Tag: Japan - Page 27
News Previously Unseen Footage Of EarthBound 64 Emerges Online
Take a trip back to 1996
One Nintendo 64 game that never saw the light of day, in the end, was EarthBound 64 – also known as Mother 3. The project started out life as a Super Nintendo release before being moved across to the Nintendo 64 and was eventually axed in August 2000. It ended up arriving on the Game Boy Advance in 2006 and since then, all...
Japanese Charts Smash Ultimate Retakes The Top Spot As Switch Dominates
A new entry for Resident Evil Origins Collection
The Famitsu charts for 20th - 26th May came out earlier this week and show Super Smash Bros. Ultimate back in pole position. It seems that last week's number one, PS4 game Ys: Memories of Celceta - Kai, has slipped from the list entirely. Along with the usual suspects, Resident Evil Origins...
News Nintendo Announce Indie World Presentation Tomorrow For Japan
A roundup of indie releases coming to Switch in Nintendo's homeland
Nintendo has announced an Indie World presentation scheduled for 5pm tomorrow evening in Japan (that's 9am in the morning UK time). The Indie World 'series' is a roundup for the Japanese audience of all the games coming to Switch from small developers. Coinciding with indie game...
News Square Enix Teasing Dragon Quest Surprise In Upcoming Issue Of Weekly Shonen Jump
All will be revealed next month
Update: It's been revealed Square Enix is hosting a presentation on 3rd June for a new Dragon Quest smartphone title. The surprise Square Enix was teasing for the Weekly Shonen Jump issue due out on 10th June is expected to be about this game. Dragon Quest games aren't exactly in short supply on Nintendo systems...
News Physical Super Mario Maker 2 Goodies Are Available For Free On My Nintendo In Japan
Can we move to Japan yet?
At this point, we could probably write a 10,000-word essay on why Nintendo should either bring Club Nintendo back from the dead or reintroduce physical rewards through the My Nintendo service in the west. Sadly, we can't see it making a comeback any time soon, so we'll just have to jealously admire the gifts available to...
News Dead Or Alive Xtreme 3: Scarlet "Basic Free Edition" Arrives At The End Of This Month
Can you resist?
Fancy a beach holiday? How about a free trip to New Zach Island in Dead or Alive Xtreme 3: Scarlet? Soon you'll be able to visit paradise on your Nintendo Switch when Koei Tecmo releases the "Basic Free Edition" of Dead or Alive Xtreme 3: Scarlet on the Japanese eShop at the end of this month. Provided you have access to a Japanese...
Japanese Charts Nintendo Switch Games Take Up Eight Of The Top Ten Spots
But it's a PS4 game in first place
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for 13th May - 19th May, revealing that eight out of this week's top ten games are on Nintendo Switch. It's a familiar story as a new PS4 game enters the chart at number one this week, followed by a Switch-heavy list full of Nintendo-published titles. The game to secure...
News Citizens Of Earth Is Being Mysteriously Removed From The 3DS eShop In Japan
Available until the end of the month
Citizens of Earth will reportedly be removed from the Japanese 3DS eShop at the end of this month. At the time of writing, a reason for its removal has not been provided. The game was originally released in 2015 on both the 3DS and Wii U and draws inspiration from Nintendo's EarthBound / Mother series. Right now,...
News Angry Mob Has Released A Brawlout Demo On The Japanese eShop
Growing the game
Before the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, there were only so many multiplayer arena games available on the system. One of these was Brawlout by Angry Mob Games, featuring a cast of unknowns, eventually supported by more recognisable indie faces such as Yooka-Laylee, Juan from Guacamelee!
News Disgaea Developer Nippon Ichi Software Facing Serious Financial Troubles
This is bad news, dood!
Nippon Ichi Software, the Japanese developer and publisher best known in recent years for its tactical role-playing series Disgaea, is reportedly facing serious financial troubles. This information comes from multiple Japanese media outlets, as translated by the Twitter user HDKirin. For some time now, the long-running...
News Sega Ages Wonder Boy In Monster Land "Coming Soon" To The Japanese eShop
Another classic
Update: The official webpage for Sega Ages Wonder Boy has now confirmed the game will be released in Japan on 30th May. It appears Sega has begun preparing for the release of the next Japanese Sega Ages game – Wonder Boy In Monster Land – by opening its official webpage and listing it as "coming soon" to the local eShop for 925...
Random Watch The Sega Sammy President Create A Chain Combo In Puyo Puyo Champions
More than a suit
While we're used to seeing Nintendo's leaders playing games publicly on a regular basis, you don't always see the same thing elsewhere. That's why the promotional clip (see below) for the recently released title Puyo Puyo Champions is so exciting. Overlooking the fact the game is being played on a PlayStation 4, we get a rare...
