Konami is officially bringing its legendary football franchise to the next generation of handheld gaming. Today, the publisher revealed eFootball™ Kick-Off!, a brand-new, digitally exclusive title built specifically for the upcoming Nintendo Switch™ 2.
Set to launch globally on June 4, 2026, this release marks a highly anticipated return of the beloved Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) heritage to a Nintendo console. With perfect timing ahead of the major summer international football tournament in North America, Konami is positioning this title as the go-to on-the-go soccer experience.
eFootball Kick-Off! Switch 2 Release Date & Premium Shift
One of the most notable aspects of this announcement is the monetization strategy. While the mainline eFootball series on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC has operated on a free-to-play model for years, eFootball™ Kick-Off! is arriving as a premium digital download priced at $19.99 USD.
This $19.99 price tag delivers a distinct, out-of-the-box experience tailored specifically for the Switch 2. Konami emphasizes that the game features responsive controls and a pick-up-and-play style. It is explicitly designed to be accessible for newcomers who want quick action, while still rewarding the tactical mastery that long-time PES veterans expect from the franchise.
The Return of PES Heritage to Nintendo
For years, Nintendo fans have seen limited bespoke releases from Konami’s premier football team. While older generations enjoyed classic PES entries on systems like the Wii and Nintendo 3DS, the original Nintendo Switch lifecycle largely missed out on a dedicated, built-from-the-ground-up Konami soccer title.
eFootball™ Kick-Off! changes that narrative. Reborn directly from the legendary PES series, this entry brings together a massive roster of national and club teams from around the world, featuring top active players and iconic legends from the past 30 years of football gaming.
Game Modes: World Tour and International Cup
Konami is packing eFootball™ Kick-Off! with modes that cater to both solo players and competitive multiplayer fans:
- World Tour Mode: The core progression mode where players are tasked with building, developing, and managing their own custom club.
- International Cup: A downloadable experience that aligns with the massive football tournament taking place across North America this summer.
- Multiplayer Capabilities: The game fully supports both local and online play, allowing for fast-paced matches against friends on the couch or competitors globally.
How to Get the Lionel Messi Pre-Order Bonus
Konami is offering a major incentive for early adopters. Users who purchase the digital download edition early will automatically receive global football icon Lionel Messi. He will be ready to drop directly into your squad in “World Tour” mode.
Official pre-order dates will be announced soon. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the official Konami eFootball website.
