Xenoblade Chronicles fans have been wondering what Monolith Soft is working on since finishing Future Redeemed in 2023, and we might finally get answers this week. Nintendo leakers Nashweedle and NintenLeaks both confirmed in recent podcasts that the studio has been developing a game codenamed Project Legacy for approximately three years. More importantly, they claim we could see the reveal either at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025, or at the latest during a Nintendo Direct in February 2026. If true, this would mark Monolith Soft’s first major announcement since Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and speculation is running wild about whether it’s a new IP or something connected to their existing franchises.
Who Are These Leakers Anyway
Before diving into what Project Legacy might be, it’s worth addressing the credibility question. Nashweedle has built a mixed reputation in the Nintendo leaking community. He correctly predicted several Nintendo Direct schedules and game reveals throughout 2024 and 2025, including accurate calls about which titles would be showcased. However, he’s also been wrong multiple times, leading to skepticism from portions of the community. Some Reddit users dismiss him entirely, while others acknowledge his hits alongside his misses.
NintenLeaks is less established in the community hierarchy but has also shared information that later proved accurate. The fact that both leakers independently confirmed the same details about Project Legacy adds credibility to the claim. When multiple sources with track records corroborate information, it’s worth paying attention even if neither individual is 100 percent reliable. The gaming leak ecosystem runs on this kind of pattern matching, where independent confirmation from separate sources increases confidence in otherwise unverified claims.
What We Actually Know About Project Legacy
According to the leakers, Project Legacy has been in development at Monolith Soft for roughly three years. That timeline would place the project’s start around late 2022, which coincides perfectly with when Xenoblade Chronicles 3 wrapped up its core development before the Future Redeemed DLC. The studio has been recruiting extensively since finishing XC3, posting job listings for designers, engineers, and various technical roles that suggested something substantial was in the works.
In August 2024, Monolith Soft founder Tetsuya Takahashi officially announced they were recruiting for a new RPG, describing the project only in vague terms while noting that the content being created is becoming more sophisticated and requires many talents. He didn’t use the Project Legacy codename publicly, but the timing aligns with what the leakers are claiming. Takahashi has historically been tight-lipped about projects until Nintendo approves public reveals, so the lack of details isn’t surprising.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases, Future Redeemed DLC development continues |
| Late 2022 | Project Legacy development reportedly begins |
| 2023 | Future Redeemed releases, full studio capacity shifts to new projects |
| August 2024 | Takahashi announces recruitment for “new RPG” |
| December 2025 | Leakers claim Game Awards or February Direct reveal |
Is It a New IP or Xenoblade
The million-dollar question is whether Project Legacy represents a completely new intellectual property or something connected to Monolith Soft’s existing franchises. Arguments exist for both possibilities. On the new IP side, Takahashi has repeatedly expressed interest in creating original properties beyond Xenoblade. In a 2019 interview, he noted that Nintendo’s approval process is extremely strict, with dozens of proposals rejected over the years. Only Xenoblade had been greenlit at that time, but the sales success of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and 3 may have given the studio enough goodwill for Nintendo to approve something different.
However, skeptics point out that Nintendo rarely lets successful studios stray from proven formulas. Xenoblade has become a legitimate system seller, with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 moving over 2 million copies and the series establishing itself as one of Nintendo’s premier JRPG franchises. Why would Nintendo approve a risky new IP when Xenoblade 4 would be a guaranteed commercial success? Some community members theorize that Project Legacy could be a working title for Xenoblade Chronicles 4, or perhaps a spin-off set in the Xenoblade universe with different gameplay mechanics.
The Switch 2 Factor
Timing strongly suggests Project Legacy is being developed for Nintendo’s next console, whether it’s officially called Switch 2 or something else entirely. Nintendo confirmed the successor hardware will be announced by March 2026, with multiple credible sources claiming the reveal happens on January 16, 2025. If Monolith Soft shows Project Legacy at The Game Awards on December 11, it would be one month before the hardware reveal, which seems odd unless Nintendo plans to acknowledge Switch 2’s existence during the presentation.
