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Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Hits Switch 2 on 28 August

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FromSoftware’s landmark open-world RPG is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 28 August 2026 — and it is arriving with new company. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition bundles the complete base game and the acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion with a set of Switch 2-exclusive extras, putting the entire journey through the Lands Between into handheld form for the first time. Pre-orders are open now.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition gameplay showing the player in new armour facing a formidable enemy
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco / FromSoftware

Everything in the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition

The Tarnished Edition is the definitive Switch 2 package, combining the full Elden Ring experience with a new exclusive bundle called the Tarnished Pack:

  • Base game — the complete original Elden Ring
  • Shadow of the Erdtree — FromSoftware’s massive 2024 expansion
  • Two brand-new starting classes exclusive to the Tarnished Pack
  • Four new armour sets — callbacks to Dark Souls characters
  • Three Torrent cosmetic skins for your Spectral Steed
  • Pre-order bonus: two gestures, “The Ring” and “Ring of Miquella”

The Tarnished Pack will also be available as a separate DLC purchase on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for US$4.99, so players who already own Elden Ring elsewhere can pick up the new additions without buying the Switch 2 edition.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition — Official Nintendo Switch 2 Trailer (4K) — via IGN on YouTube

Two New Starting Classes for Switch 2 Players

The headline addition is a pair of brand-new starting classes designed around two distinct combat styles:

Heavy Knight — a Strength-focused build that opens with a curved greatsword and heavy armour. Built for players who like to absorb punishment and deal crushing damage in return. A strong pick if Elden Ring is your first Souls-style game.

Idus Knight — a Dexterity-focused build described by Bandai Namco as “a knight of the land of Idus, famed for their lightweight attire and weaponry.” Faster movement, more agile attacks, a playstyle that rewards reading enemy patterns carefully.

Both classes were designed with Switch 2 newcomers in mind. Neither is locked to the platform permanently — they arrive on PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC as the Tarnished Pack DLC at the same time.

Elden Ring player riding Torrent on a hilltop overlooking the glowing Erdtree
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco / FromSoftware

Dark Souls Callbacks and Torrent Gets a Wardrobe

Close-up of a boss character with ornate armour in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco / FromSoftware

The four new armour sets carry some FromSoftware history with them. They are inspired by beloved characters from the Dark Souls series — including Lucatiel of Mirrah, Henri of Astora, and Horace the Hushed — translated into Elden Ring’s visual style. For long-time fans of the studio’s catalogue, these are more than cosmetic curiosities.

Torrent receives three new cosmetic skins to change the Spectral Steed’s appearance without affecting stats. Full details on the skin designs have not been released ahead of launch.

Handheld Performance, Physical Format and Pricing

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition cutscene showing an NPC and the armoured player character
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco / FromSoftware

This port had a rocky road. Early demo builds at Gamescom ran at troubling frame rates, and Bandai Namco delayed the Tarnished Edition from its original 2025 window to give FromSoftware more time. The studio has since resolved the ARM CPU bottleneck responsible for those issues; the current build targets 30fps on Switch 2 in both handheld and docked modes.

One thing to note before you buy: the physical edition is a Game Key Card — a retail box containing a digital download code, not a full game cartridge. Expect to download around 64GB, so plan your storage accordingly before 28 August.

The US price is set at US$79.99. Singapore eShop and local retail pricing has not been officially announced at the time of writing — check the Nintendo Singapore eShop and major game retailers and electronics chains for SGD pricing ahead of launch.

Pre-Orders and What You Need to Know

Pre-orders for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 are live now. Pre-ordering locks in the two bonus gestures — “The Ring” and “Ring of Miquella” — at no extra charge.

For Singapore Switch 2 owners who sat out Elden Ring on PS5 or PC, this is a compelling entry point: 30 million copies sold worldwide, over 400 Game of the Year nominations, the full base game plus Shadow of the Erdtree, two approachable new starting classes, and the whole thing playable in handheld and tabletop mode. Check local game retailers and the Nintendo eShop Singapore for pre-order listings — the 28 August 2026 release date is less than five weeks away.

