AION 2 is listed as a free-to-play MMORPG on Steam, but players needed to buy a Founder’s Pack to enter its announced Advanced Access period, September 30–October 4, 2026. The announced free-to-play launch date is October 5, 2026. Steam’s Top Sellers placement shows commercial interest, but it does not reveal how many people paid to play early.
Is AION 2 free, and do you need to pay to play early?
NC lists AION 2 as free-to-play on Steam. A Founder’s Pack purchase was required for the announced Advanced Access, running September 30 through October 4, 2026, according to the official Steam announcement. The full release was scheduled for October 5, 2026. The pack was an early-access purchase, not a stated requirement to play after the free-to-play release.
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What did the Founder’s Packs cost?
At the time the US Steam listing was checked, it offered three digital Founder’s Pack tiers. Prices can vary by region and change over time.
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| Pack | US Steam price at time checked |
|---|---|
| Standard | $24.99 |
| Deluxe | $49.99 |
| Ultimate | $99.99 |
The listing says purchasing a pack lets buyers play ahead of full release. The cited listing and announcement establish the access arrangement, but do not provide enough detail here to compare the tiers’ additional benefits. If early access is not worth the listed price to you, the announced free-to-play launch offered a way to wait rather than buy in advance.
#1 Best Overall
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Why is AION 2 attracting attention?
NC describes AION 2 as an MMORPG centered on aerial combat and says its world is 36 times larger than the original AION. That size comparison is the publisher’s claim; the Steam listing does not state a measurement method. Its tagline calls the sky a battlefield, reflecting the game’s emphasis on combat in the air.
GAMINGbible reported that AION 2 reached Steam’s global Top Sellers chart while Founder’s Packs were available. That is evidence of chart placement, not a disclosed number of sales. The characterization that “thousands” were paying is not supported by a verified purchaser count in the cited official materials.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
What the Steam reviews do—and do not—show
On October 3, 2026, Steam showed 2,464 English-language reviews, 74% of them positive. This is a changing review snapshot, not a count of players, purchasers, or Founder’s Pack buyers. Review volume and Top Sellers ranking cannot establish how many people paid for early access or which pack tiers they chose.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
