Following what Nintendo have described as “the best-ever launch for the series in the United States”, Nintendo have announced that those in Australia and New Zealand will have to wait until May 2016 to pick up Fire Emblem Fates. To be more specific, the release date has been locked in as May 21st. Considering that the Nintendo 3DS still remains a region locked console, this wait is more frustrating given it is less import friendly than some of its competition.
Fire Emblem Fates is not one but three different campaigns – Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright (A campaign where you fight as Hoshido), Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest (A campaign where you side with Nohr) or the add-on chapter Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation (Where you refuse to side with either) which will be available to purchase standalone starting June 10.
While you can opt to purchase Birthright or Conquest standalone, you can also purchase the Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition. This edition comes with all three games on the one Game Card at launch. To further justify what will presumably be a higher price point, the special edition also comes with an artbook, an exclusive SteelBook cover and a double-sided poster. This is the edition I have personally pre-ordered. A trailer outlining all the contents can be found below:
Fire Emblem Fates will be available exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS starting May 21st 2016.