The 2023 console release, officially titled Tales of Symphonia Remastered, brings forward additions from later versions and adds visual and usability updates. “Definitive Edition” is not the publisher’s name for it. Bandai Namco says Remastered has no story content or features made exclusively for it, and it does not include the sequel, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. The publisher does not provide a complete GameCube-to-Remastered change list, so some direct comparisons—such as frame rate—cannot be confirmed from its official materials.
What changed from the GameCube original?
The clearest differences are the later-version content Remastered includes, its updated visuals and small quality-of-life changes, and its availability on newer consoles. Bandai Namco describes the release as an enhanced version of the original game, not a new story edition.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tales of Symphonia - Gamecube (Renewed) | $27.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tales of Symphonia | $159.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Tales of Symphonia Remastered - Nintendo Switch | $31.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Tales of Symphonia - (GC) GameCube [Pre-Owned] (Japanese Import)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VQjdclMsL._SL160_.jpg)
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Tales of Symphonia - (GC) GameCube [Pre-Owned] (Japanese Import) | $94.71 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Atari Banpresto Tales Of Symphonia - Dawn The New World, Multicolor | $61.36 | Buy on Amazon |
Later-version additions are included
Remastered carries enhancements from Tales of Symphonia Chronicles, including party costumes, Compound Unison Attacks, Mystic Artes that had previously been available only in the Japan-only PS2 port, two opening themes, and a choice of Japanese or English voice acting. These are additions accumulated in later versions rather than content created exclusively for Remastered. Bandai Namco’s production team put it this way: “While there is no new story content or features made exclusively for TALES OF SYMPHONIA REMASTERED, the game does carry all the enhancements from TALES OF SYMPHONIA CHRONICLES.” (Bandai Namco Entertainment America, November 9, 2022.)
Visuals and usability were updated
Bandai Namco says Remastered has sharper, crisper in-game visuals than Chronicles and Steam, with enhanced character models and environments including towns and the overworld. That comparison is specifically with those versions; the publisher does not describe it as a measured direct comparison with the GameCube release.
#1 Best Overall
- Discs only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
The listed usability changes include improved controls for the Elemental Cargo ship, the ability to skip some events and cutscenes, more information on the save screen, and other minor quality-of-life improvements. The publisher does not enumerate every small change.
The sequel is not part of this release
Tales of Symphonia Remastered contains the original game, not Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. If you want both games, do not assume the Remastered title is a collection.
Rank #2
- Fierce, action-packed battle system with hundreds of special attacks, spells, and combos
- Fully customizable character growth system -- change your fighting style and alter the storyline according to the characters' relationships
- Multiplayer fighting action - Up to 4 players can control one party member each during combat
- Unprecedented number of great minigames and side quests
How does Remastered run on consoles?
Bandai Namco Entertainment America’s November 9, 2022 specifications list the following for Remastered. These are publisher specifications, not independent measurements.
| Platform | Resolution listed by Bandai Namco | Frame rate listed by Bandai Namco |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch, TV mode | 1920 × 1080 | 30 FPS |
| Nintendo Switch, handheld mode | 1280 × 720 | 30 FPS |
| PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro | 1920 × 1080 | 30 FPS |
| Xbox One and Xbox One X | 1920 × 1080 | 30 FPS |
The same Q&A says the console release is based on the Steam version, which ran at 30 FPS, and that the console version was optimized for more stable performance. It does not state the GameCube version’s frame rate or give a direct GameCube-versus-Remastered performance comparison, so these figures should not be read as proof of a frame-rate change from GameCube.
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Rank #3
- AN EPIC ADVENTURE - Explore a rich and lively world filled with unforgettable characters and experience an emotionally charged storyline like never before
- FULLY RESTORED - Features graphically enhanced and improved gameplay
- THRILLING BATTLES - Play with up to 3 friends in local co-op mode to fight powerful opponents in real-time battles - Combine hundreds of special attacks and magic spells
- A 3D MASTERPIECE - Watch stunning anime cutscenes and become absorbed in endearing eel-shaded characters designed by renowned artist Kosuke Fujishima
Where can you play it, and what does the story include?
Bandai Namco lists Remastered for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with backward compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The publisher said Steam already had the in-game content found in Remastered; the console release brought the game to modern console players. (Bandai Namco Entertainment America, February 17, 2023.)
The story follows Lloyd Irving and his friends through Sylvarant, a land that needs a constant source of mana. Its legend predicts that a Chosen One will regenerate the world. Local co-op supports up to three additional players during real-time battles, according to the publisher’s game description.
Rank #4
- Japanese Import Video Game
- Uses the LMBS Battle System
- 4th Mothership Tales Title
Is Remastered the better version for you?
- Choose Remastered if you want the later-version additions, visual and usability updates, or to play on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S.
- Choose the GameCube original if you specifically want that release. The official materials cited here do not establish a complete list of differences between it and Remastered, or a direct technical comparison.
- Do not buy Remastered expecting a two-game collection: Dawn of the New World is not included.
For a precise technical reference, Bandai Namco’s November 9, 2022 team Q&A lists the console specifications and content notes; its official game page identifies the release and platforms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic Tales - Return to the world of Tales of Symphonia and discover the consequences of the fusion of the two worlds
- Over 200 Unique Monsters - Capture, collect and feed monsters as they grow, gain experience and even evolve into new, more powerful beasts
- Improved for WiiTM console: environments, characters and effects look better than ever
- Advanced Combat System: Tales RPG's real-time combat system with an all-new freestyle system, dynamic attacks in unison and strategic elemental system
- IT'S YOUR PARTY - Customize the party with unlimited combinations of monsters and characters throughout the adventure
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
