Product Info

Platform

Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

Square Enix

Developer

Square Enix

Series

Octopath Traveler

Genre

RPG

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

3.1 GB

Release Date (NA)

Jul 13, 2018

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Home » Octopath Traveler for Nintendo Switch 2 (Review)

Octopath Traveler for the Nintendo Switch 2 is an improved port of the original Nintendo Switch game, offering a wonderful experience for on-the-go play. However, it may not provide sufficient reasons for those who already own the game to purchase it again.

Experiencing a Similar Route

The first HD-2D game receives a new port for the Nintendo Switch 2, but for those who already own Octopath Traveler, they may not find enough reasons to pick it up again, especially for those who still own the 2018 Nintendo Switch version, both retailing at $59.99 USD. The option to purchase the bundle of both Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II for $74.99 USD still makes it difficult if you’ve already owned both titles. There’s no new content, and to make matters worse, there’s no option to transfer your save data from the Nintendo Switch version, nor is there an upgrade option available. If you’re new to the series or want to play the best version for the Nintendo console on the Switch 2, go for it.

However, I do wish Square Enix took the opportunity to make some adjustments to Octopath Traveler’s quality of life features that the other Octopath Traveler games have, such as adding battle speeds. After playing Octopath Traveler 0, I do miss some features that I took for granted. Now battles feel longer than they should be.

The Switch 2 version does improve the resolution and frame rate when compared to the Nintendo Switch version. No official description from Square Enix, but expect at least 1080p and more than 30 frames per second (fps). since the original Switch is tailored to those specs. Don’t expect the output to have the same high specs of 4K as the PlayStation 5 or a PC, but the ability to play in handheld mode is the trade-off. Playing in the handheld mode did feel and look excellent and ran quite smooth to boot. The screen displays vibrant colors, excellent lighting, and a well-rendered depth of field. There’s no doubt the game is outstanding on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The green shadow filtering shown during Primrose’s chapter and the red filtering during H’aanit’s chapter are overwhelming, especially Primrose’s chapter. Players can tone down the game’s brightness to almost zero and turn off the “Corner Shadows” for a better visual experience, but we shouldn’t be in a situation to do that. Yes, the issue still occurs on other platforms and is not limited to the Switch 2. It is a problem that could have been addressed, as these filtering issues do not appear in the new entries.

A Story Worth Telling

Despite the lack of upgrades and the ability to transfer data to play on the Nintendo Switch 2, Octopath Traveler remains a highly recommended game that successfully revived classic sprites reminiscent of the Super Nintendo era, combining them with 3D environments and modern visual effects, which makes RPGs exhilarating once again.

You’ll play through eight separate stories of eight travelers. You get to decide where to go, which characters to recruit, and more. The first character you select is your starting protagonist, and you’ll control it as you journey across the world of Orsterra. Many of the characters’ unique backstories are worth exploring, and there isn’t a wrong answer for how you are keen to explore. Additionally, each one carries a primary job, such as thief, warrior, cleric, and hunter. Players can earn “Job Points” after battles to unlock skills for each of your eight travelers. These skills can help players navigate tough situations and provide goals for building a solid team. Additionally, their skills can be used outside of battles. Engage with NPCs, primarily in towns, to either initiate battles, provoke them to assist you in combat, steal, or perform other actions. Each skill to use depends on who you have set as a current leader, which can be swapped anytime. You can earn some great items and summon additional allies in battle.

Combats is entertaining with its turn-based mechanics, played in a 3D environment with beautiful pixel characters on the field. Attack enemies to uncover their weaknesses and reduce their “Shield Points.” Decrease the points to zero to place the enemy in a “Broken” state where they are at their most vulnerable moment. If you’ve enjoyed classic turned-based games, then this one is right up your alley.

The orchestrated music composed by Yasunori Nishiki adds to the game’s identity with its soothing and upbeat tracks. Battles add fuel to a player’s ambition, or as you watch a depressing moment, the score played adds more emotion to the scene. Like the visuals, it’s a strong piece of the HD-2D game.

The Final Traveler

Octopath Traveler for the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a gorgeous and smooth meowtastic way to experience the HD-2D RPG, with improved resolution, performance, and everything else that makes this adventure entertaining. However, it’s still essentially a straight port with no new content or added features, such as battle speed, along with no save data transfer or upgrade option for original Switch owners. If you haven’t played this RPG yet, it’s definitely worth picking up.

An Nintendo Switch 2 code was provided by the publisher for this review. Octopath Traveler for the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on October 1, 2026. The game is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.