Several days ago, Nintendo hosted its first Direct presentation for the year, focusing on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As expected, the Direct presentation revealed the two new DLC characters joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's roster, which turns out to be Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Now, reports reveal that shortly after Nintendo's announcement, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has sold out in Japan.
It is worth noting that Super Smash Bros. has always been a great tool for promoting other games. Previously, Fire Emblem's Corrin joined Super Smash Bros., which helped promote Fire Emblem Fates' western release. The Super Smash Bros. franchise also helped promote other titles by having their respective characters appear in its fighters' roster. This is why it is not surprising that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 saw a huge boost in sales and has since sold out in Japan.
The effect Super Smash Bros. Ultimate had on Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was posted by Twitter user BellowDGaming, sourcing a blog that showed Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being sold out on Amazon Japan. Interestingly enough, the price of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 at Amazon currently retails for $85.99, which is $26 more than its usual price of $59.99. It is unclear whether the decrease of stock and the rise of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Amazon US can also be directly correlated to Pyra and Mythra joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the English version of the game is now on low stock at Amazon at the time of writing. Although Xenoblade Chronicles had a moderately successful performance since its release in 2017, it is still considered a niche series for Nintendo. As of September 2020, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has sold 2.05 million units, while Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has sold 1.48 million. Thanks to the forthcoming arrival of Pyra and Mythra as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 2's new DLC characters, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is back in the spotlight again nearly four years after its initial release.
Apart from the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate crossover, the latest Nintendo Direct covered several other games coming to the Switch. First, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knowckout and Outer Wilds are confirmed to be headed to Nintendo's hybrid console soon. Additionally, Nintendo announced a new Mario Gold game called Mario Golf: Super Rush, which will come with a dedicated single-player campaign that will allow players to play using their Mii avatars. Nintendo also confirmed a remaster of the classic RPG Legend of Mana, which will be released to the Switch on June 24, 2021.