Japanese gaming giantSquare Enixhas re-releasedFinal Fantasyspin-off game and Nintendo Switch exclusiveChocobo GP, but as a full-priced, premium game without any of the microtransactions that were present in the previous release.Chocobo GPfirst launched in 2022as a Nintendo Switch exclusive game with two versions for fans to choose from: a premium version and a free-to-play “Lite” version.
The free-to-play version ofChocobo GPlimited the amount of content that players could access, and both versions of the game featured microtransactions. Unfortunately for Square Enix,Chocobo GPwasn’t the hit it expected it to be, and so it ultimately ended support for the title. It closed down the in-game store and stopped release big new content updates for the racer, but now it’s back in a new form.
RELATED:Chocobo GP Premium Version is Full of Microtransactions and Fans Aren’t Happy
With no prior announcement,Square Enixhas re-releasedChocobo GPon the Nintendo Switch eShop as a $49.99 premium release. The difference is that all of the microtransactions have been removed, and all content can be earned in-game.Chocobo GP Lite, meanwhile, is no longer available on the eShop at all. AnyFinal Fantasyfans who were interested inChocobo GPwhen it was first released, but were turned off by the game’s microtransactions can now pay full price for the full kart racing experience through the Nintendo Switch eShop.
SomeFinal Fantasyfans may balk atChocobo GP’s price, as $49.99 still seems pretty steep for a previously free-to-play kart racer. Not only that, butChocobo GPreviews were mostly negative, though many critics knocked the game for its microtransactions and pricing scheme. Perhaps thenew content added toChocobo GPafter its initial launch will make it a worthwhile investment at $49.99, but Nintendo Switch gamers will have to make that determination themselves.
In any case, it seems like odd timing for Square Enix to re-releaseChocobo GP. The diehardFinal Fantasyfans that may be interested in playing it are likely going to be too busy with theupcomingFinal Fantasy 16, after all.Final Fantasy 16is set to launch on June 22 and is shaping up to be an absolutely massive game, and with it priced at $69.99, it seems like a big ask forFinal Fantasyfans to not only buy that but alsoChocobo GPfor $49.99.
For now,anyone that wants to playChocobo GPcan now get the full experience on Switch if they’re willing to pay $49.99.
MORE:Chocobo GP: Differences Between Premium and Lite Versions Explained
