Things have been slow in Japan following the year end sales rush. You could even say that the year end sales rush wasn't much of a rush compared to previous years, as the only things that sold out were Wii Fit and the red PSP. Wii? The system was available pretty much wherever we went, despite a huge sales spike into the 200,000 units range in the last week of the year. PS3? Don't even ask.
Look down a few pages at our latest Now Playing recap, and you'll see just how slow things have been so far in January. Just twenty-four games have been released all month. That's about what the DS will get on its own in one of its more crowded weeks.
There has been a few major happenings in the news. Outside of the announcements of short delays for Smash Bros. Brawl and Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, the biggest news was Sony's stoppage of shipments for the original 20 and 60 gigabyte PS3. The 80 Gig model was never released here, so once supplies run out on the launch models, Japan will have just the two 40 gigabyte colors to chose from.
And supplies appear to be running out already. Sold out signs are now common for the two SKUs. Following Sony's announcement, Yahoo Auctions prices for the 60 gigabyte system surged into the 70,000 range, meaning a 15,000 yen premium.
In other news, Nintendo revealed once again just how rich it is with a financial expectations report filled with profit figures that are too high to count. The company also heightened sales expectations for the Wii and DS by one million units each.
Coinciding with the financial report, Nintendo announced plans to begin marketing the Wii in a new way: through retail demo kiosks. The company will set up 30 demo stations throughout the nation starting Saturday.
It's doubtful that 30 kiosks will take up a large chunk of that four billion dollars profits from last year. In fact, Nintendo appears to be going slow with the demo units out of fear of waggle-related accidents. This is why the first game to be shown on the demo units will be Smash Bros. Brawl, which doesn't require the shake.
Finally, Microsoft appears to be embracing its foreign roots. Microsoft and Spike gathered the press and a few lucky fans at Microsoft's Daitabashi office in Tokyo for the "Spike & Xbox 360 New Years Party 2008" event on January 19. The focus of this event was on Spike's lineup of "yo-ge," which is the Japanese short name for Western titles.
Xbox 360 isn't alone in having a foreign-heavy lineup. With Japanese development focus appearing to lie with the DS and, more recently, the Wii, both the 360 and PS3 have seen a disproportionate amount of foreign developed titles. In previous issues, we've shared stats showing how Electronic Arts is the PS3's number one third party here in Japan in terms of titles released. Of the twenty-one PS3 titles with confirmed dates between now and the end of March, fourteen are of overseas origins and will be published by companies with strange names like Activision and THQ.
Homegrown support may end up taking an upswing next week, as will the Japanese game scene as a whole thanks to the release of Devil May Cry 4, Disgaea 3, and Smash Bros. We may have a reason to making Gaming Life weekly once again.
Turn the page for a look at Famitsu issue 999.
MAG RECAP
This section of Gaming Life in Japan takes a look at what's big in the latest game magazines from Japan. From Famitsu to Dengeki to smaller publications like Dorimaga, Japan has lots of videogame magazines. While we tend to put up all the news and game info revealed in the magazines on the main pages of IGN, this section gives you a closer look just so you can be sure that you're not missing out on anything.
Be sure and click on the covers of each magazine for larger versions. Print them out and hold them in your hand as you read!
FAMITSU -- NO. 999
It seems that Gaming Life in Japan got back from our extended and entirely undeserved break just in time. For what? Why for issue 1,000 of Famitsu!
Actually, we made it back in time for issue 999, which is what you see to the right, complete with the special Leiji Matsumoto cover. The big issue 1,000 will arrive next week in the form of a 490 yen bundle that includes a booklet of cross reviews from 1986 to 2007 for all games that scored 35 or above (there are just 296 of them, apparently), interviews with key personnel from Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment, and Microsoft, and the results of a survey where readers listed the games they'd most like to be conveyed to the future.
Famitsu has been celebrating for the past for issues now with a couple of regular features. One feature has cover grabs from every single Famitsu ever issued. This week, covers from 10/1992 to 9/1994. Another feature offers a look at 1,000 big incidents that have shaped the gaming landscape. This week, 1994 to 1996, covering Famitsu 316 to 419.
This week also includes a hardware catalogue, detailing every piece of gaming hardware from the Odyssey to the Wii.
It's not all nostalgia, though. This week's issue also offers a look at the year 2008, detailing key titles and expected happenings for the year, complete with a few new revelations. It looks like we can expect a follow-up report on Resident Evil 5 this Spring. FFXIII has already been confirmed to get a real time video demonstration some time this year, but the DS version of Kingdom Hearts will top it by actually being released this year! In other PS3 news, Sony expects to share the "Afrika experience" some time this year, which hopefully means that we'll at last find out what the game is all about. On the Nintendo side of things, Mario Kart Wii will indeed arrive this Spring.
Famitsu did get some major gaming scoops this week. The biggest story, as you might have guessed from our coverage at IGNPS3, was Final Fantasy XIII, which received a thirteen page blowout. All the screens in the magazine are from December's Jump Festa trailer, but the magazine did manage to sneak in a few new details. Check out IGNPS3's FFXIII coverage for all the dirt.
The magazine also got the first word on Blaze Blue, a new arcade fighter from Arc System Works. The 2D high definition fighter will make its debut at the February AOU arcade show, where it will face some tough competition from Street Fighter IV. We'll of course have impressions of both games from the show.
Lots of reviews this week, just in time for the end-of-month rush. Smash Bros. is included in that rush, but it was reviewed last week, and got a rare perfect rating.
Weekly Famitsu -- 2008-02-08 |
GAME | SYSTEM | PUB | SCORES |
Harushi Suzumiya no Dowaku | PS2 | Banpresto | 7, 7, 8, 6 |
Need for Speed Pro Street | PS2 | Electronic Arts | 7, 6, 6, 5 |
Xyanide | PS2 | Ertain | 5, 7, 5, 5 |
Taiheiyou no Arashi | PS2 | SystemSoft Alpha | 5, 4, 4, 5 |
Mushishi Ame Furusato | NDS | Marvelous Entertainment | 7, 6, 7, 6 |
Rupupu Cube Rupu Sarada DS | NDS | Dimple | 7, 6, 7, 6 |
Houkago Shounen | NDS | Konami | 9, 8, 8, 8 |
Simple DS Series Vol.31 The Chou Danmaru!! Custom Sensha | NDS | D3 Publisher | 6, 7, 7, 6 |
Simple DS Series Vol.32 The Zombie Crisis | NDS | D3 Publisher | 5, 5, 6, 4 |
Sega Rally Revo | PSP | Sega | 7, 7, 7, 7 |
Taiheiyou no Arashi | PSP | SystemSoft Alpha | 5, 5, 5, 6 |
Devil May Cry 4 | PS3 | Capcom | 9, 8, 9, 9 |
Makai Senki Disgaea 3 | PS3 | Nippon Ichi Software | 8, 8, 8, 8 |
Need for Speed Pro Street | PS3 | Electronic Arts | 8, 7, 8, 6 |
Sega Rally Revo | PS3 | Sega | 7, 8, 7, 9 |
Devil May Cry 4 | X360 | Capcom | 9, 9, 9, 8 |
Sega Rally Revo | X360 | Sega | 7, 9, 7, 8 |
Need for Speed Pro Street | Wii | Electronic Arts | 7, 5, 7, 6 |
Family Ski | Wii | Bandai Namco Games | 7, 9, 7, 7 |
Turn the page for the latest releases from Japan.
NOW PLAYING
This section recaps the games that made their way onto store shelves over the course of the previous week. If you're having trouble keeping up with what's new in the Japanese market, turn to this section every week.
The following games were released between 01.01.2008 and 01.25.2008. Yes, every game released so far in the year 2008. As you can see, just twenty-four games, which is about what the DS can do in a single week during one of the more active parts of the year.
