Tag: Japan
"I can just give instructions to the AI"
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii has released a brand new game, but with a twist: it's completely AI-generated. As covered by VGC, Horii-san posted a link on X to a game titled Interrogation Room Komiya in which you select a series of text prompts to push a suspect into confessing to a crime. The creator...
Random Sonic Figure Containing The Blue Blur's "DNA" Comes With An Eye-Watering Price Tag
That's a lot of Rings
Earlier this year, SEGA revealed a life-size Sonic statue that contained the hedgehog's "DNA" (yes, really), housed in the Shibuya SEGA store. In the months since, a trip to Tokyo has been the only way you could get a look at the weird creation, but you'll soon be able to have one in your home... if you can stomach the insane...
News Nintendo Announces Another Switch 2 Hardware Bundle
Japan gets a new "Choose-Your-Game" bundle
The Switch 2 is now over a year into its life, and Nintendo has so far shifted more than 23 million units globally. In recent months, the video game giant has announced multiple hardware bundles (and even some themed systems) to help boost worldwide sales, and it's now Japan's turn. The homeland of...
News Capcom Is Looking To Evolve Its RE Engine Into An 'AI-Era Game Engine'
It wants to "create games together with AI"
Capcom programmer Satoshi Ishida has detailed upcoming improvements to the company's proprietary RE Engine during the Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026. As reported by GameBiz (thanks, VGC), Capcom's 'REX' initiative is designed to overcome modern development challenges that make the process so lengthy,...
News Pokémon Pokopia + Expansion Pass Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release Announced
Launching in Japan alongside the new Legends: Z-A physical release
Pokémon Pokopia was the first Nintendo title released on a Game-Key Card, and while nothing is changing on this front, it's been announced an updated release is on the way to Japan. Alongside the news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A getting a new Switch 2
News Square Enix Shows Off Exclusive Sleeve For Dragon Quest XI S On Switch 2
Available with the "packaged version" in Japan
DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is an amazing game, but Square Enix's Switch 2 version has admittedly fallen short of fan expectations. For existing Switch owners, there's no upgrade path, and save data is not compatible between the Switch and Switch 2 versions...
Round Up The Switch 2 Games We Played At TGS From 2026's Shoo-In 'Publisher Of The Year'
Resident Mega Dogma Wilds
TGS 2026 is in full swing right now, and we've been able to go hands-on with a bunch of upcoming Switch 2 games, including a selection from every outlet's Publisher of the Year*. The show is running from Thursday 17th to Monday 21st September (although an approaching typhoon has led the organisers to cancel the final day...
News Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Is Getting A Manga Series, Here's The Key Art
Update: You can now read the prologue chapter on Nintendo Today!
[Thu 6th Aug, 2026 03:15 BST]: Alongside other Direct news this week, Nintendo has announced Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave will be getting its own manga adaptation. This announcement was shared on the official Fire Emblem social media account and at the very end of the Japanese Fire...
News Japanese Console Market Would Have Been "Eliminated" If Switch Failed, Says Analyst
A silent guardian, a watchful protector... A Nintendo Switch
We're all aware of just how successful the Switch has been since its launch in 2017. The latest figures put it at a total of 156.59 million units sold worldwide, which means that had Sony not managed to find some extra PS2 sales down the back of the couch in 2024, the Switch would be the...
"We always need new discoveries"
Game developer Masahiro Sakurai has announced that The Game Designer award for the Japan Game Awards has been discontinued, as he has been unable to find a successor to carry it on into the future. As reported by IGN, Sakurai made the announcement at this year's ceremony. He originally founded The Game Designer...
News Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Monster Hunter Wilds Bundle
Launching in Japan this December
The mainline Monster Hunter series will debut on the Switch 2 this December with the release of the new entry Monster Hunter Wilds. In case you missed it, during the Japanese Direct this week, Nintendo (and Capcom) announced hunters in this location will be able to pick up not only the game on 4th December 2026, but...
Available in "limited" supply on Square Enix's webstore
Square Enix has this week confirmed Final Fantasy VII Revelation will be arriving on the Switch 2 in April 2027. Alongside the news, it also shared some details about the retail version (it's a Game-Key Card) and announced multiple versions of the game that will be available at launch. While...
News Juliet Is Back! Lollipop Chainsaw's New Game Gets A "World Premiere Demo" At TGS 2026
"Get an early hands-on experience"
Last year, Dragami Games announced it was developing a brand-new Lollipop Chainsaw title, promising at the time to preserve and build upon the appeal of the original game. In an update this week via social media, the developer has revealed Juliet's new game will be featured at Tokyo Game Show 2026 later this...
