Bandai Namco’s Tales Series Gears Up for New Remasters and a Major Sequel

Bandai Namco’s beloved Tales franchise is quietly gearing up for a new era, one that promises both nostalgia and innovation.

While fans eagerly await Tales of Xillia Remastered, launching on October 30 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, series producer Yusuke Tomizawa has dropped some fascinating hints about the franchise’s future in a recent Famitsu interview.

Tomizawa confirmed that Bandai Namco’s Remaster Project is far from over. In fact, two additional titles are already in the pipeline – one deep in development and another still undergoing verification. Although details remain under wraps, fans won’t have to wait too long before discovering which classic entry will receive the remaster treatment next. What’s certain, however, is that Tales of Xillia 2 Remastered is officially in production and progressing well, with more details expected soon.

But the conversation didn’t stop at remasters. Tomizawa also teased the next major installment in the Tales saga. Development is underway, but patience will be key: the next mainline game is still a ways off. This measured approach marks a shift from the series’ earlier days, when Bandai Namco rapidly released multiple entries across console generations, often just months apart in Japan. Now, the focus seems to be on quality, not quantity – a promise that raises expectations sky-high following the success of 2021’s Tales of Arise.

Interestingly, Tomizawa revealed that more than 70% of the Tales fanbase now resides outside Japan. It’s a stunning turnaround for a series that once struggled to find footing in Western markets. For years, North American and European players received delayed releases – or none at all – of beloved entries such as the Tales of Destiny remake and Tales of Rebirth. These 2D gems, often praised for their emotional storytelling and deep combat systems, never officially left Japan. That history has led to speculation: could one of these cult classics be among the remasters now in development?

For fans unwilling to wait for official re-releases, the community has stepped in. In 2024, Life Bottle Productions released a comprehensive English translation patch for Tales of Rebirth, complete with subtitle support for animated cutscenes and in-battle dialogue. This fan dedication shows the enduring power of the series’ storytelling and gameplay – even decades later.

As Bandai Namco balances nostalgia with evolution, it’s clear the Tales series is entering a new phase. Between long-awaited remasters, a still-mysterious new mainline title, and a growing Western audience, the franchise stands on the brink of something special. The wait may be long, but if history is any guide, it’ll be worth it.