Tag: Japan - Page 2
News Unrailed! Is Getting A Free Nintendo Switch Online Trial In Japan Next Week
No news on a North American or European trial at this time
Game trials are easily one of the Nintendo Switch Online's biggest draws. Unlike demos – which only represent a fraction of the game – Nintendo's scheme allow you to play the entire game for free over a set period of time. We last saw it with Dead Cells in January, and now, Japan'
Games? Gone. Merch? Gone. Mario?
Nintendo has confirmed that a set of special Mario 35th-anniversary products currently available at its Tokyo store will be pulled from sale on 31st March. An awful lot has already been said about Mario's upcoming doomsday (31st March is looking set to be a pretty miserable day for Nintendo's famous plumber), but...
News CNN Covers The Super Nintendo World Opening
The Osaka theme park is now open to the public
CNN Correspondent Selina Wang visited the newly-opened Super Nintendo World to show off the theme park, as well as detailing some of its COVID policies. She even managed to get a ride on the AR Mario Kart track, "Koopa's Challenge", which is more than many visitors will get - VGC noted that the queue...
Japanese Charts Another Perfect Week For Nintendo Sees Super Mario 3D World On Top
A-Train All Aboard! scores top ten debut
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 14th March, revealing that Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is still top of the pile. The title continued its winning ways with another estimated 41,734 physical sales this week, down by roughly 12,000 from the previous week. It leads a top...
News Super Nintendo World Celebrates Park Launch With Grand Opening Ceremony
Shigeru Miyamoto makes an appearance
After a number of setbacks and delays tied to the pandemic, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan is finally open for business. Today was the grand opening, and to celebrate there was a ceremony featuring Nintendo's very own Shigeru Miyamoto. Alongside him was USJ president and CEO, J.L...
News Aerial Photos Provide Further Hope That Super Nintendo World's Donkey Kong Land Is Real
New evidence supports our suspicions
Earlier this week, a report from VGC revealed that Japan's Super Nintendo World theme park contains a mysterious locked door that appears to be a tease for a new, upcoming area. Thanks to newly-spotted aerial photographs shared online, we can now see that there's more than enough reason to believe a new area...
Random This Pikachu Caterpillar Is... A Lot To Take In
This is what happens if you use fifty Thunder Stones at once
Fun to lean on! Just don't lean too hard, or... well, you don't want to know. Just don't. Trust us. Have you ever discovered one of those strange little shops on the high street that sells nothing but K-Pop posters, keyrings of anime boys, and weirdly off-model plushes of video game...
News Yes, Someone Has Reviewed Japan's Super Nintendo World
Find out how to beat the boss, and which food is best
Japan's Super Nintendo World theme park opens this week, and although its Universal Studios Orlando sibling just got kicked back to 2025, fans will be able to visit from the 18th March. In anticipation of the park's gates opening to the public, Video Games Chronicle has published a series of...
News Japan's Super Nintendo World Has A Mysterious, Locked Donkey Kong Door
A new DK area on the way?
Just days ahead of the park's official opening, it's been discovered that Japan's Super Nintendo World contains a locked Donkey Kong door, hinting at a future park expansion. VGC reports that the mysterious door is located and 'hidden' towards the north of the park, featuring "a very DK-
Feature A Brief History Of Nintendo’s Home Hardware Add-Ons
A multi-format menagerie
Nintendo’s handheld console upgrades were so common for so long you could practically set your watch by them: the leap from Game Boy to Game Boy Color via the Pocket; the GBA’s evolution from its original battery powered form to the blazing intensity of the Micro’s beautiful
News Capcom Allegedly Forced Staff To Work On-Site, Ignoring Japan's COVID Rules
Last year's internal leak seems to have frightened the execs
The global pandemic has been going on for a year in the West, but even longer in many parts of Asia, where the virus was first discovered. Like many countries, Japan - home to a number of high-profile games studios and publishers - asked workers to stay home, or at least to limit the...
Japanese Charts Super Mario 3D World Returns To Number One As Nintendo Dominates Proceedings
Entire top ten and best-selling hardware secured
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 7th March, revealing that Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has returned to the top of the pile. Nintendo's mega Mario rerelease sold another 53,603 physical copies this week to get that top spot, knocking last week's debut number...
