The most important amusement commerce present of November is now solely hours away, however earlier than one other IAAPA begins we’ve the matter of Japan’s Amusement Expo 2025 to recap. The 2 being so shut to one another isn’t preferrred, for causes we’ve already detailed at size, however there’s nothing we will do about that, and it’s greatest to get this out of the best way now earlier than the IAAPA 2025 protection snows issues underneath for a short while.

Naturally, we couldn’t be there in individual for the present, however one nice buddy of the positioning (our true blue half-Welsh Arcade Hero ) was, and you could find their data and some of their pictures under – alongside some from elsewhere which might be linked when related. Particular because of Ted too for bringing them collectively:

Amusement Expo 2025

For a fast refresh on the Japanese present, Amusement Expo (previously generally known as JAEPO) has been held every November at Tokyo Huge Sight since late 2023, moderately than the normal February on the Makuhari Messe venue that earlier editions did. Tokyo Huge Sight is a extra accessible place to get to, which is a plus for all of the home Japanese attendees and exhibitors who can seem not less than.

For a sign of the place priorities lie lately, that huge sales space in the course of this map is totally devoted to prizes from the businesses who’ve their very own product traces in that space. Granted, the three huge areas on the prime for Bandai Namco, Konami and Sega do offset that barely, however nonetheless..

Bandai Namco

Now formally buying and selling as Bandai Namco Expertise (although the branding doesn’t actually emphasize it, and their abroad arcade subsidiaries names stay unchanged – for now), Bandai Namco have remained one of many largest firms on the amusement scene in Japan, with their cubicles often ending up one of many largest at these occasions for a couple of years now. Although many of the new titles they are going to be displaying off at IAAPA 2025 are going to vastly differ from what that they had right here this time, relaxation assured that there’s each probability one or two of them may nonetheless come over sooner or later… simply be just a little extra affected person.

Wangan Midnight Velocity Ignition

The premier showcase for Bandai Namco was undoubtedly Wangan Midnight Velocity Ignition, their new main overhaul of the long-running racing sport sequence (to the purpose that that they had a Nissan GTR readily available as a centerpiece). Initially unveiled and examined earlier this 12 months, its look right here was an enormous probability to make a very good impression after a number of the preliminary reception was lukewarm – and evidently has paid off, with the a lot appreciated affirmation that there will be an information switch for present gamers’ accounts on Most Tune, plus tweaked gameplay options that have been there for all to attempt right here.

Bandai Namco have additionally now posted the sport’s official trailer, which is analogous to the one they broadcasted in China final month for the shock announcement that Wahlap would quickly be carrying it over there. With that and all of the noise on its social media pages for deliberate worldwide enlargement (they’ll have a devoted abroad producer who is meant to be visiting a number of arcades over right here quickly), in addition to a couple of issues Bandai Namco have let slip at US commerce reveals a while in the past, it looks like an inevitability that will probably be coming to the West in some unspecified time in the future… the one query is when that will probably be. We will see…

One Piece Daybreak Strike

Getting practically as a lot prominence as Wangan Midnight on the entrance of their sales space, Bandai Namco’s new One Piece punching sport and coin pusher have been promoted closely, with an enormous statue of predominant sequence character Luffy put up between them and a pair voice actors from the unique anime making private appearances. Regardless of Bandai pushing the cardboard sport and merchandise based mostly on the sequence extensively out West in current instances, it does seem to be there’s little probability of those items releasing exterior of Japan from what we’ve heard, however maybe one thing else might be made utilizing the license:

Penlalive

Not utilizing a licensed IP is Bandai Namco’s new authentic rhythm sport Penlalive. This obtained much less of a serious showcase, so it appears they’re nonetheless testing the waters on the title to some extent, however when you missed our earlier protection of this, they’re aiming it to be a casual-friendly piece with the massive attraction of the multicolored wotagei penlights. Whether or not it would turn into the subsequent Taiko stays to be seen, although… it does appear to have been standard on the present not less than, with 70 minute lengthy waits to play.

Others

Bandai Namco naturally had loads of different video games readily available at their sales space; Taiko no Tatsujin made its common look alongside the kiddie trip we noticed at IAAPA final 12 months and its mini air hockey desk, in addition to Pac-Man Baller Jr. On the brand new aspect of issues, there was additionally the weird Tekipaki Kitchen, a kid-focused cookery sport housed totally on a tabletop cupboard with a touchscreen and saucepan + knife controllers. There hasn’t been any detailed protection of how this performs, nevertheless it appears to be like neat:

Additionally uncommon is their new, very Asian video redemption goldfish catching sport, a glimpse of which could be seen right here. Utterly absent nevertheless have been Bike Sprint Supply and Magi Blast, two distinctive video games that BN had been testing over the previous few years. It is going to be an incredible disgrace if these have been dropped or cancelled in spite of everything, as they each appeared like they have been fairly enjoyable and authentic, however maybe they didn’t check nicely.

