Star Ocean: First Departure R Physical Release Announced for Switch

Square Enix is set to provide fans with a tangible version of 'Star Ocean: First Departure R' for the Nintendo Switch. This marks an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of the classic role-playing genre to add a physical copy of the game to their libraries. The collaboration with Limited Run Games underscores a growing trend in the industry to cater to demand for limited-edition physical media, especially for titles that were initially digital-only or highly sought after.

This release not only offers a new way to experience the beloved title but also highlights the enduring appeal of physical game ownership in an increasingly digital landscape. With various editions available, from standard to collector's, it aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of fans, ensuring that everyone from casual players to dedicated collectors has an option that suits their preferences and budget.

Physical Edition for a Classic RPG

The long-awaited physical release of 'Star Ocean: First Departure R' on Nintendo Switch is becoming a reality, thanks to a partnership between Square Enix and Limited Run Games. This move brings a classic role-playing adventure, originally launched digitally in 2019, into the hands of collectors. Pre-orders are scheduled to commence on September 12, 2025, offering various purchase options. These include a standard edition, a special SteelBook bundle, and an exclusive Collector's Edition, each priced to reflect its contents and rarity. This initiative allows fans who prefer physical copies to own a piece of the game's history and adds to the collectibility of the 'Star Ocean' series on the Switch platform.

'Star Ocean: First Departure R' initially arrived on the Switch eShop, offering players a modernized take on the original Super Famicom title. While it has been appreciated by many, some aspects of the game's design reflect its origins, showing its age in certain areas. Despite this, its remaster has been generally well-received. The game also paved the way for its highly successful successor, 'Star Ocean: The Second Story R,' which was released in 2023 and garnered significant praise from both critics and fans. The decision to produce physical copies of 'First Departure R' caters to a niche yet dedicated market of physical media enthusiasts and represents an important addition to the physical game library for the Nintendo Switch.

Availability and Collector's Choices

The upcoming physical release of 'Star Ocean: First Departure R' through Limited Run Games is generating excitement among Nintendo Switch owners and RPG fans. Set to open for pre-orders on September 12, 2025, this release will come in three distinct tiers: a standard edition, a SteelBook Bundle Edition, and a premium Collector's Edition. Each version is priced differently, starting from $39.99 for the standard, $79.99 for the SteelBook, and $199.99 for the Collector's Edition, offering a range of choices for consumers. This tiered approach allows fans to select the option that best fits their budget and desire for exclusive content, from a basic game cartridge to a comprehensive package with additional memorabilia.

This physical offering is particularly significant for 'Star Ocean: First Departure R,' a game that made its digital debut on the Switch eShop in 2019. While the game has provided enjoyable experiences, it carries elements that reflect its original source material's age. It's also notable for being the predecessor to 'Star Ocean: The Second Story R,' a critically acclaimed title released in 2023. The availability of multiple physical editions underscores the growing demand for tangible game releases, especially for popular RPGs, giving players the satisfaction of owning a physical copy. This move caters to the collector's market and ensures the preservation of the game in a physical format for years to come.