Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Physical Switch Release Now Available for Pre-order in Japan

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, the anticipated social RPG from veteran developer Level-5, has officially opened physical pre-orders for Nintendo Switch.

While earlier plans suggested Nintendo would handle boxed copies across select regions, recent updates confirm that only Japan will see a confirmed physical release at this time.

Initially, European markets appeared set for a physical edition, but those plans have since been shelved.

Fortunately, the region-free nature of the Nintendo Switch means international fans can still secure a boxed copy from Japan, with full English and multiple language options supported out of the box. For those less familiar, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time offers players an immersive adventure, blending life simulation and RPG elements across a sprawling open world.

Players embark as an adventurer journeying alongside archaeologist Edward and his team, following mysterious clues from a dragon's fossil to a deserted island.

The narrative intricately weaves between ancient and modern eras, prompting players to piece together the island’s downfall and deliver on a mysterious plea for salvation. In a recent statement from the developer, Level-5 reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a global experience, noting that "players who import the Japanese physical release will enjoy the full game in English and other supported languages, ensuring accessibility for Fantasy Life fans worldwide." This approach ensures that collectors and enthusiasts outside Japan are not left behind despite the absence of locally distributed physical stock. Key features in Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time include the ability to master 14 unique 'Lives' — each representing a distinct job such as gathering, crafting, or combat.

These roles offer diverse gameplay opportunities, allowing users to collect resources, craft items, or engage in battles, with complete flexibility to switch between Lives at any point.

Players can also shape and expand their island environment by gathering materials and creatively designing towns, landscapes, and personal homes. Open-world exploration is another cornerstone, with the largest continent yet in the Fantasy Life series.

Players can climb, swim, ride mounts, and freely traverse new environments.

Multiplayer options further enrich the experience, supporting up to four players online or local co-op through split controllers, promoting both collaborative play and social interaction. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is set for release on May 21, 2025.

The game’s digital version will be accessible via the Nintendo eShop, but those seeking a boxed edition will need to import from Japan.

With Level-5’s pedigree and a host of innovative features, this title is positioned as one of the most engaging life simulation offerings for the Nintendo Switch in the coming year. Pre-orders for the Japanese physical edition are now live.

For more updates, trailers, and detailed gameplay insights, visit the official Nintendo and Level-5 channels.

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