Konami

Now generally known as Konami Arcade Video games, the massive Okay have actually been stepping up their technique in current months, and that was very a lot evident right here from the appears to be like of issues. Numerous individuals have been praising them much more than ordinary because of this, from Japanese operators to the gamers themselves, with them releasing way more product and even crediting their musicians correctly once more of their rhythm video games. Whether or not they can maintain this momentum in years to come back is one other matter, however issues are presently trying fairly sunny for them (our recommendation – stick with it and produce that vitality West fully).

Pop’n Music Excessive Cheers

Extremely anticipated by Bemani followers, the brand new Pop’n Music cupboard made a pre-release look right here following its exams within the Summer season. Its new software program’s identify (Excessive Cheers) has additionally been set in stone now after some flip flopping from its social media presences. That is one sport that is confirmed to be coming to the States, because it was among the many rhythm video games Konami put up for order to pick out indie arcades over right here.

Pop’n wasn’t all for Bemani followers although, as alongside a showcase of the current Gitadora Area cupboards and three predominant Bemani Professional League titles, Konami additionally introduced the existence of a imminent new model for his or her Sound Voltex rhythm sport. The brand new Nabla version marks its seventh main replace, and has apparently been a very long time coming, as its present Exceed Gear model has now been out for 4 years.

Demon Slayer Nichirin Battle

Additionally attracting a number of consideration was Konami’s new Demon Slayer arcade buying and selling card sport. By all accounts, the gameplay is fairly easy on this one (being centered extra on the ‘kidtainment’ viewers), however the sword controller is a pleasant contact, and the actual fact of it being the primary ever arcade launch based mostly on the franchise was sufficient to make it possible for the ticket-based entry to play it fully bought out, inside mere hours of gross sales opening. Once more, it might be fascinating to see this one examined over right here.

Tremendous Punch Mania

One curiosity of Konami’s that lately popped up on check was this redemption revival of their outdated Combating Mania idea, albeit with much less Asian taste. That seems to be intentional, as regardless of its look right here and exams in Japan, in response to stickers on the machine that is solely destined for abroad gross sales solely. Whether or not we’ll see it seem at IAAPA or different Western reveals like EAG or AEI stays to be seen although:

Others

For the remainder of what Konami introduced, that they had their vary of medal video games, that are often tailored for Round1USA, however most of them right here look destined to remain within the East resulting from their bigger sizes. One redemption-influenced title from them that does appear to be releasing in each Japan and the West although is the return of their Gashaaaan! video ball toss sport, a sequence that had solely lasted the late 2000s till now. One distinction from what was seen beforehand is it utilizing one vertical display as an alternative of two panorama displays, which ought to minimize value and upkeep (it additionally now incorporates a character from Mahjong Battle Lady):

Then there’s what is maybe one of many odder video games of the present, Sazae-san Machigai Sagashi (actually translating to Sazae-san Spot the Distinction). We first noticed this sport seem a few 12 months again with the Korean Bbangbbang’s Day by day Life cartoon, nevertheless, this appears to have been stored unique to that territory, with Konami licensing the Japan-specific Sazae-san as an alternative. Apparently it’s been a serious shock over there, as a result of IP being very carefully guarded by its licensors and one thing of a traditional tv legend, in order that’s fascinating… surprise what they’d pair the license with over right here if it have been to come back out Stateside.

Sega

Regardless of Sega’s arcade presence diminishing from the place it as soon as was in Japan, with their areas being bought off to Genda, arcade growth groups merging with the console groups, and remaining amusement companies turning into Sega Fave, our favourite blue skies firm hasn’t ever stopped showing at business occasions over there. After a couple of years with much less expansive cubicles, they did have a powerful trying setup this time, as could be seen under with the massive LED screens marking its entrance. As at all times, do additionally be aware that the Sega we see within the West shouldn’t be the identical firm as this one, being the separate Sega Amusements Worldwide, though they do promote some product from them (e.g. Maimai DX).

UFO Catcher Immersive

Although we don’t pay them a lot consideration, crane video games have for higher or worse have turn into the principle earner for practically all areas in Japan now, and with 2025 being each their sixtieth anniversary in Japan and fortieth anniversary of Sega’s iconic UFO Catcher, there have been loads of commemorations of each at this expo. One was a museum space on their sales space devoted to the latter, detailing the design evolution of them over time, however extra novel is one thing new that Sega cooked up alongside it – UFO Catcher Immersive.

