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Game News, Manga Anime

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet — Run Sanji’s Floating Restaurant This October

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Kairosoft — the studio behind beloved management sims like Game Dev Story and Mega Mall Story — is setting sail for the Grand Line. ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet, a pixel art restaurant management sim co-developed with Bandai Namco, was announced during the June 9 Nintendo Direct and launches 23 October 2026 across Switch 2, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet | Announcement Trailer — via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

Welcome to Baratie Number Two

The premise is perfectly on-brand: you’ve just signed on as a rookie staff member helping Sanji and the Straw Hats open a second floating restaurant — a sequel to the legendary Baratie from the East Blue arc. Design the dining room, craft the menu, keep the customers fed, and manage the chaos of an ocean-going eatery where the clientele includes pirates, Marines, and Luffy, who will absolutely try to eat everything before it reaches the table.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet restaurant management gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

What’s on the Menu

The gameplay follows Kairosoft’s signature build-upgrade-optimise loop. You’ll develop recipes inspired by One Piece lore — dishes like Water-Water Meat BBQ feature on the menu — and even channel Devil Fruit abilities to push your cooking to the next level. Unlock exclusive character events as your restaurant’s reputation grows, and dress the place up with over 200 furniture and decorative items.

The biggest draw for fans is the roster: over 400 One Piece characters appear as staff and customers in pixel art, covering characters from across the whole series timeline. Expect plenty of fan-service cameos when series favourites — and villains — walk through your doors.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet pixel art character roster
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Platforms and Singapore Availability

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet launches on 23 October 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), iOS, and Android. The multi-platform release — particularly mobile — makes this accessible to Singapore One Piece fans regardless of whether they’ve picked up a Switch 2 yet.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet Sanji cooking scene
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

SGD pricing and Asia-region eShop availability are to be confirmed by Bandai Namco. Kairosoft management titles have historically been affordably priced, though the Bandai Namco co-publishing arrangement may affect the final number. We’ll update once regional pricing drops.

More game news on GameTrader.SG

Last words

Singapore has a massive One Piece fanbase, and Kairosoft’s cosy loop — the kind of game that pulls you in for “just one more day” — is a perfect fit for the franchise. Whether you’re playing on Switch 2 or on your phone during the MRT commute, Grand Gourmet looks like a genuinely fun way to spend time in the world of the Straw Hats. Mark 23 October, and start brainstorming a restaurant name.

Game News

Zelda: Ocarina of Time Is Coming to Switch 2 — Everything Singapore Players Need to Know

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It’s the announcement that stopped Switch 2 fans mid-scroll: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being remade for Nintendo Switch 2, confirmed during the June 9 Nintendo Direct. The N64 masterpiece — the game that defined 3D action-adventure for a generation — is coming back, rebuilt for modern hardware and landing exclusively on Switch 2 in 2026.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake key art
Image courtesy of Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Nintendo Has Confirmed About the Ocarina of Time Remake

The June 9 Direct reveal was short but loaded with intent. Nintendo’s official description: “The Nintendo 64 classic returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.” That single line tells us three things — it’s Switch 2 exclusive, it’s arriving this year, and Nintendo is calling it a reimagining, not a port.

Nintendo further described the project as featuring “stunning visuals, updated designs, and timeless gameplay” — language that signals a genuine visual overhaul while preserving the core dungeon-crawling and exploration that made the original legendary. The teaser showed a redesigned Link in a clean, modern art style that respects the source material without looking like a straight upscale.

The developer has not been announced. More details are promised “in the future” from Nintendo, so expect either a dedicated Direct or a shadow drop sometime before year end.

Why Ocarina of Time Still Matters in 2026

First released on the Nintendo 64 in November 1998, Ocarina of Time sits at a Metacritic score of 99 and is still cited by many as one of the most important games ever made. It introduced Z-targeting combat, cracked the code for 3D adventure design, and gave us unforgettable set-pieces — Hyrule Field’s opening horizon, the Temple of Time’s organ chord, the final Ganondorf duel under a storming sky.

