Ace Combat celebrates 30th anniversary, new game teased

Ace Combat is 30 years old having released in 1995, and Bandai Namco is marking the 30th anniversary with a couple of things. The publisher has released a commemorative video that celebrates the franchise, announced an orchestra concert, a controller and even teased a brand new game in the series though no concrete details have been revealed. There is a message from Kazutoki Kono, the brand director for Ace Combat, where the game is teased. You can read his statement after the video.

“Since the release of the first title in 1995, thanks to your unwavering support, the ACE COMBAT series has reached a remarkable milestone—its 30th anniversary in 2025. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans and everyone involved who has supported the series throughout the years. Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. This moment is our chance to return thirty years’ worth of appreciation to you.

I believe that sustaining a legacy over three decades means far more than simply the passage of time. I’ve always shared this message with everyone involved in the series: “To deliver emotionally resonant, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations, to spark excitement for what comes next—and then to meet that anticipation with even greater ambition. By continuing this cycle, we build a bond of trust with our players, and that bond is the truest expression of our gratitude.”

Over the past thirty years, times have changed. Values have shifted, technologies have evolved. Our company and our team have continually transformed to navigate these tides. In a word, we’ve embraced change. There were times we may not have fully met your expectations. But I also believe there were moments when we exceeded them—when we soared higher than anyone imagined.

Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura, once said, “Only those who can adapt to change will survive.”
I joined Namco in 1994. Back then, I understood those words intellectually—but not yet from experience. Now, I truly do. After three incredible decades of adapting to change, we’ve built an enduring bond of trust with all of you. That connection is the very force that has sustained the ACE COMBAT series and propelled it into the future. I can now feel this truth in every fiber of my being. And I’m proud—proud that our ongoing commitment to delivering value and earning your trust has led us to this 30th anniversary. And now, we’re ready. Everything is in place. It’s time to take flight once again—toward even greater heights.”

Bandai Namco has partnered with Type 2 to release an Ace Combat Pro gaming controller, primarily made for PC but it is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.  The controller has Hall effect analog sticks to avoid drift issues. There are also four buttons on the back that can be assigned with customised inputs too.

The 30th anniversary poster for Ace Combat also teases the new entry to series with a conspicuous gap that can be see on the bottom right where there is space for a badge.

If you want to attend the 30th anniversary concert you will have to make your way to Saitama Kaikan in Saitama, Japan. It will be taking place on January 31st, 2026. This will not just be a concert to play some of the iconic tracks from the Ace Combat series, as the development team will be in attendance for a Q&A session.

Source: Bandai Namco