The biggest games, including Devil May Cry 4, Smash Bros. Brawl, and Disgaea all come out next week.
The magazine review scores listed with each game are usually out of 10. Dengeki PlayStation and Dengeki DS Style have scores out of 100. Dengeki PlayStation also uses a S, A, B, C, D, E letter system with S highest and E lowest.
Nintendo DS |
Rune Factory 2 PUBLISHER: Marvelous Interactive GENRE/THEME: Simulation, RPG RELEASE: 01.03.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
Chishokuou Series Train Master PUBLISHER: Global A Entertainment GENRE/THEME: Quiz RELEASE: 01.10.08 PRICE: 3800 yen |
From the Abyss PUBLISHER: Sonic Powered GENRE/THEME: Action RPG RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
Mario & Sonic at Peking Olympic PUBLISHER: Nintendo GENRE/THEME: Sports, Olympics RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 4571 yen |
Touch de Zunou DS PUBLISHER: Sega GENRE/THEME: Brain Training RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Hijouguchi Exit DS PUBLISHER: Taito GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
Kawaii Koneko DS PUBLISHER: MTO GENRE/THEME: Simulation RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
SPI Perfect Mondaishu DS PUBLISHER: Genki GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 2980 yen |
SuperLite 2500 Brick Down Block Kuzushi no France Kakumei Yaa! PUBLISHER: Success GENRE/THEME: Puzzle RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 2500 yen |
SuperLite 2500 Joshi Kousei Nigeru! PUBLISHER: Success GENRE/THEME: Puzzle RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 2500 yen |
Tennis no Oujisama Driving Smash! Side King PUBLISHER: Konami GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4980 yen |
The Sims 2 Survival PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts GENRE/THEME: Simulation RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4743 yen |
Wii |
Katei Kyoshi Hitman Reborn! Dream Hyper Battle! Wii PUBLISHER: Marvelous Interactive GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 01.10.08 PRICE: 6800 yen |
Caduceus New Blood PUBLISHER: Atlus GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 5800 yen |
Sonic Riders Shooting Star Story PUBLISHER: Sega GENRE/THEME: Racing RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 5800 yen |
PlayStation Portable |
Reishiki Kanjou Sentouki Ni PUBLISHER: Global A Entertainment GENRE/THEME: Flight RELEASE: 01.10.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 Ubiquitous Evolution PUBLISHER: Konami GENRE/THEME: Sports, Soccer RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4980 yen |
Yggdra Union PUBLISHER: Sting GENRE/THEME: Strategy, RPG RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 4743 yen |
PlayStation 3 |
Drift Nights: Juiced 2 PUBLISHER: THQ Japan GENRE/THEME: Drive RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 6800 yen |
PlayStation 2 |
Drift Nights: Juiced 2 PUBLISHER: THQ Japan GENRE/THEME: Drive RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 4800 yen |
School Days LxH PUBLISHER: Interchannel-Holon GENRE/THEME: Adventure, Love RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 6800 yen ALSO: Limited Edition (9800 yen) |
Raki Suta PUBLISHER: Kadokawa Shoten GENRE/THEME: Adventure, Love RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 6800 yen ALSO: DX Pack (8800 yen) |
TOCA Race Driver 3 The Ultimate Racing Simulator PUBLISHER: Interchannel GENRE/THEME: Drive RELEASE: 01.24.08 PRICE: 6800 yen |
Xbox 360 |
Drift Nights: Juiced 2 PUBLISHER: THQ Japan GENRE/THEME: Drive RELEASE: 01.17.08 PRICE: 6800 yen |
Turn the page for the latest commercials.
CM CORNER
Welcome to the Gaming Life in Japan ad section, where you'll find the latest game advertisements, commercials and pamphlet scans from Japan. Every week, we'll be bringing you commercials, ads and pamphlets that we've spotted on TV, in magazines and at retailers.
This week, multiple versions of everything! Smash Bros., Wii Fit, Star Ocean! And, a Ryu ga Gotoku ad that Sega started airing before 2008 even began. Also be sure and check out the Wii Fit ad at the bottom of the page. Remember that lady from Sega's late life Dreamcast ad campaign?
COMMERCIALS
All commercials are presented in 640x480.
Select from Windows Media 9 (WMV) or
Quicktime, then right click to download.
OR, DOWNLOAD ZIP FILE
WITH ALL COMMERCIALS
WINDOWS MEDIA (ZIP file, 423,086 KB)
QUICKTIME (ZIP file, 474,455 KB)
| BNB Nexon, PC Now Available
|
| Chocobo Mysterious Dungeon Square Enix, Wii Now Available
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| Dorabase Bandai Namco, NDS Now Available
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| DS Bungaku Zenshuu Nintendo, NDS Now Available
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| Final Fantasy IV Square Enix, NDS Now Available
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| Final Fantasy IV Square Enix, NDS Now Available
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| Final Fantasy IV Square Enix, NDS Now Available
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| Gintama Quest Bandai Namco, NDS Now Available
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| Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! Sega, PS3 Release: 03.06.08
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| Gundam Musou International Bandai Namco, X360 Now Available
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| Gundam Musou International Bandai Namco, X360 Now Available
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| Hajime no Ippo Portable ESP, PSP Now Available
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| Bokujo Monogatari Kirakira Taiyou Marvelous, NDS Release: 02.21.08
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| Kateikyou Hitman Reborn Bandai Namco, Wii Now Available
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| Kekkaishi NDS, Bandai Namco Release: 02.28.08
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| Kirarin Revolution GAMENAME Konami, NDS Now Available
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| Lunia Senki Nexon, Windows Now Available
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| Lux Pain Marvelous, NDS Release: 03.13.08
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| Maple Story Nexon, Windows Now Available
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| Maple Story Nexon, Windows Now Available
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| Nodame Cantabire Bandai Namco, Wii Now Available
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| Ochaken no Daibouken MTO, NDS Now Available
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| Pachinko Game Sanyo, Pachinko Now Available
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| Patapon Sony, PSP Now Available
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| Kateikyo Hitman Reborn Flame Takara, NDS Now Available
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| Rune Factory 2 Marvelous, PSP Now Available
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| Shugo Kyara Konami, NDS Release: 03.XX.08
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| Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo, Wii Release: 01.31.08
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| Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo, Wii Release: 01.31.08
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| Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo, Wii Release: 01.31.08
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| Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo, Wii Release: 01.31.08
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| Sonic & Mario at Peking Olympics Nintendo, NDS Now Available
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| Sonic & Mario at Peking Olympics Nintendo, NDS Now Available
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| Star Ocean Square Enix, PSP Now Available
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| Star Ocean Square Enix, PSP Now Available
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| Summon Night Banpresto, NDS Now Available
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| Super Robot Taisen OG Banpresto, PS2 Now Available
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| Tales Weaver Nexon, Windows Now Available
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| Tamagotchi no Furi Furi Kagekidan Bandai Namco, Wii Now Available
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| The Sports D3 Publisher, NDS Now Available
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| Wii Fit Nintendo, Wii Now Available
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| Wii Fit Nintendo, Wii Now Available
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| Wii Fit Nintendo, Wii Now Available
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| Wii Fit Nintendo, Wii Now Available
|
Turn the page for the latest charts.
RANK-IN!!!
Wondering what's hot in the Japanese gaming scene? This section of Gaming Life in Japan brings you the latest charts for hardware, home software and arcade titles, along with a top thirty most wanted list.
We've sourced retail tracker Media Create for the software and hardware charts and game magazine Famitsu Weekly for the most wanted chart.
We'll also occasionally provide sales data from more specialist magazines in the weekly magazine recap section. Check out that area for looks at sales for titles on individual systems.
Be sure and check back every week to find out what Japanese gamers are into!
