Ys X: Proud Nordics Brings a New Island and 120 FPS to Switch 2 and PC — But PS5 Is MIA

Why This Announcement Actually Matters

Ys X: Nordics just hit its first anniversary, and Falcom is already charting a new course: Ys X: Proud Nordics, an enhanced “definitive” edition landing in the West on PC and Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2026. This caught my attention for two reasons. First, it’s not a token repackage-there’s a new island, fresh quests, more enemies, and a tough new dungeon. Second, there’s no PS5 version announced. For a series with deep PlayStation roots, that’s… eyebrow-raising.

• Platforms confirmed: Switch 2 and PC via Steam. PS5 unannounced.
• New content includes a fresh island, more quests, new enemies, and a punishing time-trial dungeon.
• Performance targets include a 120 FPS mode on Switch 2.
• NIS America is publishing in the West-expect a full localization and PC options.

Breaking Down the Announcement

Proud Nordics isn’t just a patch with a shiny subtitle. Falcom’s adding a new region-Öland Island—plus additional quests and enemies that expand the Obelia Gulf sandbox. Adol and Karja return, with new characters Canute and Astrid joining the mix. The Ys series lives or dies on combat feel, and Falcom says there are new abilities layered into the existing systems, alongside a high-difficulty dungeon called Muspelheim that runs as a timed gauntlet. It sounds tailor-made for leaderboard chasers and speedrunners—the kind of challenge that gets clipped and dissected on YouTube for months.

The original Nordics shook up Ys with its dual-protagonist combat and that tethered “shackle” dynamic—forcing you to swap roles and exploit openings rather than just mash your way through. Adding a new island is the right kind of expansion here: more routes, more secrets, and more reasons to engage with its traversal and boat systems rather than a bolt-on survival mode that nobody touches twice.

The PS5-Shaped Gap

Let’s talk about the obvious: no PS5 version announced. That stings if you bought Ys X: Nordics on PS5 and expected an upgrade path. Falcom’s history isn’t exactly “annual definitive editions,” but we’ve seen enhanced re-releases across the Trails and Ys lines land on different platforms at different times. Maybe a PS5 version shows up later. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, NIS America needs to address double-dip concerns and save transfer questions soon. If you’re deep into your PS5 playthrough, the idea that the “definitive” version skips your platform—at least initially—is a tough pill.

From a business standpoint, targeting Switch 2 at the start makes sense. It’s a fresh install base hungry for showcases, and Falcom games historically do well on Nintendo when performance holds up. But PlayStation has been the home for Ys for decades. The silence is louder than usual.

Performance Promises Vs. Reality

A headline feature is a 120 FPS mode on Switch 2. If that holds in real gameplay (not just dungeons or small arenas), it could be transformative. Ys is all about responsiveness—snapping between stances, perfect guards, and exploiting stagger windows. Higher frame rates don’t just look pretty; they change how the combat feels in your hands. I’m expecting options: a 60 FPS “quality” mode and a 120 FPS “performance” mode, with resolution trade-offs. That’s the responsible way to do it on hybrid hardware.

On PC, the wish list is clear: scalable settings, proper ultrawide support, robust key rebinding, and day-one stability. NIS America’s PC track record has improved over the last few years, and this series deserves the kind of rock-solid port we’ve seen from better recent efforts. Ys VIII’s rocky PC debut is the cautionary tale; don’t repeat it. If Proud Nordics ships with high refresh support and clean frame pacing, this becomes the version action RPG fans will point to when converting newcomers.

What Gamers Need to Know

• New content isn’t fluff. Öland Island, fresh quests, and additional enemies suggest meaningful exploration and combat variety, not just stat-stuffed reskins.
• Muspelheim is a timed, high-difficulty dungeon. Expect tight builds, route optimization, and ability mastery to matter—perfect for chase-the-PB runs.
• Quality-of-life tweaks are promised. Inventory, UI, and flow improvements can be the difference between “I’ll clear the map” and “I’ll do it later.”
• No word on upgrade pricing. If you own Ys X: Nordics already, wait for clarity on discounts, save transfers, and DLC carryover before double-dipping.

As for the story, expanding the Griegr threat is smart. Nordics already leaned into its seafaring vibe; adding an island with new characters can deepen the crew dynamic that made this entry feel distinct from Ys VIII and IX. If Falcom sticks the landing on character banter and boss design, Proud Nordics could be the version that stays in the rotation long after credits roll—especially for players who love time-attack metas.

Looking Ahead

Early 2026 is a long sail away, but the pitch is clear: Proud Nordics aims to be the definitive way to play Ys X on modern hardware, with performance to match and content that actually matters. The unanswered questions—PS5 plans, upgrade paths, and how aggressive the 120 FPS mode is—will determine whether fans feel celebrated or sidelined.

TL;DR

Ys X: Proud Nordics brings a new island, tougher endgame, and big performance targets to Switch 2 and PC in early 2026. It looks like a proper upgrade, not a quick cash-in. But without a PS5 announcement or clear upgrade details, PlayStation fans have every right to be cautious before planning a second voyage.