News New Hammer Power-Up Spotted In Japanese Super Mario Maker 2 Direct
Hammer time
There was a lot to absorb during yesterday's Super Mario Maker 2 Direct presentation. We found out about the game's story mode, new multiplayer options and extra game styles. Did you know, however, Japan received a slightly different Direct? Yep, the one Japanese viewers saw might have revealed even more information about the anticipated...
News Nintendo Switch Overtakes PS4's Lifetime Sales In Japan
Having been on sale three years less
If you follow our regular Japanese charts updates, you'll likely remember that the country's Golden Week holiday caused a bit of a kerfuffle with the publication of chart data recently. Finally, things are starting to catch up, and Famitsu's estimates reveal that the Nintendo Switch has now overtaken PS4's...
Random Geodude Gets Appointed As A Tourism Ambassador In Japan
Another day in Iwate Prefecture
Out of all of the Pokémon that could potentially become tourism mascots, you probably weren't expecting the floating rock-ground type Geodude to be the chosen one. Hiker would be proud. Japan's Iwate Prefecture recently teamed up with The Pokémon Company to make Geodude the official tourism ambassador for the area...
Review Super Robot Wars T - Enjoyable Tactical Mecha Goodness For Returning Fans And Newcomers Alike
The T is for ‘Terrific’
Super Robot Wars T is the most recent entry (and the first on Switch) in Bandai Namco's very successful series of tactical mecha adventures that stretch all the way back to deepest darkest 1991. With dozens upon dozens of previous entries under their belt you'd imagine they'd have exhausted Japan's supply of pilotable...
Japanese Charts Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fights Its Way Back To Second Place
Hardware sales nowhere to be seen
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for 29th April - 5th May, revealing that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has jumped back up into second place. PS4 title Days Gone has managed to keep hold of number one with another decent week of sales; the rest of the top ten is made up entirely of Switch games. Here are...
News SNK Releasing Transparent Neo Geo Mini To Celebrate The Samurai Shodown Series
See everything
Ever since the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, SNK has worked hard to make its retro library of Neo Geo games readily available on the eShop. In between all of these classic and slightly enhanced releases, the Japanese company found time to release two different miniature systems. Now, in an attempt to build hype for the...
News Sega Ages Line Struggling To Appeal In Japan, Interest Overseas Better Than Expected
"Japanese sales need to be better"
Although the west has had to wait much longer for each release in the Sega Ages line on the Nintendo Switch, the demand for this retro-inspired series has been better than anticipated – with games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Out Run and Alex Kidd in Miracle World selling particularly well in Eu
News Taito's Ninja Warriors Will Once Again Hit Our Screens This July
In Japan, at least
Remember that Ninja Warriors sequel we reported on a while back? We've not heard anything about it for a while, but last month (sorry, we must have been asleep) Taito confirmed that the game – which is being developed in conjunction with Natsume Atari – will hit Japanese PS4 and Switches in July of this year. Taito has also...
Feature Eevee x Tamagotchi Is A Surprisingly Resilient Virtual Pet For A New Generation
Your very own pocket-sized Pocket Monster
A while back, we reported on the news that two of the world's most famous 'virtual pet' brands – Pokémon and Tamagotchi – were joining forces in the form of Eevee x Tamagotchi, a keyring-sized gadget which contains (you guessed it) your very own monochrome Eevee to look after. Now, several months after...
News EA Brings Its Cheaper 'Best Hits' Range To Switch In Japan, Starting With FIFA 19
That's one way to ruin the box
EA has revealed that FIFA 19 will soon be treated to a 'Best Hits' release in Japan, giving customers the chance to simultaneously pick up the game at a lower price point and immediately figure out how they're going to avoid displaying that case. The release is reportedly scheduled for a 6th June launch and will be...
Japanese Charts Nintendo Switch Is Already On The Verge Of Surpassing PS4's Lifetime Sales
Just over 5k sales in it
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for 22nd - 28th April, revealing that the Nintendo Switch is tantalisingly close to surpassing the lifetime sales of PS4 in the region. Before we jump over to console sales, let's quickly take a look at the latest software charts. Note that all of the information here is actually...
Random A Fresh Batch Of Kirby Merch Drops On His Japanese Website
All the best stuff's made in Japan
The official Japanese Kirby website has published a new collection of items for Japanese fans to snap up. If you find yourself in need of beautification, it seems that HAL Laboratory's platforming pink puffball has got you covered with an adorable range of make up and associated cosmetics. As you can see below,...
News Sega Revives The Super Monkey Ball Series With A New Trademark In Japan
Roll on!
