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Xenoblade Chronicles Confirmed for North American Release

by Neal Ronaghan - December 2, 2011, 10:33 am EST
Total comments: 95 Source: (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/Nintendo/posts/1978730269...

The epic RPG is hitting North America next year as an exclusive to GameStop and Nintendo's online store.

Nintendo confirmed that Xenoblade Chronicles, released in Europe in August, is coming to North America in April 2012.

News broke earlier this morning that GameStop had a possible exclusive version listed on their upcoming line-up of games. Following that, Nintendo posted images from Xenoblade Chronicles on their Facebook. Finally, the company posted this statement: "It's confirmed! Next year, Wii players throughout North America can wield the Monado blade and join the epic battle between the Homs and the Mechons in Xenoblade Chronicles. Like this post if you're ready for an adventure on the surface of two frozen Titans!"

An official page is up, which shows off an April 2012 release. Also on that page are two links: one says "Pre-order at GameStop" and the other says "Pre-order from Nintendo." Each link goes to a page on the respective stores to pre-order the game. Nintendo's pre-orders don't begin until December 19, while you can pre-order from GameStop, which gives the game an April 2, 2012 release date, right now.

UPDATE: A press release confirms that Xenoblade Chronicles will only be available through GameStop and Nintendo's online store.

Xenoblade Chronicles Coming to Nintendo's Wii Console in Spring

It’s man vs. machine in a new game coming to Nintendo’s Wii console in spring. Xenoblade Chronicles asks players to use the Monado blade to take on a seemingly endless series of invading Mechon robots in a sweeping role-playing adventure.

The main character is Shulk, a weapons researcher who must confront the Mechon by wielding the ancient Monado blade. It’s the only weapon that has any effect against the Mechon, and it also enables Shulk to see the future.

Players can customize their characters with a variety of weapons and armor choices, as well as headgear, boots and gloves. As in many role-playing games, players can then gain experience and upgrade their characters. Players can watch their enemies, learn their tactics and unleash real-time counterattacks.

The vast open world of Xenoblade Chronicles is ripe for exploration. Players can avert their focus from the main story and venture out looking for other challenges and side quests. Hidden areas and unique monsters are scattered throughout the game’s massive world, which players can explore freely.

Xenoblade Chronicles has already launched in Japan and Europe, and has received unanimously positive reviews, including several perfect scores.

Xenoblade Chronicles will be available exclusively through U.S. GameStop retail locations, http://www.gamestop.com and http://www.nintendo.com at a suggested retail price of $49.99 in the United States. Additional information about the game will be announced in the future. For more information, visit http://xenobladechronicles.nintendo.com.

Images

Talkback

motangDecember 02, 2011

Finally!  ;D

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterDecember 02, 2011

VICTOLY! :D

FZeroBoyoDecember 02, 2011

Woohoo!


My patience (or laziness) has paid off!                       

Ian SaneDecember 02, 2011

If I can buy it through Nintendo's online store then I don't have to give Gamestop any business!  YEAH!

Now I kind of regret importing the game, especially since I haven't gotten the chance to play it. I may end up picking up the American copy so I can take the Homebrew channel off my Wii.

Xero!December 02, 2011

Borat voice: GREAT SUCCESS!!!

EnnerDecember 02, 2011

Begging has worked for once!


Kidding aside, I'm excited.


EDIT: Now, I hope nothing stupid happens like the Japanese voice track being removed or whatever.

CericDecember 02, 2011

http://www.twitvid.com/Q6G13
The official trailer is well... Terrible.  It makes this game look like a GCN game with unclear music direction.

Fatty The HuttDecember 02, 2011

Exclusively through stores in the U.S.? What about Canada? The Facebook quote says it'll be released in North America. I am confused.
Can you NWR newshounds follow up on this point, pretty pleeeeeeease?

NbzDecember 02, 2011

Slightly shocked to say the least. Great news nonetheless, now means all you Americans don't have to go through the importing process if you ever wanted to play the game ^_^

Luigi DudeDecember 02, 2011

See people, I told you the European sales would be the number one decider.  Unlike Disaster and Another Code that bombed in Europe, Xenoblade actually sold well.  As a result Xenoblade is actually coming to North America.

Not hard logic to follow.  Reggie doesn't hate gamers like some of you think, he just wants to make sure he makes Nintendo money instead of losses it.  Xenoblades sales showed it could make money in America since Europes market is similar to America.  So now it's coming over.