For more game news including other upcoming Switch 2 titles, keep an eye on GameTrader.SG.

Game News

FFXIV Switch 2 Launches 4 August — Editions, Pricing and 117 GB Download Confirmed

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Square Enix confirmed the exact date at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Berlin on Saturday: FFXIV Online arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 4 August 2026 — one week away. All editions are live on the Nintendo eShop for pre-order now, a free first month is baked in for every new Switch 2 subscriber, and the download weighs in at a substantial 117 GB. Here is everything Singapore players need to know before launch day. (We covered the initial announcement in June when Square Enix first confirmed the Switch 2 version for August.)

Final Fantasy XIV Online Nintendo Switch 2 key art with chocobo riders
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Every FFXIV Switch 2 Edition — USD Pricing and Pre-Order Discounts

Five editions are available at launch, covering every type of player from newcomers to returning subscribers on other platforms:

FFXIV Switch 2 edition pricing revealed at Berlin Fan Fest 2026 — Starter, Complete and Dawntrail
Image courtesy of Square Enix
  • Starter Edition — US$19.99. Covers the base game and the first expansion, Heavensward. The cheapest way in, ideal for players who want to try the game before committing to Dawntrail.
  • Complete Edition — US$59.99 standard / US$41.99 pre-order. Everything through Dawntrail included. Best value for new players who plan to go all-in.
  • Complete Collector’s Edition — US$139.99 standard / US$97.99 pre-order. Same full content as Complete Edition plus collector’s-tier in-game and physical bonuses.
  • Dawntrail Expansion — US$39.99. For players who already own the base game on PC or PS5 and want to add only the latest expansion on Switch 2.
  • Dawntrail Collector’s Edition — US$59.99. Dawntrail expansion with collector’s bonuses.

Square Enix has not yet listed regional SGD prices on the Nintendo eShop Singapore — check the Singapore eShop directly as 4 August approaches. The pre-order discount on the Complete Edition shaves roughly 30% off the standard price and runs until launch.

FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Berlin – Day 1 — via FINAL FANTASY XIV on YouTube

One Month Free, Then a Switch 2-Specific Sub — and 50% Off for Existing Subscribers

FFXIV Switch 2 subscription model: free first month, Switch 2-specific subscription, 50% discount for existing subscribers
Image courtesy of Square Enix

From 4 August, FFXIV on Switch 2 runs on a Nintendo Switch 2-specific subscription tier — separate from PC and PS5. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. The first month is free for all Switch 2 players, giving Square Enix time to stress-test servers under real load before billing begins. After that:

  • New subscribers pay the full Switch 2 subscription rate once the free month ends.
  • Players with an active PC or PS5 subscription get a 50% discount on the Switch 2 subscription for as long as their other-platform sub remains active — making portable Eorzea a much softer ask for Singapore players already subbed elsewhere.

117 GB — Sort Your Switch 2 Storage Before Next Sunday

FFXIV on Switch 2 downloads at 117 GB, which will comfortably fill a sizeable chunk of the console’s internal storage. Most Singapore players will want a microSD Express card before launch day — Switch 2’s fast microSD Express slot means transfers stay manageable, and a 256 GB card leaves room for other titles. With a week to go, cards are available at major electronics chains and games retailers. Factor in download time at local ISP speeds too; a 300 Mbps connection handles 117 GB in roughly an hour, but queuing the pre-load the night before is a safer call.

Evercold Arrives January 2027 — Plenty to Do Until Then

The 4 August Switch 2 launch gives players access to the full game through Dawntrail, the current expansion. The next expansion, Evercold, was revealed in full at the same Berlin Fan Fest — it adds the Bastion tank job, sweeping new Realmship zones, and two crossover raid series (Evangelion and FF7 Remake) landing in January 2027. That means Switch 2 newcomers have roughly six months of existing content, raids, and side quests before the expansion drops. For Singapore players who have wanted to try the most-praised MMORPG of the last decade in a portable form, there has never been a better entry window. Check our game news section for all FFXIV and Switch 2 updates as August 4 approaches.