GAME-RANK-IN: 01.14.08 - 01.20.08 |
Just a couple of games debuted outside the top ten in what was a pretty slow week for releases. School Days LxH (Interchannel-Holon, PS2) came in at 20, with Drift Nights Juiced 2 (THQ Japan, PS2) debuting at 49.
# | SYS | GAME | PUB | RELEASE | SALES |
1 | WII | Wii Fit | Nintendo | 12.01.07 | 92,471 |
2 | NDS | Mario & Sonic AT Peking Olympics | Nintendo | 01.17.08 | 89,909 |
3 | NDS | Mario Party DS | Nintendo | 11.08.07 | 33,003 |
4 | WII | Wii Sports | Nintendo | 12.02.06 | 30,458 |
5 | PSP | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd | Capcom | 02.22.07 | 23,614 |
6 | NDS | Professor Layton and the Devil's Box | Level 5 | 11.29.07 | 22,032 |
7 | NDS | Final Fantasy IV | Square Enix | 12.20.07 | 21,662 |
8 | WII | Mario & Sonic AT Peking Olympics | Nintendo | 11.22.06 | 19,149 |
9 | NDS | Dragon Quest IV | Square Enix | 11.22.07 | 18,066 |
10 | WII | Super Mario Galaxy | Nintendo | 11.01.07 | 15,789 |
HARD-RANK-IN: 01.14.08 - 01.20.08 |
# | MAKER | SYSTEM | THIS WEEK |
1 | Nintendo | DS Lite | 88,575 |
2 | Nintendo | Wii | 81,638 |
3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PSP | 79,923 |
4 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 3 | 38,117 |
5 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2 | 13,539 |
6 | Microsoft | Xbox 360 | 4,552 |
MOST WANTED |
# | SYS | GAME | MAKER |
1 | NDS | Dragon Quest IX | Square Enix |
2 | PS3 | Final Fantasy XIII | Square Enix |
3 | PS3 | Biohazard 5 | Capcom |
4 | WII | Smash Brothers X | Nintendo |
5 | NDS | Dragon Quest VI | Square Enix |
6 | PS3 | Metal Gear Solid 4 | Konami |
7 | PSP | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G | Capcom |
8 | NDS | Dragon Quest V | Square Enix |
9 | PS3 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom |
10 | WII | Mario Kart Wii | Nintendo |
11 | WII | Monster Hunter 3 | Capcom |
12 | WII | Animal Crossing | Nintendo |
13 | PS3 | Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! | Sega |
14 | PS3 | Last Remnant | Square Enix |
15 | PS3 | White Knight Story | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan |
16 | PS3 | Gran Turismo 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment |
17 | PS2 | Haruhi no Dowaku | Banpresto |
18 | NDS | Professor Layton and the Last Time Journey | Level 5 |
19 | PS3 | Final Fantasy Versus XIII | Square Enix |
20 | PS2 | Poison Pink | Banpresto |
21 | WII | Mysterious Dungeon Fuurai no Shiren 3 | Sega |
22 | PSP | Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep | Square Enix |
23 | PSP | Dissidia Final Fantasy | Square Enix |
24 | PS3 | Senjo no Valkyrie | Sega |
25 | X360 | Biohazard 5 | Capcom |
26 | PS3 | Soul Calibur IV | Bandai Namco |
27 | PS2 | Gundam Musou Special | Koei |
28 | NDS | Sekaiju no Meikyu II | Atlus |
29 | X360 | Infinite Undiscovery | Square Enix |
30 | PS2 | Tales of Destiny: Director's Cut | Bandai Namco |
Turn the page for the latest release dates from Japan.
RELEASE DATES
This section of Gaming Life in Japan provides you with an up-to-date release list of games coming out in Japan. We list pretty much everything that's been announced.
In order to make the list more readable, we've split things up into three sections: games that have a release date, games that are TBA and games that are budget re-releases of older titles. On this page, you'll find the new games that have some sort of date attached to them -- even if it's just something vague like TBA 2007.
Recent changes, including new dates and prices, are bolded. New entries are in red. If you encounter something you think may be an error, please e-mail us.
Nintendo DS |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Hiromichi Oniisan no Oyako Taisou Navi | Dorasu | 4000 |
01.31.08 | Houkago Shounen | Konami | 4980 |
01.31.08 | Mainichi Kokoropics DS Fortune Telling Happiness 2008 | Dimple | 4200 |
01.31.08 | Mushishi Ame Furusato | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
01.31.08 | Rupupu Cube Rupu Sarada DS | Dimple | 4500 |
01.31.08 | Ambidexterious Exercise | Cyber Front | 3800 |
01.31.08 | Simple DS Series Vol.31 The Chou Danmaru!! Custom Sensha | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
01.31.08 | Simple DS Series Vol.32 The Zombie Crisis | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
01.31.08 | Yasashi Igo | Mainichi Communications | 4800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chugaku Chiri | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chugaku Koumin | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chugaku Rekishi | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chugaku Ryouri Ippunnou | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chugaku Ryouri Nifunnou | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ichi Ei-suu-koku Pack | Benesse Corporation | 11000 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ichi Eigo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ichi Kokugo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ichi Suugaku | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ni Ei-suu-koku Pack | Benesse Corporation | 11000 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ni Eigo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ni Kokugo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-Ni Suugaku | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-San Ei-suu-koku-koumin Pack | Benesse Corporation | 14667 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-San Eigo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-San Kokugo | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuu-San Suugaku | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushuu DS Chuugaku Chiri, Ryouri Pack | Benesse Corporation | 14667 |
Jan 08 | Tokutenryoku Gakushyuu DS | Benesse Corporation | TBA |
02.07.08 | Indian Mathematics Drill DS | Mega House | 3800 |
02.07.08 | L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE Rasen no Trap | Konami | 4980 |
02.14.08 | Dekiru Otoko no Mote LifeHiru no Mote Kouza Hen (price 3800 yen) Yo no Mote Kouza Hen (price 3800 yen) | Takara Tomy | MULTI |
02.14.08 | Digimon Championship | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
02.14.08 | Happy Happy Clover | TDK Core | 4800 |
02.14.08 | Hokuto no Ken: Hokuto Shinken Denshousha no Michi | Spike | 4800 |
02.14.08 | Koinu de Kururin | MTO | 3800 |
02.14.08 | Let's Brass | Milestone | 2800 |
02.14.08 | Miyamoto Sansuu Kyoshitsu no Kyozai Kashikokunaru Puzzle DS-ban | Gakken | 3800 |
02.14.08 | Naruto Shippuuden Dairansen | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
02.14.08 | Otometeki Ren Kakumei Rabu Rebo!! DS | Interchannel | 4800 |
02.14.08 | Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side Second Season | Konami | 4980 |
02.14.08 | Brain Series Vol.02 Indian Style Math Brain Drill | ASK | 3800 |
02.20.08 | Ys DS | Interchannel-Holon | 4800 |
02.20.08 | Ys II DS | Interchannel-Holon | 4800 |
02.21.08 | Harvest Moon: Sparking Sun and Friends | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
02.21.08 | Chou Nekketsu Koukou Kuniokun Dodgeball-bu | Arc System Works | 3800 |
02.21.08 | Dramatic Dungeon Sakura Taisen: Kimi Aru ga TameAllstar Pack (price 6800 yen) | Sega | 4800 |
02.21.08 | Hisshou Pachinko Pachislot Kouryaku Series Vol.1 Shinseiki Evangelion Magokoro wo, Kimi ni | D3 Publisher | 4800 |
02.21.08 | Detective J.B. Harold's Crime File: Murder Club | fonfun | 3800 |
02.21.08 | Populous DS | Electronic Arts | 4980 |
02.21.08 | Sekaiju no Meikyuu II | Atlus | 4980 |
02.21.08 | Space Invaders Extreme | Taito | 4800 |
02.21.08 | SuperLite 2500 Tokyo Odaiba Casino | Success | 2500 |
02.28.08 | Akagawa Jirou Mystery Yasoukyoku: Hon ni Manekareta Satsujin | Marvelous Entertainment | 3800 |
02.28.08 | Away Shuffle Dungeon | AQ Interactive | 4980 |
02.28.08 | Chou Gekijouban Keroro Gunsou 3 Action! Tenkuu Daibouken de Arimasu! | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
02.28.08 | DS Dengeki Bunko ADV Baccano! | Media Works | 4800 |
02.28.08 | Take Your DS With You on Trips: Kyoto | JTB | 3800 |