Nintendo revisited the game on 3DS in 2011 with Ocarina of Time 3D, which added improved textures and gyroscope aiming. The Switch 2 remake is the first major reimagining in 15 years — a full generation leap, not a touch-up.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake reveal trailer still
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Singapore Switch 2 Owners Should Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available in Singapore through retailers including GameXtreme, Qisahn, and the Nintendo Asia eShop. The Ocarina of Time remake is confirmed for a 2026 launch, but no exact release date or SGD price has been announced — both are to be confirmed. All previous Zelda titles in the Asia region eShop have shipped with English-language support, and the same is expected here, though Nintendo has not specifically confirmed this for the remake.

This is a Switch 2 exclusive — there will be no Switch 1 version. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this is exactly the kind of first-party exclusive Nintendo uses to make the decision for you.

More game news on GameTrader.SG

Last words

For a generation of Singapore gamers who grew up navigating the Deku Tree on a CRT television, seeing Hyrule rebuilt for Switch 2 is a genuinely exciting moment. Nintendo hasn’t shown gameplay yet, and the release date remains vague — but the intent is clear. We’ll be covering every reveal as it drops. Stay tuned.

Game News

Echoes of Aincrad Free Demo Out Now — Save Data Carries Over

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Singapore SAO fans, your time is now — the free demo for Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online is live as of today (16 June) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Better yet, progress from the demo transfers directly to the full game when it ships on 9 July.

Echoes of Aincrad — Story Trailer, via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

What the SAO Echoes of Aincrad demo covers

The demo drops you into the “beta test” section — the opening chapter of the game where Aincrad’s true nature has not yet been revealed. It is a tightly scoped slice, but a meaningful one: you get to build your avatar, learn the combat system, and get a feel for the partner AI before the full death-game reality sets in.

A few things are limited compared to the final release:

  • Character customisation is fixed to the beta test appearance
  • Difficulty capped at Story and Normal (Hard and Very Hard unlock in the full game)
  • Level cap: 15
  • Weapon proficiency cap: 3
  • Some balance specs may differ from the version that ships in July
Echoes of Aincrad — Aincrad floating castle environment
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Save data carries over — but there is a catch

Your demo save transfers to the full game, so any progress you make is not wasted. The one caveat: transferred save files cannot be switched to Death Game Mode — the permadeath mode where a game over permanently deletes your save data. If you plan to play Death Game Mode from the very start, begin a fresh run on launch day rather than carry over from the demo.

About Echoes of Aincrad

Developed by Game Studio Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Echoes of Aincrad is a brand-new action RPG in the SAO franchise — not a retelling of the anime but a fresh story set inside Aincrad, with a fully customisable player avatar. You are not playing as Kirito: you create your own hero, forge bonds with an AI partner whose tactics adapt to yours, and climb the floors of the floating castle using Sword Skills and real-time combat. Original characters from the SAO lore, including Argo, Kirito, and Asuna, appear alongside your custom protagonist, with story and character designs overseen by series creator Reki Kawahara.

The game’s theme song is “Live to Survive” by Aimer, which debuted in the second story trailer released on 13 June.

Echoes of Aincrad — key art
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Editions and pricing

Three digital editions are available for pre-purchase on Steam (USD; check the Singapore Steam store for current SGD pricing):

  • Standard Edition — US$69.99 (base game + Proto-Elucidator Series weapon pack)
  • Deluxe Edition — US$89.99 (+ expansion DLC, Day 1 Starter Pack, early Death Game Mode unlock)
  • Ultimate Edition — US$109.99 (+ special anime app, digital artbook, soundtrack, and exclusive armour pack)

A physical Aincrad Edition collector’s set is also available in select markets, including a beanie, wall scroll, stickers, and patches. No Singapore retail pricing has been confirmed locally yet.

Last words

Singapore players can grab the demo right now from the PlayStation Store or Steam — no purchase required. The full game launches on 9 July 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and 10 July 2026 on Steam. If you are an SAO fan who has been waiting for a proper RPG that puts you inside Aincrad as your own character, this is the demo to queue up this week. Catch up on more Game News on GameTrader.SG.