Game News

Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster Is on Switch 2 Tomorrow — What SG Fans Need to Know

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Final Fantasy X turns 25 this month, and Square Enix is marking the occasion with a Switch 2 debut that finally delivers features long-time fans have been requesting for years — and does it as a Switch 2-exclusive package landing on the Nintendo eShop tomorrow, 23 July.

Tidus overlooking the ruins of Zanarkand at sunset in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Two Classics, One Switch 2 Package

The collection bundles Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster in a single purchase — both based on the International versions, which means every piece of bonus content that never made it to the original Western PS2 releases is here: Dark Aeons, Penance, Last Mission, and the full Creature Creator system. Between the two games you are looking at well north of 100 hours if you chase the platinum-equivalent completion.

Blitzball arena interior in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The music is the fully remastered orchestral score — not the original MIDI tracks — and the character, monster, and background visuals have all been rebuilt in full HD. For anyone who remembers squinting at blurry PS2 textures on a modern TV, the difference is striking.

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster | Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Announcement Trailer — via FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

What Is Actually New on Switch 2

This is the headline for anyone who played the original Switch release from 2019: the Switch 2 version adds high-speed mode and a no random encounters toggle — two quality-of-life features that have been part of the PC (Steam) version for years but were absent from the original Switch and console releases. High-speed mode accelerates battles and movement so grinding the Sphere Grid or farming AP does not become a full-time job; the encounter toggle lets you explore at your own pace without interruption.

Tidus, Auron and the party in the ruins of Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

If you are coming to FFX for the first time, these additions meaningfully reduce the friction that put off a lot of players on earlier console versions. If you are a veteran revisiting Spira after years away, toggling encounters off while you revisit Besaid Island or Mi’ihen Highroad is a small luxury that makes a big difference.

The Fine Print Before You Buy

A few things worth knowing before you head to the Nintendo eShop tomorrow:

  • Switch 2 exclusive. This version is not compatible with the original Nintendo Switch. It is a separate product, not a free upgrade. If you own the Switch 1 version, you will need to purchase this separately.
  • Save data does not carry over. Progress from your Switch 1 save cannot be imported into the Switch 2 version.
  • Digital launch: USD $49.99. The Singapore eShop listing is expected live from 23 July — check the SG Nintendo eShop for local SGD pricing.
  • Asia physical Game-Key Card also out 23 July. A physical Game-Key Card edition for Asia launches on the same day digitally — useful if you prefer a box on the shelf, though note it functions as a download code rather than a game cartridge.
  • File size: 27.8 GB. Clear some space on your Switch 2 before download.

FFX remains one of the most beloved JRPGs in Singapore — a game many local players first encountered on PS2 around 2001–2002 — and 25 years on it still holds up as both a mechanically satisfying and emotionally resonant ride. Whether you are picking it up for the first time or returning for a nostalgia run, the Switch 2 version is the best console version yet. Check out our other game news for more Switch 2 coverage.

Game News

BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X Heads to Switch 2 on 13 August — Platinum Joins Free

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BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 13 August 2026, and it brings one of the franchise’s most beloved characters with it. Developer 91Act and publisher Astrolabe Games have confirmed that Platinum — the hammer-swinging, bubble-flinging magical girl from BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma — joins the roguelite roster in a free major content update dropping on the same day across all platforms. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 Edition opened today.

Blazblue Entropy Effect X – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition & Platinum Major Update Announcement Trailer — via BlazBlue Entropy Effect X Global – Official on YouTube

Platinum Enters the Sea of Possibility

Platinum launches a rainbow star-beam attack against enemies in a cyberpunk Japanese setting in BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X
Image courtesy of Arc System Works / 91Act

Platinum’s moveset translates into BBEE X’s fast-paced 2D roguelite action with exactly the chaotic flair her fans expect. The announcement screenshots show her launching rainbow-arcing magical blasts and triggering full-screen star explosions that fill the arena with sparkle and fire — a playstyle that should feel very different from the more straightforward brawlers already in the game.

The free August 13 update also brings an upgraded Training Space and new branching route options for each run. That second addition is particularly welcome: more diverging paths between attempts means each run through the Sea of Possibility feels less predictable, which has a real impact on long-term replayability.

