In-game opening movie now available as a trailer; Switch 2 compatibility confirmed
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — August 21, 2025 — Soar into the beginning of a new 1st Chapter! GungHo Online Entertainment America (GOEA) is thrilled to announce that a playable demo for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is now live for the PlayStation®5 and Steam, with a Nintendo Switch™ demo coming soon. Fans can now accompany Estelle and Joshua as they embark on the first steps of their journey with an early look at the game’s prologue. Details on the Nintendo Switch™ demo’s release will be shared on GOEA’s social media channels.
Join Estelle and Joshua as they set out on their path as bracers, taking on tasks across the Rolent region in their father Cassius’ absence. When strange events begin to unfold, they must travel beyond the Rolent region to rise through the ranks of the Bracer Guild and uncover the truth.
All progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game at launch.
Alongside the demo, get a first look at how the young junior bracers’ paths begin with an all-new opening movie trailer—available here.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter will also be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2™ via an Upgrade Pack for $1. This upgrade includes quality-of-life enhancements such as higher resolution and smoother frame rates. Additional information will be announced at a later date.
Standard Edition pre-orders are available at major North American retailers and through Clear River Games for European residents. For updates on European pre-orders, please follow @clearrivergames on social media.
Assets for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter can be accessed here. Review copies will be available upon request; contact media@acttil.com for more information.
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About Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Originally released in 2004 for PC and ported to the PSP in 2006, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is a classic JRPG set in the Liberl Kingdom. The story follows Estelle Bright and her adoptive brother, Joshua, as they begin their journey to become senior bracers. What starts as a simple mission grows into a battle against a mysterious organization threatening their homeland. As they uncover hidden conspiracies, Estelle and Joshua face increasing dangers that test their courage and strengthen their bond. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter will be available on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 5, and Steam on September 19, 2025. For more information, visit the official website: www.trailsfirstchapter.com
© Nihon Falcom Corporation. All rights reserved.
Licensed to and published by GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.
About Nihon Falcom
Nihon Falcom is a game developer founded in 1981 that has created many titles for consumer game platforms and boasts an extremely enthusiastic fanbase worldwide. Notable titles include the Ys series, the Trails series, and Tokyo Xanadu. September 2023 saw the latest release in the Ys series, YsⅩ-NORDICS- for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™ and September 2024 saw the latest release in the Trails series, THE LEGEND OF HEROES KAI NO KISEKI -Farewell, O Zemuria- for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5.
ABOUT GUNGHO ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA
GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc. (GOEA) is a multi-platform developer and publisher dedicated to delivering fun & unique titles like Puzzle & Dragons, Ninjala, and LET IT DIE. GOEA is the US division of GungHo Online Entertainment (GOE), whose studios include leading developers SUPERTRICK GAMES, GAME ARTS, and Gravity. GOEA distributes games for consoles, handhelds, mobile devices, and PC. GOEA is located in Redondo Beach, CA. For more information, visit www.gunghoonline.com.
© GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.
About Clear River Games
Clear River Games is a multi-platform publisher with a passion for classic retro games. Based in Karlstad, Sweden, the company was founded by Freemode, a part of the Embracer Group. Their vision is to bring the joy of experiencing vintage retro and revived classic game franchises to players around the globe. Clear River Games focuses on publishing high-quality classic game franchises, modern retro, pixel art, and indie games that inspire gamers, bring back great memories of the past, or help discover new great games, making them accessible both physically and digitally to players worldwide.
Visit clearrivergames.com for the latest news. Follow the brand on your social media platforms, and for all inquiries, contact hello@clearrivergames.com.
About Embracer Freemode
Embracer Freemode (“Freemode”) is Embracer Group`s 11th Operating Group. Freemode is a global ecosystem of independently run companies led by passionate creators, entrepreneurs and business leaders with decades of combined experience in gaming and entertainment. Freemode supports its businesses with strategic, operational and financial support, helping businesses accelerate growth with a long-term mindset.
Freemode Operating Group companies include Embracer companies: Middle-earth Enterprises (USA), Limited Run Games (USA), Freemode GO LLC (USA), Tatsujin (Japan), Game Outlet Europe (Sweden), Clear River Games (Sweden), Quantic Lab (Romania), Bitwave Games (Sweden), Freemode GO Ltd (United Kingdom) and Grimfrost (Sweden).
MEDIA CONTACT
GUNGHO ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA
Natsuki Nishikawa
Senior Communications Coordinator
natsuki@gunghoonline.com