[GBVSR] Early Hands-On Report on the Nintendo Switch 2 Version! The new character, Ido, is a standard fighter yet packed with unique elements—resulting in an exhilarating experience!

On Thursday, September 17, 2026,the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the fighting game " Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising " (hereinafter "GBVSR") will be released!
At the same time, an update will be released for the existing PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam versions, adding the new playable character, Id.
So, we’re bringing you a comprehensive preview of the Nintendo Switch 2 version and Id!

Ido, the Dark Shattered Blade, Arrives in GBVSR!

Ido, a key character in the story of “GRANBLUE FANTASY: Relink” ( hereinafter “Relink”), is joining the fray in GBVSR.
Many of you are probably surprised that Ido—who, at the time of writing, has not yet appeared in the original “Granblue Fantasy”—has joined the game.
Ever since the initial announcement in June 2026, we’ve been eagerly awaiting this day…!

In the *Relink* story, Ido is a mysterious swordsman who stands in the protagonist’s way.
I’ll refrain from revealing details for those who haven’t played *Relink*, but the pre-match banter—one of the charms of *GBVSR*—will definitely make you smirk if you’ve cleared *Relink*.
There’s also banter with characters like Fastiva, who haven’t appeared in *Relink* yet.

By the way, as of the time I started writing this article...

• GBVSR playtime: 1,896 hours.
• Relink playtime: 969 hours.
• I’ve also served as a Sky Brigade Commander in the original Granblue Fantasy (hereinafter referred to as GBF).

...That’s my GBF history.
Setting my skills aside for now, I’m confident in my love and passion for the GBF world.
Leave it to me!

Please note that the version I played this time was strictly a demo, and the content may differ from the retail version, so I would appreciate it if you could keep that in mind.

It’s also been implemented in Digital Figure Mode!

Id-related models will also be added to Digital Figure Mode.
It’s a real treat to savor every detail of Id’s appearance, which has a different texture than in *Relink*!
I think this content alone is enough to make time fly for fans, so—combined with the dialogue exchanges mentioned earlier—I highly recommend that *GBF* and *Relink* players who haven’t played *GBVSR* yet give it a try and see for yourselves.

On a more unusual note, there’s also a model of the quest request form that Ido pulls out after a match.
It looks like the creativity of the Digital Figure community is about to be put to the test…!

GBVSR’s Ido is the Standard Type! We definitely want beginners to give her a try!

Now, for what everyone’s been waiting for—Ido’s performance and playability. To put it simply ,
even though she’s a standard-type character, she’s incredibly exhilarating to play and a joy to control.

.

Her ease-of-use rating is ★4.
While she’s not quite on par with characters like Gran and Zeta, who have a ★5 rating, she’s still easy enough to control even for fighting game beginners.
If you’ve become interested in GBVSR following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 version and Ido’s addition to the roster, please don’t hesitate to give her a try.

Also, button notations will appear frequently in the following text; for consistency, this article will use the following notation:

• Weak Attack: L
• Medium Attack: M
• Strong Attack: H
• Special Move: U
• Ability: Ab
• Guard: G
• Throw: Th

The standard moves are easy to understand and use!

In fighting games, characters with status effects can sometimes have modest performance in the early stages of a match, but with Ido, there’s no need to worry.
His normal moves are simple, and he has a solid selection of moves that are easy to use.

Attacks using the long-range greatsword “Ragnarok” also have straightforward mechanics.
Based on my hands-on experience, I didn’t notice any extremely slow startup times.

The move that personally left the strongest impression on me was the crouching horizontal attack.
While many other characters’ crouching horizontal attacks have motions that appear to be anti-air moves covering a high position directly above the head, Ido’s motion is slightly more forward-oriented.
When dealing with aerial threats, it seems you’ll need to switch between this move and the ability “Atonement,” which will be discussed later.

In addition...

• Dash and jump behavior are nearly identical to other characters, and speed is average
• The dash L attack also functions the same as other characters’
• The Dash M attack is a low attack, just like Gran’s
• The dash H attack is a wide-swinging move perfect for guaranteed counters
• His close-range normal attacks also have few unique elements, such as multi-hit combos

...As such, Id in his normal state gives the impression of firmly embodying the characteristics of a standard character in GBVSR.

And speaking of the Dash L Attack, an Ido version of the “Dash Light Attack T-shirt” has been confirmed for release!
The design is set to be added starting Thursday, September 17, 2026, so I’m really looking forward to it.

There’s a wide variety of ability variations!

One of Ido’s selling points in his normal state is the sheer variety of abilities.
There are also quite a few moves with unique characteristics.