Game News

The Duskbloods: FromSoftware’s Switch 2 Exclusive Eyes Summer Network Test

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After more than a year of near-total silence, The Duskbloods — FromSoftware’s brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive — is finally back in the spotlight. A closed network test is confirmed for summer 2026, and signup details are expected soon through the game’s official channels.

The Duskbloods – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Is The Duskbloods?

The Duskbloods is a PvPvE multiplayer action game that supports up to eight players simultaneously. You play as a Bloodsworn — a supernatural being whose power is drawn from blood — and compete across gothic, Victorian-inspired maps for the coveted prize known as First Blood. Matches blend direct combat with strategic cooperation: you can form temporary alliances, pursue side objectives, or summon companions to shift the tide. Victory Points determine the winner, but every player walks away with rewards regardless of placement.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki — the mind behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring — described the game’s core appeal as its flexibility. Players can “avoid direct combat, select cooperative play, or pursue personal objectives,” he said in an interview published on Famitsu (Japanese), noting that the studio will “continue actively creating single-player games like Elden Ring” alongside this new multiplayer direction.

The Duskbloods Bloodsworn characters
Image courtesy of FromSoftware / Nintendo

A New Trailer and a Long-Dormant Twitter Finally Stirs

The game resurfaced at the Nintendo Direct on 9 June 2026 with a short atmospheric teaser — the first new footage since its original April 2025 announcement. The clip leans into the game’s dark, Bloodborne-adjacent aesthetic, showcasing several of the playable Bloodsworn characters and a handful of environments. It doesn’t show gameplay, but it confirms FromSoftware’s gothic Victorian direction is firmly intact.

On 10 June, the game’s official X account posted for the first time in 14 months, breaking its silence to confirm that network test details would be announced through that channel — so if you’re keen, that’s the page to follow.

Network Test: What We Know

A closed network test is coming later this summer, though FromSoftware and Nintendo have not yet opened sign-ups or pinned down exact dates. What’s confirmed:

  • You will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate.
  • The test will support the game’s full PvPvE format — up to 8 players — across multiple maps.
  • Signup details will be announced via the official X account and Nintendo’s channels.

Given FromSoftware’s track record with Elden Ring network tests, demand is likely to outstrip slots — worth watching for the registration window the moment it opens.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Switch 2 Owners

The Duskbloods is FromSoftware’s first Nintendo home console exclusive in 23 years, since Lost Kingdoms II in 2003. It’s a Switch 2 exclusive with no announced ports planned. For Singapore fans, that means the Switch 2’s local availability makes this one of the few ways anyone outside Japan can get early hands-on time — import or not, we’re in the same boat as the rest of the world.

The full game is still on track for a 2026 release, making the summer network test likely the last major preview before launch. Keep an eye on Nintendo Singapore’s official channels and the game’s X account for sign-up news.

Last Words

Singapore gamers who missed the Bloodborne window — or who have been waiting years for FromSoftware to do something genuinely new — should have The Duskbloods firmly on their radar. The gothic multiplayer concept is unlike anything the studio has shipped before, and the network test this summer will be the first real chance to feel whether it works. Watch the official X account for sign-up details, and check our Game News section for updates as they land.

Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

AC Black Flag Resynced: Made in Singapore, Out July 9

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Set sail one more time — and this time, the crew behind the wheel is right here in Singapore. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, the first full remake Ubisoft has ever produced, is arriving on July 9, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. And it was built, from the keel up, by Ubisoft Singapore.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: Official Summer Game Fest Trailer — via Assassin’s Creed on YouTube

A Singapore Studio Takes on Ubisoft’s First-Ever Remake

Ubisoft Singapore wasn’t just a support studio this time. The team here led development of Black Flag Resynced as the primary developer — the first time a Singapore-based studio has helmed a major AAA remake for a global publisher. The original 2013 Black Flag was itself co-developed in Singapore, which makes this a full-circle moment: the studio that helped define those iconic naval battles a decade ago is now rebuilding them from scratch.