More likely, the reveal comes during a February 2026 Nintendo Direct dedicated to Switch 2 software. This would give Nintendo time to properly introduce the hardware in January, let that information digest for a few weeks, then blow everyone away with a software showcase featuring heavy hitters like Project Legacy, Metroid Prime 4, and whatever else they have cooking. Monolith Soft showcasing a next-gen JRPG built specifically for more powerful hardware would be a perfect way to demonstrate the technical capabilities that differentiate Switch 2 from its predecessor.
Why The Game Awards Makes Sense
Despite Nintendo’s historical reluctance to make major first-party announcements at The Game Awards, there’s precedent for Zelda appearances. In 2015 and 2016, Nintendo showed gameplay and trailers for Breath of the Wild at the ceremony. They also revealed the Champions’ Ballad DLC at the show. Beyond Zelda and Smash-related content like the legendary Joker reveal during Ultimate’s launch window, Nintendo typically saves announcements for their own Directs where they control the messaging entirely.
However, 2025 represents unique circumstances. If Nintendo wants to build hype for Switch 2 ahead of a January hardware reveal, showing a glimpse of Project Legacy at The Game Awards could be strategic. It wouldn’t be a full reveal with release dates and extensive gameplay, just enough to generate buzz and remind people that incredible software is coming to their new hardware. The Game Awards attracts a massive global audience, including many lapsed gamers who don’t watch Nintendo Directs. A brief teaser could cast a wider net than a Direct-exclusive announcement.
What Kind of Game Could It Be
Speculation about Project Legacy’s genre and gameplay has been all over the map. The most obvious assumption is a traditional JRPG similar to Xenoblade, leveraging Monolith Soft’s expertise in that space. However, some community theorists suggest it could be something dramatically different. The studio has experience with action games from their time developing Xenoblade Chronicles X, which featured more real-time combat and exploration mechanics than the numbered entries.
One intriguing possibility is a 3D action RPG similar to how Obsidian’s Avowed relates to their isometric Pillars of Eternity series. Monolith Soft could be creating something more accessible and action-oriented while maintaining their signature storytelling and world-building. The recruitment posts mentioned Unreal Engine 5 experience, suggesting they might be moving away from their proprietary engine for this project. UE5 would open up possibilities for more complex physics, better performance, and visual fidelity that matches or exceeds what other AAA studios are achieving.
The Nintendo Approval Problem
One major hurdle for the new IP theory is Nintendo’s notoriously strict approval process. Takahashi’s 2019 comments about dozens of rejected proposals paint a picture of a company that’s extremely selective about what gets greenlit. Even with Monolith Soft’s proven track record, pitching a completely original IP is risky when Xenoblade 4 represents a safer bet. Nintendo operates conservatively with first-party studios, preferring to iterate on successful formulas rather than gambling on unproven concepts.
However, circumstances have changed since that 2019 interview. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 sold over 2.7 million copies. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 exceeded 2 million. The series has proven it can consistently deliver both critical acclaim and commercial success. This track record might have earned Monolith Soft enough trust capital to pitch something new. Additionally, Nintendo needs a diverse software lineup for Switch 2’s launch window. Having every first-party studio working on sequels would make the launch feel safe but uninspired. One or two risky new IPs could generate excitement and demonstrate creative ambition.
Community Reaction is Cautiously Optimistic
The Reddit thread discussing these leaks generated nearly 100 comments with mixed reactions. Many users expressed excitement at the possibility of seeing Monolith Soft’s next project soon, regardless of whether it’s new IP or Xenoblade-related. However, skepticism about the leakers’ credibility dominated much of the discussion. Several highly upvoted comments questioned whether Nashweedle or NintenLeaks actually have insider access to this information, or if they’re just making educated guesses based on public recruitment posts and development timelines.
Some fans mentioned additional rumors from Nashweedle about a potential Xenosaga remaster or collection, though even the leaker himself characterized that as mostly speculation. Xenosaga holds a special place in many JRPG fans’ hearts despite its messy development history and incomplete story, so a proper remaster collection would be hugely welcome. However, the rights situation with Bandai Namco makes that complicated, and there’s no concrete evidence beyond wishful thinking that such a project exists.