02.28.08 | Indo Shiki Keisan Drill DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | 3800 |
02.28.08 | Kekkaishi Kokubourou no Kage | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
02.28.08 | Soma Bringer | Nintendo | 4571 |
03.06.08 | Doraemon Nobita to Midori no Kyojinden DS | Sega | 4800 |
03.06.08 | English Test King Level 2 Version | Gakken Index | 3800 |
03.06.08 | Hana to Taiyou to Ame to: Owaranai Rakuen | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
03.06.08 | Jigsaw Puzzle DS: DS de Meguru Sekai Isan no Tabi | Hudson | 2800 |
03.13.08 | Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare | Activision | 4800 |
03.13.08 | Contra: Dual Spirits | Konami | 4980 |
03.13.08 | DS Edo Bunka Rekishi Kentei | Marvelous Entertainment | 3800 |
03.13.08 | Duel Love Koisuru Otome ha Shori no Megami | Bandai Namco Games | 5000 |
03.13.08 | Lux-Pain | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
03.13.08 | Mahou ni Kakerarete | Disney Interactive Studio | 4800 |
03.13.08 | Shugo Kyara! Mitsu no Tamago to Koisuru Joker | Konami | 4980 |
03.13.08 | Simple DS Series Vol.32 The Crossword & Kanji Puzzle | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
03.13.08 | Simple DS Series Vol.33 The Dentist | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
03.13.08 | The Legend of Kage 2 | Taito | 3800 |
03.19.08 | Kachou Shimakousaku DS Dekiru Otoko no Love & Success | Konami | 3800 |
03.19.08 | Sim City DS 2 Kodai kara Mirai e Tsuzuku Machi | Electronic Arts | 4743 |
03.19.08 | Spiderman 3 | Activision | 4800 |
03.19.08 | Time Hollow: Seeking the Past that was Stolen | Konami | 4980 |
03.20.08 | Bakusou Dekotora Densetsu Black | Spike | 4800 |
03.20.08 | Our Videogame Quiz: Pikotto! Test Your Skills | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
03.20.08 | Crayon Shin-chan Arashi wo Yobu Cinema Land Kachinko Gachinko Daikatsugeki | Banpresto | 4800 |
03.20.08 | Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword | Tecmo | 4800 |
03.20.08 | Pokemon Ranger Batonage | Pokemon | 4571 |
03.20.08 | Puchi Eva | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
03.20.08 | Rosario to Vampire | Capcom | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Business Chikara Kentei DS | Electronic Arts | 2838 |
03.27.08 | Deep Aquarium: Kiseki no Shinkai | Ertain | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Derby Stallion DS | Enterbrain | 5500 |
03.27.08 | Kidou Senshi Gundam OO (Double O) | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
03.27.08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Minna Atsumare! Quiz Party | Ertain | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Everyone's Flash Memorization DS | Milestone | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Play With the Fish! Aqua Zone DS Kaisuigyo | GungHo Online Entertainment | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Simple DS Series Vol.35 The Genshijin DS | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
03.27.08 | Rail Seminar JR Edition | Taito | 4800 |
03.27.08 | That's QT | Koei | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Vitamin X EvolutionLimited Edition (price 6800 yen) | D3 Publisher | 4800 |
Mar 08 | Bangai-O Spirits | ESP | 4800 |
Mar 08 | Blue Dragon Plus | AQ Interactive | 5695 |
Mar 08 | Hayate no Gotoku! 2 | Konami | 5980 |
Mar 08 | Ten Minutes a Day: Become Good at Painting DS | Agashima Entertainment | 4571 |
Mar 08 | Simple! Fun! Candy Navigator DS | Koei | 3800 |
Mar 08 | Koinu no Heya | MTO | TBA |
Mar 08 | Magical Tounou Power!! DS | D3 Publisher | 3800 |
Mar 08 | Zoo Tycoon 2 | THQ Japan | 4800 |
04.03.08 | Mitame Kara Yomigaeru: Otona no Kikonashi Training | Success | 3800 |
04.03.08 | Tottado! Yoiko no Mujintou Seikatsu | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
04.10.08 | Gakken Bunko presents Monoshiri Edo Meijin | Global A Entertainment | 3800 |
04.10.08 | Mahjong Navigator DS | Global A Entertainment | 3800 |
04.10.08 | Oshiri Kajiri Mushi no Rhythm Lesson DS -- Kawaii Ongaku Kyoushitsu Kanshuu | Sega | 4800 |
04.24.08 | Summon Night | Banpresto | TBA |
04.24.08 | Tantei Shinguji Saburo DS Kienai Kokoro | Arc System Works | 3800 |
Apr 08 | Anpanman to Asobou ABC Kyoushitsu | Agashima Entertainment | 4200 |
Apr 08 | Gegege no Kitarou Youkai Daigekisen | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Apr 08 | Shion no Ou | Mainichi Communications | TBA |
Apr 08 | SuperLite 2500 Chotto Aima no Korupairu DS | Success | TBA |
Apr 08 | Yattaman DS Bikkuri Dokkiri Daisakusen da Koron | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
05.01.08 | Gakken Bunko presents Monoshiri Bakumatsu Ou | Global A Entertainment | 3800 |
05.22.08 | Hiiro no Kakera DSLimited Edition (price 4800 yen) | Idea Factory | 4800 |
May 08 | Read on the DS Series -- Osamu Tezuka Hi no Tori 1 | Compile Hearts | 3980 |
May 08 | Read on the DS Series -- Osamu Tezuka Hi no Tori 2 | Compile Hearts | 3980 |
May 08 | Read on the DS Series -- Osamu Tezuka Hi no Tori 3 | Compile Hearts | 3980 |
May 08 | Fushigi? Kagaku Nazotoki Quiz Training Nazo-tore | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
May 08 | Kuukan Zukei Hirameki Training Kuutore | Benesse Corporation | 3800 |
May 08 | Sudoku DS Nikori no Sudoku Final Version | Hudson | 2800 |
Spr 08 | 13-sai no Hello Work DS | Digital Works Entertainment | TBA |
Spr 08 | Bleach The 3rd Phantom | Sega | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Dekitayo! Mama. Wannyan ClubBoy (price 3800 yen) Girl (price 3800 yen) | Starfish SD | MULTI |
Spr 08 | Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanayome | Square Enix | TBA |
Spr 08 | Supervised by Kazuo Hiraki (Tokyo University): Suku Suku Child Raising DS -- Play with Baby | Marvelous Entertainment | 3800 |
Spr 08 | Inazuma Eleven | Level 5 | TBA |
Spr 08 | Katei Kyoushi Hitman Reborn! DS Bongore Shiki Taisen Battle Sugoroku | Takara Tomy | TBA |
Spr 08 | Katei Kyoushi Hitman Reborn! DS Fate of Heat Honou no Unmei | Takara Tomy | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lego Star Wars Complete Saga | Activision | TBA |
Spr 08 | Luminous Arc 2 Will | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
Spr 08 | Maji de Manabu LEC de Ukaru DS Nisshou Boki Level 3 | Square Enix | TBA |
Spr 08 | Meitantei Conan Kieta Hakashi to Machigai Sagashi no Tou | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | Everyone's DS Seminar: Simple Music Ability | TDK Core | 3800 |
Spr 08 | Endless Frontier: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | Nanatsu Iro Drops The First Love Story that Begins with TouchFirst Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Media Works | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Nihon Futsal League Kounin: Minna no DS Futsal | Jorudan | 3980 |
Spr 08 | Odenkun Tanoshii Oden Mura | Hudson | 3800 |
Spr 08 | Pet Shop Story DS | Taito | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Rekiken DS | Rocket Company | 3800 |
Spr 08 | Suuken DS | Rocket Company | 3800 |
Spr 08 | The Management Path | Jorudan | TBA |
Spr 08 | Ukkari Penelope DS | Tecmo | TBA |
Spr 08 | Wakemuri Suspense | Zenrin | TBA |
Smr 08 | Boku to Horo no IchinenLimited Edition (price 7419 yen) | Media Works | 2500 |
Smr 08 | Chibi Maruko-chan DS Maru-chan no Machi | Banpresto | 4800 |
Smr 08 | Custom Beat Battle Dragraid 2 | Banpresto | 4800 |
Smr 08 | Disney Friends | Disney Interactive Studio | 4800 |
Smr 08 | Summon Night 2 | Banpresto | TBA |
Smr 08 | To Loveru: Trouble | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Breath | Success | TBA |
TBA 08 | Culdecept DS | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | Doki Doki Majo Shinban 2 | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Dr. Slump | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora no Mamoribito | Square Enix | TBA |
