Star Ocean Remake Hits Switch 2 with No Upgrade Path

Square Enix has both announced and released Star Ocean: The Second Story R on Switch 2, shadow-dropping the 2.5D remake onto the eShop for $49.99. The Switch 2 release joins the existing versions on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam, which have been around since the remake first launched in November 2023.

The catch is the same one that hit the Octopath Traveler Switch 2 ports just three days ago: there’s no upgrade path and no save transfer for anyone who already owns the Switch version. As I said when covering those ports, if you want the improved version, buying it again at full price is the only way, which is really unfortunate. The launch announcement even includes a franchise sale with the existing version of Second Story R at 50 percent off on select platforms, while the new Switch 2 release starts at $49.99.

For those unfamiliar with the remake, The Second Story R revitalizes the 1998 original with a 2.5D style that pairs 3D environments with 2D pixel characters. You can switch between the original and rearranged soundtracks, and the Japanese voiceover can even be toggled between newly recorded performances from the original cast and the cast from the PSP’s Star Ocean: Second Evolution. The story follows Claude, a Federation officer stranded on an underdeveloped planet, and Rena, the girl whose people he’s drawn into saving, with your choice of starting protagonist changing perspectives and potential party members. Quality of life improvements round things out, including fast travel and better presentation for Skills, Specialties, and Item Creation, along with real-time combat, Private Actions for building party relationships, and multiple endings.

Alongside the Switch 2 launch, Square Enix kicked off a limited-time franchise sale on select platforms, with Star Ocean The Divine Force and its Digital Deluxe Edition at 60 percent off, Star Ocean: The Last Hope 4K & Full HD Remaster at 70 percent off, and Second Story R itself at 50 percent off. Star Ocean: The Second Story R and The Divine Force also arrive on GOG for the first time on July 28, with both discounted from launch through August 9.

STAR OCEAN: THE SECOND STORY R | Now Available on Nintendo Switch 2