Reginrave

• Quick Input: Ab
• Technical Input: ↓↘→ + Attack

This is a familiar move also used by Gran and Zeta.
Ido’s “Reginrave” is a two-hit combo consisting of a melee attack followed by a projectile, just like Gran’s M version of the same move.
The projectile travels at a fairly fast speed.

The melee portion can cancel out the opponent’s projectiles until the projectile is fired.

The M version is particularly distinctive.
The attack portion has a slow startup, and you move forward about two character lengths while attacking.
This slow startup is actually a strength, making it ideal for aiming for counter hits by interrupting an opponent’s scramble.

In the U version, the strike portion is removed, and the move changes to a projectile attack with a high projectile speed.

However, if it hits at close range, it automatically branches into "Diagod," which will be described later.
This move is so versatile at both long and close range that it's scary...!

Reginrave Recidive

• Quick Input: Hold Ab
• Technical Input: ↓↘→ + Hold Attack

When you charge Reginleif, the projectile portion becomes larger and moves more slowly.
This works similarly to Zeta’s move of the same name.

There doesn’t seem to be any range restriction, and it reliably reaches the edge of the screen.
After using Reginrave or Reginrave Recidive, Id herself can close in on the opponent, so by alternating between these moves, you can use them as a powerful means of zoning.

Diagod

• Automatic follow-up upon a counter-hit with Reginrave’s first hit

This is one of Id's unique features.
If the strike portion of Reginrave lands as a counterhit at close range, it automatically chains into a different move.

After Diagod, your opponent will be left standing motionless right in front of you, so you can immediately follow up.
String together combos to deal massive damage!
Because of this move, you’ll need to be even more wary of Ido’s scrambles than you would with other characters.

Atonement

• Quick Input: → + Ab
• Technical Input: →↓↘ + Attack

A strike move that unleashes a shockwave on the ground.
It looks similar to Solids' Rock Smash, but its purpose is completely different.

The L version has a fast startup and can knock the opponent down, making it a good choice for finishing off a combo.
The M and H versions are invincible moves, so they’re perfect for interrupting the opponent’s attacks or as anti-air moves.
For anti-air, you’ll want to switch between these and the crouching H attack mentioned earlier.

The U version includes a follow-up attack and deals increased damage.

Incidentally, in *Re:Link*, this move was a so-called counter move where Relink would take the hit intended for all his allies and then counterattack.
I see—so the fact that it’s an invincible move is meant to recreate that element.

Never Enough

• Quick Input: ← + Ab
• Technical Input: ↓↙← + Attack

This is a dash attack performed after moving forward.
After the attack, you can transition into the two follow-up moves described below.

The M version and H version—especially the M version—travel a long distance, reaching all the way from one side of the screen to the other.
Use it to follow up on zoning moves, launch surprise attacks from a distance, or close the gap with the opponent.

Once this is implemented, I’ll probably be spamming “Never Enough” like crazy.

The U version will no longer have follow-up moves and will become a simple dash attack.

By the way, in *Relink*, this move had an effect that restored the user’s health after the attack.
It’ll be fun to look for the differences between *Relink* and *GBVSR*.

Follow-up Attack

• Quick Input: ← + Ab during Never Enough
• Technical Input: During “Never Enough,” press ↓↙← + Attack

This unleashes a roundhouse kick as an additional move during “Never Enough.”
It has the same motion as Relink—that’s amazing.

It has fast startup and deals high damage, making it perfect for finishing off combos.
If “Never Enough” connects, follow up with the roundhouse kick.

However, if it’s a crouch hit or a counter hit, it’s best to switch to the launch attack described below.

Launch Attacks

• Quick Input: ↓ + Ab during Never Enough
• Technical Input: During "Never Enough," press →↓↘ + Attack

This is the second element unique to Id.<
Compared to the follow-up attack (sobat), this has a slower startup and can only be chained if the preceding "Never Enough" was a crouch hit or a counter hit.

Upon hitting, it automatically transitions into a “Jump” to chase after the opponent who has been knocked into the air.

While in this state, you can perform up to three consecutive jump attacks or transition into a throw.
When performing jump attacks, chain them together rhythmically in the order L→M→H.

This move is the launch attack that was briefly shown in the PV!
Although there are certain conditions, Ido allows for aerial combos that are extremely rare in GBVSR.
Including the aforementioned Diagod, Ido might be capable of dealing terrifying damage even in the center of the screen, depending on how well its combos are researched...!?

Scourge

• Quick Input: ↓ + Ab
• Technical Input: ↓↓ + Attack

Swings the greatsword with all your might.

