FAN EXPO Canada 2023 Highlights
From gaming, television to fashion experiences here are my favourite booths at FAN EXPO Canada 2023, let's dive in!
If you’re a fan of comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, or cosplay, Fan Expo Canada has it all. The largest pop culture convention in the country kicks off on August 24th to 27th, 2023 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre which has been transformed into a wonderland of otaku delights, with celebrity guests, panels, workshops, contests, and more. I was able to check out plenty of what the expo had to offer, here are some of my highlights from the show:
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Swings into FAN EXPO Canada
You can experience Marvel's Spider-Man 2 in a whole new light at the PlayStation Canada Booth. There is a photo op with the Spider duo, a symbiotic morphing waterfall and you can get an up close look at the Spider-Man 2 PS5 controller, console and cover plates.
If you line-up for the photo-op you’ll receive a limited edition prequel comic book featuring Peter, Miles and MJ. Here's my detailed impressions of the booth, I highly recommend swinging by.
Xbox Canada Booth - Game Pass Galore!
Another gaming attraction that was fun to jump into was the Xbox Canada Booth, where you can discover the benefits of Game Pass on PC and console. You can play games like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and more on the PC Game Pass Arena stage or via the multiple demo kiosks.
Xbox Canada booth gallery
You can also win prizes like Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, Minecraft plushies, and more by playing fun games like the Xbox claw game or the touch screen matching game. My son and I had a blast racing to the finish line with Forza Horizon 5 on the main stage.
Quest x AMD Streamathon at FAN EXPO Canada
Quest x AMD Streamathon at FAN EXPO Canada One of the most impressive and meaningful booths at Fan Expo Canada was the Quest x AMD Streamathon, where you can game for a good cause and support cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital. AMD, Fan Expo, and Blacklyte partnered to bring together a massive space with the latest and greatest tech, where you can watch live streams of popular games and donate to help fight cancer.
If you visit Princess Margaret’s booth and contribute a minimum of $25, you’ll be entered into a draw to win an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor.
Even if you can't make it in-person please consider donating here to support this important cause.
Bandai Namco Booth
The Bandai Namco booth offered a selection of toys and collectibles from brands like Megahouse, The World of Studio Ghibli, Ensky, nanoblock, Shokugan and Ichibansho.
We got to check out the latest edition of the nano block line is Crash Bandicoot and even found some Elden Ring figures. They also had daily free workshops to help you create your own nanoblock or Ghibli souvenir.
An Epic Entertainment Getaway at the Paramount Lodge
Paramount Canada hosted a massive interactive experience aptly named the "The Lodge." If you’re a fan of Paramount’s shows and movies, you’ll love what The Lodge has to offer. Throughout the massive booth are "slices" of environments that let you explore different sets inspired by Paramount+'s biggest franchises.
Paramount "The Lodge" Photo Gallery
You can join the Dutton family at the Yellowstone ranch, witness the aftermath of Sweet Tooth's ice-cream truck crashing into the Twisted Metal area, fight crime with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in New York, and boldly go where no one has gone before in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Even Sponge Bob has his own spot under the sea, each area offers an awesome photo op that we took advantage of. The Lodge is a must-see attraction for Fan Expo attendees who want to step into their favourite universes and was one of my favourite spots to explore.
While at The Lodge be sure to enter the Twisted Metal mini fridge contest!
The Force is Strong with the Star Wars: Ahsoka Exhibit
If you’re a Star Wars, or sci-fi fan, you won’t want to miss the Ahsoka booth, where you can see official screen used props, weapons, droids and more.
Ahsoka Exhibit Photo Gallery
You can also take an epic, 360-video capture in a galaxy far, far away. Check out Dapper Jr. and I in motion dual wielding lightsabers:
Ahsoka is the newest Disney+ series following former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she faces a new threat in a vulnerable galaxy after the fall of the Empire. The series stars Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka, along with an amazing cast of talent. The first two episodes are streaming now exclusively on Disney+, don’t forget to visit the Ahsoka booth to get a glimpse of this exciting new chapter in the Star Wars galaxy.
Uniqlo Canada has exclusive threads at FAN EXPO Canada
Uniqlo returns to the expo with its own pop up shop with con exclusive merchandise. You'll be able to shop the brand new Chainsaw Man collection and receive free gifts with your purchase. There is also early access to the Manga Clamp UT Collection and an Instagram AR experience.
FAN EXPO Canada Fun
These are just some of the things I saw and did at Fan Expo Canada this year. There’s more to explore and enjoy at this incredible event that celebrates all things pop culture and beyond. If you haven’t been to Fan Expo Canada yet, you should definitely plan a trip this weekend, it's an experience you won't forget.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via "X", Instagram, Threads, TikTok and join in on the fun!
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