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Exclusively through stores in the U.S.? What about Canada? The Facebook quote says it'll be released in North America. I am confused.
Can you NWR newshounds follow up on this point, pretty pleeeeeeease?

You can order through Nintendo's online store if you're in Canada.

Bman87301December 02, 2011

To all those naysayers out there who shall remain nameless *cough* TJ Spyke *cough*, I hate to say "I told you so" but I did!  ;D

TheFleeceDecember 02, 2011

This is great news today. I'm just bummed about giving GameStop my money. I hope the Nintendo Store will have an event when it releases.

CericDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: TheFleece

This is great news today. I'm just bummed about giving GameStop my money. I hope the Nintendo Store will have an event when it releases.

Online through Nintendo.  Your here and I assume you don't live in a box.*  If you do Your Here so I can safely assume you have a job/school it could be shipped too.

*No offense to Box Dwellers.

ThanerosDecember 02, 2011

I'm going to pre-order asap because if its going to be only ordered via online the number of units is going to be pretty damn small.

CericDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Thaneros

I'm going to pre-order asap because if its going to be only ordered via online the number of units is going to be pretty damn small.

You know I wonder if Nintendo could do Print on Demand style with these...

PajamasDecember 02, 2011

Just in time for the holiday sales rush. Oh. Wait.

MonteblancoDecember 02, 2011

Now I have to find out if Nintendo will distribute it on Latin America or I will have to import it. So far, it became only slightly less complicated for me.

TheFleeceDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: TheFleece

This is great news today. I'm just bummed about giving GameStop my money. I hope the Nintendo Store will have an event when it releases.

Online through Nintendo.  Your here and I assume you don't live in a box.*  If you do Your Here so I can safely assume you have a job/school it could be shipped too.

*No offense to Box Dwellers.

In situations like this I hold out because I have access to the Nintendo World Store. It's my go to place for whatever Nintendo game and a lot of times they have release parties and stuff. I'm going to hold out or try to find out and if nothing else then I'll order it online.

Chozo GhostDecember 02, 2011

How is this game going to manage to be a huge hit when only two places are going to sell it? Will there at least be a major marketing push?

motangDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Chozo

How is this game going to manage to be a huge hit when only two places are going to sell it? Will there at least be a major marketing push?

Well we all know this is a game for core gamers not casual ones, and these core gamers will know where to get it from GameStop.

purevalDecember 02, 2011

I think Nintendo is releasing the game in a limited manner because they know it will not be a monster hit. This way those who want it can get it easily, but they do not have to risk a bunch of cash printing enough for every store to get copies. An excellent technique I feel and I hope they make enough money trying this to do again with other games.

Chozo GhostDecember 02, 2011

I have a feeling this game is going to end up being a cult hit and copies of it will be extremely hard to find in the years that follow. It will be like Metroid Trilogy all over again... and maybe even worse than that.

Quote from: pureval

I think Nintendo is releasing the game in a limited manner because they know it will not be a monster hit. This way those who want it can get it easily, but they do not have to risk a bunch of cash printing enough for every store to get copies. An excellent technique I feel and I hope they make enough money trying this to do again with other games.

But with that mindset, it can never be a monster hit. They're fulfilling their own prediction.

And what about Amazon, which already has a ton of pre-orders on Monado?

Also, I don't think printing and shipping copies is a significant part of the cost, otherwise there wouldn't be so much shovelware out there, especially since they run the manufacturing side as well.

NeoStar9XDecember 02, 2011

I was finally going to import after I was done with Zelda. Glad I don't have to now. I'll be picking this up for sure.  ;D

Ian SaneDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: MegaByte

Quote from: pureval

I think Nintendo is releasing the game in a limited manner because they know it will not be a monster hit. This way those who want it can get it easily, but they do not have to risk a bunch of cash printing enough for every store to get copies. An excellent technique I feel and I hope they make enough money trying this to do again with other games.

But with that mindset, it can never be a monster hit. They're fulfilling their own prediction.

And what about Amazon, which already has a ton of pre-orders on Monado?

The self-fulfilling prophecy is the ultimate tool of the stubborn jackass... so it fits Nintendo pretty well.  NOA likely had no plans on releasing this and then the European sales just made them all look like idiots.

