- Primary Subject: Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
- Key Update: The permanent closure of the 3DS digital ecosystem has turned the unique narrative path of Fire Emblem Fates into a stark warning about the fragile state of digital video game preservation.
- Status: Confirmed / Retrospective Opinion
- Last Verified: July 8, 2026
- Quick Answer: Legally playing Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation is nearly impossible today because its digital-only availability died with the 3DS eShop, highlighting a massive issue in modern gaming preservation.
Back in 2016, Fire Emblem Fates was marketed as a split release, with routes separated by cartridges: Conquest and Birthright. But there's actually a third route you could play, and that is Revelation.
Revelation was a DLC that provided you with a third route if you didn't want to side with Hoshido or Nohr. Though the maps were arguably the worst out of the three routes, I always loved the story of Revelation - it let you have it all.
And now, most people, including myself, will never play it again. Legally, anyway.
Fire Emblem Revelation Is Lost Media, and I'm Upset About It
Unlike Conquest and Birthright, which you could buy as separate physical cartridges, the easiest way to purchase Revelation was online via the 3DS eShop. You could also get the game by purchasing the Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition, which included all three campaigns.
The Special Edition has become a coveted piece of Fire Emblem media, since it meant people didn't have to go out of their way to get all three games separately. But even when it was being actively sold in retail stores, it never seemed like there was enough to meet demand. Physical copies were always sold out, and now people online are selling their copy of the Special Edition for hundreds of dollars.
You must be thinking, then why not get it on the eShop? Well, that would be the obvious choice if the eShop was still around, that is. The eShop closed down on March 27, 2023, which means that if you didn't buy it before that period, you simply can't get your hands on the game again.
Now, here's the thing - I had the game before. But my 3DS broke, and I ended up having to buy a new one. As a young child who forgot her Nintendo Network ID, this means that I effectively lost the chance to play Revelation again.
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This is soul-crushing for me, and plenty of other Fire Emblem players too, no doubt. Revelation was a unique path that meant rejecting both Hoshido and Nohr. The Valla Kingdom, which is a minor area in Conquest and Birthright, is the central area of Revelation. Here, Corrin is able to pursue a path that is truly her own, without being tied down to blood or bond. It's fascinating, and the fact that it's lost media now is a major disappointment.
Some people have modded their 3DS to be able to play Revelation, while others have downloaded emulators to play the game. If you're the type who prefers getting your game legally, consider striking Revelation off your list, as the Fates campaigns aren't available on the Switch 1 and Switch 2. I don't understand why. Even the Special Edition would sell well since it has all three stories.
I'm praying Nintendo listens to pleas and finally creates ports for the older Fire Emblem games, but as they are focusing on Fortune's Weave right now, I highly doubt we'll get it soon. But a girl can hope.
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