Tag: Japan - Page 41
Video Enjoy Some More Pokémon Hype in This Trailer for Pokémon Ga-Olé
Sing along - "Pokémooooooooooooooooooooooon"
Pokémon Ga-Olé, due in Japanese arcades from July, is the successor (in terms of how it works) to Pokémon Tretta. It'll use collectible cards with which players can enter into battles, with the machine itself having a handsome 50-inch portrait screen. It looks interesting, and as rec
Video Japanese Hotel Hosting Special Pokémon-Themed Attraction
Welcome to "Eevee and the Mysterious Book"
The Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort in Miyazaki, Japan is holding a special Pokémon interactive attraction which involves finding monsters around the resort and recording them in a special "book" (which, in reality, is a tablet computer). Dubbed "Eevee and the Mysterious Book", the event is booked by parents...
News Japan Has Voted For Its Favourite Pokémon, And It's Not Pikachu
720 monsters, one winner
A vote was recently held in Japan to decide which Pokémon is the most popular right now, and you might be shocked (no pun intended) to learn that series mascot Pikachu wasn't even in the top three. The aim of the vote was to pick a 'mon to be distributed as a free download to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire players...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Passes 300,000 Sales in Japan's Media Create Results
It was a quiet week in Japan
We're a little later than normal with the Media Create chart results this week, for elaborate reasons. Well, ok, we were distracted and forgot them, and the results reflect a rather unremarkable period in Japan regardless. Dragon Quest Heroes II remains at numbers one, two and three, which is just greedy. On the plus...
News Super Street Fighter II and The Legend of Mystical Ninja Heading to New 3DS in Japan
More SNES goodness
Sometimes the Japanese eShop line-ups, particularly with the Virtual Console, can provide a little advance warning on what's heading to the service in the West. We hope that's the case with the latest arrivals on the New 3DS VC in Nintendo's homeland, as it includes a couple of classics. One title heading to Japan this week is...
News New Sony System Releases Lead the Way in Japanese Charts as Kirby Still Battles On
New 3DS LL drops to third in hardware despite small increase in sales
It's the middle of the week, which means it's Media Create Japanese charts time. This week is all about new releases, and also provides a reminder as to why the sporadic third-party support for Nintendo's hardware can be a notable negative. On the software front new releases on...
News Pokémon Ga-Olé Bringing Plastic Card Battling Action To Japanese Arcades This July
Olé!
A short time ago, we reported on the news that a fresh Pokémon arcade title was coming to Japan. We've now got more details on the unit - named Pokémon Ga-Olé - which is due to arrive in Japanese amusement centers this July. Developed by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. and Marvelous AQL, Ga-Olé uses plastic cards for its 'mon battling action and...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Continues Its Decent Sales in Japan
A quiet week sees a small gain in Wii U sales
The Japanese Media Create chart results are out, and this week isn't short of new releases - notably, however, some titles that are major names in the West have only made a modest impression in Japan. Kirby: Planet Robobot is still the best-placed game on Nintendo hardware, showing solid momentum in...
News There's A New Famicom Game Being Released In Japan
Yes, it's still getting games
Japanese artist and programmer RIKI - the same chap who did the brilliant 8bit Music Power "cartridge album" - is bringing his homebrew indie hit Kira Kira Star Night to the Famicom as a physical release. Released in 2013 and shown off to great acclaim at BitSummit back in 2014, the side-scrolling platformer boasts...
Interview Making the Meowst of Monster Hunter Generations
With Ryozo Tsujimoto and Shintaro Kojima
Monster Hunter Generations is due to drop in the West on the 15th July, but before all that we met up with Executive Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and Producer Shintaro Kojima to discuss the game in proper Nintendo Life style. Check out the video below where we get these two cheeky chaps to spill the beans on the...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Continues Solid Run in Japanese Charts as Hardware Sales Drop
Lack of new releases starts to bite
The Japanese chart results are out, and overall they're relatively low key - one new release has taken number one spot but hardware sales are down. Starting with software, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End has made its debut at number one, though Kirby: Planet Robobot is hanging on to second place with lifetimes sales...
Video Puzzle & Dragons X Footage Lines Up Ahead Of Japanese Launch
Thanks to CoroCoro magazine
CoroCoro magazine has published two gameplay videos for the forthcoming 3DS puzzle/RPG hybrid Puzzle & Dragons X, which launches in Japan on July 28th. The first clip shows some combat, while the second illustrates the towns and locations seen in the game. Based on the hit smartphone title - which has just cleared...
Video Here's A Bunch Of Retro Japanese Game Commercials, Just Because
Star Fox! Sonic! Yoshi! Castlevania! Metroid! Street Fighter! Fire Emblem!
