Earlier today Capcom released a press release on Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies’ (the fifth installment in the mainline series) western release. What was first excitement turned into disappointment for a few, with the announcement that the game will only be released as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop.

With the rest of series, excluding a certain two, all being localized and released in physical form, this news came as a bit of a shock. With this being the first title in the Ace Attorney franchise having a digital-only release, Capcom USA’s Senior Vice-President, Christian Svensson, explains why it needed to be this way:

Sorry guys, but a physical release is not in the cards.

Historically it’s been tough to attract long term retail support for Ace Attorney titles. With the release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies we wanted as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the game for as long as possible. With that in mind we have opted for a digital only release via the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

I understand that this decision may upset fans who wanted to have a physical version of the title to add to their collection but we believe this direction is the best to take.

We will be confirming details on the price point in the not-so-distant future which I hope will also shed more light on the strategy at play here.

In my humble opinion, I can’t say I really blame them and understand where they’re coming from. With the series as niche it is, unlike previously, certain risks just couldn’t be ignored this time. One title has still not been localized, and another title is in status limbo over its localization. If this was really the only option for them, and the only way for us to be able to play it in English, then so be it. What do you all think?

Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies is a 3DS exclusive title, and will be arriving in the West this fall. If you’re interested in the series, but haven’t played any of previous installments, check here to get any or all of the previous games on Amazon.