Ace Attorney 7 fans just received some disappointing news. Nintendo insider SwitchForce has confirmed that the highly anticipated seventh installment won’t be making an appearance at the rumored September 2025 Nintendo Direct, dashing hopes that have been building for years.
The “Lucky 7s” That Weren’t So Lucky
The speculation began when SwitchForce teased that three games connected to the number “7” would appear in the upcoming Nintendo Direct. Naturally, fans immediately jumped to conclusions, with Ace Attorney 7 being one of the most popular guesses alongside Final Fantasy VII Remake and other seventh installments.
However, the insider quickly shot down these hopes, stating clearly that Ace Attorney 7 would not be part of the lineup. The announcement sent shockwaves through the dedicated fanbase who have been waiting patiently since 2017 for the next entry in the beloved legal drama series.
Eight Years of Waiting and Counting
The Ace Attorney series has been in an unusual state of limbo. The last mainline entry, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, launched in 2016 in Japan and 2017 internationally. Since then, Capcom has focused entirely on re-releases and collections, bringing older games to new platforms but offering nothing fresh for longtime fans.
What makes this situation particularly frustrating is that the series has never been more popular. All games are now translated and available to international audiences, the production costs are relatively low compared to AAA titles, and the fanbase remains incredibly passionate and vocal about wanting new content.
What’s Behind the Ace Attorney 7 Delay?
Several factors might explain why we haven’t seen a new entry:
- Leadership Changes: Takeshi Yamazaki’s departure from Capcom left the series without its key director and producer
- Creative Challenges: The series may be experiencing a creative block, with developers unsure how to evolve the formula
- Re-release Strategy: Capcom prioritized bringing existing games to new platforms before creating new content
- COVID Impact: The pandemic likely disrupted development timelines and priorities
According to leaked documents from 2020, Ace Attorney 7 was originally planned for release between 2021-2022 to coincide with the series’ 20th anniversary. Those plans clearly didn’t materialize.
Community Reaction and Hope
The gaming community’s reaction has been a mix of disappointment and resignation. Many fans expressed that they’d rather know definitively that Ace Attorney 7 isn’t coming than continue hoping in vain. Comments like “I don’t want to keep hoping in vain” and “I’m relieved he clarified things” show how emotionally invested the fanbase has become in getting news.
Some fans are holding onto hope that the delay might be strategic, possibly timing a new announcement for the series’ 25th anniversary in 2026. Others speculate that Shu Takumi, the original creator who worked on The Great Ace Attorney games, might return to lead the series again.
What Fans Can Expect Instead
While Ace Attorney 7 remains MIA, the September Nintendo Direct will likely focus on other major announcements. SwitchForce described it as a “monumental” showcase, suggesting significant reveals are still coming.
For Ace Attorney fans, the wait continues. The series isn’t dead – Capcom continues to acknowledge its popularity through merchandise, collaborations, and re-releases. But until there’s official word from Capcom about new development, fans will have to content themselves with replaying the existing games.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last new Ace Attorney game released?
The last mainline entry was Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, which launched in Japan in 2016 and internationally in 2017.
Why is Ace Attorney 7 taking so long to develop?
Several factors contribute to the delay, including key staff departures from Capcom, potential creative challenges, and the company’s focus on re-releasing existing games rather than developing new content.
Was Ace Attorney 7 ever officially announced?
No, Capcom has never officially announced Ace Attorney 7. The game appeared in leaked internal documents suggesting a 2021-2022 release window, but no formal announcement has been made.
Will Ace Attorney 7 come to Nintendo Switch?
While unconfirmed, it’s highly likely that any new Ace Attorney game would come to Nintendo Switch, as the series has found its home on Nintendo platforms and all recent re-releases have appeared on the console.
Could the series’ 25th anniversary in 2026 bring news?
It’s possible. Many fans speculate that Capcom might be timing a major announcement for the series’ 25th anniversary, though this remains pure speculation.
Are there any other Ace Attorney games in development?
There are no confirmed Ace Attorney games in development. The only recent releases have been collections and re-releases of existing games.
What happened to the original series creator?
Shu Takumi, the original creator, is still at Capcom and recently worked on The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Many fans hope he might return to lead development of Ace Attorney 7.
The Waiting Game Continues
The confirmation that Ace Attorney 7 won’t appear at the September Nintendo Direct is disappointing but not entirely surprising. After eight years of waiting, fans have learned to temper their expectations while holding onto hope.
The series’ continued popularity through re-releases proves there’s still a market for these games. Whether Capcom is planning something special for the future or genuinely struggling with how to continue the series remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to keep waiting and hoping that someday, somehow, Phoenix Wright will return to the courtroom with a brand new case to solve.