Platinum triggers a large star-burst explosion alongside cute panda-cannon enemies in BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X
Image courtesy of Arc System Works / 91Act

Switch 2 Edition — What You Actually Get

BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X Nintendo Switch 2 Edition key art showing the August 13 2026 launch date and all supported platforms
Image courtesy of Arc System Works / 91Act

The Switch 2 Edition is a native build with enhanced visuals, an improved frame rate and GameShare support — so you can invite a friend into your session even if they don’t own a copy. Exclusive cosmetics for Switch 2 players include the Old World Fantasy Platinum palette and a Dango Balloon chibi avatar, a small but fun differentiator for early adopters.

For players who already own BBEE X on the original Nintendo Switch, the Upgrade Pack costs just US$1.99 — making it one of the most affordable Switch-to-Switch-2 upgrades out there. The stand-alone Switch 2 digital version is priced at US$24.99, consistent with what the game cost at launch. The title is listed on the Nintendo Southeast Asia eShop, so Singapore players can pre-order directly.

Free Content for Everyone on All Platforms

Platinum charges into a group of enemies wielding her oversized golden hammer in BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X
Image courtesy of Arc System Works / 91Act

The biggest news for existing players is that the August 13 update is free across every platform BBEE X currently runs on: PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Nintendo Switch. Platinum, the revamped Training Space and the new run-branching options arrive for everyone, no additional purchase required. Singapore players who picked up the game at launch on PS5 or PC get a meaningful content refresh at no extra cost.

BBEE X launched in February 2026 to strong critical reception for its stylish 2D action, tight roguelite loop and deep BlazBlue fan service. With Platinum’s addition and the Switch 2 native build both landing on 13 August, it’s shaping up to be one of the better mid-year content moments for fans of the franchise. Check the Nintendo eShop or Steam for pricing in your local currency.

For more game news, keep following GameTrader.SG.

Game News

Star Fox Switch 2 Launches This Thursday, 25 June

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Fox McCloud is back where he belongs — in the cockpit of an Arwing, doing barrel rolls across the Lylat System. Star Fox launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 this Thursday, 25 June, bringing a reborn take on the beloved N64 classic to a whole new generation of pilots. And with the N64 celebrating its 30th birthday today, there’s never been a more fitting moment to revisit the galaxy that made Fox McCloud a gaming icon.

Star Fox — Overview Trailer — Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

A Lylat System Reborn — What’s New in Star Fox Switch 2

Star Fox is a full remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 classic, rebuilt from the ground up for Switch 2. Every stage in the game has received a complete visual overhaul, and brand-new cinematic cutscenes — including never-before-seen mission briefings between stages — give Fox McCloud’s squad and the story of Andross’s assault on the Lylat System far more room to breathe than the original ever had. Expanded codex entries with character profiles and planetary lore round out the world-building for players who want to go deeper.

Star Fox Switch 2 gameplay overview screenshot showing Fox McCloud's Arwing in combat
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Three Modes, Plenty of Replay Value

Campaign Mode is the heart of the experience. It’s a branching adventure across the Lylat System — available on Easy, Normal, or Expert difficulty — where the outcome of each planet mission determines which routes open up next. Two players can team up locally, with one taking the Pilot seat and the other handling the Gunner role. Online co-op is also supported via GameShare.

Challenge Mode unlocks once you’ve cleared stages, letting you replay them with a set of fresh objectives. It’s the mode for veterans chasing higher scores and tighter routes.

Battle Mode is full 4-vs-4 aerial dogfighting with up to eight players. There are multiple rule variants and three dedicated stages, and it’s playable solo against AI, online globally, or locally with friends. It’s the kind of multiplayer mode the franchise has needed for years, and it looks like the centrepiece of the game’s long-term appeal.

Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls and GameShare

One of the standout new features is mouse-style targeting using the Joy-Con 2 as a pointer — rest the controller on a flat surface and you aim at enemies with the precision of a mouse, which is an unexpectedly natural fit for the game’s fast lock-on combat. Local multiplayer also supports up to four players via GameShare — one copy of the game, spread across friends. GameChat (compatible USB camera required) renders both players as in-game character avatars using AR facial recognition, which is a neat bonus for anyone who owns Nintendo’s peripheral.

