Marvelous USA is generating significant buzz as the Switch 2’s release approaches on June 5, 2025. They are one of the few third parties offering a complete physical release on launch day with Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, followed by Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar and Demon X Machina: Titanic Scion later this year, with the latter exclusive to the West.

In an interview with RPG Site’s Mikhail Madnani, Marvelous USA/XSEED Games CEO and co-founder Ken Berry explained the decision to prioritize physical releases on Switch 2 as the best choice for their fans and business strategy. Berry mentioned that physical releases are a blend of personal preference and long-term strategy, addressing the frustration fans feel when receiving codes instead of physical copies.

Berry emphasized the importance of clarity for consumers, stating, “If someone who’s been in the industry for decades can’t tell if a box contains a physical game, imagine how confusing it is for someone without industry knowledge, especially when purchasing as a gift.” The company aims to avoid buyer’s remorse, ensuring satisfaction from their retail games.

The decision to release new Rune Factory and Story of Seasons titles physically was made months ago, even as Marvelous explored the Game-Key Card option. Berry believes fans would prefer the ROM version, though future titles may vary, especially for smaller games.

While both new games are available on Switch 1, Demon X Machina: Titanic Scion skips the older console, requiring a different process for the Switch 2 cartridge. Despite the Japanese release being a Game-Key Card, the Western Switch 2 version uses ROM with support from Marvelous Japan. Berry hopes to continue this trend but advises that it’s not guaranteed for all future titles.

Currently, Berry and Marvelous USA/XSEED Games are set to deliver three games on the new console, generating positive anticipation. For more insights into these physical releases, explore our previous developer interviews.