What to Expect December 11
The Game Awards 2025 takes place on December 11, and if Project Legacy does appear, don’t expect much beyond a teaser. Nintendo’s historical approach to reveals involves brief teasers followed by deep dives during their own showcases where they control pacing and messaging. A 60 to 90 second cinematic trailer showing off art style, setting, and maybe a hint of gameplay would be the most likely scenario. Something to get people talking without committing to release windows or extensive details.
More realistically, we’re probably waiting until February 2026 for a proper reveal. The timing makes more sense in the context of a Switch 2 software showcase where Nintendo can dedicate 5 to 7 minutes showing gameplay, explaining systems, and positioning Project Legacy as a flagship title for their new hardware. Patience might be required, but given Monolith Soft’s track record of delivering exceptional JRPGs, whatever they’re working on will be worth the wait.
FAQs
What is Project Legacy?
Project Legacy is the rumored codename for Monolith Soft’s next game, which has reportedly been in development for approximately three years. Details remain scarce, but leakers claim it could be revealed at The Game Awards 2025 or during a February 2026 Nintendo Direct.
Is Project Legacy a new IP or Xenoblade 4?
Unknown. Arguments exist for both possibilities. Takahashi has expressed interest in creating new IPs, but Nintendo’s strict approval process and Xenoblade’s proven success make a sequel or spin-off equally plausible.
Who are Nashweedle and NintenLeaks?
Nintendo-focused leakers who have correctly predicted some Direct schedules and game announcements but have also been wrong multiple times. Their credibility is debated in the community, though both independently confirmed the same Project Legacy details.
Is Monolith Soft making a Switch 2 game?
Almost certainly. The development timeline and Nintendo’s planned Switch 2 reveal in early 2026 suggest Project Legacy is being built for the next-generation hardware rather than current Switch.
When will we see Project Legacy?
According to leakers, either at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025, or during a Nintendo Direct by February 2026. The February timeframe seems more likely given Nintendo’s typical announcement patterns.
What kind of game is Project Legacy?
Takahashi described it only as a “new RPG” in recruitment posts. Speculation ranges from a traditional JRPG similar to Xenoblade to a 3D action RPG with different gameplay mechanics. Unreal Engine 5 may be involved based on job listings.
Will there be a Xenosaga remaster?
Nashweedle mentioned this as speculation, but there’s no credible evidence such a project exists. Rights complications with Bandai Namco make a remaster collection difficult, though not impossible.
Has Nintendo ever announced games at The Game Awards?
Rarely for first-party titles. Zelda appeared at the show in 2015 and 2016, and Smash Ultimate’s Joker DLC was revealed there. Nintendo typically saves major announcements for their own Directs.
How credible are these leaks?
Moderate credibility. Both leakers have mixed track records, but independent confirmation of the same details increases confidence. However, nothing is confirmed until Nintendo officially announces it.
Conclusion
Whether Project Legacy appears at The Game Awards this week or waits until a February 2026 Nintendo Direct, the mere confirmation that Monolith Soft has been working on something substantial for three years is exciting news. The studio has earned trust through consistently delivering exceptional JRPGs that push Nintendo hardware to its limits while telling ambitious stories. Whatever they’re building, whether it’s a bold new IP or the next evolution of Xenoblade, expectations are sky-high after the phenomenal work they did with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Future Redeemed. The leakers’ credibility might be debatable, but the underlying facts aren’t. Monolith Soft is recruiting, Takahashi confirmed a new RPG is in development, and the timing aligns perfectly with Switch 2’s launch window. We’re likely seeing something from this talented studio very soon. If December 11 delivers nothing, mark your calendars for February. And if February comes and goes with no Project Legacy, then maybe these leakers’ track records deserve all the skepticism they’re getting. But for now, Xenoblade fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic that Monolith Soft’s next masterpiece is closer than we think.