If you happen to’ve seen the immersive combined actuality rooms operating digital interpretations of ‘the ground is lava’, this sort of turns that concept on its head, with the gamers turning into the prizes, trying to dodge the UFO claw choosing them up and beaming them away throughout a number of rounds. For some footage of this in motion, Sega’s official Twitter/X account posted their president becoming a member of in on the enjoyable, while Gamer.ne.jp have a full YouTube video. With just a little extra polish, it might be cool to see this flip up as a everlasting attraction at Joypolis:

Giganithm

Additionally in anniversaries, Sega’s Chunithm has been celebrating 10 years of operations in current months, and one of many methods they’ve executed that’s give it the House Invaders Gigamax therapy by blowing up its display in a particular travelling Giganithm model. This initially appeared at an occasion in Tokyo devoted to the sport, and has returned right here, alongside a merchandise competitors for Sega’s different rhythm titles.

While it’s related, given the present Stateside success of Maimai DX and its cousin equally having an present worldwide model in different territories, might Chunithm come over subsequent in its authentic non-Giganithm kind? Or will Preliminary D The Arcade (one other sport already with a localized non-Japan construct for Asia/Oceania) lastly return to Western prominence after a protracted absence formally? Who is aware of…

StarHorse Social gathering

Away from the sights, Sega did even have their newest addition to the long-running StarHorse sequence, now made to be extra accessible to informal gamers. The cupboard design of this one appears to be like fairly good, with the massive LED show on prime of the principle gameplay monitor for spectators/racing sequences and touch-enabled subscreens. We’ve stated earlier than in our protection of the exams how Derby House owners Membership had its followers and gamers over right here, regardless of it dealing with points in deployment, so this might discover a place with adjustment:

Others

Receiving as a lot prominence as all of the above displays have been Sega’s new family-friendly ranges based mostly on the Paw Patrol and Curious George IPs, with their very own themed areas bringing them collectively. These merely consist of some video-based kiddie rides, a ball toss sport, and naturally some redressed UFO Catchers, in addition to their very own tie-in prize traces. Although nothing spectacular, it does present dedication from Sega Japan to doing just a little extra than simply cranes – can be nice if Sonic obtained this therapy once more, given his thirty fifth anniversary is quickly and it being a short while since he had a lot new in arcades…

Sega moreover spearheaded the Amusement Music Pageant, the common devoted aspect occasion of music held on the present in collaboration with the opposite three main arcade rhythm sport makers’ sound groups. As at all times, Takenobu Mitsyoshi put in a superb look and efficiency

Taito

Although Sega above will not be what they have been presently, ever since they have been purchased out by Sq. Enix in 2006, Taito have slowed down their arcade developments much more (to the purpose that of the outdated Japanese huge 4, their cubicles at have been a lot smaller as compared for a while now). Nonetheless, they’ve stored on going too, as with an intact location operations enterprise within the type of their Taito Stations and sufficient selection in what stays, they at all times have some issues of minor curiosity out there. Additionally they are inclined to have individuals at IAAPA, though that’s usually for representing a licensed product at one other sales space.

Enter the Loss of life Recreation

One space wherein Taito has been doing a bit nonetheless is sights for his or her diversified areas, together with the Bootverse sport-tainment services and Rakugakids interactive youngsters’s play facilities, but additionally the bigger Taito X-Station branches with their immersive CUBE system. We’ve seen varied examples of those since round 2022/23, and right here that they had one among their newer additions, Enter the Loss of life Recreation. Because the identify could recommend it’s horror-inspired, although not fairly like Squid Recreation (it’s extra escape room).

Others

For the remainder of their sales space, Taito inevitably had deal with prize video games, together with their showcase of the Taiwanese The Little Bull cranes, and their very own Getter Spin D machine, which is being promoted abroad by Wahlap. One thing that was gleaned from the stream operating by our IAAPA 2025 preview is that Participant One Amusement Group may also have the latter on their sales space, in order that retains Taito’s identify on the market.

Equally preserving their identify out there’s Zuntata, who regardless of having fewer video games to attain have been concerned in issues as assorted as self-serve beer techniques for Taito’s barcades. Additionally, while there have been hopes that there can be a brand new arcade model of Bubble Bobble, that turned out to be false, with it solely out there as a demo alongside an Egret operating the unique sport and just a little museum-style historical past show…

Different Exhibitors

Although the present is roughly 1/fifth the scale of the bigger occasions we get out West and in China these days, Japan’s Amusement Expos have retained a comparatively wholesome, if small number of different firms; the remainder of this submit shall serve to rundown these the place related, as a number of did have some issues of curiosity.

