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The clock above counts down to Perfect Dark, the Joanna Dark reboot from The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics, expected on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2026.
Perfect Dark is The Initiative's reboot of Rare's classic Nintendo 64 espionage shooter, co-developed with Crystal Dynamics for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The project survived a turbulent multi-year development cycle, including a major scope and creative-direction reset following the 2024 Xbox studio reorganization. After Microsoft's broader 2024 first-party reshuffle, Perfect Dark survived as a flagship project with a 2026 launch target.
The reboot returns players to the role of Joanna Dark, the franchise's signature operative, in a near-future espionage setting. Rare's 2000 Perfect Dark on N64 is widely regarded as one of the best first-person shooters of the era, and Perfect Dark Zero (2005) was an Xbox 360 launch title. The Initiative's reboot is the first new mainline Perfect Dark in over two decades.
The reboot is expected to maintain the original's first-person espionage structure with stealth, gadget-driven gameplay, and a near-future visual style. Joanna Dark's character design has been retained from the 2020 reveal trailer. Xbox has not confirmed multiplayer.
Perfect Dark launches in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC (specific date pending), with day-one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass availability expected.
For more 2026 Xbox first-party events, see the Forza Horizon 6 countdown and the Halo Campaign Evolved countdown.
When does Perfect Dark release? 2026 (exact date pending Xbox Games Showcase). What platforms? Xbox Series X|S and PC. Is it on PlayStation? Not announced. Is it a sequel or reboot? A reboot — not directly tied to the 2000 original.
