Nintendo's Switch launch title Breath of the Wild has been praised by actress Brie Larson and hundreds of thousands of other players around the world, earning it numerous Game of the Year nods when it released in 2017. Mihoyo's open-world action RPG Genshin Impact has been controversial for its similarities to the landmark Zelda title, but offers plenty of its own flavor with an anime aesthetic. Today, it was confirmed that the game will be releasing on PC and mobile devices earlier than some may have expected.
Genshin Impact will be available on these platforms before October according to the game's official Twitter account, though the exact date will be announced later. The game was first revealed at the 2019 China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, also called ChinaJoy, and it has been confirmed that Genshin Impact is launching on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Though console release dates were not confirmed in this social media post, development is still ongoing and will likely need more time for the traditionally mobile game-focused studio. Genshin Impact launched its final closed beta period on July 2 for PC, PS4, and mobile devices, giving prospective fans the opportunity to test out the four-player co-op experience in two of its seven major cities before launch.
While Genshin Impact looks to be a solid title in its own right, its presence in the video game landscape has largely been defined by the controversy surrounding its connection to Breath of the Wild. After Genshin Impact was demonstrated at ChinaJoy 2019, an attendee smashed his PS4 to protest Sony supporting the game.
That said, there are plenty of differences to help Mihoyo's upcoming title from Nintendo's flagship game in spite of its painterly art style and mechanics like climbing and paragliding. Following the convention last year, 24 minutes of Genshin Impact gameplay footage became available, and since then more has emerged to show off its multiple playable characters and shifting combat focuses.
Those who are interested in giving the game a try for themselves should be happy to hear it will be available on its first wave of devices before October. Genshin Impact promises to be a good palate cleanser while waiting for Nintendo's Breath of the Wild 2, which has not been heard from since E3 2019.
Genshin Impact will release later this year on PC, iOS, and Android devices. PS4 and Switch ports are also in development.