I bet a lot of people used this move when controlling Relink’s Id.

The M and H versions are particularly noteworthy.
Despite having a long reach—equivalent to about 4 to 5 characters’ worth—it’s actually a low attack.
Use it to strike opponents who are backing up or circling around to counter moves like Reginrave.
Watch your feet...!

Furthermore, if the H version hits at close range or near the screen edge, you can follow up with additional attacks.
For example: Crouching L → Close-Range L into a Triple Attack → H Scourge → Close-Range M... It seems likely this move will often be used as a component in screen-edge combos—a sequence familiar to GBVSR players.

The U version has even longer reach, and since the opponent bounces on hit, you can combo even in the center of the screen.
Just because there’s a little distance between you doesn’t mean you can let your guard down—or you’ll pay dearly...!

Dead Weight (Consumes 100% Special Gauge)

• Quick Input: Press Th and Ab simultaneously
• Technical Input: ↓↘→↓↘→ + H / ↓↘→ + Ab

Ido’s Secret Technique #1.
This is a striking move with invincibility that functions similarly to those of other characters.

If it hits at close range, he temporarily transforms into a dragon and follows up with additional attacks.
Ido’s close-up cut-in is incredibly cool...!

It can also be used while in the dragon form, which will be discussed later.
Although the dragon form ends after using this move, it will still follow up with an attack even if the hit lands from a distance.

Finally, the dragon transformation.
The dragon transformation during this move is purely for show, but this is where Ido’s true prowess finally begins.

Divine Unity (Consumes 100% Secret Art Gauge / Usable when HP is 30% or lower)

• Quick Input: Press Th, Ab, and U simultaneously
• Technical Input: ↓↘→↓↘→ + U / ↓↘→ + Ab and U simultaneously

Ido’s Unleashed Secret Technique.
This is also a striking move with invincibility, similar in design to those of other characters.

If it hits at close range, he performs the same flurry of attacks seen in *Relink*.
I love how GBVSR always puts so much effort into its animations—not just for Ido, but for all characters.

Like the Ultimate Move, this can be used while in Dragon Form.
Although Dragon Form ends after using it, it’s similar to the Ultimate Move in that it will follow up with additional attacks even if the hit lands from a distance.

“Divine Unity,” which appeared in *Relink* as a state even more powerful than Dragon Form, has become an Unleashed Ultimate in *GBVSR*.
As for the “Rampage,” since it was a move capable of dealing even more damage than an Ultimate, its inclusion makes perfect sense.

Incidentally, in GBVSR, all characters feature a special cutscene that plays when a match is decided with an Unleashed Ultimate—and, of course, Ido is no exception.

The Alternative Gauge is still going strong in GBVSR!

In *Relink*, Ido was a character who could increase his Alternative Gauge by using specific moves and truly shine by transforming into a dragon-human hybrid—and that trait remains the same in *GBVSR*.
It takes a little preparation to unleash the power of the dragon.

Soul Link

• Input: U

This move fills the "Alternative Gauge" located at the bottom of the Secret Gauge.
The Alternative Gauge will be explained later.

As long as you hold down the U button, you can withstand your opponent’s attacks, similar to Solids’ “Muscle Fury.”
This state likely allows you to withstand all attacks except throws, Special Moves, and Unleashed Special Moves.

Furthermore, the aura that appears when Soul Link ends has attack properties, so you can counterattack in sync with your opponent’s attacks or use it to finish off a combo.
It’s a truly well-rounded move, and it proved to be extremely reliable during the matches we played at the demo event.
You’ll want to use it aggressively whenever the opportunity arises to build up your Alternative Gauge.

Alternative Gauge

This is the third element unique to Id.
It’s the gauge located below the Ultimate Gauge.
It functions as a timer when you transform into a dragon-human hybrid in “Ragnarok Form,” which will be explained later.

The gauge gradually increases over time or as the Ultimate Gauge is depleted, but the primary method of increasing it is by using the “Soul Link” mentioned earlier.
How quickly can you fill the Alternative Gauge?
Or, how much can you overwhelm your opponent without using the Alternative Gauge?
This aspect seems to be the key to winning as Id.

Ragnarok Form (Consumes 100% of the Ultimate Gauge)

• Quick Input: Press ← + Th and Ab simultaneously
• Technical Input: ↓↙←↓↙← + H / ↓↙← + Ab

Awaken! O power of the dragon that slumbers within me!
This is the fourth element unique to Id, and it’s the most interesting part of the game.

