The Switch Version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Is the One to Play

Finally, the Switch release of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ might give the game its moment again! Almost 10 years after its original release, Aksys picked up the Switch version to release it worldwide. Considering how interesting it can be and all of the other elements making this particular release so valuable, I can’t help but hope it leads to more people giving it a chance.

Something isn’t right in Tokyo. Kou doesn’t initially realize it. He’s going to school and working part-time jobs as usual. But when he sees his classmate Asuka harassed when he’s leaving work at night, he gets drawn into assisting in fighting back against the Eclipse phenomenon. Using Soul Devices and eventually fighting alongside classmates who find themselves also able to fight back against the Greed monsters threatening innocent people. Yes, it is Persona-like, while still combining the Ys sort of action-RPG elements while in labyrinths. 

Now, right away, you’re probably wondering why you should even head into the Switch version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+. After all, Aksys’ release is the fourth version of the game to appear worldwide. However, there are a number of reasons to give it a chance again. Enough so that I think it’s worth playing now more than ever.

The big one, and the thing I love most about heading into Tokyo Xanadu eX+ again, is that this is the best portable version of the game. The Vita version is difficult to come by now, and it’s only the standard release that didn’t add the extra scenarios, bosses, and content in any of the eX+ releases. (All of that is perfectly implemented in such a way that if you are new to the game, you won’t realize it wasn’t originally a part of the experience.) If you have the Steam version, you could hypothetically play it on a Steam Deck. However, it isn’t fully supported. It’s only classified as “Playable” there. So the Switch release is completely ready to go and perfectly suited for the system. 

Aside from the definitive version of the game now being on the Switch, the other highlight for the Aksys release of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is a fresh localization. It reads wonderfully. Everything is clear, concise, and perfectly gets the point across. Back in the day, I covered the Vita and PS4 releases. I remember enjoying them! It’s been a long time since I played, so I can’t 1:1 cite changes. But the new take is substantial enough that I could just tell as I went through it that it was handled a bit better.

There’s also the matter of this Tokyo Xanadu eX+ Switch release being the perfect preparation possibility. In March 2024, Nihon Falcom announced the Tokyo Xanadu 10th anniversary project. While it is going to be a new and original thing, playing the first game in this branch is invaluable. It gives you an idea of what to expect. You can see what sorts of encounters and gameplay you might experience. Also, who knows what sort of threads or Easter eggs could carry over. It’s invaluable. 

I’m so glad the Switch version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is here, as this is such a fun action-RPG. I always felt like it ended up being a bit overshadowed, due to the fact that it does feature some similarities to the Persona series and Nihon Falcom’s Trails line exploding in popularity. The combat is solid in dungeons. Its take on a modern adventure set in the real world is strong. The eX+ additions do feel valuable. Not to mention, the twist that comes up is good! It’s a JRPG worth playing.

Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. The original game appeared on the Vita.