Japanese Niche Games Deals & Discussion Thread 4.0

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shivan128

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Welcome to the Japanese niche games deals and discussion thread!  Feel free to talk about local and import Japanese games here.  Our goal is to maintain a thread dedicated to active deals on niche games including RPGs, Visual Novels (VN), Shoot'em ups (Shmups), Musou, etc.  Also maintained are pre-orders for standard, limited and collector's edition games with key release dates provided.

I've wikified the thread to make it more friendly and open to others that can actively update with important information. You can find the wiki post directly below this one.

NOTE:  Please, leave the censorship discussion away from this thread.  It's common for japanese games to have questionable content outside of the country.  We want to keep discussions to the game itself and not about cultural/societal tolerance.

A message from Thorbahn:

Our CAG Japanese Niche Games Thread also has a community on PS4, where you can interact and game with other members of the thread.

Our moderators are: Draekon, Las_Hole, and Waffleswanton

You can basically friend any of our members, or any moderator, and you will be able to request to join the community under "Communities friends are in" tab, and a mod will approve your request.

You can also leave your PSN ID in the thread, saying you want to join, and we can invite you directly as well.

As always, have fun and enjoy your stay!

 
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shadowysea07 said:
Bamco sent out an email and tos chosen edition is 24.99 on their store for all platforms. I'm tempted to get it even though it's a trash port.
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I grabbed a standard copy when it hit $15 for a new one on gamefly (ended up $21.52 after tax and shipping). They updated the switch version to fix the more serious issues (not that I've played this version of it yet to confirm).
 
Cross posting from Humble Forum

The Many Worlds of Muv-Luv Bundle

$26 Tier

Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse Remastered

$21 Tier

Muv-Luv Alternative
The Imperial Capital Burns - Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse

$15 Tier

Muv-Luv photonmelodies♮
Muv-Luv Unlimited: THE DAY AFTER - Episode 01 REMASTERED
Muv-Luv Unlimited: THE DAY AFTER - Episode 02 REMASTERED
Muv-Luv Unlimited: THE DAY AFTER - Episode 03 REMASTERED

$12 Tier

Muv-Luv
Muv-Luv photonflowers*
Muv-Luv Unlimited: THE DAY AFTER - Episode 00 REMASTERED

One of the few good visual novel bundles from Hunble that isn't Sakura whatever okay visual novels. I own most of these other than the day after, which I may get, but I'll see. These are very highly regarded and I've only gone through Muv-Luv the first part myself.
 
nitrosmob said:
These are very highly regarded and I've only gone through Muv-Luv the first part myself.
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Yeah I also own half of this bundle and haven't gotten to the series yet. What is the difference between the Alternative and Alternative Total Eclipse Remastered? Is one recommended over another for new players to read after playing the first game?
 
Total Eclipse is a side story I believe that I think takes place in the same universe as Alternative and I'm not sure of the timeline (I believe it's the same time as Alternative but I may be wrong). It stars different characters and such.
 
nitrosmob said:
One of the few good visual novel bundles from Hunble that isn't Sakura whatever okay visual novels. I own most of these other than the day after, which I may get, but I'll see. These are very highly regarded and I've only gone through Muv-Luv the first part myself.
Click to expand...
Oh man, you're in for a treat. Muv-Luv is great, but the first game is a bit of a slog to get through. It really picks up with Unlimited and especially Alternative.

gospelman said:
Yeah I also own half of this bundle and haven't gotten to the series yet. What is the difference between the Alternative and Alternative Total Eclipse Remastered? Is one recommended over another for new players to read after playing the first game?
Click to expand...
The main series is Muv-Luv Extra (sometimes just called Muv-Luv), Muv Love Unlimited, and Muv-Luv Alternative. Everything else (including Total Eclipse) is a spin-off or alternate viewpoint that can be played in any order after Alternative.
 
gospelman said:
So I'll go ahead and say "a little longer" is to the announcement on 7/5.
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Apparently today's announcement is that Daybreak II's localization will be released "early 2025." Which is stunningly quick by past kiseki standards.
The LE is already available to preorder on nisa's store.

