Tag: Japan - Page 17
Anniversary Can You Believe It? The Nintendo 3DS Is Now 10 Years Old
That went quick
It's a very special day for the Nintendo 3DS. Today is the tenth anniversary of this legendary 3D handheld system. Believe it or not, but the console was first released in Japan on 26th February 2011. This followed with the western release in Europe and North America in March of the same year. When the system first launched, it was...
Japanese Charts Super Mario 3D World Stays Top As Switch Takes Entire Top Ten
Another impressive week
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 21st February, revealing that Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has stayed on top for a second consecutive week. The game shifted another 97,955 physical copies during its second week on sale, keeping Momotaro Dentetsu – a title which had previously...
News Momotaro Dentetsu's 11-Week Run Atop The Japanese Charts Sets A 20-Year Record
Money train
You might not be familiar with Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban! outside of the Japanese game charts. Having never been localised for Western release, this board-game style series is comparable to Monopoly or Fortune Street, seeing players attempt to become successful entrepreneurs. Initially produced by Hudson Soft,...
Video Get A Closer Look At Super Nintendo World's Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge Ride
I'm gonna win historic, on the Rainbow Road!
It's been a rocky start for Super Nintendo World. We can't deny that it looks spectacular and we'd previously seen some (now removed) footage of Y
A superb opening weekend for Mario
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 14th February, revealing that Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has debuted at number one. The Switch re-release sold an estimated 250,000 physical copies in Japan during its opening weekend to secure the position, comfortably finding itself ahead...
News Check Out The Japan-Exclusive Games Revealed During Yesterday's Nintendo Direct
eBASEBALL, Crayon Shin-Chan and The Caligula Effect 2 were all confirmed
Last night's Nintendo Direct was full of surprises. We got confirmations of Splatoon 3, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, Mario Golf: Super Rush and plenty more but, like before, the Japanese present
News These Adorable Pikmin Plush Are Being Restocked In Japan
Just look at that Bulborb
In today's episode of 'Japan gets all the cool things and we're immensely jealous', Nintendo has announced that its adorable selection of Sanei Trading Pikmin plush is making a comeback. The cutesy set is available to order right now from Nintendo's official Japanese store – although worldwide shipping is sadly not...
Random Japanese Fitness Mag Discusses How To Play Ring Fit Properly
The secret is not being unfit
Oof, it's been a while since we booted up Ring Fit Adventure. Our bones have returned to their previously creaky state, and our muscles to marshmallow. But it seems like Nintendo Japan know we've been struggling, so they've just published some tips and tricks courtesy of Murata-san, from the editorial department of...
Japanese Charts Momotaro Dentetsu Stays On Top For A 12th Consecutive Week
Runaway train
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 7th February, revealing that – yes – Momotaro Dentetsu is still top of the pile. The railroad sim has sat in first place each and every week since it launched in mid-November, comfortably outselling Nintendo's evergreen titles as it dominates proceedings. If you'd...
News Shin Megami Tensei II Is Being Added To Japan's NSO Super Famicom Collection
Experience the second entry in Atlus' RPG series
As usual, Japan's monthly lineup of Switch Online offerings are slightly different from the west. The titles for Japan in February include Psycho Dream, Mario's Super Picross (already available in the west), Solomon's Key 2 (Fire 'n Ice) and the highlight of the lot is Atlus' 1994 Super Famicom JRPG,...
Japanese Charts Ring Fit Adventure Is Still Selling Well, But Nothing Can Stop Momotaro Dentetsu
Disgaea 6 debuts in fourth
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 31st January, revealing that Momotaro Dentetsu is still leading the way by some margin. The game, which is really taking Japan by storm right now, managed to fend off Ring Fit Adventure for another week at the top. Konami's t
News Japanese Man Arrested For Selling Hacked Pokémon Sword And Shield Monsters
Sobble was the last straw
Sobble, a Pokémon players can obtain in Pokémon Sword and Shield. A Japanese man has reportedly been arrested after being caught selling hacked Pokémon to Pokémon Sword and Shield players. According to a report from the Asahi Shimbun, a 23-year-old man was accused of violating the country’s Unfair Competition...
News New Super Nintendo World Videos Show POV Ride Footage, Café, Merch And Lots More
See everything the park has to offer
With Super Nintendo World originally set to open its doors to the public tomorrow, 4th February, a whole boatload of footage and press impressions from media outlets across Japan has now found its way online. YouTube channel Universal Parks News Today has uploaded a staggering 21 videos today showing off various...