TV commercials are an artform. Advertisers are limited by time and are competing with a wide range of other products for your attention, so these bite-sized productions have to deliver their message as tightly and effectively as possible. Few commercials are as successful -...
Random This Japanese Super Mario 64 Guide Book Is Simply Adorable
Hope and clay
No one does guide books quite like the Japanese. Years before such tomes became fashionable as pre-order bonuses here in the west, gamers in Japan were enjoying intricately detailed publications which covered elements such as level designs, walkthroughs and secrets. However, some of these guides went the extra mile and contained...
News These Splatoon Playing Cards Are A Deal You Cannot Afford To Miss
Show us your hand
We hope you're not too attached to your cash, because Nintendo is releasing a series of Splatoon playing cards in Japan and if you're anything like us, you'll want them. All of them. The cards will be released in three different sets and are expected to launch in July. Just to loosen your resolve, Play-Asia has them up for...
News CoroCoro Has A Pokémon Sun And Moon Exclusive Lined Up For Its Next Issue
Such a tease
Japanese magazine CoroCoro often gets handed exclusive information relating to upcoming games, and this week the publication is teasing that it has exclusive news on Pokémon Sun And Moon coming in its next issue. The news is accompanied by some artwork from the latest movie, Volcanion & The Ingenious Magearna. Beyond that,...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Stays on Top in the Japanese Charts
A quiet week sees Wii U sales back in four figures
It's that mid-week point of the Media Create chart results out of Japan, and a week with no new releases in the top 20 sees familiar favourites still leading the charge. Kirby: Planet Robobot has followed up its number one debut with a second week at number one, nearly hitting a quarter of a...
Live Blog Ease Your Curiosity and Watch the Culdcept Revolt Nintendo Direct - Live!
Let's see what cards we're dealt
This is the very definition of a title that may be a big deal in Japan but seems unlikely to make it to the West, which adds a bit of extra intrigue. Culdcept is a strategy series driven by card collecting and deck management, a video game take on a popular real-world game genre. Culdcept Revolt will be the first...
News Nintendo Unveils Two New 3DS Colours for Japan
Hopefully coming West soon?
Historically, Nintendo consoles have always been on point when it comes to the variety of colours that are available. While not everyone is always pleased with the launch colours, most of its formats have had their fair share of special editions and additional options to give everyone a chance at picking a unit that best...
News Kirby: Planet Robobot Secures Top Spot in Japan as Hardware Sales Enjoy Holiday Boost
Wii U clambers back into five figures
There have been a few observed Holidays in Japan this week, which has accounted for later-than-usual Media Create chart results. They have now emerged, however, and bring some good news for Nintendo. Kirby: Planet Robobot was the biggest arrival this week, with the 3DS title securing top spot - its sales of...
News Culdcept Revolt Will Have Its Own Nintendo Direct in Japan
Um, yay?
We're seeing a lot more unity in global releases - albeit with localisation delays - than in past years, with a number of intriguing titles making their way out of Japan to the West. Nevertheless a number of titles are still mysteries to all but the most enthusiastic importers, and one such 3DS release is even getting its own Nintendo...
News Medabots Studio Delta Arts Has Closed Its Doors
Also responsible for Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle on 3DS
Japanese studio Delta Arts has closed, it has been announced. The company has been responsible for the major instalments in the Medabots series since 2010, and also created Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle on 3DS. The last Medabots release it worked on was Medabots 9, which launched in Japan...
News Star Fox Zero Makes Modest Debut in Japanese Charts as 3DS Holds Steady
Terraria on 3DS also has a low key arrival
The Media Create charts for Japan have emerged once again, and this week includes a couple of fresh arrivals on Nintendo hardware. Star Fox Zero is the most high-profile new entry, though it loses out to One Piece: Burning Blood on PS4 and Vita. Combining the double pack (which includes Star Fox Guard)...
News Pikachu Is Getting His Very Own Pokkén Tournament Controller
The lucky scamp
Remember the Pokkén Tournament controller we covered a while back? A new version is being released in Japan this June, and it's clad in the signature colours of the world's most famous Pokémon. Costing 3,758 Yen, the Hori-made pad will be identical to the original in terms of form and functionality, but it's yellow. And it has a...
News You Can Now Pre-Order The Most Gorgeous New Nintendo 3DS XL Console Ever Made
Just Super
A short time ago, Nintendo revealed that it is releasing a special Super Famicom-flavoured version of its New Nintendo 3DS XL system exclusively in Japan. Based on the classic Super Famicom system (SNES in the west), this edition of the machine will come with a unique design and packaging
News Mario Kart Arcade GP DX Gets A Sizeable Update
Adds long-awaited new course "Pac-Man Stadium"
We've all been having so much fun playing Mario Kart 8 here at NL Towers that we've forgotten all about the existence of that other game that's not quite 'in the series', Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. Thankfully the good folks at Namco Bandai Entertainment haven't forgotten and are continuing to support the...