I'm very happy the games are coming. But I also have mixed feelings about the localization products themselves. A lot of the same that worked on Reverie are in the Daybreak I credits. And there are many, many issues and errors presently in Reverie that have not been addressed or corrected. They're just moving on to the new releases.
 
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Just as Trails Daybreak II gets announced, the first one arrived at my door today :)
Didn't even get an email and the order still shows unfulfilled lol. Maybe it's due to the holiday weekend?
I placed an order for the new one and it said I could still add another 6,950 (something around there) to my cart... So I guess that's how many are left if you thinking of ordering lol
 
www.gematsu.com

Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos coming west in 2025

Idea Factory International will release Neptunia series spin-off motorcycle combat action game Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch in the west in 2025, the publis…
www.gematsu.com www.gematsu.com

Hopefully the physical is cheap, the Japanese version only costs about $15-$20. The game doesn't look like much.

www.gematsu.com

Death end re;Quest: Code Z coming west in 2025

Idea Factory International will release roguelike RPG Death end re;Quest: Code Z for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch in the west in 2025, the publisher announced. It will be available both…
www.gematsu.com www.gematsu.com

New trailer doesn't show anything.
 
Man, if Target could just add Ys X to this sale, I'll be golden. I have the NISA Store limited editions for both VIII and IX but the one for X seems way overpriced for what you get. $100 for VIII got you a steelbook, an art book, Adol's journal for the first few hours, a cloth poster, BOOKENDS...now, for $5 more, we get a flimsy-looking artbook, a pin, some art cards, a mini soundtrack, and bag. Plus, you gotta pay up front. NISA's limited editions are getting to be rip-offs now...

XSEED's Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, however, isn't bad for $60. I'm going to be all over that once the PS5 pre-order links activate. I heard it had bad framerate dips on Switch, even though I'd prefer it on there. But, it's a tough game, so I need a stable 60.
 
Looks like GS has Infinite Wealth as part of the Sega sale for $30 and Amazon PM'd. I think that's good enough for me to finally get the game...

But man, just daunting to see how many Yakuza games I got to play... haven't played anything in the series (chronologically) since 6.
 
Vinny said:
Looks like GS has Infinite Wealth as part of the Sega sale for $30 and Amazon PM'd. I think that's good enough for me to finally get the game...

But man, just daunting to see how many Yakuza games I got to play... haven't played anything in the series (chronologically) since 6.
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It is $25 at woot if yo don't mind the PS4 version.
 
62t said:
It is $25 at woot if yo don't mind the PS4 version.
Click to expand...

I generally go for PS5 copies when it comes to these situations. I know most people are on the "PS4 w/ PS5 upgrade is better" since you get compatibility on two systems but I'd rather PS5 since there's no concern for downloading updates. That's prob a dumb reason since I don't think any digital store pulled game updates (only closed for purchases) so it's conjecture but I'm assuming at some point, all online services for consoles will be shut down.
 
Vinny said:
I generally go for PS5 copies when it comes to these situations. I know most people are on the "PS4 w/ PS5 upgrade is better" since you get compatibility on two systems but I'd rather PS5 since there's no concern for downloading updates. That's prob a dumb reason since I don't think any digital store pulled game updates (only closed for purchases) so it's conjecture but I'm assuming at some point, all online services for consoles will be shut down.
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That's something I often wrestle with when buying new games too. Don't really see an obvious answer. Generally, I prefer buying the newest and updated PS5 versions of games. But sometimes when you have a series of games (or steelbooks) on the PS4, like Resident Evil or Farcry or Tales games, then you want to have the matching, congruent sequels as a PS4 copy too.

It's become more difficult choosing which platform to buy with cross-platform, multi-gen series like Disgaea and Trails games on the Switch tho.

Luckily Xbox isn't doing a single thing worth mentioning in regards to physical games.
 
I just buy PS5 versions myself especially if they're on both PS5 and Switch. PS4 even with a free upgrade, I just mainly want the PS5 version regardless.

