Update - July 24 8:26 AM - Nintendo has said they were the reason that the game was sent out early, which would explain why it was only on that system. In the email they sent out, they say they meant to mark the recipients as folks who would have the add-on content on launch. To fix the situation, Nintendo has revoked the digital codes for the game, and Square Enix will be sending out updated add-on codes for those who purchase physical Nintendo Switch copies on their store. This marks the first time a digital game has been revoked on the Nintendo Switch.
Original story below
Square Enix's North American store may have inadvertently provided early access to the much-hyped NEO: The World Ends with You. Nearly fifteen years after the first game's release, The World Ends with You captivated many with its story, soundtrack, and art direction, and now Neo: The World Ends with You leaked online by Square Enix themself.
According to some Twitter users and a ResetEra thread, some people who ordered a physical copy woke up to a little something extra this morning. A downloadable code for the full game appeared for some of them, allowing downloads well ahead of the planned release date later this month. According to original poster Mickagau, some could even launch the game and begin playing. It seems that only codes generated for the Nintendo Switch leaked the full game download to the eager players. PlayStation 4 players, on the other hand, will need to wait until the actual release date to play the full game.
At time of writing, Square Enix's Twitter account had yet to make an official statement regarding the alleged leaks. It is currently unclear if the leaks were caused by an error related to early review copies, pre-order bonuses, pre-loading gone wrong, or something else. TechRaptor will include an official statement from the company if and when Square Enix releases one.
Set in the same universe as the 2007 Nintendo DS cult classic The World Ends with You, NEO features a new cast in a comfortably-familiar landscape. Set in the flashy, fashionable Shibuya district, the original The World Ends with You was known for its innovative battle mechanics, distinctive character designs, and catchy soundtrack. Using both screens for combat and several different allies, Neku and his Partner battled the Noise of Shibuya and uncovered an insidious plot involving a mysterious game. Rather than the moody, provocative, and sardonic Neku Sakuraba, you'll instead control Rindo, the leader of the Wicked Twisters team.
NEO: The World Ends with You officially releases on July 27. When it releases (for real), TechRaptor will bring you the latest in the Reapers' Game. NEO: The World Ends with You already includes a free demo, if you're interested in trying it out for yourself.