Star Fox Switch 2 — Pricing and What Singapore Players Should Know

Star Fox is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and will not be playable on the original Switch. In the US, the digital version is priced at US$49.99, with a physical edition at US$59.99; the Japanese eShop lists ¥5,480 digital and ¥6,480 physical. Singapore eShop pricing is to be confirmed — check the Nintendo eShop or retailers like GameXtreme and Qisahn for local availability. Nintendo Music subscribers also get ten tracks from the game’s updated orchestral score on day one.

Last words

The N64 turns 30 today and Star Fox — one of that console’s most beloved titles — arrives on Switch 2 this Thursday. For Singapore Switch 2 owners, this is one of the cleanest launch-window games on the platform: a tight, visually impressive remake with proper multiplayer that works well in handheld, tabletop, and TV modes. You can pre-load the digital version now via the Nintendo eShop. If you played the original back in the day, this is a genuine reason to dust off the controllers. Do a barrel roll. Check out more Switch 2 game news here.

Game News, News

Adventures of Elliot Launches on Switch 2, PS5 and PC

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Square Enix and Team Asano — the studio behind Octopath Traveler and the Bravely Default series — have launched their latest HD-2D title, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The PlayStation Singapore store lists the game as available from 17 June, with the global launch officially dated 18 June 2026 — making now the perfect time to jump in at S$79.90 on PS5 or Switch 2.

An Epic That Spans Millennia

The game unfolds on Philabieldia, an untamed continent where the last remnants of humanity huddle behind the walls of the Kingdom of Huther while beast tribes roam the wilds beyond. You play as Elliot, a young adventurer, alongside his fairy companion Faie. Their central tool is the Doorway of Time — a mysterious artefact that lets them travel across four distinct historical eras, each with its own visual flavour and a piece of the world’s forgotten history to uncover.

It is a premise that wears its JRPG heritage on its sleeve. Early critics have drawn comparisons to Chrono Trigger, The Legend of Zelda, the Mana series, and Ys — which makes sense given that the core development team at Team Asano brought a similarly eclectic mix of inspirations to Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales — exploration screenshot
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Real-Time Action Combat Built for All Players

Unlike the turn-based systems in previous Team Asano games, Adventures of Elliot goes fully real-time. Players can equip two weapons simultaneously from seven types — including swords, bows, boomerangs, and chains — and weave in shield mechanics and Faie’s fairy magic to shape a personalised combat style. A Magicite enhancement system adds further depth: collectible fragments slot into your gear to unlock additional effects, from currency boosts to extended boomerang throws.

For those wanting company, a second player can take control of Faie in local co-op, assisting with both battles and environmental puzzles. The exploration side of things leans heavily on shrine-based puzzle-solving in a way that fans of action-adventure games will find familiar.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales — combat screenshot
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Famitsu Awards It 34 Out of 40

Ahead of launch, Famitsu scored The Adventures of Elliot a strong 34 out of 40, according to TechTimes. That puts it firmly in the “recommended” tier for Japan’s leading games publication — on par with the solid scores earned by other Team Asano releases. The same early wave of coverage has described it as evoking the feeling of a spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger, which is about as high a bar as you can set in this genre.

Watch the Launch Trailer

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales | Launch Date Announcement Trailer — via Square Enix on YouTube

Singapore Pricing and Editions

All editions are available digitally on PS5 now, with Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store) following on 18 June:

  • Standard Edition — S$79.90: The full game across all platforms.
  • Deluxe Edition — S$92.90: Includes the base game and three cosmetic accessories for Elliot — the Fairy Bangle, Cherry Blossom Anklet, and Roselle Ring.
  • Collector’s Edition: A physical bundle combining the Deluxe digital content with a “Faie and the Doorway of Time” tabletop clock and the full original soundtrack. Local retail pricing to be confirmed.