Pretty sure I'm going for Farmaglia (probably wont be amazing, but discounted sure), Dragon quest 3-HD and the Romancing Saga 2 remake, which are a few of only real wants this holiday season. Getting them all cheap is decent enough. Will still go for Visions of Mana (I love Mana games especially when they don't suck, and I hope this one is good) and Metaphor Refantazio. Should be a fun time for RPGs.

Also some of the prices on older stuff like PS4 Nocturne and PS5 Caligula Effect 2 just are really off in the B2G1 sale. I don't think you're getting much of discount there.
 
Yea I think most people are skipping PS4 version for PS5 version. My mind is weird thinking what if I need to get the PS4 trophy in the future even if there is zero chance of that happening. I think this is less of a problem going forward as a lot of games are skipping PS4 physical release like Vision of Mana. But I did get PS4 version for Elder Ring and Armored Core, which has some advantage playing PS4 version on PSS5.
 
nitrosmob said:
I just buy PS5 versions myself especially if they're on both PS5 and Switch. PS4 even with a free upgrade, I just mainly want the PS5 version regardless.

Pretty sure I'm going for Farmaglia (probably wont be amazing, but discounted sure), Dragon quest 3-HD and the Romancing Saga 2 remake, which are a few of only real wants this holiday season. Getting them all cheap is decent enough. Will still go for Visions of Mana (I love Mana games especially when they don't suck, and I hope this one is good) and Metaphor Refantazio. Should be a fun time for RPGs.

Also some of the prices on older stuff like PS4 Nocturne and PS5 Caligula Effect 2 just are really off in the B2G1 sale. I don't think you're getting much of discount there.
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Oh it's incredibly hard to match 3 games for B2G1 right now.

Nothing goes with the Alan Wake 2 deluxe, there isn't anything eligible on Switch, and several of the recent and older titles you'd want have had their prices increased. When that happens you're better off simply ignoring the sale.

It's only -33% off and you have to buy three things. That % savings also diminishes if you don't find matching prices. Romancing Saga 2 + DQ3 combo is a decent deal (3 games for $110), but I'm not seeing much else, and honestly those games will be cheaper later; the epitome of our $20 SquareEnix clearance fodder.

Again. I would get Balatro and Sea of Stars on Switch, but those are not eligible!
 
Nothing- said:
Oh it's incredibly hard to match 3 games for B2G1 right now.

Nothing goes with the Alan Wake 2 deluxe, there isn't anything eligible on Switch, and several of the recent and older titles you'd want have had their prices increased. When that happens you're better off simply ignoring the sale.

It's only -33% off and you have to buy three things. That % savings also diminishes if you don't find matching prices. Romancing Saga 2 + DQ3 combo is a decent deal (3 games for $110), but I'm not seeing much else, and honestly those games will be cheaper later; the epitome of our $20 SquareEnix clearance fodder.

Again. I would get Balatro and Sea of Stars on Switch, but those are not eligible!
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You can just buy 3 copies of each game you want in separate orders and cancel 2 copies right away to secure one copy at 33% off. I did that for DQ3, Slitterhead, and Alan Wake 2.
 
Also, I like how SE is like "fuck you, we're never lowering the price of Rebirth. You bitches should have bought our game. " hahaha.

If you never buy it, it won't become cheaper than $70 again. And if you buy it for $70 with BOGO today, it will instantly become $40 on Sunday. Feels like I've been watching that one from afar for months.
 
Vigilante said:
You can just buy 3 copies of each game you want in separate orders and cancel 2 copies right away to secure one copy at 33% off. I did that for DQ3, Slitterhead, and Alan Wake 2.
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This is the way. Been doing it for years and it's a great way to get a discount on new releases. I just wish Target wasn't so annoying with all of the pre-authorization charges.
 