TBA 08 | DS Bimoji Training | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Eternal Chronicle | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Famicom Wars DS 2 | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fire Emblem | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Flower Arrangement DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Gabu Gabu Planet | Koei | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Hoshi no Kirby Ultra Super Deluxe | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Kimi no Yuusha | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days | Square Enix | TBA |
TBA 08 | Major DS | Takara Tomy | TBA |
TBA 08 | Number Place Mugen | Ertain | 3800 |
TBA 08 | Ragnarok Online DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Shin Ninja Jaja Maru-Kun: Pen ha Ken Yorimo Tsuyoshi De Gozaru | Jaleco | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Steal Princess | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
Wii |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Dairantou Smash Brothers X | Nintendo | 6476 |
01.31.08 | Family Ski | Bandai Namco Games | 5238 |
01.31.08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | 5800 |
02.07.08 | Oneechanbara Revolution | D3 Publisher | 5800 |
02.14.08 | Medal of Honor Heroes 2Wii Zapper Bundle Version (price 6980 yen) | Electronic Arts | 5800 |
02.14.08 | Metroid Prime 3: Corruption | Nintendo | 6476 |
02.14.08 | WWE 2008 SmackDown Vs Raw | THQ Japan | 5800 |
02.21.08 | Miburee & Tiburee | Sega | 6800 |
02.21.08 | Winning Eleven Play Maker 2008 | Konami | 6800 |
02.28.08 | Choro Q Wii | Takara Tomy | 6800 |
02.28.08 | Simple Wii Series Vol.5 The Block Kuzushi | D3 Publisher | TBA |
02.28.08 | Simple Wii Series Vol.6 The Wai Wai Combat | D3 Publisher | TBA |
02.28.08 | Uchi Tsuri! Sega Bass Fishing | Sega | 4800 |
02.28.08 | Zenkoku Decotora Matsuri | Jaleco | 6800 |
Feb 08 | Major Wii Nagero! Gyro Ball!! | Takara Tomy | 6800 |
03.06.08 | Family Jockey | Bandai Namco Games | 5000 |
03.06.08 | Nobunaga no Yabou Kakushin with Power Up Kit (price 13800 yen) | Koei | 9800 |
03.06.08 | Playground: Kouen de Asobou! | Electronic Arts | 3800 |
03.13.08 | Baroque for Wii | Sting | 6476 |
03.13.08 | Transformers The Game | Activision | 5800 |
03.13.08 | Winning Post 7 Maximum 2008 | Koei | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Deca Sporta Wii de Sports Jyu Shumoku | Hudson | 4800 |
03.19.08 | Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4Premium Box (price 8800 yen) | Koei | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Spiderman 3 | Activision | 5800 |
03.19.08 | The House of the Dead 2&3 ReturnWii Zapper Bundle Version (price 5980 yen) | Sega | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Karasu Wii | Milestone | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Lego Star Wars Complete Saga | Activision | 5800 |
03.27.08 | Ninja Reflex | Electronic Arts | 3800 |
03.27.08 | Nitro Bike | Ubisoft | 5800 |
03.27.08 | O-souji Sentai Clean KeeperLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
03.27.08 | Pro Baseball Family Stadium | Bandai Namco Games | 5000 |
03.27.08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | 5800 |
Spr 08 | Argos no Senshi Muscle Impact | Tecmo | TBA |
Spr 08 | Family Trainer Athletic World | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | Karada wo Kitaeru Wii Exercise | Rocket Company | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Mario Kart Wii | Nintendo | TBA |
Spr 08 | Tales of Symphonia Knights of Ratatoskr | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | Wi-Fi Compatible Gensen Table Game Wii | Hudson | TBA |
Smr 08 | One Piece Unlimited Cruise Episode 1 | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Wnt 08 | One Piece Unlimited Cruise Episode 2 | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Crossword | Hudson | TBA |
TBA 08 | Disaster: Day of Crisis | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Animal Crossing | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fushigi no Dungeon Fuurai no Shiren 3 Karakuri Yashiki no Nemuri Hime | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | Hoshi no Kirby | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | JAWA Manmos to Himitsu no Ishi | Spike | 5800 |
TBA 08 | King Story | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Pachinda | Hudson | TBA |
TBA 08 | Scarlet: Nichijou no Kyoukaisen | Kadokawa Shoten | TBA |
TBA 08 | Super Mario Stadium Family Baseball | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Totsugeki Famicom Wars W!! | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Wii Music | Nintendo | TBA |
PlayStation 3 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Assassin's Creed | Ubisoft | 6980 |
01.31.08 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom | 7990 |
01.31.08 | Makai Senki Disgaea 3First Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Nippon Ichi Software | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
01.31.08 | Sega Rally Revo | Sega | 6800 |
02.07.08 | Transformers The Game | Activision | 6800 |
02.14.08 | WWE 2008 SmackDown vs Raw | THQ Japan | 6800 |
02.21.08 | Lost Planet Extreme Condition | Capcom | 5990 |
02.21.08 | Stuntman Ignition | THQ Japan | 6800 |
03.06.08 | Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision | 11111 |
03.06.08 | Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan | Sega | 7600 |
03.13.08 | Skate | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
03.13.08 | Winning Post 7 Maximum 2008 | Koei | 7200 |
03.19.08 | Armored Core For Answer | From Software | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Blazing Angel 2: Secret Mission of WWII | Ubisoft | 6980 |
03.27.08 | Battlefield: Bad Company | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
03.27.08 | Lego Star Wars Complete Saga | Activision | 6800 |
03.27.08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | 6800 |
04.24.08 | Valkyrie of the Battle FieldLimited Box (price 9505 yen) | Sega | 7600 |
Spr 08 | Haze | Spike | TBA |
Spr 08 | Mercenaries 2 World in Flames | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
Spr 08 | Turok | Touchstone | 5800 |
TBA 08 | Dark Sector | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fatal Inertia | Koei | TBA |
TBA 08 | Way of the Samurai | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots | Konami | TBA |
TBA 08 | NBA2K8 | Spike | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Rainy Woods | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tears to Tiara | Aqua Plus | TBA |
TBA 08 | The Eye of Judgment Biolith Rebellion Complete Disk | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
TBA 08 | Trusty Bell: Chopin no Yume | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Vampire Rain Altered Species | AQ Interactive | TBA |
PlayStation Portable |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Sega Rally Revo | Sega | 4800 |
01.31.08 | Pacific Storm | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
02.07.08 | Coded Souls: Uketsugareshi Idea | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 4980 |
02.07.08 | Kidou Senshi Gundam Giren no Yabou Axis no KyoikiSpecial Pack (price 24657 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
02.07.08 | Momotarou Dentetsu 15 Godai Bombie Toujou! no Maki (PlayStation 2 the Best) | Hudson | 3800 |
02.14.08 | Medal of Honor Heroes 2 | Electronic Arts | 4800 |
02.21.08 | Musou Orochi | Koei | 5280 |
02.21.08 | Space Invaders Extreme | Taito | 3800 |
03.19.08 | Dead Head Fred: Kubi Nashi Tantei no Akumu | D3 Publisher | 4800 |
03.19.08 | echochrome Mugen Kairou | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 3800 |
03.19.08 | Tales of Rebirth | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
03.19.08 | Umihara Kawase Portable | Marvelous Entertainment | 5040 |
03.27.08 | Code Geass Hangyaku no Rurushu Lost ColorsSpecial Edition Black Rebellion (price 6800 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd GHunters Pack G (price 24571 yen) | Capcom | 4800 |
03.27.08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | 4800 |
Mar 08 | Daisenryaku VII: Exceed | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
May 08 | Bleach: Heat the Soul 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
Spr 08 | Mystreet Portable Kaoru Yasogami's Challenge | Views | 4800 |