A day after we highlighted the Indiegogo project Rolled Out!, which is described by its creator as a "love letter" to the Super Monkey Ball series, it's now been discovered Sega has filed a trademark for Tabegoro! Super Monkey Ball in Japan. At this point in time, the company has not made any official announcement regarding the development...
Feature What It’s Like To Run An Online Game Store In Japan
“You could buy a car with this kind of money”
While a great many of the world’s best games come from western developers, for a certain sector of the gaming world, Japan is where it’s at. Not only is it the home of Nintendo, Sony, Sega and Capcom – as well as numerous other key players in the industry – but in the ‘80s and ‘90s it was...
News Wonder Boy Returns Remix Arrives Later This Month On The Japanese eShop
Boy is back
After a remixed version of Wonder Boy Returns was confirmed by the Korean Game Ratings and Administration Committee in March for the Nintendo Switch, a listing on the Japanese eShop has now confirmed the game will be arriving later this month on 23rd May for ¥1,620. As previously noted, this is a remake of the original game with...
News Nintendo Announces Mario Kart Tour Closed Beta Test For Android Devices
Starts next month
Nintendo's Mario Kart Tour website has revealed the upcoming mobile game will be receiving a closed beta test on Android devices. This test period will run from 22nd May to 4th June in both North America and Japan. The website is currently accepting closed beta test participant applications until 7th May. The test is being held to...
Reminder You Can Download Sega Ages Virtua Racing Right Now From The Japanese eShop
New gameplay video released to celebrate
Virtua Racing has arguably been one of the most anticipated Sega Ages games since it was announced. The title includes 8-player split-screen, online multiplayer and a built-in replay mode not included in the original arcade release. While there's still no word on a launch date here in the west, the game is...
Japanese Charts Switch Console Sales Reach 8 Million, Will Soon Overtake PS4 Lifetime Sales
After just two years on sale
Japanese chart figures are now in for 15th - 21st April, revealing that the Nintendo Switch has now surpassed 8 million sales in the region. Before we jump into console sales, let's quickly take a look at this week's top ten. Famitsu reports that this week's new release, Langrisser I & II, shifted 9,031 copies on...
News Japanese My Nintendo Users Are Being Treated To Adorable Physical Goodies
We miss Club Nintendo
Once again, we find ourselves looking at the Japanese My Nintendo rewards service with an almighty amount of jealousy. While the western variants of My Nintendo have given up on the practice of offering physical rewards, Japan's reward system is still going strong and these latest gifts are very lovely indeed. Down below, you...
News Splatoon 2 To Receive Update Tomorrow According to Japanese Twitter
Version 4.7.0 incoming, but don't get too excited
Splatoon 2 has seen an impressive amount of content added since it launched back in 2017, from the substantial Octo Expansion paid DLC to a wide variety of new weapons, gear and arenas. In addition, Nintendo has been keeping a watchful eye on balance within the game and has been making minor tweaks...
Japanese Charts Nintendo Labo VR Constructs A Second Place Debut
Beating Final Fantasy
Japanese chart figures are now in for 8th - 14th April, revealing that Nintendo Labo VR has managed to enter the charts in second place in its opening week. The game managed to sell more units that this week's other big Switch release, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, with Famitsu's estimates reporting a total of 26,634 sales...
Japanese Charts Super Dragon Ball Heroes Kicks Yoshi Off Top Spot
Nine Switch games in top ten
Japanese chart figures are now in for 1st - 7th April, revealing that Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission has knocked Yoshi's Crafted World off top position. The game debuted with an estimated 70,990 sales on Switch, which is comfortably higher than the figure Yoshi achieved in its debut last week. As you may...
News Fans Will Get The Chance To Name A New Move In Pokémon Sword And Shield
It's contest time!
It already feels like forever ago since the Pokémon Sword and Shield reveal, but if the build-up to the release of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! is anything to go by, we can expect to see lots more footage and information ahead of the games' release later this year. Before The Pokémon Company showers us with...
News Octopath Traveler Is Getting Its First Live Concert This July
'Break, Boost and Beyond'
Square Enix has announced that Octopath Traveler's first live concert will be taking place on 28th July at the Olympus Hall Hachioji in Tokyo. The show, called Octopath Traveler: Break, Boost and Beyond, will feature music from 'Octopath Traveler Arrangements – Break & Boost', a soundtrack album which was released in...
News Sega's Yakuza Games Are Not In Consideration For The Switch Right Now
Don't expect the protagonists to appear in Ultimate, either
Sega's Yakuza games don't really have much of a history with Nintendo's platforms, but somehow questions continue to be asked about the possibility of the series coming to the Switch. During an interview with IGN Japan recently, series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi said the third-person...
