Capcom explains decision behind digital-only release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies in the west

Ace Attorney 5 will be launching in Japan as a retail product. In the west, where the game is known as “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies”, Capcom has opted to make the game available only through the 3DS eShop.

Following today’s announcement, we asked Capcom about the decision to bring Dual Destinies to North America and Europe as a digital title. The company explained that it “wanted as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the game for as long as possible.” While Capcom does “understand that this decision may upset fans who wanted to have a physical version of the title to add to their collection”, it feels that “this direction is the best to take to ensure that fans are able to enjoy the game at their own leisure.”

Capcom provided Nintendo Everything with the following comment:

Historically it’s been tough to attract long term retail support for Ace Attorney titles. With the release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies we wanted as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the game for as long as possible. With that in mind we have opted for a digital only release via the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

We understand that this decision may upset fans who wanted to have a physical version of the title to add to their collection but we believe this direction is the best to take to ensure that fans are able to enjoy the game at their own leisure.

We will be confirming details on the price point soon so please stay tuned for more information on the latest in the Ace Attorney series.