Topic: Octopath Traveler I And II To Come To Switch 2 On October 1, With No Upgrade Or Save Transfer

[Shaymin]

There's sixteen paths and this release strategy has annoyed people on all of them.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/76418/octopath-traveler-i-and-ii-to-come-to-switch-2-on-october-1-with-no-upgrade-or-save-transfer

It was eight years ago that Octopath Traveler released on the original Switch, and Square Enix has decided to observe the anniversary with a pair of controversial release strategies.

A digital version of Switch 2 versions of Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II has appeared on the Japanese eShop today, with western releases scheduled for October 1. The Switch 2 versions promise a higher framerate and resolution, with the target appearing to match the PS4 version's 1080p / 60 frames per second settings.

As with the upcoming Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S and Final Fantasy X/X-2, the Octopath releases will not feature an upgrade or an option to transfer save from the Switch version. (The US version is priced at $59.99 and the Canadian at $79.99.) As well, although physical versions are planned, they will use the Game Key Card format.

[Mop it up]

Is there a reason why so many third-parties refuse to offer upgrades? Is it a complicated process? Is it easier to do on PS5/Xbox Whatever?

[broodwars]

Is there a reason why so many third-parties refuse to offer upgrades? Is it a complicated process? Is it easier to do on PS5/Xbox Whatever?

There are several possibilities:

1. Nintendo is discouraging upgrade paths and save transfers compared to the likes of Sony & Microsoft.

2. Sony & Microsoft are providing incentives behind the scenes for companies to offer those upgrade paths and save transfers, but Nintendo does not.

3. 3rd parties (but especially Square Enix) are choosing to combat recent economic downturns by pulling up the drawbridge and removing any costly QoL incentives for users to cut costs and maximize returns. Nintendo owners aren't exactly known for buying 3rd party games as it is.

There's probably more, but the most likely reason is some combination of 2 & 3. With how quickly Sony is burning every bridge they can find lately, I wouldn't be surprised if we stop seeing upgrade paths/perks with games on their consoles as well.

[NWR_insanolord]

It would be weird if it were the first one since every one of Nintendo's own games has an upgrade. I can't think of a single reason Nintendo wouldn't want third parties to do the same.