Spr 08 | MyStylist | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
Spr 08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Tir na Nog | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
Smr 08 | Hoshigari Empusa | Takuyo | 5800 |
Smr 08 | To Loveru: Trouble | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dissidia Final Fantasy | Square Enix | TBA |
TBA 08 | Nanpure 10,000 Questions | Success | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Phantasy Star Portable | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | Ponkotsu Roman Daikatsugeki Bumpy Trot Beagle Battle Tournament | Irem Software Engineering | TBA |
TBA 08 | Vantage Master Portable | Nihon Falcom | TBA |
PlayStation 2 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Harushi Suzumiya no DowakuSuper Limited Edition (price 9800 yen) | Banpresto | 6800 |
01.31.08 | IZUMO2 Gakuen Rhapsody Double TactLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | GN Software | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Pacific Storm | SystemSoft Alpha | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Tales of Destiny Director's CutPremium Box (price 6800 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
01.31.08 | Xyanide | Ertain | 5800 |
01.31.08 | Your Memories Off: Girl's StyleLimited Edition (price 9400 yen) | 5pb. | 6800 |
02.07.08 | Princess Maker 5Strategy Guide Bundle (price 8800 yen) | Cyber Front | 6800 |
02.07.08 | Transformers The Game | Activision | 6800 |
02.14.08 | 12 Riven the Psy Criminal of IntegralSoundtrack Bundle Version (price 8800 yen) | Kid | 6800 |
02.14.08 | D.C. Da Capo the OriginFirst Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Sweets | 6800 |
02.14.08 | Jissen Pachislot Hisshouhou! Salaryman Kintarou, Slotter Kintarou, Ore no Sora | Sega | 2800 |
02.14.08 | Kyou kara Maou! Makoku no Kyuujitsu Software-only Version | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
02.14.08 | Poison Pink | Banpresto | 6800 |
02.14.08 | Tori no Hoshi Aerial Planet | Nippon Ichi Software | 6800 |
02.14.08 | WWE 2008 SmackDown vs Raw | THQ Japan | 5800 |
02.21.08 | DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 | Konami | 6648 |
02.21.08 | Last Escort 2: Shinya no Amai ChouLimited Edition (price 7800 yen) | D3 Publisher | 5800 |
02.21.08 | Last Escort 2: Shinya no Amai Chou (Gorgeous Version) | D3 Publisher | 7800 |
02.21.08 | NiGHTS into dreamsNightopia Dream Pack (price 4800 yen) | Sega | 3800 |
02.21.08 | Pachinko Kamen Rider Shocker Zenmetsu Daisakusen Pachitte Chonmage Tatsujin 14 | Huckberry | 6200 |
02.21.08 | Stuntman Ignition | THQ Japan | 5800 |
02.28.08 | Final Approach 2: 1st PriorityFirst Run Limited Edition (price 7800 yen) | Princess Soft | 6800 |
02.28.08 | Gundam Musou Special | Bandai Namco Games | 6476 |
02.28.08 | Houkago ha Shirogane no Shirabe!!First Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Dimple | 6800 |
02.28.08 | MoontiesLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Interchannel-Holon | 6800 |
02.28.08 | Night Wizzard the Videogame Denial of the WorldFirst Run Limited Edition (price 9500 yen) | 5pb. | 6800 |
02.28.08 | Petit FourLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
03.06.08 | Elminage: Yami no Miko to Kamigami no Yubiwa | Starfish SD | 6800 |
03.06.08 | Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision | 11111 |
03.06.08 | Naraku no Shiro Ichiyanagi Nagomu, Ni-do-me no Junan | Nippon Ichi Software | 6800 |
03.06.08 | Nobunaga no Yabou Kakushin with Power Up KitTwin Pack (price 13800 yen) | Koei | 9800 |
03.12.08 | Nobunaga no Yabou Online -- Souha no Shou | Koei | 6800 |
03.13.08 | Daito Giken Koushiki Pachislot Simulator Shin Yoshimune | Pione Soft | 4800 |
03.13.08 | True Tears | Sweets | 7800 |
03.13.08 | Winning Post 7 Maximum 2008 | Koei | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4Premium Box (price 8800 yen) Treasure Box (price 12800 yen) | Koei | 6800 |
03.27.08 | Code Geass Hangyaku no Rurushu Lost Colors | Bandai Namco Games | 6476 |
03.27.08 | Guilty Gear XX Accent Core PlusAppend Version (price 1980 yen) | Arc System Works | 5800 |
03.27.08 | Kimi ga Aruji de, Shitsuji ga Ore de: Otsukae NikkiFirst Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Minato Station | 6800 |
03.27.08 | Sega Ages 2500 Series Phantasy Star I - II - III - IV | Sega | 2500 |
03.27.08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | 5800 |
04.10.08 | Ou Okuki | Global A Entertainment | 5800 |
04.10.08 | Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Chapter 0-4 Full Pack | Prototype | 4300 |
04.24.08 | AoishiroLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Success | 6800 |
04.24.08 | Edel BlumeLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
04.24.08 | H2O PlusDX Pack (price 8800 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 6800 |
04.27.08 | Hoshigari Empusa | Takuyo | 6800 |
Apr 08 | Princess Nightmare | Karin Entertainment | TBA |
Apr 08 | Prism Ark - AWAKELimited Edition (price TBA) | 5pb. | 6800 |
05.29.08 | D.C. II P.S. Da Capo II Plus SituationDX Pack (price 9999 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 7600 |
May 08 | Fushigi Yuugi Suzaku IbunLimited Edition (price 6800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
Spr 08 | Akane Iro ni Somaru Parallel | GN Software | TBA |
Spr 08 | Gin no EclipseFirst Run Limited Edition (price TBA) | Nine's fox | TBA |
Spr 08 | Koihime Musou | Yeti | TBA |
Spr 08 | Mercenaries 2 World in Flames | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
Spr 08 | Secret Game: Killer Queen | Yeti | TBA |
Spr 08 | Sega Ages 2500 Series Fantasy Zone II DX | Sega | 2500 |
Spr 08 | Sekai Saikyou Ginsei Igo 7 | Magnolia | TBA |
Spr 08 | Sorayume | Takuyo | TBA |
Spr 08 | Tir na Nog | SystemSoft Alpha | 6800 |
TBA 08 | Drastic Killer | Banpresto | 6800 |
TBA 08 | HoshifuruLimited Edition (price TBA) | Piacci | TBA |
TBA 08 | Real RodeDX Pack (price TBA) | Kadokawa Shoten | TBA |
TBA 08 | Samurai Spirits Rokuban Shoubu | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Togainu no Chi True BloodDX Pack (price 8800 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 6800 |
Xbox 360 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.08 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom | 7990 |
01.31.08 | Need for Speed Pro StreetFirst Run Limited Edition (price 7800 yen) | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Sega Rally Revo | Sega | 6800 |
02.07.08 | Battlestations Midway | Spike | 6800 |
02.14.08 | WWE 2008 SmackDown Vs Raw | THQ Japan | 6800 |
02.21.08 | Bioshock | Spike | 6980 |
02.28.08 | Call of Juarez | Ubisoft | 6980 |
02.28.08 | Idol Master Live For You!Anime DVD Bundle Version (price 9800 yen) Miki Hoshi Limited Doll Set (price 24800 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 6800 |
03.13.08 | Skate | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Armored Core For Answer | From Software | 6800 |
03.19.08 | Blazing Angel 2: Secret Mission of WWII | Ubisoft | 6980 |
03.19.08 | Sengoku Musou 2 with Moushouden | Koei | 7200 |
03.27.08 | Battlefield: Bad Company | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
Mar 08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Clannad | Prototype | TBA |
Spr 08 | Frontlines: Fuel of War | THQ Japan | 6800 |
Spr 08 | Mercenaries 2 World in Flames | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
Spr 08 | Turok | Touchstone | 5800 |
TBA 08 | Dark Sector | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Flatout Ultimate Carnage | Russell | 6800 |
TBA 08 | Gundam Operation Troy | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Kane and Lynch | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | NBA2K8 | Spike | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Ninja Gaiden 2 | Tecmo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Raiden Fighters Aces | Success | TBA |
TBA 08 | Rainy Woods | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | The Darkness | Spike | TBA |
Turn the page for budget titles and games that are with a TBA date.
