Japan Archives

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

First 5-day Tokyo Game Show in 30 years cuts back to 4 in face of Typhoon Dujuan

The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) has canceled its final day due to the impending arrival of Typhoon No. 25, concluding the event after four days instead of the planned five. Ticket holders for September 21 will receive refunds. The decision was made to prioritize the safety of attendees amid expected strong winds and heavy rainfall. Typhoon Dujuan is forecasted to bring nearly 16 inches of rain to the Kanto region, leading to numerous flight cancellations by Nippon Airways and service suspensions on several East Japan Railway lines.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Latest Pixel Feature Drop Expands Access to Scam-Text Detection

Google has released a feature update for Pixel phones that enhances existing functionalities and introduces new elements. The update expands scam-text detection capabilities to chat applications using Gboard, compatible with devices as old as the Pixel 6, and is available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. It also improves VIP notifications by allowing users to add home-screen widgets for designated contacts and includes a new navigation menu for easier contact switching, available for Pixel 6 and newer models. Additionally, a Harry Potter-themed pack with wallpapers, icons, and audio effects is offered, along with a two-month free subscription to Audible. For Pixel Watch users, the update introduces a one-handed pinch gesture for easier access to notifications and improved functionality for the raise-to-talk gesture on newer models.

BetaBeacon

September 14, 2026

Game Freak announces ‘laundry game’ Ame no Chi Hare Onna for iOS, Android

Game Freak has announced a free-to-play "laundry game" called Ame no Chi Hare Onna for iOS and Android, developed with CHRONOGATE. The game, set in modern-day Japan, follows the story of Hare Onna, a magical girl who can turn weather into power to brighten people's moods. The game's director and producer is Shigeru Ohmori, known for his work on the Pokemon series.

BetaBeacon

September 10, 2026

DevilConnection coming to Switch, iOS, and Android on January 21, 2027

DevilConnection, a highly anticipated adventure game, will be released on January 21, 2027 for Switch, iOS, and Android. It has received critical acclaim with an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam and will support multiple languages.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection 2 announced for PS5, Switch, and PC

SUNSOFT will release "SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection 2" on December 17 for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC (Steam). Physical editions will be available in Japan for PlayStation 5 and Switch, including a special Collector’s Box. The collection features newly integrated save and rewind features and a Gallery Mode showcasing rare materials from the original games. Included titles are: - Super Arabian: An action-adventure game from 1985 where players rescue a kidnapped princess. - Ikki: A quirky action game where players collect gold coins and rice balls while rebelling against taxes. - The Mystery of Atlantis: A high-difficulty action game with 100 stages set on the island of Atlantis. - Maharaja: An adventure RPG from 1989 involving a mysterious wooden box in India.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

The next game by the creators of Steins;Gate is an entirely vibe-coded FPS slopfest

Juggernaut is an upcoming free-to-play boomer shooter inspired by classic Wolfenstein engine first-person shooters, featuring waves of zombies in pixelated arenas. It will be accompanied by the Juggernaut Assets Maker, a paid tool for players to create levels and customize assets. The game is developed by Mages Inc, a Japanese studio known for the Steins;Gate series. The Juggernaut Asset Maker's source code was generated using generative AI, highlighting Mages Inc's transparency in an industry where many games use similar technologies.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct set for September 20

PC Gamer will host the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct 2026 on September 20 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET, as part of the Tokyo Game Show 2026. The 90-minute showcase will feature over 35 games, including Stronghold 4 from Firefly Studios and titles from Devolver Digital. The event will include exclusive trailers, breaking news, developer interviews, and world premieres. The live stream will be available on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Steam.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Miyamoto Musashi is the central character in Capcom's upcoming game, Way of the Sword, set to release on September 3, 2026, for £60. The game features a physics-driven combat system that emphasizes parrying and timing, with players building a "burning" meter to increase damage. Notable encounters include battles against a demon named Byakue. The game allows for straightforward controls while encouraging players to utilize environmental elements strategically. Musashi's Oni Armaments serve as secondary weapons that add depth to combat. The visuals are impressive, particularly on high-end hardware, achieving 120 fps, and the narrative explores Musashi's evolution as a warrior.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Learning about war via Minecraft: Bringing the Great Tokyo Air Raid to life

Japanese schoolchildren are using Minecraft to recreate the streets of prewar Bunkyo ward in Tokyo, aiming to preserve the historical context of the neighborhood devastated by incendiary bombs during World War II in 1945. This initiative allows students to gain insights into the architectural and cultural landscape before the war while developing critical thinking and creativity. The use of video games in education is recognized for engaging young minds and supplementing traditional teaching methods with interactive technologies. Students are more engaged with history when presented in enjoyable formats, and Minecraft fosters imaginative thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Here’s every major Xbox and PC announcement we’ve rounded up from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026

Gamescom is currently showcasing the Future Games Show, which features over 40 titles for Xbox and PC, including 13 brand new games. The event began today at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT / 6:00 pm BST and is available for live viewing or on-demand replays on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, X, and Steam. Major game announcements include: - Worms: Galactic Tactics: A turn-based tactical game set for release in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, and PC via Steam. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: An action-adventure game launching on September 4, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival: A side-scrolling beat 'em up releasing on September 18, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Dioxide: A tactical FPS with Soulslike elements expected to launch in the future on PC via Steam. - Wolcen 2: An ARPG anticipated to enter early access in 2027 for PC via Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: A roguelite FPS set for release on August 31, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - SPINE - This is Gun Fu: A cyberpunk action game launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - STAR WARS: Galactic Racer: A racing game set in the Star Wars universe, launching on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Alkimya: House of Wisdom: A survival horror game expected to release in the future for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: An action-RPG set to leave early access on September 2, 2026, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Windows.