Nintendo gamers have until November 28 to purchase "Fitness Boxing 2" on the Switch eShop before it is deleted from sale forever.
The removal comes hot on the heels of its predecessor, with rumors of licensing and the fate of the "Fitness Boxing" series in question.
'Fitness Boxing 2' Bound for Delisting
Launched in 2020 by Nintendo and Imagineer, "Fitness Boxing 2" provided Switch users with an entertaining exercise experience using rhythm-based boxing workouts. Only five years since its release, Nintendo announced that it will become extinct from the digital store, with its loyalists having a limited timeframe to get their hands on the game before it is no longer available.
This step follows the destiny of the initial "Fitness Boxing" game, which was also removed from the store five years post-release in 2018. The trend heavily implies that Nintendo will have a comparable timeline for every subsequent release in the series.
Why Is 'Fitness Boxing 2' Being Delisted?
Nintendo hasn't offered a formal reason, but industry watchers identify licensing complications as the most probable cause. Although the game does not incorporate original top hits, it does employ instrumental versions of said hits, which are still subject to licensing arrangements. When those contracts come up for renewal, publishers must decide whether to renew them or take the game out of circulation altogether.
According to ComicBook, Japanese developers are particularly cagey regarding license issues, and that is why fans have to make educated guesses. Anyway, the imminent removal shows how licensing may affect digital game access.
Is It Possible to Still Play 'Fitness Boxing 2' After November 28?
Existing owners of "Fitness Boxing 2" will still be able to access it even after delisting. The game will remain fully playable and downloadable for current purchasers. The only difference is that new users won't be able to buy it on the eShop after the deadline date.
Interestingly, the game is also compatible with the new Nintendo Switch 2 through backward compatibility. This means both original Switch and Switch 2 owners can still enjoy the title, provided they purchase it before it disappears.
For anyone who hasn't picked up "Fitness Boxing 2" yet, this is the final opportunity to do so for $49.99 before it leaves the shelves. Nintendo is discounting other games by as little as $2 at the moment, but this exercise game isn't likely to see a price cut before it's gone.
The delisting also serves as a valuable reminder for online-only gamers: licenses and distribution rights expire, so favorite games may not always be there. If you're a fan of sports games, this is the only time to buy this game.