Once activated, its behavior changes completely from that of a normal Id.
The changes I was able to confirm are as follows:

• The dash has been changed to match Versacia’s—it starts slowly and gradually accelerates
• Cannot jump
• Super armor is active at all times while in dragon form
• Can use exclusive moves

Once activated, this form can be maintained until the Alternative Gauge is depleted.
The "Alternative Gauge" decreases when using special moves, over time, or when taking damage from opponents.
When the gauge is depleted, the character returns to their normal state.

In terms of overall mechanics, existing players might find it similar to Lowain’s “Super One-Against-Thousands” (commonly known as KBSN).
I’ll explain each special move in detail later, but there seem to be a wide variety of ways to use this ability—from activating it once the Alternative Gauge is full to go on a rampage, to triggering it mid-combo to deal massive damage with the special move included.

Clayver

• Input: L while in Ragnarok Form

Slashes at the opponent while moving forward.
As long as you’re in contact with the opponent, you can chain into the Cleaver again.
Just like Relink, you can spam this by rapidly tapping the button—so use it to tear your opponent to shreds!

Reginrave Barrage

• Input: M while in Ragnarok Form

Fires two projectiles forward.
Can be fired rapidly even if the attack misses.

Just like with Relink, you can unleash a barrage of attacks by rapidly tapping the button.
In fact, the firing rate is even faster than Relink, making it feel even more exhilarating.
This seems like a great way to deal chip damage and finish off an opponent when their health is low.

Alter Break

• Input: H while in Ragnarok Form

A powerful uppercut that can knock the opponent into the air.
Although the attack is slow, if it connects, you can follow up on the airborne opponent.
Additionally, even if it’s blocked, if you’re at close range, it creates an opportunity for the “Unbound Slam” described below.

What I’m curious about is whether there are any combos where you can activate Ragnarok Form during a normal combo and immediately chain into this Alter Break.
If that’s possible, it seems like it would deal massive damage, but I wasn’t able to explore it that deeply during the early access test.
I’m looking forward to trying out various combinations once the game is officially released!

Savage Claw

• Input: U while in Ragnarok Form

Jump and launch a surprise attack from the air.
You can adjust the distance traveled using the directional keys; pressing →+U sends you farther, while ←+U allows you to hit an opponent at close range.

Since you can’t jump while in Dragon Form, this might be useful for jumping over an opponent’s projectiles.
I’m also curious to see if it can be incorporated into combos, just like Alter Break.

Soul Ray

• Input: Ab while in Ragnarok Form

Fires a beam forward.
I’m sure there are quite a few people who would say, “This is the signature move of Id in Dragon Form!”

Although it usually has a slow startup, it starts up faster when chained from other attacks.
By holding down the button, you can extend the beam’s duration while consuming the “Alternative Gauge.”
Like Reginleif Barrage, this move seems to have many uses, such as when the opponent’s health is low.

One important note: the Ab button is required to perform this move.
If you’ve removed the Ab button from your settings—thinking you’ll only use technical inputs—you’re in for a world of sorrow, so seasoned fighting game players, please be careful.

Unbound Slam

• Input: Th / L + M / L + U while in Ragnarok Form

This is a grapple that grabs an opponent on the ground and cannot be broken out of.
The command notation is a bit complicated, but basically, just think of it as a modified grapple.

Amazingly, if you’re in the “being hit” state (during a combo), you can even grab airborne opponents.
It’s powerful for breaking guards, but since it consumes a large amount of Alternative Gauge, use it wisely!

Overall, GBVSR’s Ido is an aggressive, standard-type character capable of flexible gameplay! With a wide variety of moves, he’s a real jack-of-all-trades!

After introducing each move, my overall impression of Ido is that he’s an “aggressive character with plenty of options.”

As mentioned earlier, in her default state, Ido is a standard-type character capable of flexible play by alternating between moves with excellent reach and high-damage moves.
Equipped with a variety of moves—including projectiles, anti-air moves, and dashing attacks—she’s truly a jack-of-all-trades capable of handling any situation.

On top of that, with dash attacks that cover incredible distances and armored moves, he also exudes the same kind of power found in characters like Solids and Bazalaga.
Players familiar with those characters might find Id a natural fit as well.

And then there’s Ido’s most distinctive feature: his Dragon Form.
Many of his moves are flashy both visually and in terms of performance; not only is it incredibly satisfying to simply unleash them, but they also have the potential to end the match in one fell swoop, so I expect I’ll be spending a lot of time studying him.
Including combos starting from Diagod’s normal state, if this hadn’t been a trial event, I would have probably spent all my time in Training Mode.

