The highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is set to launch on September 19 for $60. This turn-based RPG will be available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. A Nintendo Switch 2 edition is also planned as a digital-only release, with a unique upgrade path: owners of the physical Switch edition can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for just one dollar. The Switch 2 edition offers enhanced resolution, higher frame rates, and faster load times.
The remake of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter boasts completely revamped 3D graphics, new voice acting, and introduces both turn-based and real-time battle mechanics. Additionally, players can explore new side quests and regions. Hailed as a seminal title within Nihon Falcom`s extensive Trails series, this remake aims to be an excellent starting point for new players and a delightful experience for veterans.
For those unsure about playing the game, a Prologue Demo of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter was released on August 21 for PlayStation 5 and PC, with a Switch version expected soon. Progress made in the demo can be carried over to the full game.
Returning players might be excited to hear that the remake`s playtime could potentially double. Nihon Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo mentioned in an interview with Gamer that the new 3D game world, expanded voice acting, and other enhancements contribute to this increased length. While playtimes for Trails games vary, a 40-hour playthrough of the original could extend to approximately 80 hours in the remake.
The original Trails in the Sky first launched on PC in Japan in 2004, with its English localization arriving on PlayStation Portable in 2006. Later, enhanced versions were released for PS3 and Vita, though these remained Japan-exclusive. A global Steam port became available in 2014, which remains on sale for $20. This PC version holds a `Very Positive` rating on Steam, based on over 6,000 reviews.
Nihon Falcom`s extensive Legend of Heroes franchise began in 1989, but the 2004 release of Trails in the Sky initiated the contemporary `Trails` saga. Over two decades, more than a dozen Trails titles have been launched. Although the series comprises several distinct arcs, such as Trails of Cold Steel and Trails through Daybreak, playing Trails in the Sky and its two follow-ups is highly advised for a complete understanding of the franchise`s rich world-building and intricate lore.
Trails in the Sky centers on adoptive siblings Joshua and Estelle Bright, who become members of the Bracers, a peacekeeping guild. Their journey soon entwines them in an international conspiracy, forcing them to unite with various allies to prevent a dangerous coup. Notably, the remake of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter utilizes the same engine as the Trails through Daybreak duology, integrating both the series` signature turn-based combat and real-time action gameplay.
The next entirely new installment in the series, Trails Beyond the Horizon, is slated for release on January 15, 2026. Preorders are open for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Following a common trend for Nihon Falcom titles, the $60 Deluxe Edition of Trails Beyond the Horizon will include bonus items like an art book and digital soundtrack.
For those interested in exploring more of the Trails series, PC (Steam keys) titles are often available at discounted prices on platforms like Fanatical. Fanatical also frequently offers deals on games from the Ys series, Nihon Falcom`s long-standing action-RPG franchise. Unlike the Trails games, Ys titles are mostly standalone, allowing players to enjoy them in any order.
Nihon Falcom Games – Physical Editions
Below is a compilation of physical editions for PlayStation and Nintendo consoles that are currently available at or below their original retail prices:
- Trails through Daybreak: Deluxe Edition (Switch) — $60
- Trails through Daybreak II: Deluxe Edition
- Switch– $35 | $51 at Amazon
- PS5 — $35
- PS4 — $60
- Trails of Cold Steel III: Extracurricular Edition (Switch) — $54
- Trails of Cold Steel IV: Frontline Edition (Switch) — $64
- Tokyo Xanadu eX+ (Switch) — $33
- Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana – D1 Refined Edition
- Nintendo Switch — $40
- PS5 — $40
- Ys X: Nordics Deluxe Edition
- PS5 — $30
- Switch — $35
Among the notable deals, Trails through Daybreak II: Deluxe Edition for PS5 and Nintendo Switch is available for $35, marking its lowest price since its release earlier this year. Significant savings can also be found on Ys X: Nordics for PS4 or Nintendo Switch. Additionally, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ for Nintendo Switch is priced at $33. While Tokyo Xanadu is not part of the Ys or Trails franchises, it is an action-RPG likely to appeal to fans of both. It`s important to note that Nihon Falcom games typically have limited print runs, leading to resellers often marking up Trails titles well above their original retail price.
Upcoming Nihon Falcom Games
- Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter — $60 | September 19
- PS5 — $60
- Switch — $60
- Trails Beyond the Horizon Deluxe | January 16, 2026
- PS5 — $60
- PS4 — $60
- Switch 2 — $70
- Switch — $60