RELEASE DATES (TBA)
This section of Gaming Life in Japan provides you with an up-to-date release list of games coming out in Japan. We list pretty much everything that's been announced.
In order to make the list more readable, we've split things up into three sections: games that have a release date, games that are TBA, and games that a budget re-releases of previous titles. On this page, you'll find the games that are TBA and the budget re-releases. For games that have a specific date, turn one page back.
Recent changes, including new dates and prices, are bolded. New entries are in red If you encounter something that looks like an error, please e-mail us.
Nintendo DS |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Epoch-sha |
Action Game | Now Productions |
Action Game | Alpha Unit |
Action RPG | Hudson |
Adventure | AQ Interactive |
Akumajo Dracula New Title | Konami |
Choro Q | Atlus |
Daigaku Ekiden 2008 Hakone | SNK Playmore |
Days of Memories 2 | SNK Playmore |
Denshi Maid Techou Koi no Iroha | SNK Playmore |
Doubutsu Shima no Chobi Gurumi 3 | Rocket Company |
Dragon Quest VI | Square Enix |
Edutainment | AQ Interactive |
Emblem of Gundam | Bandai Namco Games |
Front Mission 2089 Border of Madness | Square Enix |
GT-D Racing | MTO |
Happy Series Part 1 -- Happy House | MTO |
Keiji 1 | Success |
Keiji 2 | Success |
Professor Layton and the Last Time Journey | Level 5 |
Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro | Marvelous Entertainment |
Meccha! Taiko no Tatsujin DS Nanatsu no Shima no Daibouken | Bandai Namco Games |
Metal Slug 7 | SNK Playmore |
Multi Competitive Sports Action | Sega |
Professional Wrestling | Spike |
Rally DS | Spike |
Ryoukiki no Susume | Taito |
Shin Megami Tensei DS | Atlus |
Simulation | Tasuke |
Sports Action | Tasuke |
SuperLite 2500 Tornado V | Success |
Yume Neko DS | Sega |
Wii |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Milestone |
Action Game | From Software |
Action Game | Epoch-sha |
Action Game | Banpresto |
Action Game | Takara Tomy |
Action RPG | From Software |
Battle Action | Takara Tomy |
Character Action Game | MTO |
Digimon | Bandai Namco Games |
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle Crystal Bearers | Square Enix |
Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision |
Harushi Suzumiya | Kadokawa Shoten |
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri Series | Marvelous Interactive |
Sword Action | Interchannel-Holon |
Monster Hunter 3 | Capcom |
New Action Adventure Game 2 | Konami |
Oboro Muramasa Youtouden | Marvelous Entertainment |
Original Action Game | D3 Publisher |
PacMan Carnival | Bandai Namco Games |
Princess Company | Starfish SD |
Role Playing Game | Konami |
Samurai Spirits Rokuban Shoubu | SNK Playmore |
San-X All Star for Wii | MTO |
Shooting Game | Milestone |
Sword of Legendia | Bandai Namco Games |
Title TBA | Genki |
Title TBA | Jaleco |
PlayStation 3 |
GAME | PUB |
Action | Tecmo |
Action Adventure | Irem Software Engineering |
Action Game | Now Productions |
Action RPG | Hudson |
ActiveDogs | MTO |
AFRIKA | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Akari Project | Takuyo |
Angel Love Online | Q Entertainment |
Anime Related Project (Tentative) | Bandai Namco Games |
Aqua | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Aquanaut's Holiday | Art Dink |
BB | Arc System Works |
Residen Evil 5 | Capcom |
Bionic Commando | Capcom |
Bipedal Movement Simulation | Art Dink |
Bomberman | Hudson |
Comical Historical Action | Global A Entertainment |
Comical Historical Simulation | Global A Entertainment |
Big 3D Game | AQ Interactive |
Derby Stallion | Enterbrain |
Fifth Phantom Saga | Sega |
Gradius Series | Konami |
Gran Turismo 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Japanese Kenjutsu Series | Genki |
Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball | Konami |
Fighting Action Game (Tentative) | D3 Publisher |
Management Simulation | Hamster |
KOF Maximum Impact 3 | SNK Playmore |
LittleBigPlanet | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Mahjong-Ou | Warashi |
Makai Wars | Nippon Ichi Software |
Master Project | Takuyo |
Metal Gear Online | Konami |
Unannounced Title | Q Entertainment |
Naguzatto Plan | Digital Gain |
Naruto | Bandai Namco Games |
New Action | Marvelous Interactive |
New Action Game | Konami |
New Action Game | ESP |
New Role Playing Game | Konami |
New RPG | Bandai Namco Games |
New Shooting Game | Bandai Namco Games |
New Simulation | Sunsoft |
New Sports Game | Bandai Namco Games |
Ni-Oh | Koei |
Nobi Nobi Boy | Bandai Namco Games |
Original Love Simulation | Interchannel |
Pachinko Jikki Simulation Series | Huckberry |
Ponkotsu Roman Daikatsugeki Bumpy Trot 2 | Irem Software Engineering |
Pro Mahjong Final | Atena |
Pro Wrestling | Yukes |
Project Dee | Michael Soft |
Project Psychic | Taito |
Puzzle Game | Cyber Front |
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 | Ubisoft |
Rengoku: The End of the Century | Hudson |
Robot Action | Bandai Namco Games |
Saikyou Ginsei Shougi 7 | Magnolia |
War Simulation (Tentative) | Marionette |
New Historical Action | Acquire |
Shin Megamitensei Series | Atlus |
New Role Playing Game | Gust |
New Action RPG | Cavia |
Shinseiki GPX Cyber Formula Series | Sunrise Interactive |
Shirokishi Monogatari | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Shougi World Champion Gekishi | Mainichi Communications |
Simulation Game A | Cyber Front |
Simulation Game B | Cyber Front |
Slotter Mania Series | Dorasu |
Sunrise Eiyuu Series | Sunrise Interactive |
Super Robot Series | Banpresto |
Tekken 6 | Bandai Namco Games |
The Last Remnant | Square Enix |
Title TBA | Ertain |
Toshihiro Nagoshi Project 2 | Sega |
Yamasa Digi World BOK | Yamasa Entertainment |
PlayStation Portable |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Takara Tomy |
Devil May Cry Series | Capcom |
Digital Pet | Sega |
Educational Game | Imagineer |
EX Jinsei Game | Atlus |
