The impossible has happened: Phantasy Star Online 2 is actually getting a western release date in 2020

After seven long and painful years, Phantasy Star Online 2 is finally coming to the west. That's right! Many of us never truly believed that this day would come, but Sega has partnered up with Microsoft to bring the long-awaited MMORPG to Xbox One in 2020. This was all revealed as part of the Xbox E3 2019 press conference, which is undoubtedly the must-watch showcase for E3 2019

Phantasy Star is a series with a huge following in Asia, but it has struggled to obtain anything other than 'cult classic' status in the west. Despite launching on a number of platforms over the years, Phantasy Star Online 2 never left Japan. Fans were hopeful that PSO2 would finally come to the west following its announcement for Nintendo Switch in 2018... sadly, that never materialised. 

No, it has taken a collaboration between Sega and Microsoft to make this happen. Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch on Xbox One in 'Spring 2020' and it'll be free-to-play! While this sounds like fantastic news all around, Sega has thrown a bit of cold water on the news, with the publisher taking to Twitter to reveal that an EU release is not certain. 

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Speaking personally here – as somebody that poured a truly horrible amount of time into Phantasy Star Universe on Xbox 360 – I'm crossing everything in the hope that Sega is able to bring Phantasy Star Online 2 to the UK and the rest of Europe. Then again, we have all waited for so long to play this game... I think I can hold on a little longer, if I really have to. 

For more from E3 2019, be sure to keep your eyes on GamesRadar and check out our E3 2019 games hub to see all the awesome titles announced this week. 

Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.