The Switch 2’s First Epic RPG: Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition Launches May 22

Hold onto your Joy-Cons, RPG fans—Tales of Arise is making its grand debut on Nintendo’s next-gen console with a special edition that’s packed with more content than a loot chest in a JRPG dungeon! The critically acclaimed action RPG that first dazzled PlayStation, PC, and Xbox players in 2021 is finally arriving on Switch 2, and it’s bringing the full Beyond the Dawn expansion along for the ride.

What’s New in This Switch 2 Edition?

The Beyond the Dawn Edition isn’t just a simple port—it’s a comprehensive package that bundles the base game with its 2023 expansion, which adds a whopping 20 hours of additional story content. But that’s just the beginning of what makes this release special.

For the first time, Switch players will experience the complete Tales of Arise journey, following the masked slave Alphen and the mysterious Shionne as they fight to end 300 years of oppression against the Dahnan people by the technologically superior Renans. The game’s fast-paced combat system, deep character customization, and mature storytelling themes that earned it “generally positive” reviews across the board are all intact and ready to shine on Nintendo’s new hardware.

The Ultimate Collector’s Package

The physical edition comes with some seriously cool extras that will make any JRPG collector’s heart skip a beat. First up is the reversible cover art—because who doesn’t love having options for how their game looks on the shelf? But Bandai Namco didn’t stop there.

Preorder bonuses and included content span multiple categories:

Gameplay Enhancements:

• The base game plus Beyond the Dawn DLC
• Free Update battle contents
• Two additional difficulty modes for those who want to test their skills
• Silver Weapon collection for that extra sparkle in combat

Cosmetic Goodies:

• Travel Support Pack to help you on your journey
• Atelier Sophie collaboration costumes (because who doesn’t want to dress like they stepped out of a different RPG?)
• SNX Collaboration Pack for even more fashion options

Exclusive Physical Content:

• Reversible cover art (physical edition only)
• Weekly Famitsu weapon as a special bonus

The Game Key-Card System Explained

Here’s where things get interesting—and potentially confusing for some buyers. The physical version of Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn uses Nintendo’s Game Key-Card system, which means no game data is actually stored on the cartridge itself. Instead, the physical copy acts as an access key that allows you to download the full 55GB digital version from the Nintendo eShop.

This approach has its pros and cons. On the plus side, you get a physical item for your collection and the ability to redownload the game anytime. The downside? You’ll need 55GB of free space on your Switch 2 or a compatible microSD card, and you can’t just pop in the cartridge and start playing like traditional physical games.

Where to Preorder

The game is priced at $50 and is available for preorder at all the major retailers:

• Amazon – The go-to for most gamers, with reliable shipping and often competitive pricing
• Best Buy – Great for those who prefer to pick up in-store or want to bundle with other gaming accessories
• Walmart – Often has competitive pricing and the convenience of in-store pickup

Digital preorders are also available directly through the Nintendo eShop for those who prefer to go all-digital from the start.

Why This Release Matters

The arrival of Tales of Arise on Switch 2 is significant for several reasons. First, it represents one of the first major third-party RPGs making the leap to Nintendo’s new console, potentially signaling confidence in the platform’s future. Second, it gives Switch owners—who might have missed out on the original release—a chance to experience one of the better JRPGs of recent years.

GameSpot’s Heidi Kemps praised the game in her original review, noting that while it might not be “an all-time classic,” it’s “certainly a fine choice” for anyone looking for “a lengthy, charming, and engaging JRPG to play on your shiny new console or PC gaming rig.”

Technical Considerations

With a 55GB download requirement, potential buyers should plan accordingly. The Switch 2’s internal storage will fill up quickly with games of this size, making a high-capacity microSD card practically essential for serious gamers. This is especially true if you plan on maintaining a library of several large games simultaneously.

The Game Key-Card system also means that once you’ve redeemed your code, the physical cartridge essentially becomes a decorative item—albeit a functional one that allows you to redownload the game at any time.

Final Thoughts

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition represents an excellent opportunity for Switch 2 owners to dive into a rich, story-driven RPG experience. The combination of the base game and expansion, plus all the additional content and physical extras, makes this a compelling package at $50.

Whether you’re a longtime Tales fan or new to the series, this release offers a complete experience that showcases why the franchise has remained popular for decades. Just make sure you’ve got that storage space ready before May 22 arrives!

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