Overall, it seems this character’s ideal playstyle involves overwhelming opponents with the adaptability typical of a Standard-type character and the pressure from moves like “Never Enough,” then finishing the match in Dragon Form.
While it’s easy for beginners to grasp the basics, it’s also a character where the more you play, the more you can explore combos and how to use Dragon Form effectively.

Be sure to try out various strategies when Id is officially released.

GBVSR Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Release Approaching!

As mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of GBVSR will be released on Thursday, September 17, 2026!
In fact, we played all the characters—including Ido—in the Nintendo Switch 2 version during this trial event, so we’ll also introduce the gameplay feel and new features of that version!

In the Nintendo Switch 2 version, you can play as all playable characters without any additional purchases!

In the Nintendo Switch 2 version, characters—including Ido—that required DLC purchases in previous editions are available right from the start!
Here’s a list of the characters again…

• Gran
• Zeta
• Katarina
• Charlotte
• Lancelot
• Percival
• Fastiva
• Metera
• Roain
• Feli
• Zeta
• Bazalaga
• Narmea
• Solids
• Zoe
• Cagliostro
• Yuel
• Uno
• Eustes
• Sis
• Vira
• Beelzebub
• Belial
• Avatar Belial
• Anila
• Siegfried
• Gleimnir
• NieR
• Lucifer
• 2B
• Vain
• Beatrice
• Versacia
• Bikara
• Sandalphon
• Galeon
• Wilnas
• Meg
• Ilsa
• Ido

...for a total of 40 characters!
Considering that the initial version of " Granblue Fantasy: Versus "—back when the title didn't include "Rising"—started with just 11 characters, this is an impressive number.
With this many characters, I’m sure there are some Sky Knights—that is, GBF players—out there who are interested in GBVSR, but if you’re one of those people who’s been hesitant to set up a new setup for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, or Steam, this one’s for you!
We wholeheartedly welcome you to join the fray via the Nintendo Switch 2 version.

...What!?
You think fighting games are a hassle because of all the commands!?

But in GBVSR!
You can pull off special moves with just one button!
The video was released on April Fools’ Day, but the one-button special moves are real.
Please use this as your chance to give it a try! Please!!

No buttons needed at all!? The Nintendo Switch 2 edition’s exclusive feature: “Gyro VS”

Earlier, I mentioned that you can pull off special moves with just one button, but the Nintendo Switch 2 version actually adds a mode where you can play without pressing any buttons at all.
That’s “Gyro VS.”

The controls are super simple!

Once the match starts, just shake Joy-Con 2 or your Joy-Con.

That’s it.

Although this Gyro VS mode is limited to offline VS mode, simply shaking your Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con handles will automatically handle all movement, attacks, and blocking.

It works just like the “Super Ultimate” mode, which uses button mashing and is already available.
Be sure to try shaking the Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con with family members or others who don’t usually play fighting games.

Characters Get a Massive Power-Up!! “Super Ultimate+”

This feature will also be implemented on existing consoles.
As for the “Super Ultimate” I mentioned earlier, “Super Ultimate+ ” will actually be added in the next update!

While you’ll still be able to control it by rapidly tapping buttons, your selected character will undergo a spectacular power-up.
I really want everyone to see this for themselves, so I’ll keep the specific details of the power-up under wraps—but just think back to “Survival Mode,” which is already available on existing systems.
The enhancements are visually obvious, so I definitely want you to check them out.

By the way, “Super Ultimate+” is an offline-only feature available in “VS Mode.”
If it were usable in Ranked Matches, it would be utterly unfair, but it’s perfect for having a blast with friends or at offline events!
Personally, I’d love to host something like a “Super Ultimate+ Exclusive Mini-Tournament.”

Massive Increase in Rewards for Breaking Guards! New Battle System: “Chain Attack”

Along with Ido’s addition, the new battle system “Chain Attack” is being introduced!
You can now follow up on mid and low hits from a Triple Attack by consuming BP and Special Gauge!

This was already a hot topic when the info was first revealed the other day.

Personally, since I tend to overuse the mid-range Triple Attack, I’m thrilled about this addition!
It does require resources, but now you’ll have to be on edge—you might get finished off by moves you hadn’t even been wary of until now.

With events like the “GBVS WORLD TOUR 2026” taking place, GBVSR is still going strong even more than two years after its release.
As a player myself, I’d be thrilled if the release of this Switch 2 version and the new update help bring even more players into the game.
Everyone, I look forward to battling you all after the update!

Believe in Victory...BATTLE 1...ENGAGE!

▼Written by Taisho Uchiyama
X: https://x.com/Uchiyama_Taisho
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uchiyama_Taisho