This week, Koei Tecmo and Gust are releasing updated versions of the Atelier Ryza games – Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy, and Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. These are available individually or as a bundle called the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack. With versions available on PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, and PC, I’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best version for you. I’ve tested how each version plays, including comparisons between the Switch and Switch 2 versions, and the updated PS5 version of Ryza 2.
This is the most extensive comparison I’ve done, especially considering the different versions and how well older saves work across all three Atelier Ryza games. I’ll be looking at both the technical aspects and the features, and I’ll point out anything you need to know about playing on different platforms with the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack. First, let’s quickly review the platforms and release dates for each game.
Atelier Ryza series release timeline
The Atelier Ryza games have been released on many different platforms over the years. With recent ‘DX’ versions coming out shortly after the Nintendo Switch, there are now a lot of ways to play. Here’s a breakdown of the release dates and how the game performs on each system, based on my experience playing them all since launch.
- September 2019: Atelier Ryza is released in Japan on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
- October 2019: Atelier Ryza is released in the West for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The PS4 version feels quite lacking for this release with a lot of shimmering, 30fps target, and long load times. The Switch port on the other hand is excellent compared to prior Atelier releases and it was my main platform for Ryza. The PC port was a big step up over prior PC versions as well, but it wasn’t perfect.
- December 2020: Atelier Ryza 2 is released in Japan on PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
- January 2021: Atelier Ryza 2 is released in the West on PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. For Ryza 2, a PS5 version was added and it is quite bad. I had to force the console to 1080p for a decent frame rate and it never felt as smooth as it should. The PS4 and Switch versions offered similar experiences to Ryza 1, and I ended up playing on Switch as my main platform for Ryza 2. The PC version of Ryza 2 was easily the best of the lot though with improvements over the first game a surprising amount of graphics and display options.
- March 2023: Atelier Ryza 3 launches worldwide for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Ryza 3 was a more demanding game than 1 and 2, and it suffered on Switch. For this release, the PS5 version ended up being my favorite. It didn’t feel rushed like Ryza 2’s PS5 version and generally was great. Ryza 3 was also excellent on PC, but it was more demanding than 1 and 2 in my testing.
- November 2025: The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is released worldwide for PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch, and Steam with individual DX releases of Atelier Ryza, Ryza 2, and Ryza 3 featuring prior DLC and new content. Save data from the original versions do not carry over, but you get a special save bonus for having Ryza series saves on the same platform.
The original Ryza games marked a turning point where the developers really started focusing on the Switch, and both games turned out great despite some limitations on that platform. While the PS4 versions were okay, they didn’t feel as refined as previous Atelier titles. The biggest issue was the PS5 version of Ryza 2, which was noticeably unstable. Ryza 3 was more graphically intensive, and the PS5 version really stood out as the best. My experience with Ryza 3 wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t perfect either, and I was hoping for an update or improvement for the Switch.
So, the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a big deal – it finally brings the whole trilogy to PS5 and the new Switch 2! Plus, they’re offering some really good bundles with the base games and all the DLC on other platforms too. I usually try to do deep dives on every version for PC and consoles separately, but I’m a bit swamped right now. Hopefully, this helps if you’re like me and play on multiple platforms and want to know what to expect from these Ryza Deluxe games across the board.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack contents and platform feature differences
The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is available digitally everywhere except Japan, where a physical copy for PlayStation 4 and 5 (with English language support) is also being released. There are no physical copies for Nintendo Switch anywhere. While the Switch version is reported to support English in Asia, the Japanese website doesn’t confirm this. I tested the original Switch versions on the new Switch 2 console for this review. This Deluxe Pack includes updated versions of all three games, combining the original content with all previously released DLC and some new additions. Unfortunately, you can’t transfer save data from older versions, but there is a bonus for players who have existing saves.
If you buy the PS4 version digitally, you get the PS5 version too, and you can easily transfer your saved progress from PS4 to PS5. I tested this myself – after playing the game on my PS4 Pro and then launching it on my PS5, the console asked if I wanted to download my save data. Once downloaded, the game’s main menu offered an option to continue playing from my PS4 save on the PS5. It’s also important to know that while Ryza 2 and 3 were available on both PS4 and PS5, the first Ryza game didn’t have a PS5 version until this DX release, which is currently the only way to play it at 60 frames per second on consoles.