News Capcom Spotlight Presentation Kicks Off TGS 2026 Later This Month
A 40 minute broadcast covering the latest Capcom news
With Gamescom wrapped, the focus now shifts to the Tokyo Game Show later this month. As part of this upcoming event, Capcom has now announced it will be broadcasting a special Capcom Spotlight Presentation. This global spotlight will take place on 16th September 2026 and promises to bring fans...
Review Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark (Switch) - M2 Delivers Two Seminal Sharky Shmups
Send in the Toaplanes
To mark the release of Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark on Western eShops on 29th August 2026, we're republishing our original import review from May 2022. Please note that the text below refers to the Japanese release and there may be differences between the versions and DLC available on your local eShop. M2’s...
News Nintendo Warns Against Museum Ticket Resales And Transfers
"Tickets sold anywhere else are not valid"
Nintendo has provided a statement warning against the resale and transfer of tickets for the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan. The company states that it has identified several instances in which individuals who bought tickets through third-party means were not able to enter the museum. It says that tickets...
News Nintendo Donating 50 Million Yen To Assist Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Efforts
It will also offer free repair services
Following the devastating Kumamoto earthquake in Japan last week, Nintendo has announced it will be donating 50 million yen (about 317,000 USD) to the local Red Cross Society. Additionally, the video game company will also be providing free repair services for residents in affected areas until 1st February...
News Sega Still Values Physical Media, But Views Digital Distribution To Be "Crucial"
Best of both worlds?
Physical media is under threat like we've never seen before, with Sony providing confirmation that it will no longer manufacture PS5 discs from January 2028. Now, Sega's president Shuji Utsumi has provided information on the company's own stance in a new interview with Famitsu. In a nutshell, Sega seemingly has no plans to...
News Uniqlo Launches New Pokémon 30th Anniversary T-Shirt Collection
Available now in Japan
As part of Pokémon's ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations, Uniqlo has launched its second UT collection of t-shirt designs. According to the official description, this collection pays homage to the origins of the Pokémon series and comes with game pixel art dating back to the original generation. There are four shirts for...
News Here Are Japan's Best-Selling Switch 1 & 2 eShop Games For The First Half Of 2026
Pokémon, Mario Kart and more top the list
We've just passed the halfway mark of 2026, and Nintendo has now shared its best-selling eShop games for the Switch 1 & 2 in Japan. This covers the first six months of the year (1st January 2026 - 30th June 2026) and the top 20 games for both systems. As usual, series like Mario Kart and Pokémon feature...
News New Pokémon Collab Grants 60 Japanese Football Teams Their Own Mascot 'Mon
It's Coming Ho-Ohme
Football fever is at its peak right now thanks to a little thing called the World Cup, and The Pokémon Company is making it harder still not to feel a twinge of love for the beautiful game as it has announced a new collaboration with Japan's J. League. The collab is part of TPC's continuing 30th anniversary celebrations, and it...
News Nintendo Shares Statement After Being Voted Famitsu's Number One Developer
"Thank you for choosing Nintendo"
Famitsu readers in Japan recently voted Nintendo the number one game developer, beating the likes of Square Enix (which, as the developer of Dragon Quest, is a big deal in the region), Capcom, Atlus, and FromSoftware. Now, as reported and translated by Nintendo Everything, the company has shared a statement to...
News Another Switch 2 Edition Will Deliver More Demon Slaying Action This October
An upgrade pack has been confirmed for Switch owners
[Thu 25th Jun, 2026 07:30 BST]: Following a release on the original Switch in August last year, Aniplex and developer CyberConnect2 have now finally confirmed a Switch 2 Edition of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2. According to the Weekly Jump reveal, it's locked in...
News Nintendo Legend Takashi Tezuka Is Retiring From His Role In June
Update: He will continue on as a Production Producer
[Fri 8th May, 2026 08:16 BST]: Nintendo has announced that legendary developer Takashi Tezuka will be retiring from his role as Executive Officer. Tezuka-san is one of the most significant figures in Nintendo history, having served as a designer on the original Super Mario Bros., director on...
News Nintendo Announces The Construction Of A New ¥121 Billion R&D Center In Japan
Completion is planned for March 2029
Nintendo has announced it is constructing a new R&D base in Kyoto, Japan, officially called the 'Technology Development Center'. The company states that the new building "will serve as a new research and development base for Nintendo’s software and hardware", with completion currently planned for March 2029...
News A New Restaurant Is Opening At The Nintendo Museum Later This Year
Bullet bill, please
Nintendo has announced that it will be expanding the Nintendo Museum with a new restaurant later this year. The 'SUPER FAMILY RESTAURANT' is scheduled to open in Autumn 2026 as a new dining experience for museum visitors. Not much information has been provided at the time of writing, but a sneak peek at the restaurant itself has...
