Xenoblade Officially Hitting Retail Two Weeks Earlier Than Anticipated

Nintendo of Europe dropped a press release today confirming that Xenoblade Chronicles will be hitting stores two weeks earlier than the previously announced date of September 2, pushing the debut forward to August 19. It’s an odd move, and one that I don’t remember happening in recent history – games are usually delayed, not accelerated.

One has to wonder what kind of decision-making is behind the move. Could Nintendo of America finally be planning to release the game stateside, and hoping to do so soon in order to fill the still-empty summer 2011 first-party Wii lineup? Is Skyward Sword actually slated to arrive sooner than expected, forcing Xenoblade to hop back a couple weeks to make room? (Nah, it’d probably be Kirby or Rhythm Heaven.) Does Nintendo know it’s my birthday that week? I honestly have no clue, but you can check out the full press release below.

08/07/2011

Xenoblade Chronicles set to be released two weeks early

8 July 2011 – Xenoblade Chronicles, the epic action RPG for Wii, will now be available across Europe from 19th August, allowing fans to explore the massive world of this critically acclaimed game two weeks earlier than expected.

Nintendo has also created an exclusive pre-order bundle for Xenoblade Chronicles which includes the game itself plus a red Classic Controller Pro, and is accompanied by a poster tube with three exclusive, A1-sized posters, electronically signed by the founder of Monolith Software, Tetsuya Takahashi.

Xenoblade Chronicles takes you to the stunning lands of Bionis and Mechonis where the vast landscapes result in over 100 hours of immersive gameplay. Enjoy the freedom of being able to reach whatever you can see in the distance, exploring and plotting your way around the many quests. Xenoblade Chronicles is a real departure from traditional RPGs due to its real-time combat and the freedom you are given to roam the seamless universe without having to endure random encounters.

The number of pre-order bundles is limited, so fans must be quick if they want to get their hands on the three exclusive posters depicting the landscapes and characters of Xenoblade Chronicles, as well as the red Classic Controller Pro. Xenoblade Chronicles is also available to buy or pre-order as software only.

To pre-order your copy of the game or the Xenoblade Chronicles bundle and to receive your special pre-order items ahead of the new release date, place an order at GAME or gamestation before the game is released across Europe on 19th August 2011.

Visit xenobladechronicles.co.uk to read behind the scenes Iwata Asks interviews, see the game in action and stay tuned for the full website!

Source: Nintendo Europe Press