We already knew that Yo-Kai Watch was coming to the west thanks to Hasbro's deal to create toys for the popular Japanese cross-over franchise, but it wasn't until today - and Level-5's Japanese Vision 2015 conference - that a publisher (Nintendo) and solid release window (2016) came to light.
Nintendo has now issued its own press release regarding the game, and has officially confirmed that it will be handling the distribution duties in United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Korea. Nintendo also pointed out that the series has generated more than $1 billion in retail sales of toys and other merchandise in Japan, "not counting games, music or publishing".
Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, was cock-a-hoop about the news:
With sales of more than 7 million units in Japan, YO-KAI WATCH is coming to the U.S., where a new audience will be able to experience this irresistible franchise for the first time. It doesn't matter if you're a kid, parent, fan or fan-in-the-making: Everyone will be won over by this charming game.
However, what Nintendo didn't confirm was when we'd actually get to play the game itself. Hasbro's executives - who took part in the aforementioned Level-5 presentation - stated that the toys would start rolling out next year.
Comments 24
I like cats,I Like games. I might pick this up
Oh god, could you imagine Amiibo for this franchise? 0_0
so which one are we getting... they are about to release a third one right?
@Ryu_Niiyama The first one.
I'm interested.
hopefully a pre-christmas release
I was kind of expecting this a lot sooner actually, but it looks like they are going all in with the marketing of toys and anime. Hopefully it gets popular.
Is there a Level 5 vius affecting Nintrndo Life, they've taking over the front page?
Yada yada yada Wonderflick yada yada yada
I'm excited for this one! Love the style too
Yokai watch needs to get here faster. Also, I love the japanese voices. Here's hoping the English dub measures up. It's doubtful though...
@Rhydas
If I recall correctly, Hino teased the voice actors (for Jibanyan and Whisper) to brush up on their English, so maybe they might be involved somehow...
Oh boy, another pokemon-monster hunter game !
This is one I will be picking up. Might be a fresh take on the pokemon formula. Kind of like Ni No Kuni was.
Bring it on!
Is this similar to Pokemon? I honestly know nothing about this series.
I've been waiting for a long time to see it get over to NA, so can't wait to finally play it.
Never heard of this... so not interested at all
There is like 4 other news articles about this and every time I say I don't care.
I will more than likely get this but would rather see Dragon Quest X on 3DS get ported.
I'd rather see NA finally get Inazuma Eleven 2, but this is always welcome.
Celebrate good times come on! (Starts dancing) They are finally releasing a 3DS game I can get excited for. Took a good long wait just to confirm that it is even coming to the west! I know the wait will be worth it though!
Why is Nintendo so slow at getting anything done? The 3DS Amiibo peripheral won't be out til the fall, and now they can't get this done before next year? Luv ya Nintendo but you really shoot yourself in the foot being so slow.
Finally i can play the game and know why it's so popular in Japan!
Well, looks like Japan will get Yokai Watch 3 when we got the previous game. But regardless, this game looks pretty charming so definitely get it when it comes here.
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