The game carries an IARC 12+ rating (Moderate Violence, Mild Swearing) and supports 1–2 players with full Remote Play on PS5. Language options on PS5 include English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

Try the Free Demo Before You Buy

Not ready to commit S$79.90 just yet? A Prologue Demo is live right now on all platforms, letting you experience the opening hours of Elliot’s adventure before spending a cent. Importantly, your demo save data transfers to the full game, so any progress, magicite, and collectibles you pick up carry over when you upgrade.

Catch up on other recent releases in our game news section.

Last words

A 34/40 from Famitsu, comparisons to some of the most beloved JRPGs ever made, a free demo you can download right now, and S$79.90 on the Singapore PS Store today — The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a hard one to overlook for Switch 2 or PS5 owners who have a soft spot for adventure RPGs. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Octopath or Bravely Default lineage, or just looking for a meaty new game to sink into this week, it is well worth at least trying that demo.

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

Xenoblade Genesis: New World, New Hero — Switch 2 Exclusive in 2027

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Monolith Soft and Nintendo landed one of the Nintendo Direct’s most memorable moments: the reveal of Xenoblade Genesis, an all-new entry in the beloved RPG series built exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 and launching in 2027. From the look of the reveal trailer, this is a deliberate reinvention — same legendary team, completely fresh world.

Xenoblade Genesis – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

A Brand-New World: Anshar and the Power of Anima

Xenoblade Genesis is set in Anshar, an annular world bathed in the light of six suns — a setting that immediately signals a break from both the colossal Titans of Xenoblade Chronicles and the Blades and Titans of Chronicles 2. The land is governed by a primordial force called Anima, described as the source of all things, flowing through the world and its creatures.

Warriors who can channel Anima in combat are known as Vesselai. They wield special weapons enhanced by crystalline artefacts called crystones, which amplify their abilities and — notably — record their thoughts and actions, adding an intriguing lore dimension to even the gear system. The trailer hints at sweeping vistas, enormous flying creatures, and a conflict with high stakes: the shadow of “a fallen god’s vengeance” looms over the narrative.

Xenoblade Genesis protagonist Eleanor
Image courtesy of Nintendo / Monolith Soft

Meet Eleanor — and the Academy of Leukos

The protagonist is Eleanor, who enrolls at Leukos, an academy that trains Vesselai. The academy framing immediately evokes Fire Emblem: Three Houses more than the open-world sprawl of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and that’s clearly intentional — Genesis appears to root its early story in student politics and coming-of-age bonds before expanding into something larger.

Visually, Eleanor and her companions sport elf-like features, and the game’s rideable mounts — creatures that look like a wolf-horse hybrid — are already turning heads. Character designs come from Mai Yoneyama and PALOW, a pairing that brings distinct anime-art sensibilities to the Xenoblade aesthetic.

Leukos Academy in Xenoblade Genesis
Image courtesy of Nintendo / Monolith Soft

The Team Behind It

Tetsuya Takahashi directs, as he has on every major Xeno title from Xenogears (1998) onwards. The musical team is equally formidable: Yasunori Mitsuda — the composer behind Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2‘s sweeping original score — returns alongside Mariam Abounnasr and Minami Kiyota, both contributors to Xenoblade Chronicles 3. For JRPG fans, that lineup alone is reason to pay attention.

Switch 2 Editions for the Existing Trilogy

Nintendo also announced Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, making the full modern trilogy accessible natively on Switch 2 ahead of Genesis‘s 2027 window. Pricing for those upgrades is to be confirmed.

Last Words

Singapore JRPG fans who have followed Monolith Soft’s work know the studio consistently punches above its weight — each Xenoblade entry has pushed the limits of Nintendo hardware to deliver genuinely massive, emotionally resonant worlds. Xenoblade Genesis looks set to continue that tradition with a fresh cast, a fresh setting, and the legendary Mitsuda back on the score. No price or local eShop listing yet, but 2027 is the window. Follow our News section for updates as they come.

