Tag: Japan - Page 36
News Pokémon, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japanese Charts
Monolith Soft's title beats launch sales of predecessors
It's that time, once again, for the Japanese Media Create charts. They make for some interesting reading this week, with the release of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being of particular interest. Monolith Soft's title had a pretty decent launch on Switch, securing second place behind Pokémon Ultra...
News Get Those Vocal Cords Ready, Joysound Karaoke Is Coming To Switch
And it works with your Wii U microphone!
It's time to dust off those mics and get those vocal cords ready, because Nintendo has confirmed that Joysound is coming to the Switch as a free download on the Japanese eShop. Like the Wii U version, the game will grant access to 140,000 songs which can be played using timed tickets. ¥324 gets you 3 hours...
Random Check Out This Japanese Guide to Classic LCD Games
Yes, that includes Game & Watch
There are lots of gamers out there who seem to love physical media. Whenever a digital-only game gets a sudden print run on card or disc, people go crazy! Also, plenty of gamers love books - especially books on games. There have been countless tomes released over the last few years; practically every topic has been...
Video Here's How You Play Switch Drumming Game Gal Metal
Waggle to the beat
Gal Metal launches early next year, and DMM Games has released a new trailer which shows how the game's drumming mechanics work. As you can see, the aim is to shake the JoyCon controllers in time with the music - as you perform, a group of 3D characters jam out. Rawk. Gal Metal is scheduled for launch in Japan on February 8th,...
Video Street Fighter II Transformers Get An Awesome Promo Trailer
Just in case you didn't think the idea was cool enough already
A few days ago we reported on the news that Takara Tomy is set to release a special range of Street Fighter-themed Transformer toys, each one representing a character from Capcom's famous one-on-one series. The company has now released a special trailer for the line which, somehow,...
Weirdness Pikachu Is Now A Cultural Ambassador For The City Of Osaka
Don't worry, they've got some actual humans involved too
Pikachu - the world's most famous Pocket Monster - has been made a Cultural Ambassador for the City of Osaka. No, you're not dreaming. Foreign Minister of Japan Tarō Kōno presented Pikachu with the position at a ceremony recently. Hello Kitty (but of course!) was also given...
News Nintendo Switch Hardware Sales Reach Another Level in Japan
It's taking off
With the middle of the week coming around it's time for the Media Create chart results in Japan. It was a week with a number of new releases, but it's the Switch hardware sales that really catch the eye. We'll start off with software as we normally do, and this week sees Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon unsurprisingly...
News Nintendo Tops Toyo Keizai's List Of Japan's Richest Companies, While Sony Is Fourth
Jump up, Super Star!
Japanese business publication Toyo Keizai has released its list of the 500 richest companies in Japan, and Nintendo has come out on top. Nintendo has a whopping 946 billion Yen in net cash reserves, and is - as we know - currently raking it in thanks to the incredibly successful Switch. Nintendo's closest rival in the video...
News Nintendo Launches Some Charming Festive Switch Commercials in Japan
Happy times
We're into the final few weeks before the festive season - that's another month of shopping before some much needed downtime to wrap up the year. Nintendo's had a fantastic 2017 with the launch of the Switch, and is naturally hoping to finish it strongly. Perhaps due to the different shopping habits in Japan - some of the biggest...
News We're A Little Bit In Love With These ARMS Mobile Phone Keychains
Only in Japan, of course
In the next thrilling instalment of "Japan gets all the cool stuff", we have these amazing mobile phone keychains (not sure if it's even accurate to call them that, but we were stumped on any other description) based on weapons from ARMS, which is officially 2017's most underrated video game (OK, semi-officially). Produced...
News "No Plans" To Localise Shinobi Refle: Senran Kagura, Says Marvelous Games
"We have no news to share regarding a western release"
Shinobi Refle: Senran Kagura launches in Japan today but developer Marvelous Games says that it has no current plans to release the title outside of Japan. Part of the titillating Senran Kagura series, Shinobi Refle makes use of the Switch's HD Rumble for various - ahem - tactile...
Random Japan Is Getting Awesome Street Fighter Transformer Toys
Another Capcom crossover
Capcom has given us some memorable crossovers over the past few decades but this latest one appeals to our nostalgic tendencies in more ways than one. Capcom is working with toymaker Takara on a Transformers x Street Fighter II range, which takes some well-known morphing robots and applies a Capcom spin in the form of...
News Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Lead Japanese Charts As Switch Dominates Again
There's a new Wii U release in the top 10, too
It's the middle of the week, which means it's time for the Media Create chart results out of Japan. It was a big week all told and one that certainly boosted Nintendo's coffers. The results bring us the launch sales of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, though the combination of it being a mid-gen...
