Capcom is bringing Resident Evil 7: Biohazard to Nintendo Switch, but perhaps not in the way you were expecting. 2017’s resurgence of the survival-horror staple will be released in Japan only in a cloud-streaming edition. According to its eShop listing, the download comes in at 45 MB and requires a constant internet connection to play.
The first 15 minutes will be free to play, and thereafter users must purchase a 2000 yen pass which lasts up to 180 days to continue. Irrespective of this unorthodox release, this is the complete Resident Evil 7 experience, including the Banned Footage Volume 1 and 2, End of Zoe, and Not a Hero DLC.
This wouldn’t mark the first time a Switch release existed purely as a cloud stream. Both Dragon Quest X and Phantasy Star Online 2 are also Japan-only cloud-streaming versions. Neither of those are available outside of Japan, where securing a high-speed internet connection is comparatively easier than in western nations.
Resident Evil is already existent on the Switch with the reissues of Resident Evil Revelations 1 and 2, which are available both digitally and at retail in cart form. There’s currently no indication of a western release of Resident Evil 7: Cloud Edition on the Switch while it launches in Japan on May 24th.