It's not even a pride or ego thing.  If Xenoblade is a big success in North America Reggie has to answer to his superiors about why he dragged his feet so long on this to the point that Nintendo fans started a movement of sorts for it to get released.  It isn't ego as much as job security.  So if NOA rigs things so that Xenoblade cannot possibly be anything more than a cult hit in the US, then he and NOA weren't wrong.  The FANS were wrong and NOA only did it to please them.  So not only is NOA not responsible for a stupid mistake that created all sorts of bad PR for Nintendo but they now have their excuse to shrug off any future examples of the fans second guessing them.  "Well last time we listened to the fans, the game was a bomb so they don't know anything.  We know best."

CericDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Chozo

I have a feeling this game is going to end up being a cult hit and copies of it will be extremely hard to find in the years that follow. It will be like Metroid Trilogy all over again... and maybe even worse than that.

The Prime Trilogy thing is a travesty.  That should have had more availability.

BlackNMild2k1December 02, 2011

Quote from: MegaByte

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Exclusively through stores in the U.S.? What about Canada? The Facebook quote says it'll be released in North America. I am confused.
Can you NWR newshounds follow up on this point, pretty pleeeeeeease?

You can order through Nintendo's online store if you're in Canada.

But the question is, Can I use my Club Nintendo Coins as payment?

TrueNerdDecember 02, 2011

Ho. Ly. SHIT.

Chozo GhostDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: Chozo

I have a feeling this game is going to end up being a cult hit and copies of it will be extremely hard to find in the years that follow. It will be like Metroid Trilogy all over again... and maybe even worse than that.

The Prime Trilogy thing is a travesty.  That should have had more availability.

Although Prime Trilogy is bad, there were at least a million copies sold and in circulation (not to mention MP 1, 2, and 3 in their separate forms) to satiate the demand. But this Xenoblade game is probably going to have a very limited production run I bet. How many do you guys think Nintendo will manufacture? 100k? Less than that? I don't think there will be as many copies in circulation as MP Trilogy so I think finding this game a few years from now is going to be extremely difficult.

Fatty The HuttDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: TrueNerd

Ho. Ly. ****.

I know, right?
:cool;

broodwarsDecember 02, 2011

Well, I'm glad to see Xenoblade finally released in NA, so everyone else can see how it is the best JRPG released this generation and the best game released this year.  It'll just have to be next year's "Game of the Last Two Years" winner.  :P: :

The thing is, I still don't regret importing the game.  My sale along with the other importers' probably helped push NoA towards doing this.  Besides, I paid less importing it than many of you will pay for a local copy on day 1.

It looks like the game will be using the same British dub, so that's nice.  I wonder if the save files are compatible between the two versions.

Now how about an announcement on The Last Story for NA, hmm?  :cool;

Chozo GhostDecember 02, 2011

Broodwars, not to mention that by importing it you got to play it sooner. The game is still a few months away so people who don't want to wait might still want to import it despite this confirmation.

BboyDecember 02, 2011

Knew it would happen eventually. People get waaay too worked up.

broodwarsDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Bboy

Knew it would happen eventually. People get waaay too worked up.

Who's to say that people getting "waaay too worked up" over this isn't what caused Nintendo to bring this game over like this in the first place?

And yeah, Chozo, I meant to mention that.  I'll be done with Xenoblade long before it releases in NA.  That's assuming it doesn't take me 3 months to get through Skyrim.

GoldenPhoenixDecember 02, 2011

I just hope people put their money money where their mouth is, and purchase it. Regardless of it being limited to these two locations (which could change). If it sells horribly, then Nintendo is less likely to chance things with the other two.


I'll be purchasing it, been awhile since I played a really good JRPG.

BlackNMild2k1December 02, 2011

Nintendo better not charge shipping....

BeautifulShyDecember 02, 2011

I go to sleep for a few hours to try to feel better and I wake up to this wonderful news. For those that may get concerned that this is going to sell in 2 places well this has been confirmed way out in advance so the preorders will be jam packed in these two places. Also keep in mind that this game was in the number 1 slot for preorders over at Amazon during the whole Operation Rainfall movement for a long while. If all those preorders go over to Nintendo's online store then well it could be really big!
Also this is just speculation on my part but Nintendo may open up things for other retailers in the coming months based on reactions and preorders for the game based on this news.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Ian

If I can buy it through Nintendo's online store then I don't have to give Gamestop any business!  YEAH!