News Sonic Forces Struggles in Japan as Super Mario Odyssey and Switch Lead Charts
Warriors ports fail to chart on Switch
The Japanese Media Create chart results are out and as always make for some interesting reading. Last week saw a number of new releases, though familiar names continue to lead the way. Still skipping along at number one is Super Mario Odyssey, holding off Call of Duty: WW2. Despite there being a number of new...
News Bandai Namco Is Releasing One Of The Most Ridiculously Awesome 3DS Peripherals Yet
Going fishing
Think the 3DS is on its last legs? Try telling that to Bandai Namco, which has announced plans to release a game called Bakuchou Bar Hunter in Japan next year. Details are pretty light on the ground at present but it appears to be some kind of fishing simulation, and even comes with a cool-looking peripheral (shown in the image...
News R-Type And Other Irem Arcade Hits Are Coming To Switch
Thanks to Hamster
Japanese conversion specialist Hamster - famous for its superb line of Neo Geo ports on the Switch eShop - has just revealed that it has gained the licence to bring some of Irem's most beloved coin-op titles to Nintendo's console. The first game is Arcade Archives Zippy Race, which is due for release this year in Japan...
News Super Mario Odyssey and Nintendo Switch Continue Strong Run in Japan
Wahoo!
It's the middle of the week, which means it's time for the Media Create charts out of Japan. The previous week saw Super Mario Odyssey hit around half a million sales at launch, the figure varying depending on whether you prefer Media Create or Famitsu numbers. Starting with the software chart this week, Mario's adventure has been...
News Switch Passes Two Million Sales In Japan Thanks To Super Mario Odyssey Fever
Game sells 512,000 copies in three days on sale
Super Mario Odyssey has given Switch the sales boost it needed to pass the two million consoles sold marker in its native Japan. Last week, Switch sold 133,094 units, with the bulk of that figure apparently thanks to the Super Mario Odyssey Switch bundle. Last week also marked the biggest delivery of...
News Nintendo Opens Super Mario Odyssey Photo Contest, But There's A Catch
Snappy chappy, Cappy!
One of the coolest things about Super Mario Odyssey is the fact that the game comes with a built-in photo mode where you can snap images, edit them and share them with others. Nintendo is clearly aware of the appeal of this mode, as it has just opened a competition via its Japanese site asking players to send in "Joy themed"...
News Nintendo Titles Get Pushed Down the Japanese Charts as Switch Clings Onto Top Spot
A glut of PS4 / Vita releases dominate the software results
The Japanese Media Create results are out, and last week was undoubtedly a strong one for new titles on PS4 and Vita. That influenced hardware a little too, though the big N still managed respectable results. In the software charts it's all about new releases on PS4 and Vita, with the...
News PS Vita Horror Adventure Death Mark Is Headed To Switch
Marked for life
Japanese company Experience has announced that it is bringing Death Mark to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in 2018. Originally released on the PS Vita, Death Mark - or Shiin as it is known in Japan - sees you assuming the role of a character who has been branded with the titular mark, which means they will soon die. The game...
Gallery Japan's Collective Body Is Ready For Super Mario Odyssey
If only more people could get Switches to play it on...
Super Mario Odyssey launches this week - as if you didn't know - and Nintendo has gone big on promoting the game in Japan. Everywhere you look there are adverts, merchandise, magazines, cardboard stands and even Mario statues, all of which show that Nintendo isn't sparing any expense...
News Lost Sphear Makes Modest Debut in Japan But Switch Stays on Top
Four of the top five games are on Switch and 3DS
The Japanese Media Create chart results are out, and it proved to be a relatively quiet week in the market - there are some reasonable results for Nintendo, nonetheless. Starting with software we have Middle-earth: Shadow of War taking top spot on PS4, though its actual sales numbers weren't...
News Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga Takes Number One Spot in Japan, Switch Still on Top
Modest sales all around, however
It's the middle of the week, which means we have the Media Create chart results out of Japan; there are some interesting points to consider in what was clearly a relatively quiet week in the market. Starting with software we have Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions making its debut at number...
News Super Famicom Mini Greatly Outsold Famicom Mini In Japan
It prints money!
It's clear that the SNES Classic Mini has been a great success so far, with pre-orders selling out despite an appropriate volume of stock being shipped by Nintendo to supply demand this time - unlike the NES Mini which was notoriously difficult to pick up. The picture in Japan appears to be much the same, with Famitsu reporting...