The entire game has been reconstructed on the latest evolution of Ubisoft’s Anvil engine, with ray-traced global illumination, realistic water simulation, and support for DLSS 4.5 upscaling. Consoles get a 60 FPS performance mode, and the Caribbean has never looked wetter — dynamic weather now affects visibility and combat, with storms rolling in mid-fight and swells that actually move the Jackdaw.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced — official key art
Image courtesy of Ubisoft

Gameplay: Rebuilt Stealth, Parries, and Piracy

The gameplay changes go well beyond a fresh coat of paint. Stealth has been reworked so Edward can crouch anywhere and dive underwater anywhere — no more frustrating spots where the game locks you out of cover. A new observe mode replaces the old tailing missions, which previously caused an immediate mission failure if spotted. Now guards can clock you and you still have a window to recover, which makes the mission design feel far less punishing.

Combat leans into precise swordplay: parrying is now the core of every duel, combo chains are shorter and snappier, and the Hidden Blade has been pulled from standard combat to be used only in stealth takedowns and contextual kills. Naval combat gets new secondary weapons including shrapnel barrels, and the expanded parkour system makes getting around Havana and Nassau feel noticeably smoother.

Naval combat in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Image courtesy of Ubisoft

New Story Content — Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, and 10 New Shanties

Returning Edward Kenway voice actor Matt Ryan reprises the role for the remake, including new additional missions and scenes written specifically for Resynced. The expanded story gives dedicated screen time to fan-favourite historical figures: Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet each get new origin missions, and three new named officers join the Jackdaw crew, each with their own unique storylines.

The soundtrack grows too — 10 new sea shanties have been added to the roster, and the Jackdaw gets new customisation options including cosmetic skins, pets, and additional ship upgrades. The modern-day interlude sections from the 2013 original have been replaced entirely by optional narrative-driven “What If?” scenarios, keeping the focus firmly on Edward’s Caribbean adventure.

Editions, Pricing, and Pre-Order Bonus

Pre-orders are open now across PlayStation Store, Xbox, Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Ubisoft Store:

  • Standard Edition — US$59.99
  • Deluxe Edition — US$69.99 (includes character and naval cosmetic packs)
  • Collector’s Edition — US$199.99 (31 cm Edward figurine, leather logbook, metal brooch, steelbook, artbook, map poster)

Anyone who pre-orders any edition receives Blackbeard’s Crimson Pack: an exclusive costume for Edward, plus matching swords and pistols. SGD pricing via local retailers is to be confirmed — check the PlayStation SG store or your preferred retailer closer to launch.

Last Words

Singapore gamers, we genuinely have something to be proud of here. A local studio — Ubisoft Singapore — just delivered Ubisoft’s first-ever remake of a major franchise entry, and from the Summer Game Fest footage, it looks every bit the send-off Edward Kenway deserves. With a July 9 launch less than a month away, now is a great time to put in that pre-order. Check out more game news on GameTrader.SG for the latest on what’s dropping this season.

Game News, News

Final Fantasy XIV Is Coming to Switch 2 in August — What Singapore Players Need to Know

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Singapore’s FFXIV community has been patient — and the wait is nearly over. Final Fantasy XIV Online is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026, marking the first time the critically acclaimed MMORPG has ever appeared on a dedicated handheld. With full cross-platform progression, a free early-access window, and a meaningful subscription discount for existing players, the Switch 2 version is shaping up to be a smart pick-up for anyone who wants to take Eorzea on the go.

FINAL FANTASY XIV – Gameplay Trailer – Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Launch Window and Free Early Access

Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy XIV will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026, with an exact date still to be announced. The release will open with approximately one month of free early access — designed to let Square Enix stress-test servers before official service begins. During that window, you can play at no charge; once official service launches, a subscription kicks in.

Final Fantasy XIV on Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Subscriptions: The Deal for Existing Singapore Players

This is the headline detail for the many Singapore and SEA players already subbed on PC or PS5: you can add the Switch 2 version at half price. While your existing subscription on another platform remains active, the Nintendo Switch 2 subscription is available at 50% off. That makes the ask for portable Eorzea considerably more palatable.

A few other things to note:

  • The Switch 2 version requires a separate game purchase and subscription on top of your existing licence.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required — FFXIV handles its own online infrastructure.
  • The free trial remains available and substantial: it covers all of A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion — well over 100 hours of story content before you spend a cent on a subscription.

