Nintendo has delayed EU Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector’s Edition pre-orders until after release
Slip due to “unforeseen logistical challenges”
Nintendo has delayed European pre-orders for the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector’s Edition until after the standard edition of the game has been released.
In a new statement on the MyNintendo Store website, Nintendo says that anyone wishing to buy the Collector’s Edition can simply register their interest for now, but won’t be able to pre-order until after July 29 when the game is released.
Nintendo previously confirmed the Collector’s Edition would not be released in July alongside the game itself.
“Due to unforeseen logistical challenges, we are unable to open pre-orders for the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector’s Edition before the game launches on July 29th. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“To give customers the flexibility to purchase and enjoy the game at launch, we will now be offering the contents of the Collector’s Edition (soft cover concept art book, steel case and outer box packaging) as a separate purchase at a price that does not include the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 software.
“This means you can buy the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 game when it launches on July 29th, and have a chance to pre-order the Collector’s Edition contents on My Nintendo Store later in September.”
According to Nintendo, the Collector’s Edition content is currently due to be available sometime in the autumn.
Europe isn’t the only region suffering issues with special editions of the game. Pre-orders for the US Special Edition went up on June 30, but issues with the website left many would-be pre-order customers empty-handed.
Shortly afterwards, eBay scalpers started selling the Special Edition for $250-$350, much more than its suggested $89.99 retail price.
The frustration is being exacerbated by the fact that the Japanese Nintendo Store has left pre-orders open for the game, and plans to produce as many as is necessary, although with the caveat of longer wait times for the special edition items.
Last month Nintendo announced plans to release a Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass.
Priced at $29.99/£26.99, it will include four waves of DLC, which Nintendo said won’t be available to purchase individually. Arriving alongside the game on July 29, the first wave will include a selection of helpful items and outfit colour variants.