If you’re playing on Nintendo Switch or the new Switch 2, the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a separate game you’ll need to buy again. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to transfer your save progress from the Switch version to the Switch 2 version – this is different from how it works on PlayStation 4 and 5.
Now that I’ve covered the differences between the platform versions, I moved on to comparing the console versions from the same generation. After that, I shared my impressions of playing the PC version on handheld devices, and finally, I gave my overall thoughts on this game.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Switch 2 vs Switch 1 differences
I really enjoyed the first two Atelier Ryza games on Nintendo Switch, though they weren’t flawless. This new ‘Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack’ improves the graphics significantly with sharper resolution, better textures, more detailed plants, and enhanced lighting. However, all three games still run at 30 frames per second, which is a bit of a letdown. Considering how well these games run on PC handhelds, I think the first two could have at least had an option for 60fps. Ryza 3, especially, seems to push the hardware pretty hard. While Koei Tecmo and Gust might have stuck with 30fps for a consistent experience, it’s still a shame it couldn’t run faster.
I also observed that the Switch 2 version has a slightly sharper picture. It still looks good when played in handheld mode, but when docked, the image isn’t as smooth or stable as it is on the PS5, even though the Switch 2 aims for 30 frames per second compared to the PS5’s 60.
If you’ve enjoyed the Atelier Ryza games on Nintendo Switch and are considering replaying them, the new versions in the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack are a good investment. However, unlike on PlayStation where one purchase covers both older and newer consoles, you’ll need to buy separate versions for Switch and Switch 2, and you won’t be able to transfer your saved progress between them. The game can recognize existing save data from the original trilogy to unlock bonus content.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack PS4 vs PS5 differences
The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack runs significantly better on PS5 than on PS4, targeting 60 frames per second and loading much faster. While the PS5 version also has improved graphical details like filtering and shadows, the visual difference isn’t as huge as the jump between the original Switch and the newer Switch 2. Still, the PS5 is the best console version because of its smooth 60fps performance and quicker loading, making everything feel more responsive, especially while exploring. A great benefit of the PlayStation version is that buying it digitally gets you both the PS4 and PS5 versions, and you can even continue your progress from the PS4 version on the PS5.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Steam Deck and PC impressions
The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack runs at a smooth 30 frames per second on the Steam Deck and looks good. While you can lower the graphics settings to try and improve performance, the games don’t scale well at lower resolutions, especially 720p, which can make them look blurry. I recommend playing Ryza DX and Ryza 2 DX at 768p, then letting the Steam Deck downscale it to 720p. Ryza 3 DX looks best at a native 720p. Aside from a longer loading time at the start (which also happens on the PC version of Ryza DX), the performance and graphics are similar to the original Ryza games. The DX versions do have better default graphics settings, though.
For the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack on the Steam Deck, I suggest using a combination of High and Standard graphics settings. To improve performance, lower the settings for shadows and depth of field, and turn off motion blur – it’s a bit overpowering. This setup works well for Ryza DX and Ryza 2 DX, though Ryza 3 DX might look slightly less detailed. The good news is you shouldn’t need any extra programs or modifications, unlike with the original games when they first came out.
Playing the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack on the ROG Ally is generally a good experience, with quick loading times (except for the very first load in Ryza DX). However, at 1080p resolution, the game runs at 30 frames per second. While the games don’t look their best at lower resolutions or settings, you can achieve a smooth 60fps experience in the first two games and much of the third by playing at 720p with the 25W power mode. I didn’t spend much time testing lower settings because the visual quality drops off significantly compared to the default or higher settings.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack load times across PS5, Switch 2, PS4, Switch, and PC
To check how quickly the games load, I tested all versions of Atelier Ryza 1, 2, and 3 on various platforms, including PS4, PS5, Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally. This involved testing both the original and ‘DX’ versions where available. I even tested the Switch on the newer Switch 2 console. To ensure accurate results, I retested everything multiple times, which took a considerable amount of time. I also reorganized the data into separate tables for each game to make it easier to read, especially on mobile devices.