News Nintendo Reminds Us The Super Mario Bros. 35 Service Will End On 31st March
Happy MAR10 Day!
It's 10th March today and that means it's officially Mario day. While there's a sale and more to celebrate Mario's 35th anniversary, unfortunately, Nintendo's Japanese customer support Twitter account has dampened the mood with yet another reminder the company will end the Super Mario Bros. 35 service on
News Nihon Falcom Is Celebrating Its 40th Anniversary With A Special Broadcast
Take a look back at its early efforts with Ys and The Legend of Heroes
Not every anniversary is always cause for celebration with companies. Nintendo was noticeably quiet during Legend of Zelda's 35th recently, but Nihon Falcom is doing things differently. A special 40th anniversary broa
News Square Enix Shows Off New Trailer For The World Ends With You: The Animation
Special screening airs later this week
Square Enix will be airing a special "UG Shibuya FES" live stream of the first episode of The World Ends With You: The Animation later this week on 14th March. Ahead of this, it's released the third trailer for the upcoming anime adaptation, which is based on the original 2007 Nintendo DS title. Here's a look...
News Final Fantasy's Chocobo Racing Might Be Making A Comeback
More trademarks surface online
Update [9th Mar 2021]: Last December, a trademark for the Final Fantasy Chocobo spin-off surfaced online. Now, according to Gematsu, Square Enix has filed trademarks for "Chocobo GP" on 26th February in Australia and Canada. Another trademark for it appeared in Europe at the start of this month. Original story [15th...
News Japan's Super Nintendo World Finally Opens This Month
News comes after Osaka lifts COVID-19 state of emergency
Universal Orlando's Super Nintendo World might not be arriving until 2025, it looks like Universal Studios Japan's park has quickly gotten back on track. After a delayed opening due to COVID-19, Osaka's state of emergency
News Japan's 35 Best-Selling Switch Games In The First Four Years, According To Famitsu
Animal Crossing is out in front
The Nintendo Switch reached its fourth anniversary earlier this week. As of 31st December 2020, the hybrid system has shifted 79.87 million units worldwide and software sales are now at 532.34 million units. Although Nintendo has already released its top ten software sales data for the financial year 2020/21, the...
News Atlus Wants To Know What Games You Want Ported To Switch
It's that time of year again
Atlus has just released its annual online survey for 2021. As usual, it asks Japanese fans a number of questions about their own personal gaming habits and more. In terms of Switch-related questions, the same one from last year about possible ports is arguably the highlight. The only difference is it's no longer a...
Japanese Charts Story Of Seasons And Bravely Default Leap Ahead Of Super Mario 3D World
Two brand new entries hit the ground running
Famitsu's Japanese chart figures are now in for the week ending 28th February, revealing that Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has been knocked out of first place in its third week on sale. Instead, the coveted number one spot has been gobbled up by Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town this time...
News Hori Unveils Five New Animal Crossing Themed Nintendo Switch Accessories
Arriving next month
Since the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons last March, the IP has been raking in the big bucks. Sales are through the roof and third-party accessory manufacturers are even cashing in on the latest game's success. Continuing this trend is Hori - with a brand new officially licensed line of Animal Crossing: New...
Random Ever Wanted A Pokémon-Themed Fishing Lure? Well, Now's Your Chance
Now you can fish with Kyogre and Pikachu
It's been a busy week for Pokémon fans. Last Friday's announcements of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokém
News Some History About ILCA, The Japanese Studio Working On The Pokémon Diamond And Pearl Remakes
Game Freak's backup
During the Pokémon Presents broadcast this week, The Pokémon Company announced remakes of the Nintendo DS games, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. While Game Freak normally handles games like this, right now, it's busy with the open-world prequel Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which is due out next year. This leaves the release of
News The Pokémon Company Reveals Top 30 Pocket Monsters, According To Japanese Twitter Poll
In celebration of 25 years
As you might have heard, it's Pokémon's 25th anniversary on 27th February (that's this weekend). In the lead up to this, The Pokémon Company ran a poll, asking Japanese trainers to vote for their favourite pocket monster via Twitter. To vote, participants were required to share any pocket monster's name in Japanese on...
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