Vinny said:
I generally go for PS5 copies when it comes to these situations. I know most people are on the "PS4 w/ PS5 upgrade is better" since you get compatibility on two systems but I'd rather PS5 since there's no concern for downloading updates. That's prob a dumb reason since I don't think any digital store pulled game updates (only closed for purchases) so it's conjecture but I'm assuming at some point, all online services for consoles will be shut down.
Click to expand...
I haven't done any PS4 -> PS5 upgrades, but you have to 'claim' the upgrade on the dashboard at the game selection, yeah? Since some upgrades can technically be charged for, I assume it's still a transaction even if it's 'free'.
Assuming that's true, I tend to think going for a PS5 copy is better. Updates are typically left on, but if the transactional part of the store closes it seems like you wouldn't be able to claim the upgrade in that situation (Just like how you can't 'buy' any free items from stores that have closed)?

IE, store is closed but updates enabled:
PS4 -> Cannot 'buy' free PS5 upgrade
PS5 -> Download updates as usual
PS4 (previously upgraded to PS5 before store closure on your account) -> Download updates as usual for you, but a new user cannot

To be clear, again, I'm mostly just guessing and actually have no idea, but if that ends up being true a PS5 copy would be a more valuable purchase in the distant "store shut down but updates still online" future.
 
I always buy PS5 versions of games that are on both PS4 and PS5 for a number of reasons. First, if it's on PS5, I would never play it on PS4 since I want the PS5 benefits. Second, I like having a physical PS5 collection instead of a huge PS4 physical collection with some of the games bought only to have digitally on PS5. Third, I spent 500 bucks on this PS5, so I'm going to get games for it.

But seriously, I just feel it's pointless to buy PS4 versions of games I intend to play on PS5. Why go for a digital upgrade when I can have the game native on disc? And yeah, I know the whole "resale value" argument for PS4 versions since you get both that way, but I don't care. It's my collection and if I choose to sell a game in the future, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Besides, while I don't think Sony will disable PS4 to PS5 upgrades any time soon (if ever), it could always happen, and that would suck.
 
I will say one thing. Since being a day1 adopter of PS5, there's been no shortage of problems and issues doing PS4 -> PS5 installs and free digital upgrades. Forced, repeated auto downloading of the redundant game file, mandatory double installs, bugs with launching games, their permissions, ineligible add-on content, I mean the whole works. It has been extremely frustrating, and easily my biggest complaint and issue with this gen. They said they fixed all this stuff two years ago, and I'm still encountering issues on a case-by-case basis. Which has also lead to a growing dissatisfaction with the entire PSN ecosystem.

Sometimes the servers or the "permissions" have outage one day, and you simply lose access to your game. WAYYY too much forced, always-online checks, among a multitude of possible background processes.
 
Pheria said:
I haven't done any PS4 -> PS5 upgrades, but you have to 'claim' the upgrade on the dashboard at the game selection, yeah? Since some upgrades can technically be charged for, I assume it's still a transaction even if it's 'free'.
Assuming that's true, I tend to think going for a PS5 copy is better. Updates are typically left on, but if the transactional part of the store closes it seems like you wouldn't be able to claim the upgrade in that situation (Just like how you can't 'buy' any free items from stores that have closed)?

IE, store is closed but updates enabled:
PS4 -> Cannot 'buy' free PS5 upgrade
PS5 -> Download updates as usual
PS4 (previously upgraded to PS5 before store closure on your account) -> Download updates as usual for you, but a new user cannot

To be clear, again, I'm mostly just guessing and actually have no idea, but if that ends up being true a PS5 copy would be a more valuable purchase in the distant "store shut down but updates still online" future.
Click to expand...

Wait a minute... Reading this made me realize the actual reason I just go straight to PS5. FF7 Remake (PS4) was the first game I had with the free PS4 to PS5 upgrade and I remember it being confusing as fuck for what should have been a simple thing.
 
Vinny said:
Wait a minute... Reading this made me realize the actual reason I just go straight to PS5. FF7 Remake (PS4) was the first game I had with the free PS4 to PS5 upgrade and I remember it being confusing as fuck for what should have been a simple thing.
Click to expand...
That one was specifically for transferring your save files and it was nonsense. Every other PS4 to PS5 upgrade will easily detect any PS4 save files you moved onto your PS5 via USB or cloud saves and import them into your new PS5 version. Simple! But no, Squeenix had to be unique and made you boot up the PS4 version to upload your data (one file at a time), then download that save data into the PS5 version. Didn't matter if you already had the PS4 Remake save data on the PS5; the PS5 version would not read it. I didn't want to install the entire Remake PS4 version on my PS5 since that would take forever, so I had to pull the PS4 I had just put in storage (since I knew the game was still on there) to do this stupid transfer. It was incredibly bizarre and overly complicated. It's like something Nintendo would make you do.


