A fresh version of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is on the horizon, specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. While this enhanced edition of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter will be available solely as a digital download, those who opt for the physical Switch version can upgrade to the Switch 2 experience for a mere dollar. Secure your copy now! Preorders for the physical edition of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter are live for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Get ready to dive in when this reimagined turn-based RPG launches on September 19th, priced at $60.
This edition of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter showcases dramatically enhanced 3D graphics, brand-new voice acting, a battle system offering both turn-based strategies and real-time action, plus a wealth of all-new side quests and areas to explore. Praised by many as a standout title within Nihon Falcom’s expansive Trails universe, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers and a delightful revisit for dedicated followers.
$60 | Releases September 19
The physical edition of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is available for pre-purchase from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
As noted earlier, the Nintendo Switch 2 version is exclusively a digital offering. However, owners of the original Switch edition, whether physical or digital, have the chance to enhance their gaming experience with a $1 upgrade. The Switch 2 version promises higher resolution, improved frame rates, and reduced loading times, making it a worthy improvement.
If you’re hesitant about pre-ordering the remake, consider trying out the Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Prologue Demo, which launched on August 21st. The demo is currently accessible on PlayStation 5 and PC, with the Switch version expected to arrive soon. Your progress from the demo can be carried over to the full game upon release.
Long-time fans will appreciate that this remake potentially doubles the original game’s playtime. In an interview featured in Gamer, a Japanese gaming publication, Nihon Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo explained that the implementation of a 3D game world, alongside new voice work and other enhancements, naturally extends the game’s duration. Although individual playthrough times vary, a playthrough that took 40 hours originally may now stretch closer to 80 hours in the remake.
Trails in the Sky initially graced PCs in Japan back in 2004. An English translation arrived on PlayStation Portable in 2006. Later, improved editions for PS3 and Vita remained exclusive to Japan. In 2014, a global Steam release occurred, and this version is still available for $20. To its credit, Trails in the Sky boasts a “Very Positive” rating based on over 6,000 reviews on Steam.
While Nihon Falcom’s Legend of Heroes franchise has roots tracing back to 1989, the 2004 launch of Trails in the Sky marked the dawn of the modern “Trails” saga. Over the past two decades, more than a dozen Trails titles have emerged. The Trails series contains multiple arcs – Trails of Cold Steel, Trails through Daybreak, etc. – and experiencing Trails in the Sky and its immediate sequels is highly recommended to fully grasp the franchise’s rich lore and world-building.
Trails in the Sky centers on Joshua and Estelle Bright, adoptive siblings who become members of the Bracers, a peacekeeping group. Soon, they find themselves entangled in a global conspiracy, forcing them to team up with others to thwart a dangerous coup. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter utilizes the same game engine as the Trails through Daybreak series. Echoing the Daybreak entries, this remake melds the franchise’s hallmark turn-based combat with dynamic, real-time action.
The next main installment, Trails Beyond the Horizon, is slated for release on January 15, 2026. Pre-orders can be placed for the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Similar to many Nihon Falcom releases, the $60 Deluxe Edition of Trails Beyond the Horizon will come with several bonus items, including an art book and the digital soundtrack.
For more Trails adventures, check out deals on PC (Steam keys) available at GameSpot’s sister site, Fanatical. They also offer reduced prices on several Ys games, Nihon Falcom’s popular action-RPG series. Unlike the interconnected Trails games, the Ys titles are mostly standalone stories and can be enjoyed in any order.
Nihon Falcom Games – Physical Editions
We’ve also compiled a selection of physical editions for PlayStation and Nintendo platforms that you can still find at or near their original prices.
Notable deals include Trails through Daybreak II: Deluxe Edition for both PS5 and Nintendo Switch, now at $35 (down from $60). Released earlier this year, this marks the lowest price to date. Also, save significantly on Ys X: Nordics for PS4 or Nintendo Switch. Over at Amazon, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ for Nintendo Switch is available for $33 (originally $50). Although Tokyo Xanadu exists outside the Ys and Trails universes, fans of both series will likely find it appealing as an action-RPG. Keep in mind that physical editions of Nihon Falcom games often have limited availability, and resellers frequently inflate prices on Trails games.
Upcoming Nihon Falcom Games
Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical share the same parent company, Fandom.