To thoroughly test the game, I installed versions on every platform I own: the PS4 version on both PS4 and PS4 Pro, the PS4 version on the PS5’s internal SSD, various PS5 versions on the PS5’s internal SSD, Switch versions on my Switch OLED using an SD card, Switch and Switch 2 versions on the Switch 2’s internal storage, and the Steam version on both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally’s internal SSDs. I timed how long it took to load the game’s title screen from the console’s dashboard and from a specific early-game save file on each system.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout and Ryza DX load times across PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, and PC
| Platform and version | Dashboard to title | Loading save |
| PS4 | 43 | 6 |
| PS4 DX | 43 | 6 |
| PS4 on PS5 | 36 | 3-4 |
| PS4 DX on PS5 | 34 | 3-4 |
| PS5 DX | 12 | 2-3 |
| Switch | 45 | 8 |
| Switch DX | 34 | 7 |
| Switch on Switch 2 | 22-23 | 4-5 |
| Switch DX on Switch 2 | 18-20 | 4-5 |
| Switch 2 DX | 19-21 | 4-5 |
| Steam Deck | 25-26 | 4 |
| Steam Deck DX | 26-27 | 4 |
| ROG Ally | 17 | 3 |
| ROG Ally DX | 40 | 3 |
Note: All load times above are in seconds.
Aside from a surprisingly long loading time when first starting Ryza DX on Steam, everything performed as expected. I tested the loading speed on the ROG Ally multiple times over a week, but couldn’t understand why it was slower than on the Steam Deck. Other Ryza DX games and the original Ryza load much faster on the Ally. Overall, the PS5 version of Ryza DX is the quickest.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy and Ryza 2 DX load times across PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, and PC
| Platform and version | Dashboard to title | Loading save |
| PS4 | 78 | 7-8 |
| PS4 DX | 48-50 | 8 |
| PS4 on PS5 | 64 | 6 |
| PS4 DX on PS5 | 38-39 | 5-6 |
| PS5 | 21-22 | 2 |
| PS5 DX | 13-14 | 2 |
| Switch | 90 | 10-11 |
| Switch DX | 51 | 8 |
| Switch on Switch 2 | 41 | 5-6 |
| Switch DX on Switch 2 | 23-24 | 4-5 |
| Switch 2 DX | 23-25 | 5-6 |
| Steam Deck | 40 | 5-6 |
| Steam Deck DX | 34 | 5 |
| ROG Ally | 26 | 4 |
| ROG Ally DX | 32 | 3-4 |
Note: All load times above are in seconds.
Similar to the first game’s upgraded version, the PS5 version is the smoothest and fastest to play. It’s worth mentioning that the original PS5 release of the second game wasn’t very good and isn’t worth playing now. However, overall, I still believe the second game is the strongest in the series, and I’m happy to have a great version for handheld consoles (Switch 2) alongside the fantastic PS5 version that I can recommend.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key and Ryza 3 DX load times across PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, and PC
| Platform and version | Dashboard to title | Loading save |
| PS4 | 78 | 6 |
| PS4 DX | 55-58 | 6-7 |
| PS4 on PS5 | 39-40 | 4-5 |
| PS4 DX on PS5 | 42-44 | 4-5 |
| PS5 | 17-18 | 3-4 |
| PS5 DX | 17-18 | 2-3 |
| Switch | 44 | 6-7 |
| Switch DX | 48 | 6 |
| Switch on Switch 2 | 22-24 | 4 |
| Switch DX on Switch 2 | 23-24 | 3-4 |
| Switch 2 DX | 26-27 | 4-5 |
| Steam Deck | 32 | 4-5 |
| Steam Deck DX | 32 | 4-5 |
| ROG Ally | 28 | 3-4 |
| ROG Ally DX | 25 | 3-4 |
Note: All load times above are in seconds.
Atelier Ryza 3 had performance issues on the PS4 and Switch. Thankfully, the updated versions (DX) already show improvements in how quickly the game loads, even when installed on the same devices. As expected, the PS5 version of the update is the fastest, and the updated version for the newer Switch model is a bit faster than the original Switch version.