How It Plays: 30fps, Joy-Con Mouse and Cross-Platform Progression

According to Nintendo Life’s breakdown of the Switch 2 gameplay trailer, the game targets a stable 30fps — consistent performance is the priority over chasing 60fps, which makes sense for a game built around long sessions. The trailer also confirmed Joy-Con mouse support, letting players use the Switch 2’s Joy-Con in mouse mode to navigate the UI and hotbars in a way that feels closer to the PC experience than a standard controller would.

Cross-platform character progression is fully supported via your Square Enix account. Your Warrior of Light, gear, story progress, and inventory carry across platforms — log in on Switch 2 and you pick up exactly where you left off on PC or PS5.

Final Fantasy XIV Eorzea world on Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Evercold — The Sixth Expansion — Arrives January 2027

Square Enix also announced the sixth expansion, Evercold, launching in January 2027 across all platforms. Switch 2 players who jump in during the August early-access window will have several months to work through existing story arcs and be ready for Evercold alongside PC and PlayStation veterans when it drops.

Last Words

For Singapore FFXIV players who’ve spent years wondering if they’d ever get handheld Eorzea, August 2026 is your moment. The 50% sub discount for existing subscribers makes the Switch 2 version a reasonable second home for the game, and the free trial remains one of the best entry points in online gaming for newcomers. Keep an eye on our latest game news — Square Enix hasn’t announced a specific August date yet, but it will land soon.

Game News, News, Retro Gaming

Onimusha: Way of the Sword — The Series Returns After 20 Years, Out 25 September

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Twenty years is a long time to wait. The last major Onimusha entry — Dawn of Dreams — released on PlayStation 2 in 2006, and the series went dark. Now Capcom is finally bringing it back: Onimusha: Way of the Sword releases on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 September 2026, and a free demo is live right now so you can feel the steel before you commit.

Onimusha Way of the Sword combat screenshot
Image courtesy of Capcom

Why This Is Such a Big Deal

For a certain generation of Singapore gamers, Onimusha is a PS2 bedrock title. The original 2001 game was a moody, atmospheric hack-and-slash set in a supernatural feudal Japan, and it became one of the system’s early standout hits in the region. Onimusha 2 and the Samurai’s Destiny sequel deepened the lore, and Onimusha 3 brought in Jean Reno. But after Dawn of Dreams in 2006, Capcom shifted its focus elsewhere, and the franchise fell dormant.

Way of the Sword is the first brand-new entry in nearly two decades. The stakes — and the hype — are real.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword – Official Release Date Reveal Gameplay Trailer — via GameSpot on YouTube

Setting and Story: Musashi vs the Genma

Way of the Sword is set in Kyoto during the early Edo period, in a dark fantasy version of the city where malevolent clouds of Malice have twisted the landscape and opened the gates to the Genma — supernatural creatures from the underworld. You play as Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary swordsman, who picks up the mystical Oni Gauntlet and gains the power to slay Genma. As he fights through the haunted streets and temples of Kyoto — including a memorable stage set at Kiyomizu-dera Temple — Musashi searches for his reason to fight and unravels the mysteries of the voice that speaks to him through the gauntlet.

Capcom modelled the protagonist’s face on the late, iconic Japanese cinema legend Toshiro Mifune, which gives Musashi an immediately striking, cinematic presence.

Combat: Every Strike Counts

Onimusha’s signature swordplay is back and rebuilt for modern hardware. Core mechanics include parrying and deflecting incoming attacks, the Issen critical strike (a perfectly timed slash that deals massive damage), and the Reflex Combo system that rewards consecutive successful dodges. The Oni Gauntlet unlocks two supernatural modes: Oni Strength lets Musashi break through enemy defences, while Oni Agility enables wall-running and faster traversal through Kyoto’s environments. Absorbing defeated Genma’s souls powers up your Oni abilities and fills your stats — a mechanic series veterans will recognise immediately.

Producer Akihito Kadowaki described the goal as delivering “a wide variety of action sequences, including the ultimate sword-fighting mechanics that realistically capture the impact of every strike,” as detailed in the PlayStation Blog.

