Ys Origin, the prequel to the popular action-RPG franchise's entire series, will be launching on Nintendo Switch later this year, it has been confirmed.
The news comes from publisher Dotemu, which has revealed that alongside a digital eShop release, fans will be able to pick up one of two physical versions from Limited Run Games (pre-order here). You'll be able to choose between a standard version and a special collector’s edition which includes a poster, a physical copy of the game's soundtrack, an art book capturing scenes from Ys Origin's world, and a unique collector's box.
If you're not clued up on Ys and this game in particular, feel free to check out a review of the game's PS4 version from our friends at Push Square. We also have an official description for you below:
Ys Origin joins aspiring knight Yunica Tovah and mage Hugo Fact, two fighters desperately searching for the Goddesses that have abandoned them. Together the duo must best the demonic forces lurking within an enormous tower before the beasts reach humanity’s sanctuary in the clouds. With tons of powerful loot to earn, distinct scenarios and playstyles between each character as well as secrets to unveil, Ys Origin is a deep, compelling RPG experience.
Here's a look at the game's glorious physical edition:

A specific release date hasn't yet been announced, but we'll keep an eye out for more news as and when it arrives. Remember, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is also coming to Switch in 2021.
Comments 46
Woohoo. I own this on Steam but may consider double dipping.. the gameplay is very fast and fun.
Ys Chronicles and Oath in Felghana exist, Falcom!!
I am playing Ys VIII currently, and think that it's one of the best JRPGs that I have ever played. I loved 7 too. So I would be excited for this, but... no Adol? If that question can be answered without spoilers.
I've played the PSP remaster of Ys I and II and have gotten Lacrimosa of Dana waiting to be played on the Switch. Somehow, I feel like I really want to check the rest of the series but haven't yet traced a plan to play it in chronological order.
Origins sounds like an enjoyable ride for someone like me. Will be checking it out
Very nice. When I’ve played it through 3 times, you know it’s probably pretty good to hold my attention that long. Wonder if this means Switch really is becoming the new Vita.
Bought it on sale on Steam, but I'll double-dip for the physical Switch release!
I think I'll hold off on getting Memories of Celceta on anything other than Switch now.
Y(e)s! I hope they bring all the modern Ys games to Switch! This is a series I must have physically. Ys 8 is my 2nd favorite Switch game, behind BotW!
I'm so excited (and I just can't hide it)
1° Rejoice at the news
2° Sees it's a Limited Run exclusive
3° Cries in his European corner of the world
It's funny that this comes up today; I've been doing a deep dive on the Ys series for the last two days. I always like to try out classic franchises in order if possible (although I've just started Ys VIII myself), so I'd like to see Ys Chronicles come to Switch. Even better if they could add some of the graphics/music options from the pre-1997 releases. I know it already includes the PC-88 soundtrack, so that's cool.
🎵 This game is where my demons hide, it’s where my demons hide. 🎵
Awesome. With this and Ys IX, I assume that Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana was successful enough on Switch.
Almost finished Lacrimosa of Dana, will try this eventually. Amazing series so far.
@RudyC3 Rejoice once more because I just found this from DotEmu:
"Ys Origin is coming to Nintendo Switch late this year with a digital and physical release, courtesy of LimitedRunGames and European retailers."
@Bobb this might help you
http://www.digitalemelas.com/index_ys.php#order
I did VIII (it introduced me to the saga), then I, II, Origin, IV, III, (skipped V since it's fan translated and considered a bad game) VI and VII.
I'm also playing Ys VIII right now, and absolutely LOVING it. Perfect game for action RPG and Zelda fans alike. It's my first Ys, and now I'm very curious about the rest of the series. I wonder is this Origin will be a bit of a step backwards after that one, but I may give it shot anyway. Is this game a kind of a spin off?
I hope they also bring Memories of Celceta, I hear it's pretty good too.
Already got it on PS Vita but having it on Switch would be even better.
Hat off to Vita carrying the game's portability for three years while the creators were still squeamish about the Switch. But now the latter is gaining yet another jewel in its "Gen 9's primary JRPG machine" crown.