Japanese Charts Yoshi's Crafted World Secures Another Number One
An impressive launch
Japanese chart figures are now in for 25th - 31st March, revealing that Yoshi's Crafted World has secured another number one position following on from its UK success reported earlier this week. The game sold 53,327 copies in its first week on sale in the region, knocking last week's number one, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, down...
Video Take A Look At The Debut Trailer For Dragon Quest: Your Story
Due out in Japanese cinemas this August
Video game movies, television series and animations are all the rage right now. Following this recent trend is Dragon Quest. If you're a fan of Square Enix's long-running JRPG series which started out on the Famicom in 1986, you may or may not have heard the news earlier this year about a 3D animated film...
News Doraemon Story Of Seasons Launches On Switch This June In Japan
An unusual crossover
Story of Seasons (or Harvest Moon, as the series used to be called) is getting a crossover release with Japanese manga series Doraemon on Nintendo Switch. Currently only confirmed for Japan, the game will fittingly be called Doraemon Story of Seasons. Set to be published by Bandai Namco, the game has just been confirmed to be...
News Fan Releases English Translation Patch For Namco's Famicom Game Youkai Douchuuki
Fight through Hell
Long before Level-5 launched its Yo-Kai Watch video game series on Nintendo hardware, there was an old school Famicom game released in 1988 about the supernatural monsters, creatures, spirits, ghosts and demons commonly found in Japanese folklore. The game we're referring to is Youkai Douchuuki. It starred a young boy named...
Random Japan's Kirby Merchandise Never Fails To Make Us Smile
A new Kirby lottery is on the way
We often find ourselves banging on about how jealous we are of those living in Japan, and at least 70% of that jealousy comes from the nation's incredible range of Kirby merchandise. If you don't believe us (or just want to see some of it for yourself) feel free to check out any of the following. In recent times,...
Japanese Charts Smash Bros. Ultimate Overtakes Splatoon 2 As The Best-Selling Switch Game
Super Robot Wars T debuts in 3rd
Japanese chart figures are now in for 18th - 24th March revealing that, as we predicted last week, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has now overtaken Splatoon 2 as the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch in the region. The game sold another 21,008 copies this week, taking its total physical sales in Japan to 2,974,153.
Random Store Your Cardboard Creations In This Official Nintendo Labo Box
This box rocks
As fun as it is making Nintendo Labo cardboard creations, finding a place to store them can be a real hassle. If you haven't already found a space for these kits inside your home, Nintendo is releasing an official Labo-themed box for 800 yen in Japan. If you're wondering what the catch is, there isn't one. It's a standard box you use...
News The Switch Famicom Controller's Microphone Actually Works, Just Like The Original
Could future Joy-Con have a mic built-in?
As you may well remember, to coincide with the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online - Nintendo Entertainment System collection, both NES and Famicom-style wireless controllers were released for the Switch for online subscribers only. The Famicom versions are exclusive to Japan - just like the system on which...
Japanese Charts Smash Ultimate Is Now Less Than 10,000 Copies Away From Outselling Splatoon 2
Smash could take over next week
Japanese chart figures are now in for 11th - 17th March, revealing that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is on the brink of becoming the best-selling Switch game in the region. This week saw another 20,706 copies be sold at retail (making it the best-selling Switch game this week), taking its total sales to 2,953,145...
Chillout time, offline
Nintendo of Japan has released four new advertisements showcasing the many strengths of the Nintendo Switch. As usual, the marketing message is on point and these will likely play quite well with their target demographics. The first advertisement focusses on Nintendo's unique games on the Switch, such as Pokémon: Let's Go,...
News The Arcade Version Of Pokkén Tournament Is Terminating Its Online Services
Gone but not forgotten
Bandai Namco's Pokkén Tournament might be known as one of the more exciting games during the Wii U generation that got a new lease of life when it was re-released on the Switch, but it actually started out as an arcade exclusive in Japan. In sad, but inevitable news, it's now been announced via the official website, that the...
News Super Real Mahjong PV Temporarily Removed From Switch eShop Due To Accidental Nudity
Not safe for the eShop
Super Real Mahjong PV has only been available on Nintendo Switch for a matter of days, but the game has already been pulled from the eShop after several scenes of nudity were spotted by players. Super Real Mahjong is a series of arcade mahjong titles made by SETA Corporation, with many of its games being ported to the Sega...
News Media Create Will No Longer Share Japanese Sales Data Publicly
Behind closed doors
Recently, the head of Media Create Atsushi Hosokawa told Bloomberg the practice of releasing Japanese hardware and software sales data publicly may not continue. Now, after a review, the team has decided to no longer share weekly sales figures with the general public. Starting next month, companies requiring sales data will need...
