Aimer to Perform Theme Song for Latest "SAO" Console Game, "Echoes of Aincrad," on PlayStation®5/Xbox Series X|S/STEAM®!
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that Aimer's "Live to Survive" will be the theme song for the new game "Echoes of Aincrad." The game is scheduled for release in July 2026 on PS5, Xbox, and STEAM. Aimer will sing two versions, Japanese and English, with the digital single releasing on July 1st.
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- 📰 Published: May 10, 2026 at 00:00
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Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. is pleased to announce that Aimer has been selected as the artist to perform the theme song for "Echoes of Aincrad," the latest console game in the "Sword Art Online" series, scheduled for release on PlayStation®5/Xbox Series X|S on July 9, 2026 (Thursday), and on STEAM® on July 10, 2026 (Friday).
The theme song has been decided as "Live to Survive" sung by Aimer! It is scheduled to be released as a digital single on July 1 (Wednesday).
"Live to Survive," sung by Aimer, has been chosen as the theme song for "Echoes of Aincrad," the latest "SAO" console game, and for the feature-length promotional anime video "Unanswered//butterfly," which will be included in some editions of "Echoes of Aincrad."
This original song was specially created for this title, depicting the struggles and conflicts of players trapped in the world of the floating castle "Aincrad," which has transformed into a death game where "game over equals death in reality," and their desperate efforts to survive.
A TV commercial featuring a portion of the theme song "Live to Survive" is scheduled to be aired sequentially, starting with the re-broadcast of "Sword Art Online" Season 1 "Aincrad" arc (※1) currently airing on TOKYO MX and BS11, so please be sure to check it out.
"Live to Survive" is scheduled for release as a digital single on July 1 (Wednesday), including two versions (Japanese and English) and an instrumental track!
Pre-registration is available here: https://aimer.lnk.to/LivetoSurvive_paps
※1. Broadcast schedule is subject to change without notice. It may not be aired in some regions.
A comment has arrived from Aimer, who is in charge of the theme song!
▼Artist Comment
"I am Aimer, and I have been given the opportunity to perform the theme song for 'Echoes of Aincrad,' the latest console game in the 'Sword Art Online' series. I believe 'Live to Survive' has turned out to be a song that will further elevate the heartbeats of everyone playing the game. It is also my first time singing two versions, Japanese and English. I would be happy if you could enjoy both alongside the game."
▼Artist Profile
Made her major debut in 2011 with the single "Rokutousei no Yoru."
In 2022, she released "Zankyou Sanka / Asa ga Kuru," the opening and ending themes for the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc," topping Billboard JAPAN "JAPAN HOT 100" for 7 consecutive weeks and securing the overall top spot on the annual song chart.
At the end of 2022, she received the "Special Award" at "The 64th Japan Record Awards" and made her first appearance on "The 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen."
In 2024, she achieved "2-day solo live performances at Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena" as a Japanese solo artist, gaining recognition and popularity both in Japan and overseas.
◇"Echoes of Aincrad" Official Website: https://eoa.sao-game.jp
◇"SAO" Game Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sao_gameinfo
◇"SAO" Console Game Official X: https://x.com/sao_gameinfo
◇"SAO" Game Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sao-game
What is "Echoes of Aincrad"?
We were certainly here.
"Sword Art Online," the world's first full-dive MMORPG.
The adventure of diving into a virtual space with one's consciousness captivated many players.
However, this virtual world transforms into a death game where death in the game means death in the real world.
Among the countless players trapped, "you" were also there.
In this world, crueler than reality, "you" reunite with Iori, a beta tester with whom you once adventured.
It's an origin RPG set in the floating castle "Aincrad," depicting the worries and conflicts of players trapped in a virtual world where death is always present.
"This is not a game, even if it is a game."
Game Over = Immediate Save Data Deletion.
Implements "Death Game Mode" where players can experience the same tension as in the original work and anime!
The theme song has been decided as "Live to Survive" sung by Aimer! It is scheduled to be released as a digital single on July 1 (Wednesday).
"Live to Survive," sung by Aimer, has been chosen as the theme song for "Echoes of Aincrad," the latest "SAO" console game, and for the feature-length promotional anime video "Unanswered//butterfly," which will be included in some editions of "Echoes of Aincrad."
This original song was specially created for this title, depicting the struggles and conflicts of players trapped in the world of the floating castle "Aincrad," which has transformed into a death game where "game over equals death in reality," and their desperate efforts to survive.
A TV commercial featuring a portion of the theme song "Live to Survive" is scheduled to be aired sequentially, starting with the re-broadcast of "Sword Art Online" Season 1 "Aincrad" arc (※1) currently airing on TOKYO MX and BS11, so please be sure to check it out.
"Live to Survive" is scheduled for release as a digital single on July 1 (Wednesday), including two versions (Japanese and English) and an instrumental track!
Pre-registration is available here: https://aimer.lnk.to/LivetoSurvive_paps
※1. Broadcast schedule is subject to change without notice. It may not be aired in some regions.
A comment has arrived from Aimer, who is in charge of the theme song!
▼Artist Comment
"I am Aimer, and I have been given the opportunity to perform the theme song for 'Echoes of Aincrad,' the latest console game in the 'Sword Art Online' series. I believe 'Live to Survive' has turned out to be a song that will further elevate the heartbeats of everyone playing the game. It is also my first time singing two versions, Japanese and English. I would be happy if you could enjoy both alongside the game."
▼Artist Profile
Made her major debut in 2011 with the single "Rokutousei no Yoru."
In 2022, she released "Zankyou Sanka / Asa ga Kuru," the opening and ending themes for the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc," topping Billboard JAPAN "JAPAN HOT 100" for 7 consecutive weeks and securing the overall top spot on the annual song chart.
At the end of 2022, she received the "Special Award" at "The 64th Japan Record Awards" and made her first appearance on "The 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen."
In 2024, she achieved "2-day solo live performances at Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena" as a Japanese solo artist, gaining recognition and popularity both in Japan and overseas.
◇"Echoes of Aincrad" Official Website: https://eoa.sao-game.jp
◇"SAO" Game Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sao_gameinfo
◇"SAO" Console Game Official X: https://x.com/sao_gameinfo
◇"SAO" Game Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sao-game
What is "Echoes of Aincrad"?
We were certainly here.
"Sword Art Online," the world's first full-dive MMORPG.
The adventure of diving into a virtual space with one's consciousness captivated many players.
However, this virtual world transforms into a death game where death in the game means death in the real world.
Among the countless players trapped, "you" were also there.
In this world, crueler than reality, "you" reunite with Iori, a beta tester with whom you once adventured.
It's an origin RPG set in the floating castle "Aincrad," depicting the worries and conflicts of players trapped in a virtual world where death is always present.
"This is not a game, even if it is a game."
Game Over = Immediate Save Data Deletion.
Implements "Death Game Mode" where players can experience the same tension as in the original work and anime!