@DockEllisD the game will have three different physical distributors. LRG will handle NA release while two others will handle the EU and AS releases.
@RudyC3 no worries it seems the game will have a EU distributor as well as both a standard and special edition release.
I'd give this a shot, but that'll depend on a few factors...like if I can wrest a copy from LRG.
WOEHOEEEEE! I'M SOOOOOO HAPPY! SO MUCH YS!!!!! YES YES YES!!!
More Ys is never a bad thing.
While I loved Ys VIII on Switch and am definitely jumping on IX, this doesn't look like my type of game. Will have to look more into it before I get excited.
Great game. Already have it on PC.
Looking forward for the New Ys NOX on Switch. They giving old and new stuff, so everyone who is a Ys fan on Switch is getting something. Nicely done 👍
@SmartNickname this DOES help! Great link, friend! Thanks a lot!
Ys Origin is an absolute blast. It features fast-paced gameplay and monster-slaying set to incredible music. On a personal note, it's probably my favorite out of the bunch that use the old engine. If you can appreciate hectic ARPGs, get this game!
If this comes, they’ll try to do m all! Hope they’ll do Oath of Felghana too!
@Ooyah It’s a prequel (Ys Zero) so I believe it happens a long time before Adol’s story begins. But I’ve only played the beginning level a few years ago. Now will be a great time to dive in!
Funny I'm playing Ys Celceta right now haha
I still haven’t played a single Ys game, but the Switch is giving me a lot of opportunities to correct this....
Ys VIII was fantastic. Looking forward to this.
Getting this.
Well if they port the rest of the Y’s games I think there will be less reason to keep my Vita.
I was hoping for an Ys collection, but happy to be getting this one. Not looking forward to paying $40 for each game, but probably will.
@Barbara001 Don't you mean "YS YS YS!!!"?
Exits stage left
Getting this for sure, more Ys games is always a good thing.
Awesome news I surely will get this!
Been a big fan of the Ys series since Ys Book 1 & 2 on the TG-16 CD. Really enjoyed Ys VIII on Switch. Absolutely plan on getting this and IX when it comes out. I'd love to see all the others come to Switch as well, inclued 1, 2, 3, etc. The overall stories in these games have always been superb.
Ys-E day one purchase for me. This was my first Ys game and I don't have a physical copy so that solves that. Possibly the best soundtrack in the series. Keep 'em coming!
@Ooyah Ys Origin takes place 700 years before Ys 1 so no Adol, no Dogi. Yunica and Hugo are great though and the story really sets up the world of Ys. I've played the whole series and this is my 2nd favorite behind 8. I hope the lack of Adol isn't a deal breaker for you, the game is awesome.
Huge Fact? What a dark character.
I wish all the games came eventually to the Switch, but as a newbie to the series, does Origins have to be played after some contact with other games in order to properly enjoy the "prequel factor"?
Anyway, it's surprising, given that they said they probably wouldn't be bringing more entries to the hybrid after VIII.
Another fringe interesting game to stick in the "maybe" backlog.
There's just not enough time in the day to play every game that looks/sounds interesting and also eat, sleep and work.
@Moroboshi876 Ys Origin is fine as a starting point, it was my first Ys game. If anything playing Origin first will give you more context of the world if you were ever to play Ys 1 and 2. That's the beauty of the Ys series, it shares the same world, and every game except this one has Adol Christin as the main character, but they can be played in any order.
@nessisonett Yeah except unlike the PS Vita Nintendo actually support the Switch. Sony left the Vita in the dusk on year 3 of the handheld's life.
@mauhlin12 I actually bought the enhanced version of I+II for Steam on a sale, and later got the PC Engine Mini with the original first two games in it, so I'll eventually play them one way or the other. Bought Origins on a sale too but for Xbox 360. Anyway I'd like for all the games to be available on Switch some day. Thanks.
@retro_player_77 Sony might have abandoned it but it’s still a brilliant little console for JRPGs.
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