The highly anticipated return of the beloved tactical RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, is poised to launch on September 30. While fans eagerly await its release across multiple platforms, a particular detail regarding the Nintendo Switch version has emerged, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of cross-generational game compatibility and physical media ownership.
The Unexpected Free Upgrade: A Physical Edge in a Digital World
In a move that could only be described as delightfully Square Enix, purchasing the physical Nintendo Switch edition of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles guarantees you a free visual and performance upgrade for the upcoming (and still unannounced) Nintendo Switch 2. This `Switch 2 Upgrade Pack` is already available for claiming on the eShop, even before the game`s release.
This is noteworthy because Square Enix has no plans for a dedicated physical Switch 2 edition. This means that if you`re a devotee of physical game collections and intend to upgrade to the new console, acquiring the Switch 1 physical copy becomes the definitive path to experiencing the game with enhanced frame rates and graphical fidelity on your Switch 2. Otherwise, you`d be locked into a digital-only purchase on the newer hardware, missing out on the tangible benefits that often accompany physical releases.
Exclusive Artifacts: The Amazon Edition and Its Charms
Beyond the intriguing upgrade strategy, the physical edition offers its own set of enticements. The Amazon Exclusive Edition for both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, priced identically to standard editions at $50, includes a double-sided poster. One side boasts intricate character art, while the reverse features the iconic job class flowchart – a practical, nostalgic touch for any tactical enthusiast.
While not strictly a “preorder bonus” in the conventional sense (it`s simply included in the box), these Amazon-exclusive variants have a history of selling out swiftly. For collectors, securing this edition early is less about a timed incentive and more about ensuring you receive a copy with its full, intended contents.
The Coveted Collector`s Box: A Swift Vanishing Act
Naturally, for those who measure their devotion in dollars and shelf space, the Square Enix Store offered a magnificent Collector`s Box. Priced at a modest $200 (or $250 if bundled with the game, which was helpfully packaged separately, just in case you wanted to display an empty box), it vanished faster than a critical hit from a Mime shortly after preorders opened in June. This lavish collection included:
- A special art box adorned with intricate character art and a decorative depiction of Ivalice.
- A detailed Ramza Beoulve figure (Akademy Version) with a base stand.
- An adorable mini Chocobo plush set, featuring the standard, black, and red Chocobos, each with an elastic loop for convenient attachment.
- A complete set of all 12 Zodiac Stones as acrylic magnets.
- A pop-up 3D diorama faithfully recreating the Outlying Church from the game.
- Three glossy polypropylene art prints showcasing Ramza, an Ivalice world map, and the standard remaster key art.
The universal design of the Collector`s Box, devoid of console-specific logos, intelligently catered to all fans, given that physical editions are exclusively available for PlayStation and Nintendo platforms.
In-Game Benefits: Standard Preorder Bonuses and Digital Deluxe Enhancements
Regardless of where you preordered your copy of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a set of valuable in-game items awaits you:
- White Equipment for Ramza
- Spiked Boots, boosting the Jump attribute
- A Mythril Knife (Weapon)
- 10x High Potions
- 10x Ethers
For those opting for the digital experience, a Digital-Only Deluxe Edition provides its own unique set of in-game advantages:
- Akademy Blade (Weapon)
- Akademy Beret (Headwear)
- Akademy Tunic (Combat Garb)
- Ring of Aptitude (Accessory)
- Black Equipment for Ramza
- Red Equipment for Ramza
- 10x Phoenix Downs
The release strategy for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles highlights Square Enix`s consistent approach of offering physical editions primarily for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles, while broadening digital availability to PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 4. This ensures that fans across various ecosystems can revisit or discover this tactical masterpiece, albeit with a curious incentive for those who commit to the physical Switch experience.
