Square Enix
Square Enix revealed today that critically acclaimed RPG Secret of Mana is receiving a complete remake for both the PS4, PS Vita and Steam. The remake will be fully 3D and feature complete English voice overs. Square Enix is currently targeting a worldwide release on February 15, 2018.
But the question has to be asked – where is the Nintendo Switch version? A Secret of Mana collection was released for the Switch which featured the first three games in the Mana series but the collection has been exclusive to Japan and it doesn’t look like it’ll be localized any time soon, or ever. The year 2017 happens to be the 25th anniversary of the Mana series so this collection was a welcome sight for fans. It was also a good indication that Square Enix was supporting the Switch moving forward. It just seems a little weird that a remake of one of the games from that collection is skipping the console altogether.
We actually have received many concrete signs that Square Enix does believe in the Switch. We have the Secret of Mana collection and I Am Setsuna already on the console while we have Project: Octopath Traveler on the way. Square Enix even hinted at a release of Final Fantasy XV on the console.
So what’s the deal with the Secret of Mana remake not coming to the Nintendo Switch? It can’t be the usual excuse of the Switch not being powerful enough because this remake is also coming to the Vita. It also can’t really be about sales either because I Am Setsuna came to the Switch long after it released on other consoles.
Nintendo Switch fans just went through a similar thing with Monster Hunter: World being announced. Earlier this year Capcom announced the release of Monster Hunter Double Cross for the Nintendo Switch which gave fans hope that the series was shifting over to the console. Fast forward to E3 2017 and Sony’s press conference and we see the announcement of Monster Hunter: World for PS4, Xbox One and PC. It just felt like a slap in the face to Nintendo fans who have been supporting the series for years on the Nintendo 3DS.
I’m not saying Square Enix or Capcom owes Nintendo or its fans anything but those companies should know the audience is there for their games. Just take Dragon Quest XI and look at its sales on the Nintendo 3DS. The lower powered handheld version of the game has outsold its prettier home console counterpart so far. Granted Japan loves their handheld games but still. The fact that the 3DS version outsells a PS4 version is something to look at. With a Switch version, fans are getting the best of both worlds.
It’s possible Secret of Mana could come to the Switch one day. Although Dragon Quest XI has released already but Square Enix has said a Switch version will also be on the way. Until then, we’ll just have to cross our fingers and wait. You can check out the official announcement trailer below.