News Renowned Japanese Devs List The Games They Wanted On The Super Famicom Mini
Akihiro Hino, Yosuke Okunari and Hideki Kamiya sound off
The Japanese version of the SNES Classic Mini - the Super Famicom Mini - has recently launched in Japan, and it differs from the western version by offering Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem, The Legend of the Mystical Ninja / Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyū
News Nintendo Switch Surges in Japanese Charts as Fire Emblem Warriors Makes Debut
FIFA 18 sales are relatively modest, however
The Media Create results are in for the Japanese charts, and last week was relatively busy - it's was also another solid seven days for Nintendo. Every title missed out to The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III on PS4 in first place, but it was a mixed debut for Fire Emblem Warriors; on...
Random There's a Mario and Peach Marriage License Available In Japan
Making it official
With only a few weeks left to go until the release of Super Mario Odyssey, many promotional items are starting to pop up in preparation for release day. One of the more unusual that has come up is from a Japanese bridal magazine called Zexy. In an issue released on 23rd August - and still available now - a few Nintendo related...
News Pokkén Tournament DX and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japan
Sells a little less than the equivalent Wii U version launch
It's the middle of the week, which means it's time for the Media Create chart results out of Japan. It was a notable week with a couple of new Switch releases, so let's get to it. Pokkén Tournament DX was the main arrival, and it secured top spot; its 53,395 physical retail...
Feature Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream Of Attending The Tokyo Game Show
Roland Ingram reports from TGS 2017
Finally, I had made it to the Tokyo Game Show. Back when it started in 1996, I would have given anything to come here. Nowadays the gaming scene has changed. It's not all about a few big players revealing consoles destined to rule the living room. Now we have a nerfed, consoleless Sega and a catch-all Sony nodding...
Gallery Tokyo's Sky Tree Pokémon Megastore Will Rob You Of Your Fortune And Sanity
Will you make it out alive?
There are many Pokémon stores across Japan, from when you get off the plane at Narita airport all the way across Tokyo to the 'Megastore' in Ikebukuro Sunshine city, and beyond. If you're visiting Japan's capital city then you'll notice that one of the most recent attractions is the Tokyo Sky Tree, a 634 meter...
News L.A. Noire On Switch Will Run At 1080p When Docked, 720p In Handheld Mode
Trailer coming soon
Rockstar Games Japan has confirmed that the Switch port of L.A. Noire will run at 1080p when played in docked mode. The remastered sleuth 'em up is due for release in Japan on December 7th with a retail price of 5,389 Yen. Rockstar has reconfirmed that it will include all five DLC packs, touch controls in handheld mode and...
Random Switch Cosplayer Goes The Extra Mile at the Tokyo Game Show
Meet "Switch head guy"
Our man on the ground at the Tokyo Game Show brought us a lovely gallery of cosplay the other day, but nothing compares to the cosplayer we affectionately call "Switch head guy" at Nintendo Life Towers, who was also strutting their stuff during TGS this year. With the body of Mario and the head of a Switch, this is one of our...
Random Sega Joins Up With Hooters To Promote Sonic Forces In Japan
Yes, you read that right
We almost didn't believe it ourselves, but Sega of Japan is teaming up with the racy restaurant chain Hooters to promote the forthcoming Sonic Forces. We can't help but feel this kind of marketing would be better suited for Sega's Yakuza franchise, but there you go. The full, lurid details of the campaign are yet to...
News VOEZ Is Getting A Physical Release In Japan That Adds Docked Gameplay Option
Upwardly mobile
Rhythm action title VOEZ is getting a physical release in Japan in early 2018, it has been revealed. The game - which has now been downloaded over 40,000 times worldwide - will be repackaged with bonus content, the details of which aren't clear yet. However, we do know that it will include the option to play on the TV using the...
News Metroid: Samus Returns Makes Modest Chart Debut in Japan, as Switch Still Dominates
Sold less than Other M, but a lot more than Federation Force
It's time for the Japanese chart results from Media Create, and this week there are some interesting releases making their mark, including the '2D' return of an iconic franchise that typically struggles in Japan. We're referring to the rather brilliant Metroid: Samus Returns, which...
News Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection Headed To Switch
At least in Japan it is
If you are a bit of a Kunio-kun fan, then you'll be pleased that Arc System Works is going to be releasing Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection for the Switch next year. Here are the 11 classic Kunio-kun games which are on the compilation: Downtown Nekketsu Koshinkyoku Nekketsu Koukou Dodge Ball Bu Nekketsu...
News Urban Champion Joins The Arcade Archives Roster On Switch
Along with Wrecking Crew and Excitebike, thankfully
During last week's Nintendo Direct we heard about the Arcade Archives range which is headed to the Switch in the near future. These will be arcade versions of classic games - produced by HAMSTER - and where appropriate will support multiplayer with Joy-Con controls. The original Mario...
