Ace Combat 8 Launches to Acclaim, but Licensing Issues and Hardware Demands Spark Controversy
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launched on October 2, 2026, receiving critical praise for its cinematic storytelling and aerial combat mechanics. However, the release was marred by controversy over the bundled re-release of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, which cannot be sold separately due to expiring fighter jet licenses. Additionally, two new PS5 flight sticks launched this week, and PC players faced performance challenges.