News Here's Why The Cover To F-Zero Is So Special
Well, the Japanese one, at least
F-Zero may not be on Nintendo's radar at present, but it's a series which is close to the heart of many a Nintendo fan – and part of its appeal is the colourful cast of comic book characters which have populated the franchise since it made its debut on the Super Famicom / SNES way back in November 1990. Takaya...
News Nintendo Shows Off New Mario-Themed 7-Eleven Menu
The Japan-exclusive food includes Yoshi, Bowser, and Peach
You may recall our coverage of the special "Ichiban Kuji" lottery that Japanese 7-Eleven stores have been enjoying these past few days, with prizes ranging from alarm clocks to soap dispenser. You may specifically recall the Mario's Mix Roll, a special spaghetti sandwich made to celebrate...
News Japan's Poké Lid Project Continues To Install Pokémon Manhole Covers Across The Country
Does that make them Pokémanhole covers?
Back in 2019, Japan began its strange, but wonderful Poké Lid project, which promised to add Pokémon designs to manhole covers across the country. As of today, there are 148 of these lids in Japan, across 13 locations, all with unique designs and Pokémon. Five new ones were just added to the roads in Nara...
Random Can't Visit Super Nintendo World IRL? Check Out This Minecraft Version Instead
It's almost like the real thing, right?
Although we may never get the chance to visit the fabled Super Nintendo World ourselves (pandemic aside, it's bloody pricey to fly all the way to Japan, not to mention the theme park tickets), we sure do have a lot of fun vicariously flicking through the photos. We've fallen in love with Chonky Toad, added...
News Pokémon Center Reveals New Galarian Plushes, Arriving Next Month
Mr. Mime, Mr. Rime and Frosmoth join the ranks
We've been getting a good look at the Pokémon Center's newest merchandise lately. Giving us a detailed view of N and Zorua's new figure last week and extra huggable plushes back in December, a new wave of Pokémon plushes will soon join them. This time around, they're focusing on the latest entry,
News Celebrated Shmup Raiden IV Is Coming To Switch In Remixed Form
Update: The trailer is here!
Update: We've now got a trailer for the Switch version, which you can see (and hear) above. Check out that music! Original Story [Wed 23rd Dec, 2020 16:00 GMT]: Developer Moss has revealed that it is bringing its 2007 shooter Raiden IV to Switch next year. Raiden IV x Mikado Remix will arrive on April 22nd, 2021 in...
Japanese Charts It's A Familiar Top Ten As Switch Gobbles Up The Competition
Momotaro Dentetsu still leads the charge
Momotaro Dentetsu, the game that's currently taking Japan by storm. Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 24th January, revealing that Switch has once again dominated both the software and hardware tables. Let's start with the software chart, where Switch games make up the entire...
News Mario Tennis Has Some Competition As Gachinco Tennis S Hits The Japanese Switch eShop
Features tag-team matches and a "Berserker" mode
Serious tennis games are all well and good, but there's definitely room for more light-hearted takes on the sport, as Mario Tennis Aces proves. That fine title is getting some competition in the form of Alphawing Games' Gachinco Tennis S, which has just gone live on the Japanese Switch eShop for...
News Super Nintendo World Becomes Even More Awesome Thanks To This Real-Life Mario Train
All aboard the (literal) hype train
As if the prospect of one day visiting Japan's Super Nintendo World theme park wasn't already exciting enough, Universal Studios has now unveiled this incredible themed train. The train, which will run on the JR Yumesaki line in Osaka starting from today, has received a fitting a Mario makeover to celebrate the...
News Nintendo Unveils Monster Hunter Rise Special Edition Switch Console
Update: Confirmed for global release
This March will see Capcom's Monster Hunter series return to the Switch with the all-new release, Monster Hunter Rise. To celebrate, Nintendo is releasing a "special edition" Switch on 26th March for 38,400 yen (that's the same date as the launch of the game). The Switch, Joy-Con and dock are all appropriately...
News Monster Hunter Rise Is Getting Its Very Own Pro Controller For Nintendo Switch
Hunt like a pro
Nintendo, as you might have heard, has announced a special edition Monster Hunter Rise Switch bundle. If you would be more interested in a standalone controller, you're in luck. Alongside this new themed console, it's also revealed a brand new Pro Controller. Like the Switch, it's got a themed decal. The controller will launch on...
All aboard with the chart-topping hit
This digital board game's only been out a few months, and yet in that short period of time, Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban! has utterly dominated the Japanese charts and sold over 2 million copies (digital and physical sales combined). It topped the Japanese multi-format charts when it...