News Shoot Some Pheromones When Gal Gun 2 Comes To Switch Later This Year
The Lynx Effect
If you've ever wished you were more popular with members of the opposite sex then Inti Creates' Gal Gun 2 might be the game for you; it's headed to the Switch eShop later this year. The Gal Gun series revolves around an "unlucky" young man who accidentally becomes supernaturally popular with girls. His mission: find his one true...
News We're Really Not Sure What Crayon Shin-Chan Gekiatsu! Is All About; But We Love It
Sing and dance with Oden Man
If you are lucky enough to live in Japan you will get to see TV commercials such as the one above for upcoming 3DS game Crayon Shin-Chan Gekiatsu! Oden wa Rudo Dai Konran!! which launches in Japan on the 30th November this year. The game itself appears to be a cartoony 2D platformer, which looks like fun. But we'd...
News Dillon's Rolling Western Is Coming Back For A Third Helping Of Armadillo-Rolling Action
It's a Dead Heat!
We really loved Dillon's Rolling Western when it span on to the 3DS eShop back in 2012. The sequel Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger released the following year was really good, too. It seems that Nintendo aren't yet finished with the lovable wild west armadillo as Dillon's Rolling Western: Dead Heat...
News New Style Boutique 3 Struts Its Stuff In Europe On 24th November
Become a styling star
One surprising announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct was the reveal of New Style Boutique 3 – Styling Star. Despite the series not always receiving the recognition it deserves, it has still managed to build a loyal following over the years. Also known as Girls Mode 4 in Japan, Nintendo Presents: New Style...
News Switch Continues to Lead in Japan as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Makes Chart Debut
Splatoon 2 narrowly loses out to Destiny 2 at the top
The Media Create chart results are out for Japan, and it's all about sequels - that and the Switch still merrily outselling everything else. In the software charts Destiny 2 took top spot, though it didn't blow the competition away. Splatoon 2 is ticking along nicely just behind; Dragon Ball...
News Yo-Kai Watch Busters 2 Will Come In Two Flavours Later This Year
Yum!
It has been revealed that Yo-Kai Watch spin-off Yo-Kai Watch Busters 2: Hihou Densetsu Banbarayaa will be released in two versions this December. The October issue of Japanese publication CoroCoro has stated that Hihou Densetsu Banbarayaa will come in "Sword" and "Magnum" versions. Little information exists regarding exactly how...
News Japanese Gaming Magazine Famitsu Celebrates 1500 Issues
Long live the king of game magazines!
The 14 September issue of Famitsu is one for the record books. The iconic magazine, which is the longest running gaming publication in Japan, reached its 1500th issue. Though Famitsu celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, 1500 issues is quite a big round number and also worthy of recognition. The...
News Nintendo Switch Still Leads in Japan as Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 Makes Debut
Splatoon 2 takes second place in the software charts
It's the middle of the week, which means the Media Create Japanese chart results have been issued. The results bring mixed fortunes from a Nintendo perspective, so let's get to it. Starting with software, Everybody's Golf on PS4 made its debut at number one, though Splatoon 2's ongoing popularity...
News As Switch Hits 1.5 Million Sold In Japan, Data Shows How It Dominates PS4 Right Now
Nearly three times as many Switches sold as PS4s in first 26 weeks
The PlayStation 4 may be the most popular games console of this generation with over 60 million systems sold since launch, but in Japan the Switch is currently outperforming it by some margin. According to 2ch (via Kotaku), the Switch has sold almost three times as many systems...
News Switch Hardware Sales Climb Again as Monster Hunter XX Arrives in Japan
The new MH doesn't scale the heights of predecessors, however
In the madness of prepping for the Nindies Showcase yesterday we skipped by the Media Create Japanese chart results, but by popular(ish) demand here they are. The big software arrival of the week was Monster Hunter XX on Nintendo Switch, but though it hit number one it...
News Two Of Ash's Oldest Pals Are Returning In The Pokémon Sun And Moon Anime
Ah, the nostalgia!
Brock and Misty may be two of the most famous (human) faces in the Pokémon universe, but that didn't stop them being unceremoniously cut from the recent 20th anniversary Pokémon movie. Fans were up in arms about history effectively being re-written to expunge Ash's devoted travelling companions, but it would seem that...
News Nintendo Affected by Recent Online Issues in Japan, Google Admits Fault
A simple 'network configuration error', apparently
While the internet and modern technology are wondrous, powerful things, it's interesting to note how vulnerable and susceptible they are to tumbling down. This was highlighted last week in Japan (on 25th August), when a number of services - including the eShop and servers for Nintendo Switch, Wii U...