Octopath Traveler, a popular RPG developed by Square-Enix, has recently faced an unexpected issue on the Nintendo Switch's eShop. The game is currently labeled as "Not Available," despite initially receiving praise for its intricate storytelling and stunning "HD-2D" graphics when it first launched in 2018. Originally exclusive to the Switch, Octopath Traveler was later released on PC and Xbox platforms, with a sequel, Octopath Traveler 2, also hitting the shelves last year. However, fans have now noticed a peculiar change in the game's listing on the Switch.
One of the key attractions of the Octopath Traveler series is its unique storytelling approach, which revolves around eight distinct storylines. Each game features eight playable characters, each with their own narrative arc. As players progress through the game, these characters eventually cross paths, leading to a culmination where all the separate stories intertwine. Unfortunately, newcomers interested in experiencing Octopath Traveler's innovative storytelling method are currently unable to purchase the game on the Nintendo Switch.
Octopath Traveler Disappears from Switch eShop
According to SiliconEra, fans have noticed that Octopath Traveler is currently unavailable for purchase on the Switch eShop. Even though the game is still listed at $59.99 USD, new players are unable to buy it from the digital marketplace. This issue seems to only affect the Switch eShop, as players can still purchase the game on PC and Xbox One. Nintendo and Square-Enix have not commented on the removal of Octopath Traveler from the Switch eShop.
The key visual for Square-Enix's Octopath Traveler. - While the game is currently shown as unavailable, fans are already speculating that the Octopath Traveler change is only temporary
Even though the game is currently not available, fans believe that the absence of Octopath Traveler on the Switch might just be temporary. The Switch eShop now lists Square-Enix as the game's publisher, even though it was originally published by Nintendo outside of Japan. Some fans think that the sudden removal of the game could be due to this change in publishers and are hopeful that Octopath Traveler will return in the future.
The Switch listing for Octopath Traveler has been updated due to the success of its sequel, Octopath Traveler 2. The sequel sold 1 million units by June 2023, just a few months after its February debut. Square-Enix has also announced that Octopath Traveler 2 will be released on Xbox consoles in October, with the game expected to launch on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in early 2024. Fans can relax knowing that the change to Octopath Traveler's status on Switch is only temporary.
Editor's P/S:
The sudden disappearance of Octopath Traveler from the Nintendo Switch eShop has left fans puzzled and disappointed. The game's unique storytelling and stunning visuals have made it a beloved title, and its absence from the digital marketplace is a significant blow to newcomers who were eager to experience its charms. While the reason for the removal remains unclear, fans are hopeful that it is merely a temporary issue and that Octopath Traveler will soon return to the eShop for purchase.
The game's continued availability on other platforms, such as PC and Xbox, suggests that the issue may be specific to the Switch version. This could be due to a number of factors, including licensing agreements or technical difficulties. However, the fact that the Switch listing for Octopath Traveler has been updated with Square-Enix as the publisher instead of Nintendo provides a glimmer of hope. This change could indicate that the game's removal is related to a publisher transition and that it will be made available for purchase again in the near future.