Separate from the principle Bandai Namco Expertise sales space, Bandai Namco Technica usually present up at these occasions with a wide range of imported product from Chinese language and Western producers, although it not often ever finds its method into many Japanese areas. Final 12 months that they had Adrenaline’s Drakons and TouchMagix’s Minions Bullseye Mania, amongst others, and this 12 months 3MindWave’s Alpha Ops VR Strike appeared, right here merely VR Strike in a pared-down cupboard from the one out West by Sega Amusements.

After an absence from Japanese reveals, Capcom began turning up once more at them previously couple years, although they usually have little for arcades correct. Although they’ve proven off unique VR variations of Road Fighter and Onimusha in current instances, on this event they didn’t have these, merely selling the house (not even arcade…) model of Road Fighter 6 and one or two different issues.

Enheart aren’t vastly well-known exterior of Japan, however they’ve executed loads of medal video games, together with some that might be referred to as video redemption over right here. One thing new that they’re bringing out as a pure video piece is the 4 participant lightgun shooter Bang! Bang! Bandits, initially launched as a Change sport by the corporate Nippon Columbia however now coming to arcades. This appears to be like prefer it might be enjoyable:

Marvelous are at all times just a little little bit of a wildcard, usually instantly unveiling one thing new after which leaving it a short while earlier than doing one thing else. This 12 months that got here within the type of them carrying Wahlap’s Kingdoms Fantasy card battler (which had been examined in Japan lately), and a brand new prize sport referred to as TryWall, in addition to their ever-popular Pokemon sport seen right here. Word that their Attempt Catch and Naruto Emblem Battle items will probably be represented at IAAPA 2025 by Participant One Amusement Group.

Japanese distributor Kaga Amusement had a few surprises readily available, within the type of Uncooked Thrills’ Prime Gun Maverick, and the odd smaller Monster Eye 3 cupboard we lately noticed pop up on check. Many areas in Japan received’t even have the area or ceiling top for Prime Gun, which appears to depend it out from showing at many, however maybe Monster Eye might discover its area of interest with the smaller kind issue:

Additionally in distributing acquainted abroad product, Kita Nihon Tsushin (KNT) have now purchased huge into Ace Amusement’s works, showcasing Parkour Motor 2, Quick Racing, and Jet Ski Racer. A couple of of Ace’s video games did already present up eventually 12 months’s Japanese present, although the one one which has appeared at a small variety of locations there’s apparently Cranium of Shadow, so who is aware of whether or not it would achieve extra traction.

Although conventional stick and button arcade video games have been nowhere to be discovered this 12 months with exA-Arcadia’s absence, the precise elements themselves have been in plentiful provide nonetheless, with Sanwa Denshi popping as much as showcase their present number of wares, discovered in lots of a sweet cab throughout the land:

And eventually, just a little deal with crane video games with a particular instance. Different exhibitors like Safari Video games, Standby Amusement and Past had their very own picks of cranes (many imported from China), with Andamiro and Dreamfuns even coming over to advertise theirs, however what you see under is the distinctive product of a workforce of school college students being led by a former veteran Bandai Namco developer (Junichiro Koyama) to create one thing recent – an AI companion-powered crane sport. Whereas we’ve had the same JJ Bot out West, that is totally different from that, utilizing an anime lady system to work together with the participant and automate inventory. However will the thought achieve extra traction and turn into adopted by the massive firms?

Total

To sum issues up from afar, while the unavoidable truth of crane sport income driving issues is there, the framework of the Japanese arcade scene stays strong sufficient that almost all firms right here did have greater than that – even when many of the examples right here on this event have been extra on the family-friendly and gimmick aspect of issues (which is not any wholly unhealthy factor).

Although considerably disappointing that exA-Arcadia couldn’t attend, it’s cool to see Bandai Namco and Konami nonetheless showcase a lot new video games, while Sega and Taito profit from what they will work with. It’s additionally good (if shocking) that this version apparently improved on customer numbers from final 12 months’s, albeit the particular extent to which that’s appears unclear.

There have been rumors the subsequent present can be held Summer season, however the dates for subsequent 12 months have been introduced… and it’s November once more. On the very least, will probably be just a little earlier on within the month on the sixth and seventh, inserting it a few week earlier than when IAAPA in all probability will probably be, so for what it’s value there will probably be one thing of a niche between the 2 (nevertheless small the distinction is).

That’s it for this Japan Amusement Expo 2025 recap; keep tuned for our IAAPA 2025 protection now, with early data and media popping out on our social media channels within the coming days (and possibly a quick website submit if the time is obtainable). Till then, which of the video games right here curiosity you most?