News New Pokémon Nanoblock Sets Revealed, Garchomp And Kubfu Coming This April
Mini grass-type set with Bulbasaur also confirmed
Pokémon's 25th-anniversary celebrations continue to unfold and the merchandise keeps coming. Fans of collectable figures can look forward to a new wave of Funko Pops, and Pokémon Black and White's enigmatic N is getting the official treatment too. Next
News 7-Eleven In Japan Is Running A Super Mario Merch Lottery, With New Mario-Themed Food
Eat a pasta sandwich, just like Mario would
Starting on February 5th, the massively popular American-built, Japanese-owned chain store, 7-Eleven, will be running the "Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Campaign", which adds a few new Mario-themed food items to the menu. The only item detailed so far is the "Mario's Mix Roll", a bun stuffed with a...
Japanese Charts Switch Games Make Up The Entire Top 20
Update: Top 30 revealed
Update: More chart data has now arrived for last week in Japan, showing that the Nintendo Switch managed to claim all of the top 20 spots in the software charts. In fact, Switch games make up 28 of the entire top 30, with just two PS4 titles spoiling Nintendo's party. An updated chart can be found below. Original Article...
News Here Are The Switch eShop's Best-Selling Games Of December 2020 (Japan)
Among Us couldn't quite claim top spot
Nintendo has released an updated list of its best-selling titles in Japan, this time covering December 2020. Below, you'll find a list of the 20 best-selling games on the Japanese eShop last month. Only paid downloads are included, and any games that were on sale during the period are appropriately labelled...
News Pokémon Center Reveals Official N And Zorua Figure, Pre-Orders Have Gone Live
Black and White fans, you've not been forgotten
Pokémon's 25th-anniversary celebrations are in full swing and honestly, there's seemingly no end to how much is getting announced. Without even getting into New Pokémon Snap's information blowout, merchandise is popping up everywhere. New
News Get Another Look At Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury In These New Japanese Commercials
Not long to go now
The first big release of the year for the Nintendo Switch is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. The game is made up of two parts - the existing Wii U game, and a new add-on where Mario and Bowser Jr. team up to stop Bowser who has been tainted by a "mysterious black goop". To help build up some excitement before the game's...
News Famitsu Delivers Its Verdict On Disgaea 6: Defiance Of Destiny
Meet the cast in a new western trailer, too
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny, the sixth entry in Nippon Ichi's turn-based tactical RPG series, is scheduled to arrive in the West in 'Summer 2021' (as a Switch exclusive in this territory, no less). However, lucky Japanese gamers will get their hands on it in just one week's time when it launches on...
News Atelier Ryza 2 DLC Will Include Recipes, Dungeons And - Yes - Swimsuits
Gotta dress for the weather
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is coming to Switch this year, and publisher Koei Tecmo has revealed DLC plans for the JRPG. The game – which comes to North America this month on January 26th and Europe on January 29th – launched in Japan in December, so the first helping of DLC is already...
News Nintendo, Creatures And Game Freak Register Trademarks For "Pokémon Wonder" and "Fusion Arts"
Don't get too excited
On 27th February, Pokémon will celebrate 25 years since the release of the original Game Boy titles in Japan. In the lead up to this big event, Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and Game Freak have registered new trademarks for "Pokémon Wonder" and "Fusion Arts" in Japan. Before you start speculating, Pokémon Wonder covers "Food,...
News New Advert For Pokémon Snap To Be Shown On Japanese TV
The 15-second video shows Bouffalant, Vivillon, and Torchic
The release of New Pokémon Snap is getting closer each day, although we've still got a while to wait until we can explore the Lental region on the 30th April. This new trailer, made for Japanese TV, shows off a few seconds of footage, plus appearances from YouTuber Fuwa-chan and popular...
News Mario Merch Now Available At Universal Studios Japan
Another sneak peek of the park after COVID opening delays
A few more images from Universal Studios Japan have emerged after the Super Nintendo World theme park had its soft opening yesterday despite COVID delays, reports themeparx.com. The images show the new merchandise now available for sale at the Universal Studios gift shop, themed around Mario...
News You Can Now Buy A Special Box Of Banana-Shaped Pikachu Treats In Tokyo
Pikachew used Fruit Punch
Once again, Japan gets all the fun. Tokyo Banana, the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo city, launched a Pokémon-themed line of the curvy, banana-custard-filled cakes at the end of last year. Featuring Pikachu and Eevee in different designs, the cakes are available at Tokyo Banana shops, and will be rolled out to 7-Eleven...