Seriously I was thinking the same thing. Hate Gamestop with a passion.

Hip hip hooray for the game!!!!!!!

Chozo GhostDecember 02, 2011

I may buy two copies of this game. One to play and own, and the other to sell for a huge profit once the supplies are sold out and the game becomes extremely rare.

YmeegodDecember 02, 2011

Wonder if Nintendo's going change the voice overs?  I might as well cancel my Zavvi order since Royal Mail still doesn't have a clue what happened to my TWO orders. 

Not sure what to make of the whole excluisve thing though, maybe GS is now co-publishing titles now? 

Ax23000December 02, 2011

I get why they're going with Game stop, but it is kind of funny to think that they're cutting out Amazon considering the number of existing pre-orders over there.  I mean, that was one of the things that helped actually get Op Rainfall the amount of press that it got.  Oh well, guess I'll cancel that order and get it through Nintendo instead.

broodwarsDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: Ymeegod

Wonder if Nintendo's going change the voice overs?  I might as well cancel my Zavvi order since Royal Mail still doesn't have a clue what happened to my TWO orders.

They aren't.  The dub is the original British one in the European version.  If you listen to the NA trailer, you can hear the British voice actors.

Retro DeckadesDecember 02, 2011

So quick question: Do I put my unopened PAL copy up on Craigslist right now, or do I keep it and not bother purchasing the NTSC release?

I would like to avoid modding my Wii as much as possible, but then again if The Last Story never makes it across the pond, I'd be in a great position to import that game, too.

broodwarsDecember 02, 2011

Quote from: OneTwenty

So quick question: Do put my unopened PAL copy up on Craigslist right now, or do I keep it and not bother purchasing the NTSC release?

I would like to avoid modding my Wii as much as possible, but then again if The Last Story never makes it across the pond, I'd be in a great position to import that game, too.

Well, you've already paid for the game and the modding is pretty simple, so why not just play the game you already have?  You probably won't get what you paid for the game on Craigslist, anyway.  And like you said, should NoA decide Xenoblade didn't sell well enough to justify The Last Story (likely), you're all set to import that game.

Retro DeckadesDecember 02, 2011

That's what I'm leaning towards, Broodwars. I originally imported it with the mindset that if it released here, I would sell my import and purchase the North American version. But like you, I paid less importing it than if I were to buy it here. And I have heard that modding the Wii is easy, I just hope that it doesn't end up compromising the system in the future.

EyothrieDecember 02, 2011

Modding your Wii will compromise your warranty.  But like others have said, it is a simple process if you're careful.  If you do it right, you won't compromise the functionality of your actual system.

rlse9December 02, 2011

This story was a lot more interesting until it got the the part about being a Gamestop exclusive.  Not that I care about buying there but them being the only store carrying it reduces the chances of finding a deal on it.  I can't remember the last time I bought a game for more than $30, with the exception of a couple games that were $50 with $20 of credit from Amazon.  Games in general drop in price so quickly that I just can't justify paying full price when a game comes out new, it's so much more economical to be a little behind the curve.  Anyway, it's good that Nintendo is releasing the game here, even if it's through only one store and probably will have little to no promotion behind it.

EyothrieDecember 02, 2011

Because of the Gamestop exclusivity, I'm thinking that it will become hard to find / collectible over a period of time...probably not to the degree of Earthbound, but something similar maybe?

It's not being GameStop exclusive that will do that as much as just the limited print run in general. But yeah, if you want the game, it's not in your best interest to wait very long to pick it up.

NemoDecember 03, 2011

So, just to be clear, this game originally came out in Japan on June 10, 2010. It's coming out in America in April 2012. So... a 22 month wait?

I know it's seemed like we've been waiting a long time for this. But that's a REALLY long time.

As they say, "better late than never."

Mop it upDecember 03, 2011

I'll be pre-ordering it as soon as Nintendo's store allows it. I'm not going to miss this one.

Quote from: Chozo

I have a feeling this game is going to end up being a cult hit and copies of it will be extremely hard to find in the years that follow. It will be like Metroid Trilogy all over again... and maybe even worse than that.

Metroid Prime Trilogy is a weird case. It didn't seem to sell very well and most stores marked it down to $20 just to get rid of it... yet now suddenly everyone wants it. Maybe the "Collector's Edition" status caught up with it, who knows. Unless this game is labeled with "Limited Edition" then I don't think it'll attract the same collector's market that MPT does, and anyone who wants this game will be buying it straight away due to the unknown number of print runs it will receive.