After thoroughly testing the game on various systems, I was surprised by how slow the loading times were on the PS4 when played from a traditional hard drive. While the Switch 2 version didn’t load quite as quickly as I’d hoped, it was still fast and played very smoothly. I confidently recommend the Switch 2 as a great way to enjoy the Ryza trilogy on the go.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack visuals compared — PS5, Switch 2, PC, PS4, and Switch
I compared Ryza DX across different platforms in two ways: while docked (connected to a TV) and in handheld mode. For the docked comparisons, I tested on Switch 2, Switch, PS5, and PS4 Pro. For handheld, I used Switch 2, Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally. I captured handheld footage directly from the Switch and Switch 2, as that was the only option. For Steam Deck and ROG Ally, I used Steam’s screenshot tools. All docked footage was captured with a 4K capture card. I made sure to compare similar in-game scenes across each platform. The images below show the results, and I recommend viewing them at full quality to see the differences clearly. While I’ve cropped the images to focus on important details, thumbnails may not show the full picture due to compression.
Atelier Ryza DX PS5, PS4 Pro, Switch 2, and Switch visuals compared
Atelier Ryza DX Switch 2, Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally handheld visuals compared
Atelier Ryza 2 DX PS5, PS4 Pro, Switch 2, and Switch visuals compared
Atelier Ryza 2 DX Switch 2, Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally handheld visuals compared
Atelier Ryza 3 DX PS5, PS4 Pro, Switch 2, and Switch visuals compared
Atelier Ryza 3 DX Switch 2, Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally handheld visuals compared
Is the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack worth it for existing owners?
If you already have all the Atelier Ryza games and DLC on Switch or PC, this new release probably isn’t worth the cost. However, if you’re a PlayStation 5 owner, the upgraded versions of Ryza and Ryza 2 are a significant improvement over the older versions. If you only own the base games, or haven’t played all three, the Deluxe Pack is a good value. For anyone new to the series, this is the best way to experience the Ryza games. It’s also recommended to buy all three games together when possible, as there aren’t currently any discounts or upgrade options for individual purchases.
The new content in these three games doesn’t carry over your previous progress, so it’s really only worth buying if you enjoy replaying them. If you only have the original versions of the games, the bundle offers good value if you plan to play through them again. However, if you don’t think you’ll replay these games, it’s probably best to wait. I haven’t had a chance to fully explore the new additions in all three games, so I can’t say how significant they are.
Should you buy the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack on PS5, Switch 2, PC, PS4, or Switch 1?
Currently, the best way to play is on a powerful PC or PlayStation 5 if you’re using a TV, and on a handheld gaming PC like the ROG Ally when you’re traveling. While the Switch 2 and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme have similar performance, my testing shows the Switch 2 has better battery life. The Switch 2 is a slightly better choice than the Steam Deck, especially for games like the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack. The older Switch and PlayStation 4 versions aren’t really worth playing unless you have no other options.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack issues still present on all platforms
Honestly, the biggest things holding back the visuals right now are the way plants look, especially with some blurry textures and a lack of smoothing around the edges – it’s noticeable on every platform. I understand this isn’t a full remake, more like a souped-up version for new consoles with all the old DLC and a bit extra. But it’s frustrating to see that same shimmering grass I hated back on my original PS4 still happening in Atelier Ryza DX. That’s just one example, but you’ll definitely run into similar visual problems throughout the game.
I’m a little let down that the new Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t have an option to play games at 60 frames per second. While it runs smoothly at 30fps, I’ve been playing recent Atelier games on the Switch at that rate for years and was hoping for a faster experience. I also think Gust should have included better upscaling for when the system is used in handheld mode, even though I appreciate the features they did add. Finally, I’m frustrated that Koei Tecmo still isn’t fully subtitling the in-game dialogue. I don’t expect voice acting to be dubbed into English, but all spoken lines should at least have subtitles, even during exploration or battles. It’s disappointing to miss out on parts of the game just because they aren’t translated.
We hope this comparison of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy, and Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC has helped you decide if the Deluxe Pack is worth buying, or if it’s a good value if you already own the individual games.
The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack will be available on November 13th for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (via Steam).
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2025-11-12 14:03