con?
Yes. Game On Expo offers three days of gaming, esports, concerts, cosplay and other activities. The event debuted in 2015 and has taken place almost every year since.
When is Game On Expo?
Game On Expo 2026 runs from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15.
The scene at Game On Expo 2025.
Where does Game On Expo happen?
Game On Expo takes place at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. Activities occur in the North Building.
What time is Game On Expo?
Here are the Game On Expo’s official hours:
- Friday, March 13: 1 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patrons with VIP passes will be allowed to enter the event an hour prior to the general public.
Here are hours of Game On Expo’s Exhibitor Hall:
- Friday, March 13: 1 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much are Game On Expo 2026 tickets?
Game On Expo passes can be purchased at gameonexpo.com/buy-passes or at the event. Prices are as follows:
- Friday only: $47.49
- Saturday only: $67.99
- Sunday only: $47.49
- Full event pass (all three days): $87.99
- VIP event pass: $222.99
- Player 2 child pass (10 and under): free with paid adult
Game On Expo discounts
A 10% discount off a full-event pass is available when using the Game On Expo promo code “ExtraLife” at checkout when buying passes online. A donation will be made to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the same amount as the discount.
A portion of the colorful claw machines available at Game On Expo.
Can anyone attend Game On Expo?
Yes. Game On Expo is an all-ages and family-friendly event.
Parking
Street parking is available in downtown Phoenix for $1 to $1.50 per hour between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. You can use the ParkMobile app to reserve and pay for a spot in advance.
Parking garages and surface lots are also available within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center. Spaces can be purchased online through the Park PHX website. Prices range from $20 to $50 per vehicle, per day.
Kendall Timothy of Chandler as Goblin Slayer from the anime and manga of the same name.
Game On Expo prop and bag policy
Everyone will be screened by security at entrances. Bags are allowed at Game On Expo, but organizers state that bringing one may cause slight delays. If the system flags your bag, it will need to be searched.
Cosplayers must have their props checked and peace-bonded. Costumes may also require additional screening.
What items aren’t allowed at Game On Expo?
Prop guns, anything resembling a firearm or any bladed metal or wooden weapons (such as axes or daggers) aren’t allowed. Blunt weapons like bats or clubs made from hard plastic, wood or metal, as well as whips, metal chains, paddles and spikes are also banned. Skateboards can only be brought in if the wheels and trucks are removed.
Food and drink
Outside food and drinks (except for water) cannot be brought into the Phoenix Convention Center. Food trucks will be parked outside along Third Street and a food court and coffee stands will be located on the first floor of the convention center’s North Building.
Can I bring water to Game On Expo?
Yes. Personal bottles of water will be allowed into the event and there are multiple refill stations on the first floor of the North Building.
“Teen Wolf” actor Cody Christian is scheduled to appear at Game On Expo 2026.
Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0/Flickr
Game On Expo 2026 guests
More than 30 special guests are scheduled to appear at Game On Expo, including voice actors, YouTube creators, professional cosplayers and gaming industry icons. Here’s a complete list of Game On Expo’s 2026 guests:
- Cody Christian, voice actor, “Teen Wolf”
- Tyler Hoechlin, actor, “Superman & Lois”
- Briana White, voice actor, “Final Fantasy VII”
- Britt Baron, voice actor, “Final Fantasy VII”
- John Bentley, voice actor, “Final Fantasy VII”
- Suzie Yeung, voice actor, “Demon Slayer”
- Doug Cockle, voice actor, “The Witcher”
- Ben Starr, voice actor, “Final Fantasy XVI”
- Jennifer English, voice actor, “Baldur’s Gate 3”
- Aliona Baranova, voice actor, “Baldur’s Gate 3”
- Shala Nyx, voice actor, “Baldur’s Gate 3”
- Rich Keeble, voice actor, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”
- Ashley Eckstein, voice actor, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
- Dee Bradley Baker, voice actor, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
- James Arnold Taylor, voice actor, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
- Matt Lanter, voice actor, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
- Mallorie Rodak, voice actor, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”
- Caleb Yen, voice actor, “Genshin Impact”
- Courtney Lin, voice actor, “Silent Hill”
- Nicholas Leung, voice actor, “Honkai: Star Rail”
- Jerry Jewell, voice actor, “Fullmetal Alchemist”
- J. Michael Tatum, voice actor, “Black Butler”
- Brandon McInnis, voice actor, “My Hero Academia”
- Richard Horvitz, voice actor, “Invader Zim”
- Rikki Simons, voice actor, “Invader Zim”
- Melissa Fahn, voice actor, “Cowboy Bebop”
- Fred Tatasciore, voice actor, “Kung Fu Panda”
- Keone Young, voice actor, “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
- Heidi Anderson, voice actor, “Resident Evil”
- Joe Whyte, voice actor, “Resident Evil”
- Andrew E.C. Gaska, game writer, “Alien RPG”
- Daniel Pesina, martial artist and actor, “Mortal Kombat”
- Carlos Pesina, martial artist and actor, “Mortal Kombat”
- Ho-Sung Pak, martial artist and actor, “Mortal Kombat”
- Liz Malecki, actor, “Mortal Kombat”
- Tim Kitzrow, announcer and voice actor, “NBA Jam”
- Ed Annunziata, game designer, “Ecco the Dolphin”
- Faran Thomason, game developer, “Mortal Kombat 1”
- Chris Tang, esports personality, “Street Fighter”
- Taylor Cummings, esports competitor, “Tekken World Tour”
- James Rolfe, YouTuber, “Angry Video Game Nerd”
- Doug Walker, YouTuber, “Nostalgia Critic”
- Brad Jones, YouTuber, “The Cinema Snob”
- Pat Contri, YouTuber, “Pat the NES Punk”
- Ian Ferguson, podcaster, “Completely Unnecessary Podcast”
- Radical Reggie, YouTuber
- John Riggs, YouTuber
- Retro Rick, YouTuber
- Rob McCallum, filmmaker, “Nintendo Quest”
- Jay Bartlett, filmmaker, “Nintendo Quest”
- Dan and Elisa, YouTuber, “JRPGLife”
How much are autographs and photos?
Photo and autograph prices vary by special guest. You can view the full list here. Photos and autographs with Tony Hawk must be purchased in advance through the Game On Expo website.
Gaming at Game On Expo
The event will feature 100-plus tables featuring the latest gaming consoles, including the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, and high-end PC gaming rigs will be set up throughout the event. There will also be a free-play arcade and multiple rooms equipped with the consoles of yesteryear, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Atari Jaguar and PlayStation.
The finalists of the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” competition at Game On Expo battle on the big screen.
Esports and tournaments
Game On Expo will host esports competitions and tournaments focusing on “Halo,” “Tetris,” “Dr. Mario,” “Super Smash Bros.” and other games. Meanwhile, the Retro Championships will take place with competitors playing a combination of classic games. The winner will get a custom wrestling-style championship belt. Details can be found here.
Cosplay at Game On Expo
Costumes inspired by games, pop culture and geeky subject matter are encouraged at Game On Expo. Throughout the weekend, there will be cosplay meetups, workshops and programming (click here for the full schedule).
When is the Game On Expo cosplay contest?
The 2026 edition will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday in ballroom 120D. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes and judging will occur earlier in the day.