News

Final Fantasy Resonance: First HD-2D Final Fantasy Hits Oct 22

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Square Enix has pulled off a genuine surprise: Final Fantasy Resonance is the very first Final Fantasy game built in the gorgeous HD-2D art style — and it’s landing on basically every platform that matters on 22 October 2026. Revealed during the 9 June Nintendo Direct (right alongside a fresh Kingdom Hearts IV trailer), it’s a turn-based, crystal-and-chocobo love letter to the series’ roots, and it’s coming to Switch 2, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

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

The first Final Fantasy in HD-2D

If you’ve played Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy or the Dragon Quest III remake, you already know the look: lovingly detailed pixel sprites layered over 3D environments, dramatic depth-of-field and sweeping camera angles. Square Enix has used HD-2D to revive plenty of classics, but Final Fantasy Resonance marks the first time the main brand itself wears the style. The result, on the evidence of the reveal trailer, is exactly the nostalgia hit long-time fans have been begging for — pixel chocobos, towering espers and airships rendered with serious cinematic flair.

Final Fantasy Resonance HD-2D key art

Image courtesy of Square Enix

A Brave Exvius story, rebuilt for consoles

Here’s the twist long-time fans will want to know: Final Fantasy Resonance is based on the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, the 2016 mobile gacha RPG. Square Enix is keen to stress this is far more than a port — the publisher says the season-one storyline has been “extensively rebuilt” as a full-fledged, console-quality RPG, with voiced characters, new cutscenes and a freshly recorded soundtrack.

The adventure returns to the world of Lapis, following the Grandshelt knight Rain, his adoptive brother Lasswell and the mysterious maiden Fina as they race to stop Veritas of the Dark from corrupting the world’s crystals. It’s a self-contained slice of the Brave Exvius saga, so newcomers don’t need to have touched the mobile game to jump in.

Final Fantasy Resonance turn-based battle screenshot

Image courtesy of Square Enix

Turn-based combat and the Visions system

Combat is unapologetically classic turn-based, with a modern twist. You’ll exploit enemy weaknesses to stagger foes and chain into cinematic “Resonance” attacks — a tactical layer that rewards reading each encounter rather than mashing through it.

The real fan-service hook is the Visions system, which lets you recruit “echoes” of beloved Final Fantasy heroes as party members. The reveal confirmed cameos from across the series, including Cloud, Tidus, the Warrior of Light, Terra and Clive, with each Vision bringing its own skills for party customisation. There’s plenty to chew on beyond the main story, too: the trailer and store listings tease run-ins with the wandering swordsman Gilgamesh, a Colosseum, a Chamber of Arms and showdowns with the Ultima Weapon.

On the audio side, the score comes from Elements Garden — the team led by Noriyasu Agematsu — with 33 newly recorded tracks joining music carried over from Brave Exvius.

Final Fantasy Resonance HD-2D world exploration screenshot

Image courtesy of Square Enix

Release date, platforms and editions

Final Fantasy Resonance launches on 22 October 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Steam and the Microsoft Store). The line-up:

  • Standard Edition — US$49.99
  • Digital Deluxe Edition — US$59.99 (adds digital bonuses)
  • Collector’s Edition — US$209.99, bundling the base game, the Digital Deluxe bonuses and four physical collectibles: an acrylic block set of pixel-art characters, summons and bosses; a 120-page hardcover art book; a 120-track soundtrack CD; and an exclusive Final Fantasy Trading Card Game promo card.

Square Enix hasn’t published Singapore dollar pricing yet, but the US$49.99 base price works out to roughly S$65 at current rates — keep an eye on local retailers and the eShop/PlayStation Store closer to launch for confirmed SGD figures.

What this means for Singapore gamers

This one is squarely aimed at the JRPG faithful — and Singapore has plenty. A brand-new, story-complete Final Fantasy at a friendly US$49.99 (well below the S$90-plus you’ll pay for a typical AAA release) makes Final Fantasy Resonance an easy recommendation, especially for Switch 2 owners hunting for a meaty turn-based RPG to sink the year-end holidays into. The cross-platform launch means you can grab it wherever you already game, and the HD-2D presentation should look fantastic in handheld mode.

Collectors will be eyeing that US$209.99 Collector’s Edition, though import shipping and the weak conversion will sting — we’d watch for a local distributor before committing. As always, GameTrader will keep tracking SGD pricing, pre-order bonuses and trade-in values as 22 October draws closer. In the meantime, check out our coverage of the latest gaming news and reviews.