Resident Evil Requiem — aka RE9 — is officially one of the most anticipated games of 2026, and the internet is already buzzing with one burning question: can you use the New Zealand trick to play it early? The short answer is yes, but with a few important caveats. Let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
Resident Evil Requiem Launch: Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam/Epic) |
| PC Unlock (Steam) | ~9 PM PT / 12 AM ET (Feb 26–27) |
| Console Unlock | Midnight local time (rolling by region) |
| Preload Available | February 25, 2026 |
| Download Size | ~73 GB (PS5/PC), ~27.6 GB (Switch 2) |
| NZ Trick Works On | Xbox Series X/S ✅ PS5 (limited) ⚠️ PC ❌ |
What Is the NZ Trick?
The New Zealand trick exploits the fact that New Zealand operates on UTC+12 — the world’s most advanced time zone. Since most console games unlock at midnight in each local time zone, New Zealand players access games earlier than the rest of the world — giving savvy gamers in other regions the idea of simply changing their console’s region to New Zealand to unlock the game hours ahead of their local midnight.
Does It Work for RE9?
For Xbox Series X/S, the trick works. Simply open your console Settings, navigate to System > Language & Location, change your location to New Zealand, and reboot. Once done, you can play Resident Evil Requiem at the same time as New Zealand players. Esports
For PS5, the situation is more complex. Since Capcom opted for a staggered regional rollout, results may vary by storefront listing.
For PC (Steam/Epic), the NZ trick doesn’t apply — the game unlocks at a single global time rather than by region
What to Expect from RE9
Resident Evil Requiem takes place in a post-nuclear Raccoon City and follows Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating mysterious deaths at the condemned Wrenwood Hotel — a location personally tied to her past. TalkEsport It’s a deep-lore entry that connects to Resident Evil Outbreak, and early impressions suggest it’s shaping up to be a genre-defining horror experience.
With a confirmed return to the series’ roots on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2, the February 27 launch is being called the gaming event of 2026. TalkEsport
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FAQs
Q: Does the New Zealand trick work on all platforms for RE9?
It works reliably on Xbox Series X/S by changing the console region; PS5 results vary, and the trick does not apply to PC storefronts like Steam.
Q: Is there an official early access option for Resident Evil Requiem?
No — Capcom has not offered any special edition or promotion granting access before the official February 27 launch date. The NZ trick is currently the only workaround.