...oh God. If Switch 2 is backwards compatible, watch Nintendo restrict you from just transferring your save files and games via Micro SD/cloud saves and instead break out the Pikmin march for a new, long as hell transfer tool. At least the animations will be cute.
 
Pheria said:
I haven't done any PS4 -> PS5 upgrades, but you have to 'claim' the upgrade on the dashboard at the game selection, yeah? Since some upgrades can technically be charged for, I assume it's still a transaction even if it's 'free'.
Assuming that's true, I tend to think going for a PS5 copy is better. Updates are typically left on, but if the transactional part of the store closes it seems like you wouldn't be able to claim the upgrade in that situation (Just like how you can't 'buy' any free items from stores that have closed)?

IE, store is closed but updates enabled:
PS4 -> Cannot 'buy' free PS5 upgrade
PS5 -> Download updates as usual
PS4 (previously upgraded to PS5 before store closure on your account) -> Download updates as usual for you, but a new user cannot

To be clear, again, I'm mostly just guessing and actually have no idea, but if that ends up being true a PS5 copy would be a more valuable purchase in the distant "store shut down but updates still online" future.
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If you are thinking about resale value, PS4 version (with free PS5 upgrade) of Trails into Reverie and Star Ocean Second Story R are already worth more than their PS5 version. They most likely have a much smaller print.
 
Digital content is a lot more burdensome than physical
62t said:
If you are thinking about resale value, PS4 version (with free PS5 upgrade) of Trails into Reverie and Star Ocean Second Story R are already worth more than their PS5 version. They most likely have a much smaller print.
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I like to pretend to care about resale value lol I'm speculating that in the very, very distant future a PS5 copy would be more valuable for the other assumptions I was making, but I don't expect to actually be able to predict it. I do now also recall some people swear by running the PS4 version on PS5 too, which you could only do with a PS4 disc.
That's interesting though, I hadn't considered the print sizes being different.
 
The only reason I'm still kinda interested in PS4 copies is because of stuff like Elden Ring where a game may actually manage to run better through backwards compatibility
 
Pheria said:
Digital content is a lot more burdensome than physical

I like to pretend to care about resale value lol I'm speculating that in the very, very distant future a PS5 copy would be more valuable for the other assumptions I was making, but I don't expect to actually be able to predict it. I do now also recall some people swear by running the PS4 version on PS5 too, which you could only do with a PS4 disc.
That's interesting though, I hadn't considered the print sizes being different.
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Yeah print sizes vary by platform but are especially bad for same brand platforms. I had a heck of a time getting ps3 copies of persona 5 and tales of zesteria as an example. Then you have Ys 8 where ps4 and vita were much smaller prints. I never saw vita Ys 8 in the wild or at gamestop online used. and didn't get numerous reprints like switch version. Cs 1 and 2 vita and ps3 vs ps4 is interesting since I think the ps4 version had the smaller print run. Which is dumb but is what it is.
 
62t said:
Also Woot is finally sold a bunch of games, including Persona 5 Once more,
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Wow, I was holding out for cheaper on P5 because it was such a disappointing CE and I didn't need a third copy of the game lol I didn't think that was ever going to sell out. Glad I got the P3R CE from Gamestop for cheap instead.
 
