Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition Shines on Switch 2 with Joy-Con Mouse Controls

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition has made a strong impression on the Nintendo Switch 2, revitalizing KOEI TECMO’s storied strategy franchise for a new generation of gamers.

The series, which traces its roots to 1983 under Kou Shibusawa’s direction, tasks players with unifying Japan’s warring provinces through complex empire management.

With this 'Complete Edition,' new and returning fans alike can experience the most visually impressive and feature-rich release on a Nintendo console to date. Originally launched for the Nintendo Switch in July 2023, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening was lauded for its depth but drew criticism for its daunting complexity and insufficient in-game guidance.

While the fundamental challenge remains—requiring players to oversee policies, diplomacy, resource management, and warfare—the Nintendo Switch 2’s innovative Joy-Con mouse controls deliver a genuine game-changer for fans of the genre. As one early review noted, “The sheer number of systems to track remains staggering, from designating policies and overseeing domains to planning covert actions, developing infrastructure, and conducting strategic warfare.” Navigating such layered menus previously proved laborious on a traditional gamepad, especially given the absence of a printed manual.

KOEI TECMO mitigated this by offering in-depth web manuals and support for player-made guides, but the inherent barrier to entry persisted. This latest release answers past criticisms directly.

With the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse functionality, accessing and managing intricate menus and extensive game data is much more natural and precise.

Players no longer have to contend with intricate button combinations or cumbersome control schemes; the Joy-Con mouse mode streamlines the experience, allowing for faster, clearer execution of tactical decisions.

For many series newcomers, this is a welcome improvement that removes a major obstacle between themselves and the game’s deep strategic rewards. Beyond enhanced controls, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition also compiles all previously released early purchase and pre-order content, six new scenarios, and the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Officer Data Set, offering the most robust content package in the franchise’s history.

The visual presentation has also seen a marked upgrade, with sharper character art, more detailed maps, and smoother animations—raising the bar for strategy games on Nintendo platforms. However, existing players should note that save data cannot be transferred from the original Nintendo Switch version, and there is no upgrade path; those seeking the improved controls and features of the Switch 2 edition must begin their conquest anew.

While this may disappoint veterans, newcomers or those willing to restart can now enjoy a more accessible and streamlined experience. In summary, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant step forward for complex strategy gaming on consoles.

While it remains a title best suited to dedicated tacticians ready to invest dozens of hours learning its systems, KOEI TECMO’s latest innovations—most notably the Joy-Con mouse support—greatly reduce the learning curve.

This makes the Switch 2 the definitive way to experience one of strategy gaming’s most enduring franchises.

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