Unlike the rest of the industry, when Nintendo says something is limited, they mean it.

Mop it upDecember 03, 2011

Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition says otherwise.

The 2nd run sold out faster than the 1st, and they haven't churned out a 3rd.

Mop it upDecember 03, 2011

It shouldn't have had a second run in the first place, were it truly limited. And I'm pretty sure it sold over 2.5 million copies. I wouldn't call that limited.

Is Nintendo really supposed to be able to say no to massive amounts of people demanding to be able to pay $30 for a SNES ROM on a disc? There's a fine line between sticking to your initial statement and stupidity.

Mop it upDecember 03, 2011

That's kind of my point. It's limited only if it doesn't sell. XenoBlade will also get more print runs if it sells. Metroid Prime Trilogy would have gotten more print runs if it sold well, but it didn't.

It's limited in the sense that it's a small initial print run. Most other companies call it limited and produce a ton of it anyway. It's also limited in the sense that you're not likely to ever find a cheaper copy of it down the line, and if you don't buy it right away you'll have to pay a ton unless there's a huge enough demand to coerce Nintendo into a second run.

Chozo GhostDecember 03, 2011

For those who imported the game and are wondering whether to sell it or not, my advice is to sell it now because once the game is officially released here in NA less and less people are going to be interested in a PAL version that they have to mod their Wii in order to play. So right now is the best time to sell it if you want to be able to get as much out of it as possible. After Nintendo releases it officially it will be too late.

nickmitchDecember 03, 2011

I was reading twitter when I saw the news. I fell right the fuck outta my bed. Then, I immediately ran to my computer.

Holy fuck balls.

YmeegodDecember 03, 2011

I think they will change the voices, hense the 4+ months delay.  The trailer might have the orginal (British) voice acting but that doesn't mean nintendo's not going change it.  Otherwise why wait another 4+ months when the game is already finished?

Just my thoughts.

Kytim89December 03, 2011

Nintendo of America should release all of the other import ttiles that missed a north American release through theur website and Gamestop.

Shorty McNostrilDecember 03, 2011

But why change it?  There is nothing really wrong with the voice track on there.  If his Highness was apprehensive taking it to the States in the first place, I think it's safe to say he isn't going to spend a cent more than is necessary on anything, least of all a new voice track.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusDecember 03, 2011

Too much English for the Americans to deal with? I can't think of any technical issues that would require 4 months to fix. I guess it's just another layer in this stupid sandwich.

broodwarsDecember 03, 2011

Quote from: Shorty

But why change it?  There is nothing really wrong with the voice track on there.  If his Highness was apprehensive taking it to the States in the first place, I think it's safe to say he isn't going to spend a cent more than is necessary on anything, least of all a new voice track.

Especially when this game is getting such a limited release in only a couple smaller venues.  If Nintendo was going to release this game through a store like Walmart, then I could entertain the notion of them re-dubbing it.  But the existing dub is more than fine as it is (it's by far the best dub Nintendo themselves has turned out), and personally I thought the British flavor really fit that setting for some reason.

broodwarsDecember 03, 2011

Quote from: oohhboy

Too much English for the Americans to deal with? I can't think of any technical issues that would require 4 months to fix. I guess it's just another layer in this stupid sandwich.

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say Nintendo's waiting until April to both get this game away from Skyward Sword and to get it away from Final Fantasy XIII-2; Mass Effect 3; Tales of Graces F; and maybe even Bioshock Infinite on the HD consoles.  The audience for this game likely owns at least one of the HD consoles as well, so those games are definitely threats to Xenoblade's success.

Chocobo_RiderDecember 03, 2011

Three minute Xenoblade trailer is sitting on your Wii's Nintendo Channel if anyone is interested!!

AdrockDecember 03, 2011

I like that I don't even have to buy this from Gamestop. I may place a pre-order just in case but I want to buy this from Nintendo's online store. What a way to end the year. Now, all I need is for Dwight Howard to get traded to the Lakers and this December will be the best December ever.

EnnerDecember 03, 2011

I would find it hard to believe that Nintendo of America would spend money to redub the voice overs when they were wary of the title making money in the first place. Besides, the English English will add an exotic air to the game.