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I'm mainly into the PS4 versions because while we have a PS5 (though my son who recently moved out has it, he's not playing it and I could borrow it whenever), I haven't bought anything PS5 exclusive yet. Also unlike the PS3 and Vita, I didn't go all in on the PS4. I mainly stuck with series I enjoyed Gravity Rush 1 & 2, Yakuza/Like-A-Dragon/Judgment, DQ Heroes 1 & 2, inFamous (Second Son & the import for Last Light) and maybe five or so other games. So my collection there isn't that big anyway and I have been so into the Switch after the PS3, Vita, & 3DS... that I haven't really even taken any time to play the PS4 stuff I've bought. I think most of the games I have listed are still sealed. Which kind of has me thinking at some point I should probably just sell everything if I'm not going to make time for it. Maybe this will be the year I finally thin the collection down. Lol.
 
scorponok said:
I don't think anything specific sold out at woot. They ended their video game event, so everything is marked sold out. Here is the old link.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had an open tab of that link to monitor things and it’s all “sold out” now. I imagine they’ll have a new video game page up sooner or later, and a lot of the old “favorites” will be back. Hopefully Unicorn Overlord CE comes back at a cheaper price point, I wanna try that card game.
 
"The sale has concluded."

This means Amazon can send stuff back to the manufacturers, or possibly send items to the landfill and destroy the product. Some things sold their excess stock and some didn't.

I was thinking of getting ToCS 3&4 deluxe and Granblue deluxe still. oh well, it was fun while it lasted. I picked up a couple of great deals. Means we'll have other new video games sales on Woot at some point in the near future.
 
The only PS4-->PS5 upgrade I bothered with was for RE Village Gold, and only because Village runs better on PS5 so I figured I'd just have the game and its Gold content on the newer system. It was simple to do. As for other games, if I have it on PS4, I'm fine just playing that version on PS5 and not bothering with the upgrade. Many times, the game is PS4 Pro enabled so -- at minimum -- it's running at that level on the PS5, which (frankly) is enough for most games this generation. Sony has had some marquee games this generation in Stellar Blade, Ratchet, and Spider-Man 2, but the PS5 for me is really just a nice PS4 Super Pro extension -- oh, and a UHD/4k player. I'm definitely a backwards-compatible fan and fall into that small percentage that use that feature a whole lot more than others.
 
ToCS III & IV is one of the few PS5 games I've bought because I still don't have a PS5. So I'm one of those weirdos that has been getting the PS4 version of everything. Actually, so much was still getting released on PS4 at the beginning of the PS5, that's one of the main reasons I didn't get a PS5 at the beginning. That and I hate the way the PS5 looks.
 
HaloGX said:
ToCS III & IV is one of the few PS5 games I've bought because I still don't have a PS5. So I'm one of those weirdos that has been getting the PS4 version of everything. Actually, so much was still getting released on PS4 at the beginning of the PS5, that's one of the main reasons I didn't get a PS5 at the beginning. That and I hate the way the PS5 looks.
Click to expand...

I actually don't mind how the PS5 looks - at least the non-slim one. If I could change one thing, I wish they'd found a better design for where the disc drive is. It's a bit low. That said, I'm not a fan of the newer slim model with how the gloss is only on one-half of the console -- also while I like the idea of the detachable disc drive, I dislike that even the PS5 slims that are sold with them on now require an online check to sync and use it. I understand why the sync is needed but I feel if I'm buying one with it already connected, the least Sony could do is make it work out of the box without needing internet to make it work. Yes, you can tell I am no fan of the digital future (or is it now basically the present?) of video games.
 
Put me in the "hate how the PS5" looks camp... it's fat and ugly, but I mostly hate the stand which you have align carefully to sit properly if you have the system horizontally. I also hate that the power/eject buttons and the disc drive on the console are hard to see.

Give me a basic ass rectangular design so it fits my damn entertainment center.

I also dislike how the SX is designed, but it's better than the PS5. But I'm never gonna buy one of those so that's a moot point.
 
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Gamefly has Eiyuden Chronicles Hundred Heroes used for switch at $39.99.

Video Games: Rent/Buy PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, 4kUHD, Blu-ray & MORE! Plus Consoles, Collectibles & Arcades Games | GameFly

GameFly, the #1 video game rental service. Rent and buy PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, 4k UHD, Blu-ray and more. Plus Consoles, Controllers, Accessories, Collectibles and Arcades.
www.gamefly.com www.gamefly.com

NOTE: you have to click the "used" button to see it in stock as it defaults to New which is sold out.
 
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