Gamescom opens up next week, the biggest game-related expo and trade show in Europe. The doors open to trade visitors on 5th August but the public crowds arrive on 9th August, with hundreds of thousands of gamers arriving in Cologne for the event.

Nintendo of Europe is a strong supporter of Gamescom, and has a treat in store for Wii U gamers this year. It's been confirmed that Xenoblade Chronicles X will be playable in Europe for the first time, giving attendees an early look at the December release.

The localised version of Monolith Soft's RPG hasn't been playable for the Western public before now, only appearing on Treehouse broadcasts during E3 in June.

Are you going to Gamescom, and will you be queuing to give this a spin?

[source twitter.com, via nintendoeverything.com]