News Nintendo Expands Its 'My Mario' Range With New Apparel
Adorbz
Nintendo has expanded its 'My Mario' range in Japan with a selection of adorable apparel for youngsters (thanks, Go Nintendo). The new items include two dresses designed after Peach and Rosalina, a peach-coloured t-shirt featuring the princess herself, a blue t-shirt featuring Roslina, two additional t-shirts featuring Bowser and Bowser Jr...
News Nintendo Combats Scalpers With New Switch 2 Purchase Requirements In Japan
You must play Switch for "50 hours or more"
Nintendo's Japanese branch has announced it's placed new purchase requirements on the Switch 2, after discovering "multiple orders" suspected of scalping consoles. The notice specifically highlights the Switch 2 "multi-language" model sold on the Nintendo Store in Japan. To purchase one of these units,...
Round Up 12 Switch 1 & 2* Games We Played At BitSummit 2026 - Here's What We Thought
*Hiccups/dev kits permitting
I’ve covered a lot of gaming conventions in my time. Innumerable PAXes, E3 once, and a few Tokyo Game Shows. None of them match the immaculate vibes of BitSummit, Japan’s indie gaming convention. From developers fresh out of University to seasoned vets striking out on their own, an infectious enthusiasm for this...
News Pokémon Company Considers Using Government ID To Tackle TCG Scalping
Extreme behaviour calls for an extreme response
The Pokémon Company has issued a statement (thanks, Automaton) confirming that it is considering using government-issued ID to tackle scalping in the Trading Card Game community. Though it doesn't outright refer to scalpers, The Pokémon Company says that it wishes to “provide all customers with...
News McDonald's Japan Appears To Be Teasing Another Capcom Collab
Update: The Mega Man collab is now underway
A while ago, Capcom teamed up with McDonald's Japan to offer a special Street Fighter-themed burger menu. In an update today, it seems this partnership will continue with the fast food giant's social media account seemingly teasing a new Mega Man collab. As you can see, there's an 8-bit silhouette image...
News Nintendo Hiring For A Brand New Role 'Movie Project Promotion Manager'
Aaaand action!
Nintendo continues to step into the movie and cinema realm, as the company has opened up a brand new position for a 'Movie Project Promotion Manager'. Shared and translated by Genki_JPN, the Big N is currently accepting applications for the role, which will be based in Kyoto, Japan. Successful candidates will be "responsible for...
News Man Arrested After Reportedly Threatening To Blow Up Nintendo's HQ
"My plans cannot be thwarted"
Nintendo has been on the receiving end of a few bomb threats in recent years, and its headquarters in Kyoto have reportedly been targeted yet again. As highlighted by KTV News via Automaton, a "27-year-old unemployed Japanese man" has been arrested this week by local police on suspicion of sending letters to blow up...
News Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters Reveals August 2026 Kick-Off For Switch
"This is world-class football"
Ahead of the World Cup next month, Bandai Namco has shared an update on Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters. According to the Japanese version of the new story trailer, the title will be released for the Switch in this location on 27th August 2026. Alongside the launch date, Bandai Namco has also revealed details...
News Star Fox Is Getting An Adorable New Plush Line In Japan
Update: Pre-orders are now available
[Thu 7th May, 2026 07:00 BST]: Nintendo's been giving Star Fox a lot more attention recently, and following his big game reveal, we've now got an adorable plush toy announcement. Japanese company Sanei has announced it will be releasing a new line of Star Fox plush in Japan in "late June". As you can see, the...
News Steins;Gate Is Getting Another Remake On Switch 1 & 2 This August
El Psy Kongroo, MAGES.
Steins;Gate, one of the most-acclaimed visual novels of the past two decades and the most popular entry in MAGES.'s Science Adventure series, is getting a fresh new remake later this year on Switch 1 & 2. MAGES. has announced that Steins;Gate Re:Boot will launch in Japan on 20th August 2026 (via
News Nintendo Skips Over Some Heavy-Hitters In Its Super Mario 40th Anniversary Ad
Where is my Sunshine, my only Sunshine..? ♫
Nintendo has uploaded a new ad as part of its ongoing celebrations for Super Mario's 40 anniversary. Titled 'It's You, Mario', it highlights some of the plumber's iconic games, starting with the Famicom and Super Mario Bros. and ending with the Switch 2 and Super Mario Galaxy. It's a nice little look at...