What I can see NoA doing during the 4 months in the meanwhile is editing the text to US English. I will miss those 'u's and 's's.

broodwarsDecember 03, 2011

Quote from: Adrock

I like that I don't even have to buy this from Gamestop. I may place a pre-order just in case but I want to buy this from Nintendo's online store. What a way to end the year. Now, all I need is for Dwight Howard to get traded to the Lakers and this December will be the best December ever.

Nah, the Lakers (and the rest of L.A.) need a good long period of losing to make up for all the championships they've purchased from David Stern all these years.  ;)

Pre-Ordered from Gamestop to make absolutely sure I get it.

Anybody know if Nintendo's store charges tax in Massachusetts? I'm guessing no, as they don't have a physical presence here.  If that's the case, I'll cancel the Gamestop order and order it straight from Nintendo on 12/19.

Quote from: NinSage

Three minute Xenoblade trailer is sitting on your Wii's Nintendo Channel if anyone is interested!!

Or, you know, in the original post.

GoldenPhoenixDecember 03, 2011

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

Pre-Ordered from Gamestop to make absolutely sure I get it.

Anybody know if Nintendo's store charges tax in Massachusetts? I'm guessing no, as they don't have a physical presence here.  If that's the case, I'll cancel the Gamestop order and order it straight from Nintendo on 12/19.

That is what I did, I preordered with Gamestop but if I can find it cheaper without tax (or shipping) I'll cancel my order there and pick up at Nintendo's store. But right now I want to make sure I have the game locked in, so I don't miss out!

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorDecember 19, 2011

So... Pre-orders start tomorrow on Nintendo's page.

Think it'll go up at Midnight Pacific or sometime during the day?

EnnerDecember 19, 2011

I'm guessing sometime during the day sort of like how Steam doesn't update until 10 PM PST.

YmeegodDecember 19, 2011

Preorders are up and running at Gamestop.  Doesn't state anything new so it looks to be an straight version of the UK one.  $49.99 standard pricing release date April 2.

Ian SaneDecember 19, 2011

Pre-orders are up on Nintendo's online store.  I just pre-ordered my copy.

YmeegodDecember 19, 2011

Well if you want to save money or if you just want to play now, used copies are Ebay dropped right off the deep end.  I ended up winning my copy for $25 shipped and should get it by x-mas and I've seen it go for even less (right now there's two copies that are up for auction and they are selling for less than $10 with only a couple hours to go.

EnnerDecember 19, 2011

Ah, the Nintendo store has a US$5 cost for standard shipping. I was hoping for free shipping but this is to be expected from a store that probably doesn't get a whole lot of business.

YmeegodDecember 19, 2011

Actually FFXII had tons of options--if you didn't like real-time you had the option of turning back to turnbased.  Didn't like Friendly AI scripts then turn them off as well and input all commands (some of the later bonus bosses you pretty much had to do that anyhow).

Didn't care much for FFXIII but it wasn't an bad game but like so many other RPGs (ME2 vs ME or Dragon Age 2 vs 1) square took away alot of core RPG elements.  New gamers or casual games seem to like it more that way. 

ejamerDecember 19, 2011


Interesting note:

The April 2nd release date for North America might not correct.  Looking at the preorder page on the Nintendo online store (either Canada or US), you see this note prominently displayed:

"
We expect to begin by the end of April 2012. A confirmation email will be sent when your order ships."

They don't specify what will begin by the end of April, but if it's not talking about shipping dates then I don't know what the message is there for. Maybe GameStop gets the game early, maybe this message is just giving Nintendo a buffer in case anything goes wrong between now and then.

Fatty The HuttDecember 20, 2011

I have pre-ordered from Nintendo as Gamestop/EB Games in Canada do not seem to be carrying Xenoblade at all. Must be U.S. exclusive.
So, I have to pay $8 shipping and I am not sure whether or not my order will be charged to me in U.S. dollars. If so, I could get hooped on exchange, depending on the day, and I will definitely be charged an extra 2.5% by my credit card as a conversion fee.

So, thanks, Nintendo, for releasing this game in North America in such a way as to make it the most expensive and incovenient procurement method possible. If they'd just released the damn thing in stores, I could walk into any of them on release day and pick up a copy easy-peasy.

