Kind of dating myself with the article title, I don’t think games come with legit instruction manuals anymore but regardless, here we are just days away from Game On Expo 2025. The convention returns to the Phoenix Convention Center and is celebrating 10 years! Speaking of, you can check out this little gallery I put together from all of the Game On Expos held.

When and Where
Game On Expo will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center North Building April 4 – 6. The hours are as follows:
Friday – Doors open at 1PM, Exhibit Hall closes at 7PM, Programming ends at 10PM
Saturday – Doors open at 11AM, Exhibit Hall closes at 7PM, Programming ends at 10PM
Sunday – Doors open at 11AM, Exhibit Hall and Programming closes/ends at 5PM

What About Badges?
You can currently purchase your badge (with a couple of different options) on the Game On Expo website. A full weekend badge will run you $83 (there is also a VIP option) while single day badges will be $63 for Saturday, $52.50 for Friday or Sunday.  Children 10 and Under are free.

Already have it purchased and wondering where to pick it up? Well, its in a new spot this year as it is located next to the panel rooms. From the main entrance, take a right and it should be in the first panel room. Also, if you have it purchased already, you can pick up EARLY on Thursday from 1PM – 7PM.

Okay, What About Things To Do?
For starters, there is the main attraction of the “Gaming Hall & Vendor Floor”, located in the lower level of the convention center. Here you will find a ton of vendors, artists/creators, wrestling, cosplay, guests, and GAMES!

Still looking for more? The previously mentioned guests will also be doing photo ops, signatures and panels throughout the weekend. On top of that, there are a bunch of video game tournaments, free play games (arcade, pinball, pc, and console), table top gaming, a maid cafe, mini golf, and laser tag just to mention a few things.

What Tournaments Will Be Held?
So many different ones! I can’t list them all but Tetris, Dr. Mario, Halo 2, Mario Kart 8, Power Stone 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tekken 8, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 just to name a few.

You Mentioned Guests, Who Is Showing Up?
So many voice actors and content creators! A lot of the cast from the Playstation Spider-Man series, guests from Baldur’s Gate 3, animated film legend Don Bluth, Tony Hawk, Jen Taylor and Steve Downes from Halo, award winning video game composer Grant Kirkhope, the voice of Naruto Maile Flanagan, the Angry Video Game Nerd James Rolfe and so many more.

For the full list of guests click here.

Can I Cosplay? 
Of course! This is a cosplay heavy event and its encouraged (but by no means necessary). Remember, this is an event celebrating both video games and anime but you can represent anything you enjoy in pop culture. Looking to get into cosplay but not sure where to start? Game On Expo will be having panels about cosplay through out the weekend and even a cosplay contest on Saturday from 4PM – 6PM. There are also cosplay guests who are a great resource and enjoy talking with newcomers (just don’t forget to support them!).

If you are in cosplay, there will be cosplay meetups throughout the weekend which will have different themes.

As always, cosplay is not consent. Don’t be a damn creep.

What Are You Looking Forward To?
Me personally, I enjoy the music programming so I make sure to check that out every year. I’m also looking forward to a couple of panels and as well just shopping the vendor hall.

Okay, So I Have A Good Idea What This Is All About But What About Parking?
I got you covered right here.

Extras
There will be two security entrances which I have outlined here.
There will be outdoor programming and food trucks which I talk about briefly over here.
As previously mentioned there will be food trucks, there is also a food hall on the street level, convention center food sold in the Vendor Hall, and plenty of good eats around the Phoenix Convention Center.
There is a lot to see and do at Game On Expo, I highly recommend downloading the official app to be the most prepared that you can be!