News Tingle's Designer Takaya Imamura Has Parted Company With Nintendo
Also known for his work on Star Fox and F-Zero
Nintendo has created a lot of weird and wonderful characters over the years, but one of the standouts is Tingle. The recurring character, who first started out in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask on the Nintendo 64, was designed by Takaya Imamura. Today, this same veteran Nintendo staffer - who was...
Anniversary Japan Celebrates 15 Years Of Super Mario Strikers
It was technically last year, in Europe and North America
Next Level Games is seemingly on a hiring spree, and it got us thinking about some of its past releases. One standout hit, in particular, is the GameCube title Super Mario Strikers (also known as Mario Smash Football). Although the game made its original debut in Europe and the US in 2005...
News "Special Edition" Gold Monster Hunter Rise amiibo Set Up For Grabs In 7-Eleven Japan Lottery
A truly "limited" run
We've seen limited edition amiibo in the past, but these Monster Hunter Rise ones just might be the rarest ones yet. 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan have unveiled this "limited" and "special edition" gold amiibo set, to celebrate the launch of Capcom's upcoming Nintendo Switch release. The catch - because there's always...
News Tokyo's Kirby Café Is Adding A Chocolate Pizza To Their Menu
And it's served on a Kirby-shaped board
The Kirby Café chain is delightfully weird. With dishes featuring the faces and general shapes of Kirby and friends, and names like "Chocolate fondant that Meta Knight sneakily takes out of his cape", it sounds like the kind of place we'd love to go to. You can even order drinks topped with a marshmallow of...
News Pikmin 3 Deluxe Is Officially The Best-Selling Entry In The Series In Japan
Beating the original game
Pikmin has never been one of Nintendo's major franchises in terms of units sold, but it's nice to know that the most recent entry – Pikmin 3 Deluxe – has found some degree of commercial success in Japan. Total physical sales of the game – which is an update of the Wii U original – in Nintendo's homeland now stand...
News Nintendo Switch Took 87% Of Japan's Console Market in 2020
And almost 50% of the software market, too
Despite all the woes of 2020, Nintendo has had a remarkable year and on the console front, made waves across the globe. Switch became the UK's best-selling console by far and it took the lead in China's market, as well as overtaking 3DS lifetime s
Japanese Charts Switch's Dominance Continues As Nintendo Smashes Software And Hardware Tables
All top ten places secured
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 10th January, revealing that Nintendo Switch has once again taken every single spot in the top ten. Momotaro Dentetsu remains on top, with current favourites Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Ring Fit Adventure continuing their successful reigns at the...
News comes as Osaka declares state of emergency
There's no denying how much we're looking forward to seeing Super Nintendo World's grand opening. Having been given a full look in last month's special Nintendo Direct, it's gearing up to be something special for Nintendo fans, but those in Japan will have to wait a little bit longer. Due to open on...
News Nintendo 3DS Outsold The Entire Xbox Family - Including Series X - In Japan Last Year
Not bad for a dead console
If there's one thing that's true about the Japanese games market, it's that the nation is obsessed with handheld consoles – which is why the Switch is doing so well in that particular market, not just in terms of shifting millions of units but also in locking out 9 of the 10 best-selling games for 2020. However, another...
News Surprise, Nintendo Utterly Dominated The Japanese Video Game Market In 2020
Switch led the way in both hardware and software sales
The beginning of a new year is always a good time to take stock of what's happened in the previous 12 months, and Japanese publication Famitsu has done just that in publishing a report which sums up the state of the Japanese video game market in 2020. The headline stats show that the market...
Random Japan Gets Exclusive Pokémon Treats For Valentine's Day
When you love someone so much you want them to eat Pikachu's face
Japan always gets all the fun. They get to put their head in Gengar's mouth. They get all this super-cute Animal Crossing loungewear. Here in the UK, we're lucky if we get a localised release of a five-year old game (
Random Sleepy At Work? Put Your Head In Gengar's Gob With This New "Pokémon Sleeping Companion"
Check out that 5.5-foot tongue!
Pokémon has given us some pretty incredible consumer products in recent years, such as a Snorlax plush which is literally large enough to sleep on. The company that created that particular dream product, Premium Bandai, is back with yet another Pocket Monster-related plush that we didn't know we needed: the Gengar...
News Mario Party's Developer NDcube Is Recruiting For A New Project
What's on the way?
It's a new year and that means brand new Switch games are likely already being planned out by Nintendo's first-party devs. With this in mind, NDcube - the developer of Super Mario Party and Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics - has shared a recruitment brochure for 2021, and it appears to be hiring for a new game. Here's a...