Onimusha Way of the Sword Kyoto environment
Image courtesy of Capcom

Free Demo Out Now — Try It Before 25 September

A free demo is available on PS5 right now, offering around 30 minutes of early story content. Completing and saving the demo also unlocks the Charm: Kubi Akari item when you play the full game. There’s no better time to see whether the 20-year wait was worth it — especially if you never played the originals and want to know what the fuss is about. Keep an eye on the Nintendo Singapore page for Switch 2 demo details.

Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses

Three editions are available at launch:

  • Standard Edition — base game (SGD pricing to be confirmed)
  • Deluxe Edition — includes the Deluxe Kit with cosmetic charms, outfits, and weapon skins
  • Premium Deluxe Edition — adds the Premium Kit featuring companion outfits, additional skins, and a digital soundtrack

Pre-ordering any edition unlocks the Charm: Lion Dog and the Sword Appearance: Sealed Curse skin — a clean bonus for day-one buyers.

Last Words

Whether you were there for the PS2 originals or you’re coming to Onimusha fresh, Way of the Sword looks like a serious revival rather than a cash-in nostalgia trip. Capcom has rebuilt the combat from the ground up, set it in a gorgeously moody Edo-period Kyoto, and put 20 years’ worth of franchise ambition behind it. Singapore gamers on PS5 can try the demo right now; Switch 2 owners should expect more info soon. The full game lands on 25 September 2026 — and it’s been worth the wait just to say that sentence. Check out our round-up of other gaming news for more from the Nintendo Direct.

Game News, News

Final Fantasy Resonance: The First HD-2D FF Game Launches 22 October

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Square Enix just answered a question fans have been asking for years: what would Final Fantasy look like with HD-2D visuals and old-school turn-based combat? The answer is Final Fantasy Resonance, officially announced at the Nintendo Direct in June 2026 — and it looks every bit as nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE – Announce Trailer — via FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

What Is Final Fantasy Resonance?

Final Fantasy Resonance is the first mainline Final Fantasy title to use Square Enix’s beloved HD-2D engine — the same gorgeous pixel-art-meets-3D-depth style that powered Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. The story follows Rain, a knight commander who sets out to protect the world’s crystals after a mysterious armoured figure begins destroying them one by one. He’s joined by his deputy Lasswell and the amnesiac Fina in a tale that wears its classic FF influences proudly on its sleeve.

It’s based on the first story arc of the mobile hit Final Fantasy Brave Exvius — but Square Enix stresses this is no straight port. The game has been extensively rebuilt as a full-fledged console RPG, with a brand-new battle system, voiced cutscenes, orchestral score, and all the production polish you’d expect from a mainline release.

Final Fantasy Resonance logo
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Turn-Based Combat Is Back — and It’s About Time

Here’s the big one for old-school fans: Final Fantasy Resonance brings back a true turn-based battle system, the first time the mainline series has done so since Final Fantasy X back in 2001. You see an action timeline, exploit elemental weaknesses to trigger a stagger gauge, and then unleash devastating Bonus Phase attacks when enemies break. Espers — including Siren and Ramuh — fight alongside your party for three turns and close out with a powerful finale ability.

The party is fully customisable, and the whole thing looks genuinely strategic rather than button-mashy. Singapore gamers who grew up on classic turn-based JRPGs from the PS1 and PS2 era will feel right at home.

The Visions System: Summon Cloud, Terra, and More

Beyond the main cast, Final Fantasy Resonance introduces a Visions system that lets you equip crystallised essences of legendary Final Fantasy heroes. The confirmed roster of Visions reads like a franchise hall of fame: Cloud Strife, Terra Branford, the Warrior of Light, Tidus, Y’shtola, and Shantotto. Each Vision grants stat bonuses, unique abilities, and a signature Resonance technique — a spectacular finishing move tied to that character’s lore. It’s a love letter to the franchise, and it genuinely looks like it has gameplay depth rather than just fan-service.

Chocobos, airships, and summonable Espers round out a feature list that checks every box for fans of the series’ golden era. For more on what’s coming to Nintendo Switch 2, check out our latest news.

