Square Enix Re-Releases Switch Exclusive Game With Big Change
Japanese gaming giant Square Enix has re-released Final Fantasy spin-off game and Nintendo Switch exclusive Chocobo GP, but as a full-priced, premium game without any of the microtransactions that were present in the previous release. Chocobo GP first launched in 2022 as a Nintendo Switch exclusive game with two versions for fans to choose from: a premium version and a free-to-play "Lite" version.
The free-to-play version of Chocobo GP limited the amount of content that players could access, and both versions of the game featured microtransactions. Unfortunately for Square Enix, Chocobo GP wasn't the hit it expected it to be, and so it ultimately ended support for the title. It closed down the in-game store and stopped release big new content updates for the racer, but now it's back in a new form.
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RELATED: Chocobo GP Premium Version is Full of Microtransactions and Fans Aren't Happy
With no prior announcement, Square Enix has re-released Chocobo GP on the Nintendo Switch eShop as a $49.99 premium release. The difference is that all of the microtransactions have been removed, and all content can be earned in-game. Chocobo GP Lite, meanwhile, is no longer available on the eShop at all. Any Final Fantasy fans who were interested in Chocobo GP when it was first released, but were turned off by the game's microtransactions can now pay full price for the full kart racing experience through the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Some Final Fantasy fans may balk at Chocobo GP's price, as $49.99 still seems pretty steep for a previously free-to-play kart racer. Not only that, but Chocobo GP reviews were mostly negative, though many critics knocked the game for its microtransactions and pricing scheme. Perhaps the new content added to Chocobo GP after its initial launch will make it a worthwhile investment at $49.99, but Nintendo Switch gamers will have to make that determination themselves.
In any case, it seems like odd timing for Square Enix to re-release Chocobo GP. The diehard Final Fantasy fans that may be interested in playing it are likely going to be too busy with the upcoming Final Fantasy 16, after all. Final Fantasy 16 is set to launch on June 22 and is shaping up to be an absolutely massive game, and with it priced at $69.99, it seems like a big ask for Final Fantasy fans to not only buy that but also Chocobo GP for $49.99.
For now, anyone that wants to play Chocobo GP can now get the full experience on Switch if they're willing to pay $49.99.
Chocobo GP is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
MORE: Chocobo GP: Differences Between Premium and Lite Versions Explained
Source: Nintendeal
Source: GameRant
