GameStop Allegedly Helping Nintendo With Xenoblade Localization

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We can always count on the rumor mill to produce some juicy talk for us, whether those rumors are about the next generation of consoles or the next generation of adorable-yet-vicious monsters, but today our ears are perking up thanks to some truly strange speculation concerning GameStop and Nintendo.

According to GoNintendo, GameStop is partially to thank for the announcement of a North American Xenoblade Chronicles release. GoNintendo’s source (who, unsurprisingly, remained anonymous) says that GameStop approached Nintendo about the North American localization of Xenoblade and is helping cover some of the publishing costs.

Not only that, but Nintendo is also interested in releasing The Last Story in North America, and whether or not The Last Story makes it to US shores depends on how well Xenoblade does, a rumor that is admittedly a little easier to believe. Unfortunately, The Last Story‘s prospects aren’t looking so hot, as pre-orders for Xenoblade are lagging behind expectations.

I don’t doubt that Nintendo is hanging the fate of The Last Story on the success of Xenoblade, nor am I surprised to hear that pre-orders for Xenoblade aren’t doing so great – after all, I’m sure that a fair few Xenoblade fans got fed up with Nintendo of America’s mind games and decided to import the European version. However, it’s a little more difficult to believe that GameStop actually put up money to publish Xenoblade in North America. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility considering that Xenoblade Chronicles will only be offered at GameStop, but it still doesn’t seem all that likely.

What do you think? Is there truth to these rumors? Do you think Xenoblade Chronicles will do well in North America next April, or will it fall flat? Head down to the comments section to speculate away, and keep it here at TFTS – we’ll be sure to update you if Nintendo or GameStop issue a statement on these rumors!