Platforms, Release Date, and Editions

Final Fantasy Resonance launches simultaneously worldwide on 22 October 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store). That global day-one launch means Singapore players won’t be waiting — whatever platform you’re on, you’re in from day one.

Three editions are available:

  • Standard Edition — US$49.99 (SGD pricing to be confirmed)
  • Digital Deluxe Edition — US$59.99, adds the Magitek & Grimoire Deluxe Pack with exclusive in-game items
  • Collector’s Edition — US$209.99, includes a pixel art book, 120-track soundtrack CD, acrylic block set, and a Final Fantasy Trading Card Game promotional card

Pre-ordering nets you the Magitek Airship Passkey and a starter equipment package. Early purchasers also get the Blessed Cuirass armour and Mist Ether consumable after launch.

Last Words

Final Fantasy Resonance checks an extraordinary number of boxes at once: it’s the first HD-2D Final Fantasy, the first turn-based mainline entry since FFX, and it comes packed with iconic franchise characters in a playable Visions system. For Singapore fans of classic RPGs — and there are a lot of us — this could be one of the most exciting releases of the year. Mark 22 October in your calendars, and watch the announce trailer above to see those pixel-perfect visuals in action.

Game News

Metaphor: ReFantazio Hits Nintendo Switch 2 on 12 November

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The Nintendo Switch 2 has a new must-have JRPG on the horizon: Metaphor: ReFantazio is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 12 November 2026, Atlus confirmed during the Nintendo Direct on 9 June 2026. A limited-run Steelbook Edition will also be available at launch for collectors who want the premium physical package.

Metaphor: ReFantazio — Announce Trailer | Nintendo Switch 2 — via Official ATLUS West on YouTube

What Is Metaphor: ReFantazio?

If the name rings a bell, it is because Metaphor: ReFantazio was arguably the RPG story of 2024. Created by Atlus Studio Zero — the same team behind Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 — it is a fantasy RPG set in a kingdom torn apart by political intrigue and ancient curses, where a young hero and his fairy companion Gallica journey across a vast world to lift the curse afflicting the lost prince.

The critical reception was exceptional: a 94 on Metacritic, sales of one million copies on its opening day (making it Atlus’s fastest-ever launch), and a clean sweep of the major RPG awards at The Game Awards — Best Role-Playing Game, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. RPGSite named it their RPG of the Year for 2024. If you have heard Singapore gamers raving about an Atlus title over the past 18 months, this is almost certainly the one.

Metaphor: ReFantazio on Nintendo Switch 2 — announce trailer screenshot
Image courtesy of Atlus

Metaphor ReFantazio Switch 2 — What’s New?

The Switch 2 version is a native port rather than a backwards-compatibility carry-over. Footage shown during the Nintendo Direct demonstrated the game running on the hardware, and the results look strong — Metaphor’s distinctive storybook-meets-fantasy art direction is well-suited to a portable display, and the Switch 2’s horsepower should allow it to run cleanly at higher frame rates than the original Switch could have managed.

Specific technical enhancements beyond native support have not yet been detailed by Atlus, but given the Switch 2’s capabilities, performance improvements over an original Switch version are expected. Pricing for the Switch 2 release has not been confirmed; expect Atlus to announce SGD pricing closer to the November launch date.

Steelbook Edition: What Singapore Players Should Know

A limited Steelbook Edition will be available at launch. Atlus collector editions historically sell through quickly — especially at game shops in Singapore, which receive modest allocations for Japanese RPG titles. If the Steelbook is on your radar, putting in a pre-order early is the smart play. Watch for stock announcements from local retailers in the coming weeks.

The standard physical edition ships on a game-key card, as is standard for Switch 2 titles. For those who prefer digital, the game will of course be available on the Nintendo eShop.

Last Words

The Persona and Atlus fanbase in Singapore is sizable and enthusiastic — every major Atlus release draws a crowd at game shops here, and Metaphor: ReFantazio is the biggest thing the studio has shipped in years. Getting it on Switch 2 on 12 November means first-timers finally have a portable option to experience one of the best RPGs of recent memory, and those who already finished it on PS5 or PC have a reason to revisit it on the go. For more Switch 2 news relevant to Singapore players, browse our News section.