Square Enix has surprise-released a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, the sci-fi RPG that originally launched on Switch, PlayStation, and PC in 2023. This new iteration for the Switch 2 offers a significant upgrade in visual fidelity and performance, boasting a 1080p resolution in both docked and handheld modes, coupled with a fluid 60 FPS frame rate. This marks a substantial improvement over the original Switch version, which was limited to a lower resolution and a 30 FPS frame rate.
However, this enhanced edition for the Switch 2 comes with familiar caveats from Square Enix. Similar to recent announcements regarding Octopath Traveler and its sequel, owners of the original Switch version will need to purchase the new edition outright for $49.99. There is no direct upgrade path available, and save data will not transfer between the two versions. This practice continues a trend that requires players to spend more money to experience a game they already own on a new platform, a stark contrast to options offered by other publishers, including Nintendo's own game upgrade programs.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of the 1999 PlayStation title. The game follows the story of Claude C. Kenny, a Federation officer who is unexpectedly transported to an alien planet. There, his search for a way home becomes entangled with a quest to save the planet, guided by a local young woman and drawn into an ancient prophecy.
The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, the original Nintendo Switch, PC, and now the Switch 2.