News 'Sega Universe' Initiative Announced, Celebrating Multiple Classics With Anniversary Projects
Reviving IP such as OutRun, NiGHTS, Sakura Wars and more
Sega has announced a new 'Sega Universe' initiative in Japan, which will see the company celebrate the anniversaries of classic game series with all sorts of projects. The games highlighted on the official website include: OutRun Streets of Rage
News Toei Company Establishes New Gaming Publishing Brand
Say hello to 'Toei Games'
Toei Company, the Japanese juggernaut known primarily for its work in the film and television industry, has announced the establishment of a new gaming publishing brand: Toei Games. Originally founded in 1951, Toei Company describes the establishment as a "new challenge" and aims to release games first on Steam before...
News Good Smile Reveals Two Stunning Fire Emblem Figures, Pre-Orders Now Live
Azura reps Fire Emblem Fates
Although Nintendo is already focused on the next game Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, The Good Smile Company is today celebrating the series' past with the reveal of two new figures based on Azura from the 3DS title, Fire Emblem Fates. There's the Azura (White Songstress) 1/7 Scale Figure and the
News A Pokémon Center Employee Has Reportedly Died After An Attack In Tokyo
The perpetrator is also dead, according to reports
Warning: Please be advised that this post includes details that may cause distress. A female employee at The Pokémon Center in the Sunshine City complex in Tokyo has died following a fatal stabbing incident on the evening of 26th March 2026, according to reports from news outlets. According to...
Random Nothing Says "I Choose You!" Quite Like These Pokémon Engagement Rings
Put an Ursaring on it
Pokémon is in all corners of our lives. You can wake up to Pokémon Sleep, brush your teeth to Pokémon Smile, throw on your Pokémon apparel and head out on a walk with Pokémon GO. Now, you can make those days extra romantic by saying "I Choose You" to your significant other, accompanied by one of these Pokémon engagement...
News Japanese Teens Apparently Love Nintendo Switch More Than Pokémon & Disney
Our survey says...
The Brand Japan 2026 evaluation survey results have revealed that Nintendo is still an extremely-popular name with Japanese teenagers, with both the company brand and the Switch console only being beaten by YouTube. As reported on (and translated) by Automaton Media, Nikkei BP Consulting's
News Investor Who Urged Nintendo To Monetise Mario's Jumps Acquires Shares In Kadokawa
“Just think of paying 99 cents just to get Mario to jump a little higher"
Oasis Management Company, a Hong Kong-based investment firm, has reportedly acquired a significant stake in Japanese media giant Kadokawa. As reported by Automaton, the firm now owns an 8.86% stake in Kadokawa after purchasing over 13 million shares. Kadokawa famously owns...
News "The Flavour Tends To Get Lost" - Dragon Quest's Yuji Horii On English Translations
"I've come to accept that English is a simple language"
One of our very favourite underrated gems on Switch, PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, got a surprise sequel last month with the arrival of The Mermaid's Curse. To celebrate the launch, Famitsu sat down with series director Takanari Ishiyama and Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii (the...
News Pokémon Confirms Anniversary Pikachu Plush Local Release
Following the confirmation of restocks in Japan
[Tue 3rd Mar, 2026 06:55 GMT]: Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary in all sorts of ways, and one of the most in-demand products is the "Beginning Pikachu" plush, available at the Pokémon Center. At the moment, this retro Pikachu inspired the Pokémon's pixel design and look from the Game...
News We Really Want To See This Pokémon Dice Game Roll Out A Western Release
TPC used Rollout
The Pokémon 30th anniversary celebrations are continuing to roll out this week, as TPC has today revealed that it's releasing a new version of Plakoro, a Japanese Pokémon dice game from the '90s. The game has only been confirmed for a Japanese release at the moment — where it'll launch at some point in July — but the more we...
News Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Is Getting A Stunning 'Special Edition' Release In Japan
Still just a download code, mind
It's official, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will arrive on the Switch eShop right after the Pokémon Presents wraps up next week on 27th February. It's a cause for celebration, of course, but there's a part of us that can't help but feel a pang of envy after realising that Japan is getting treated to a 'Special...
News Stardew Valley's New Update For Nintendo Switch 2 Is Now Live
This "bug fix patch" is available now in America
At the end of last year, the popular farming and lifestyle sim Stardew Valley got released on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the US. The creator ConcernedApe has now rolled out the first major update for the title in 2026. It's a bug fix patch addressing multiple issues, including some improvements to...
News Konami And M2 Announce New Goemon Switch Collection, Here Are The 13 Retro Titles Included
Releasing in Japan this July
If you're a fan of the Goemon and Mystical Ninja series, there was a rather exciting 40th anniversary announcement shared during this week's Japanese Partner Showcase. Konami and the emulation experts at M2 are teaming up to release Ganbare Goemon! Daishuugo - a new retro collection coming to the Switch and multiple...
