Classic RPGs on Switch eShop See Significant Price Drop
The Nintendo eShop is currently offering two historically significant role-playing games, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Final Fantasy VII, at reduced prices for a limited period. These titles, both frequently cited in discussions of the genre's most influential works, represent distinct eras of RPG design, one a BioWare Western RPG from the early 2000s and the other a landmark Japanese release from the PlayStation era. This specific pricing, particularly for Final Fantasy VII, marks its lowest point on the eShop to date, as reported by ComicBook Gaming.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, originally released in 2003 by BioWare and LucasArts, is available for £4.79 (approximately $5.99 USD) until 11th May. This title achieved a Metacritic score of 94 and is widely regarded as one of the finest Star Wars games ever produced. Players can expect a substantial experience, with typical playtimes ranging from 30 to 50 hours.
A Classic Japanese RPG at a New Low
Final Fantasy VII, the Square Enix classic from 1997, is priced at £5.19 (approximately $6.39 USD) until 7th May. This game, which debuted exclusively on the original PlayStation, holds a Metacritic score of 92. Its narrative and gameplay typically require 35 to 50 hours for a standard playthrough, extending to around 80 hours for those pursuing full completion.
The ComicBook Gaming report highlights that neither of these titles has ever been cheaper on the Nintendo eShop. This makes the current offer a notable opportunity for those who have yet to experience these games. Both are digital-only on the Switch, a detail that might give pause to physical media collectors, yet it is the only current avenue for these specific versions on the platform.
The Enduring Appeal of Digital Classics
It is worth considering the value proposition here. For a modest outlay, players gain access to dozens of hours of critically acclaimed content. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic offers approximately five to eight hours of gameplay per dollar, a metric that, while simplistic, does illustrate the sheer volume of content. Final Fantasy VII, with its potential 80-hour completionist run, presents a similar, if not greater, return on investment.
The source also mentions other high-calibre RPGs available on the Switch, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Persona 5 Royal, and Dark Souls. However, the focus here remains on two titles that have transcended their original platforms to become cultural touchstones. Their continued availability and discounted pricing on a modern console like the Switch speaks to their enduring design and narrative strength.
This sale underscores the ongoing trend of making older, celebrated titles accessible to contemporary audiences through digital storefronts. While the debate over digital versus physical ownership persists, these temporary price reductions often serve as a gateway for new players to engage with games that shaped the industry. For those interested in the history of the genre, or simply seeking a substantial adventure, these offers present a compelling case.
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Originally announced by Nintendo · first reported by ComicBook Gaming.