RABicleDecember 20, 2011

While I understand your frustration Fatty, this game is worth it. Trust me. I paid $100 AUD (you do the conversion) and I don't regret a cent of that purchase. It's the best RPG I've ever played. Better than Chrono Trigger, better than Mass Effect, better than Tales of Symphonia.

ejamerDecember 20, 2011

And yet I paid just under $50 CAD (including all taxes, customs fees, and shipping) to import a copy from Europe.  Thanks NoA!
::)


That said, the game is really good. Very few people will regret spending the money to get a copy... and I'm even considering picking up a copy from this region for the sake of convenience.

RABicleDecember 20, 2011

I was thinking of getting another copy because there are two Wiis int his house and then I could play it twice simultaneously.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorDecember 20, 2011

Quote from: RABicle

I was thinking of getting another copy because there are two Wiis int his house and then I could play it twice simultaneously.

I see nothing wrong with this line of thinking.

Chozo GhostDecember 20, 2011

If you can afford it, why not? The more copies people buy of this game the better it will serve to convince Nintendo to release other similar games in NA in the future.

ejamerDecember 20, 2011

Quote from: Chozo

If you can afford it, why not? ...

You've hit the key right there. Not sure I can afford it. I would like to support sales of games like Xenoblade "locally" (that is, in North America) and would prefer to have the convenience of owning the game in a format that can be played on any Wii without any special modifications.


And even if I can dig up another $50 for a new game, would that money be better spent on a different game? Finally buying Super Mario Galaxy 2 is also appealing, or importing The Last Story many months ahead of when NoA releases the game here - assuming they release The Last Story here at all.

If money wasn't limited then I would happily re-buy Xenoblade and sell my imported copy after finishing the game. Since money is a very limited resource around these parts, I'll need to see how things sit closer to the release date.

BeautifulShyDecember 22, 2011

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

I have pre-ordered from Nintendo as Gamestop/EB Games in Canada do not seem to be carrying Xenoblade at all. Must be U.S. exclusive.
So, I have to pay $8 shipping and I am not sure whether or not my order will be charged to me in U.S. dollars. If so, I could get hooped on exchange, depending on the day, and I will definitely be charged an extra 2.5% by my credit card as a conversion fee.

So, thanks, Nintendo, for releasing this game in North America in such a way as to make it the most expensive and incovenient procurement method possible. If they'd just released the damn thing in stores, I could walk into any of them on release day and pick up a copy easy-peasy.

I looked into this and it actually is in Gamestop's computer but they way that the computer is set up it is hard to find. Ask the clerk to manually search for SKU 705128.OP Rainfall posted about it on their facebook page a little while ago about it.
http://www.facebook.com/OperationRainfall/posts/295064313862453

Fatty The HuttDecember 22, 2011

Quote from: Maxi

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

I have pre-ordered from Nintendo as Gamestop/EB Games in Canada do not seem to be carrying Xenoblade at all. Must be U.S. exclusive.
So, I have to pay $8 shipping and I am not sure whether or not my order will be charged to me in U.S. dollars. If so, I could get hooped on exchange, depending on the day, and I will definitely be charged an extra 2.5% by my credit card as a conversion fee.

So, thanks, Nintendo, for releasing this game in North America in such a way as to make it the most expensive and incovenient procurement method possible. If they'd just released the damn thing in stores, I could walk into any of them on release day and pick up a copy easy-peasy.

I looked into this and it actually is in Gamestop's computer but they way that the computer is set up it is hard to find. Ask the clerk to manually search for SKU 705128.OP Rainfall posted about it on their facebook page a little while ago about it.
http://www.facebook.com/OperationRainfall/posts/295064313862453

Huh, whaddya know. Its also now up for pre-order on the EB Games website:
http://www.ebgames.ca/wii/xenoblade-chronicles/312135
Gonna check my local store too now.

RABicleDecember 22, 2011

I saw Monolith's other Wii game in a shop yesterday for $13. (Australian RRP for games is $99) anyone with a softmodded Wii that wants a copy? Just a reminder that it's also really good.

ejamerDecember 23, 2011

Quote from: RABicle

I saw Monolith's other Wii game in a shop yesterday for $13. (Australian RRP for games is $99) anyone with a softmodded Wii that wants a copy? Just a reminder that it's also really good.

The recent podcast discussion actually sold me on the game. I love watching (and laughing at) bad movies, and Disaster sounds so bad that it must have redeeming value...


Hoping to get enough money to import Pikmin 2, Disaster, and Another Code R sometime next year.

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