News Yo-kai Watch and Dragon Quest Continue to Lead in Japan as Wii U Has a Small Boost
All other systems show declining sales
The Japanese games market is pleasingly different to the West, with its own trends and patterns alongside some unique releases. We get a look at this courtesy of the weekly Media Create results, though the updated data shows that old favourites continue to lead as last week's new arrivals struggle. Starting...
Weirdness Japanese Lingerie Company Designs a Pokémon Themed Collection
Never change, Japan
The Pokémon Company is one that's not shy to merchandising opportunities; it seems there's a Pokémon inspired variant to roughly any product you could think of. This is smart advertising, and it leads to increased brand recognition, but it sometimes also leads to some humorous outcomes. While most of the time the branding makes...
News Here's How Much Space Star Fox Zero And Star Fox Guard Will Consume On Your Wii U
"Hey, what's the big deal?"
Digital download cards released in Japan have revealed the file size data for forthcoming Wii U titles Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard. Star Fox Zero gobbles up 6.2GB of storage space, while the spin-off title - which began life as Project Guard - occupies a more slender 2.1GB. Both launch at the end of the month -...
News Yo-Kai and Dragon Quest Still Lead for 3DS in Japan Following Modest Disney Art Academy Launch
Wii U sales climb a little as hardware struggles
The latest Media Create results are in to show what's hot and what's not in Japan, and they reflect a relatively stagnant hardware market and fairly predictable brand power, with a couple of new releases struggling to impress. The top two games are both on 3DS this week, with Yo-kai Sangokushi still...
News Yo-kai Watch 3 Coming To Nintendo 3DS In Two Fishy Flavours
Sushi or Tempura, anyone?
The latest issue of Japanese magazine CoroCoro has revealed that 3DS title Yo-Kai Watch 3 will come in two different versions: Sushi and Tempura. Both launch on July 16th in Japan. At retail, each version will come with an exclusive medal. The Sushi editon has the KK Brothers (the US version of Komasan and Komajiro) while...
Feature How One Man Saved Kyoto - And Video Games - From The Atomic Bomb
Nintendo fans have a lot to thank Henry Stimson for
As we all know, Nintendo's history stretches back quite some time - over 125 years, in fact. The Kyoto-based firm started out manufacturing playing cards and moved into other forms of entertainment - including toys and eventually video games - much later on. However, Nintendo might not have...
Rumour Voice Acting Audition Hints At Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Sequel
Could we be getting a new game, or just add-on content?
Avex - the company which produced the music for Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE - is holding auditions in Japan to look for "new talent", a move which has sparked rumours that we could be getting more content for the game, either in the form of a sequel or DLC. Kaori Fukuhara - who provided the...
Video Nobody Sells The Appeal Of Terraria Quite Like The Japanese
Building hype
Terraria, like Minecraft, has made quite a splash with players who like to create entire worlds out of seemingly simplistic building blocks. It came out on 3DS last year thanks to 505 Games, but in Japan, Spike Chunsoft is handling the publishing duties. Perhaps sensing a Minecraft-style smash hit, the publisher has produced a 15...
News Yo-kai Brand Power Strikes Again in Japan as Pokkén Tournament Passes Sales Landmark
Wii U hardware sales continue to toil, however
It's the middle of the week, which means it's time to look over what's hot and what's not in Japan with the Media Create charts. Level-5 will be rolling around in bundles of cash once again, while there are both positives and negatives for Nintendo. Kicking off with software, Yo-kai Sangokushi on 3DS...
News Nintendo Is Ending DS Phat Repairs In Japan
Spare parts running out, says NCL
It's the end of an era. Not only have we recently had the news that DSiWare is shutting down and Nintendo is bringing DS cart production to a close, but we've now heard that NCL is stopping Nintendo DS console repairs in its homeland. Repair support for all colours of the very first DS (model number NTR-001, also...
Video Japanese Miitomo Commercial Shows How The Social App Breaks Down Barriers
Helping you to discover more about your friends
Miitomo launches today in the west, but has been available in Japan for a short while. However, Nintendo has decided to release a few TV commercial in its homeland to mark the worldwide launch, and it does an effective job of capturing the aim of the app - to enable friends to share information in a...
News Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3 Makes Impressive Sales Debut in Japan
Wii U hardware sales drop significantly, however
As we're in the middle of another week we have the Media Create Japanese charts to consider, and this time around there's a new release on 3DS that's stealing the headlines. It's Square Enix's 3DS RPG Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3, the latest entry in the spin-off series, that's stormed to the top...
News Pokkén Tournament Beats Digimon to Number One in Japan and Boosts Wii U Sales
Splatoon is still rocking it in fifth place
It's time once again for the Japanese Media Create charts, and this week is particularly fascinating as it pitches the Pokémon and Digimon brands against each other. The good news for Pokémon fans is that the franchise came out on top in the head to head, with Pokkén Tournament seizing top spot for Wii...
News Miitomo Passed One Million Downloads in Just Three Days
Lots of mii-tings are happening in Japan
Miitomo has started rather well in Japan, we know this due to the fact it's still (as of 21st March) the leading free app on iPhone, and number two on Android. A number of keen Nintendo fans online may be rolling their eyes at the social app, but Nintendo won't mind too much if the wider public continues to...
News New Capcom Survey Points to Potential Future Plans for the Mega Man IP
Hang in there, Mega Man!
Ever since Keiji Inafune – the creator of Mega Man – left Capcom, the Mega Man series has more or less been put on ice. Though we technically got another entry in the classic series with the Capcom-approved fan game, Street Fighter X Mega Man, it still isn't much of a stretch to say that the series hasn't been at its...
News Miitomo Continues Strong Run in Japan
Tops iPhone overall chart and climbs to second on Android
Just recently we reported on the first two days of download results for Miitomo in Japan. It made a storming debut across iOS on 17th and 18th March, and now we have information on more results and the earliest Android chart placings. Once again we've been checking up on App Annie, and what...
News Miitomo Makes Storming Debut on iOS in Japan
"Should remove any doubts" about Nintendo brand power on smart devices
Miitomo, as many reading this will know well, launched on 17th March in Japan. Nintendo and DeNA's social app is certainly under pressure to deliver big download numbers, while shareholders will be watching closely to see what kind of revenue it and future apps will generate. A...
News Stretchy And Sticky Splatoon Squid Toys Are Coming To Japan, Thanks To Taito
Easy squeezy
Video game veteran Taito is producing a series of stretchy, goo-filled Splatoon squid toys. Now there's a sentence we didn't think we'd be typing when we woke up this morning. Due for release in Japan (where else?) on April 5th, the toys can be seen in action in the teaser video below. You can squeeze 'em, splat 'em and throw 'em in a...
News The My Nintendo Rewards 'Missions' Show What's Needed to Earn Freebies and Discounts
Miitomo naturally plays a big early part
Earlier today we shared the My Nintendo rewards that are on offer in Japan, with plenty of coins required to unlock exclusive downloads, discounts and DLC. The question is, how easy is it to earn these coins? Well, the graph below shows that the options for Platinum Coins are certainly varied, with Nintendo...
News My Nintendo Has Gone Live in Japan, Introduces Exclusive Content and a DS Download on 3DS
The start of something new
Nintendo's upcoming loyalty program – My Nintendo – may still have yet to launch in the west, but it just recently went live in Japan along with the new Miitomo app. The news doesn't come as much of a surprise, but it's interesting to see the kind of goodies that are being given away over the new service. Here's the...
News Twilight Princess HD Loses Out to The Division on Japanese Launch
Outperforms equivalent Wind Waker HD sales, however
It's Japanese charts time thanks to Media Create, and we have a major Wii U release joining in to try and start the party for Nintendo. The results are ok, but not spectacular. Kicking off with software we have the first week for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, which arrived seven days...
News Admit It, You Want This Splatoon Splattershot Water Pistol
Available for pre-order "soon"
The guns in Splatoon take a lot of inspiration from real-world water pistols, so it's perhaps a little surprising that Nintendo hasn't taken more advantage of this fact - an entire range of themed water shooters should have been available at launch; it would have been a licence to print money. Thankfully, the company...
News My Nintendo Rewards Start on 17th March in Japan, Alongside Miitomo Launch
As expected, though DLC and HOME Themes don't earn coins
It's always been the case that the new My Nintendo loyalty scheme - for those that have setup a Nintendo Account - would launch alongside Miitomo. With Nintendo's social app launching in Japan on 17th March the loyalty scheme will also arrive on the same day, and Nintendo's official website...
Taisuke Kanasaki is at the helm
It's going back quite a number of years now, but the DS and its dual-screen format helped deliver some intriguing narrative-driven gaming experiences. Fans of interactive storytelling with a grown-up approach may recall three particular DS releases that provided some notably stylised narratives on the portable - Trace...
