Update [Tue 18th Jun, 2024 15:20 BST]: Well, would you look at that? Fantasian is indeed coming to Switch later this year.

Revealed during the Nintendo Direct, Fantasian Neo Dimension brings Hironobu Sakaguchi's turn-based RPG from Apple Arcade to consoles. Square Enix, where the Final Fantasy creator originally worked, is working with Mistwalker on the port.

Neo Dimension is an enhanced version of the original Fantasian from 2021. That game launched in two parts, but this will be the whole package, along with new difficulty options, new features, and full voice acting.

The RPG had a bit of a reputation for being on the challenging side, so it's good to hear that the game will allow players to customise the experience to their liking. Check out the game's website for more details, but we'll leave you with some screens and a rundown of the game's plot:

Assume the role of Leo, as he journeys to recover his memories and solve the mystery of a strange mechanical infection destroying his world. Experience an original and modern take on the beloved turn-based battle system, with a wealth of unique mechanics and strategic combat that shake up the classic RPG formula, and explore a multi-dimensional universe come to life set against the backdrop of over 150 charming hand-crafted dioramas.

Original [Tue 18th Jun, 2024 12:30 BST]: We are mere hours away from the June Nintendo Direct Showcase, so of course the rumour mill is already hard at work. Nate the Hate (who previously made claims about the secret 'Switch 2' presentation at last year's Gamescom) has shared his predictions in the latest episode of his podcast including one game that he claims to be "personally aware of and can say is in the Nintendo Direct".

Now wait right there! With the Direct so close, we think it's only fair that we give you a big old spoiler warning here before we dive into Nate the Hate's claim. We always advise treating rumours with a pinch of salt, but we don't want anything to be unnecessarily spoiled for you when the showcase itself is right around the corner. Only read on if you are willing to see a game that could potentially appear.

Still want to know? Okay then, let's go for it...

According to Nate the Hate, Mistwalker has partnered with Square Enix to bring the 2021 Apple Arcade RPG Fantasian to Switch. What's more, the leaker appears to have no hesitation on the matter, stating, "It is a thing. Fantasian will be announced at the Nintendo Direct."

Yes, we have our pinches of salt at the ready, but Fantasian on Switch is an interesting prospect. The game was released on mobile in two parts in 2021, combining classic JRPG gameplay with gorgeous 'real-world' diorama environments.

Mistwalker, the game's developer and publisher on the Apple Arcade release, was founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, a former Square employee and the creator of the Final Fantasy series. The studio was formed after Sakaguchi departed from Square following the creator's changing role in the company and the failure of the 2001 movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

Pairing back up with Square Enix for console publishing feels like a bit of a strange move, then, but with the pedigree of Sakaguchi and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu attached, a Switch port certainly feels like a reasonable possibility.

Take a look at the following screenshots from its Apple Arcade listing and tell us that wouldn't look good on an OLED.

Of course, this is nothing more than a rumour for the time being and only a Nintendo Direct appearance will confirm it — not that we have long to wait there, mind you. You can find Nate the Hate's full discussion about this port in the timestamped video below.

Today's Nintendo Direct Showcase will kick off at 3pm BST / 4pm CET / 7am PT / 10 ET and it is set to give us a better idea of what's coming to Switch in the second half of 2024.

What do you make of this rumour? Are you hoping to see it come true? Let us know in the comments.

[source youtu.be]