Gran Turismo 4 Mobile | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri Series | Marvelous Interactive |
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep | Square Enix |
KOF | SNK Playmore |
Landstalker | Climax |
Makai Wars | Nippon Ichi Software |
Metal Gear Solid 2 Bande Dessinee | Konami |
Original RPG | AQ Interactive |
Persona | Atlus |
RS Revolution | Spike |
Sarugetchu Piposaru Senki | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Star Ocean 2 Second Evolution | Square Enix |
Tantei Saburo Shinguji | Work Jam |
Technic Cute | Arika |
TGM-K | Arika |
Tornedo | Success |
Touge MAX | Atlus |
PlayStation 2 |
GAME | PUB |
Colin McRae Rally | Interchannel |
Heart no Kuni no Alice | Prototype |
KOF Maximum Impact Regulation A 2 | SNK Playmore |
Kouma | Sega |
Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro | Compile Hearts |
Night WizardLimited Edition (price TBA) | 5gk. |
Piyotan Oishiki Sennyuu Daisakusen! | Prototype |
Heaven Boys: Beast Harlem | Takuyo |
Sakura Himenishiki Emaki | Sega |
Sakura Taisen Monogatari Teitohen | Sega |
Seireiki Live Red 2 | Interchannel |
Sukina Mono ha Sukidakara Shouganai!! + White Flower + Sukisyo! Episode #04 | Interchannel |
Sunsoft Collection | SNK Playmore |
Tenkuu Symphonia | Piacci |
Tetsuman Menkyo-Kaiden | Naxat |
The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match | SNK Playmore |
Touge no Battle | Ecseco |
Wrestle Angels Survivor 2 | Success |
Xbox 360 |
GAME | PUB |
Biohazard 5 | Capcom |
Bionic Commando | Capcom |
Chulock | Disney Interactive Studio |
CodeType-D | Mega Cyber |
Cry-On | AQ Interactive |
Dead or Alive Code: Cronus | Tecmo |
Fable 2 | Microsoft |
Halo Wars | Microsoft |
Infinite Undiscovery | Square Enix |
Kaidou Online | Spike |
King of Fighters Maximum Impact 360 | SNK Playmore |
Magnacarta 2 | Banpresto |
Mass Effect | Microsoft |
Metal Slug 3 | SNK Playmore |
Neo Geo Battle Coliseum | SNK Playmore |
Project Progressive | Tecmo |
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 | Ubisoft |
Sangoku Fuushin | Idea Factory |
Shooting Game | Moss |
The Last Remnant | Square Enix |
Title TBA | Kawamoto Sangyou |
Title TBA | Ertain |
Title TBA | Jaleco |
Title TBA | Marvelous Interactive |
Title TBA | Atlus |
Title TBA | Alfa System |
Title TBA | Digital Zero |
Title TBA | Cave Online |
Too Human | Microsoft |
BUDGET RE-RELEASES |
RELEASE | SYS | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
02.07.08 | PSP | Bomberman Land Portable (Hudson the Best)Original Release: 03.21.07 | Hudson | 2800 |
02.07.08 | PS2 | NBA Live 07 (EA Best Hits)Original Release: 11.22.06 | Electronic Arts | 2980 |
02.07.08 | NDS | NBA Live 07 (EA Best Hits)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Electronic Arts | 2800 |
02.07.08 | PS2 | PachiPara 13: Super Umi to Pachi-Pro Fuuunroku (Irem Collection)Original Release: 10.26.06 | Irem Software Engineering | 1800 |
02.07.08 | NDS | Touch! Bomberman Land (Hudson the Best)Original Release: 07.20.06 | Hudson | 2800 |
02.07.08 | PS2 | Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 2 -- Itetsuita Kiokutachi (Irem Collection)Original Release: 03.30.06 | Irem Software Engineering | 2800 |
02.14.08 | PS2 | Kimi Kiss (Ebi-kore +)Original Release: 05.25.06 | Enterbrain | 3800 |
02.14.08 | NDS | Medal of Honor Heroes (EA Best Hits)Original Release: 02.08.07 | Electronic Arts | 2800 |
02.14.08 | PS2 | Wrestle Angels Survivor (Good Price)Original Release: 08.24.06 | Success | 2800 |
02.28.08 | PS2 | Black (EA:SY! 1980)Original Release: 04.06.06 | Electronic Arts | 1980 |
02.28.08 | PS2 | Burnout 3: Take Down (EA:SY! 1980)Original Release: 10.14.04 | Electronic Arts | 1980 |
02.28.08 | PS2 | Medal of Honor Shijou Saidai no Sakusen (EA:SY! 1980)Original Release: 10.24.02 | Electronic Arts | 1980 |
02.28.08 | PS2 | Need For Speed Underground 2 (EA:SY! 1980)Original Release: 12.22.04 | Electronic Arts | 1980 |
03.06.08 | PS2 | Amagoushi no Yakata: Ichiyanagi Nagomu, Saisho no Junan The Best PriceOriginal Release: 03.08.07 | Nippon Ichi Software | 2800 |
03.06.08 | NDS | Bomberman (Hudson the Best)Original Release: 05.19.05 | Hudson | 2800 |
03.06.08 | PSP | Bomberman Portable (Hudson the Best)Original Release: 07.20.06 | Hudson | 2800 |
03.06.08 | PS2 | Hisshou Pachinko Pachislot Kouryaku Series Vol.10 CR Shinseiki Evangelion -- Kiseki no Kachi ha (Special Price Version)Original Release: 06.07.07 | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
03.06.08 | PS2 | Hisshou Pachinko Pachislot Kouryaku Series Vol.5 CR Shinseiki Evangelion Second Impact & Pachislot Shinseiki Evangelion (Special Price Version)Original Release: 06.08.06 | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
03.06.08 | X360 | Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360 Platinum Collection)Original Release: 04.26.07 | Ubisoft | 2800 |
03.06.08 | X360 | Riot Act (Xbox 360 Platinum Collection)Original Release: 02.22.07 | Microsoft | 2800 |
03.06.08 | X360 | Saints Row (Xbox 360 Platinum Collection)Original Release: 06.21.07 | THQ Japan | 2800 |
03.06.08 | X360 | Senko no Rondo Rev.X (Xbox 360 Platinum Collection)Original Release: 07.27.06 | G.rev | 2800 |
03.06.08 | PSP | Ultimate Hits Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street PortableOriginal Release: 05.25.06 | Square Enix | 2800 |
03.06.08 | PSP | Ultimate Hits Valkyrie Profile LennethOriginal Release: 03.02.06 | Square Enix | 2800 |
Turn the page for the Gaming Life in Japan archive.
BACK NUMBERS
Did you miss an issue of IGN Japan because you were too ignorant to join IGN Insider earlier than now? Don't fret, as we keep all our old issues Online! Just click on the appropriate link below to jump back to a previous date, all thanks to the power of mass storage.
12.21.07: What's happening in Japan before Christmas, with retail sneak shots and lots of commercials.
11.20.07: Megaman's 20th anniversary and the DS's path to 20 million.
11.09.07: Sony hypes up the PS3 price drop as Xbox 360 crosses the streams. The new PS3 CM campaign versus the start of the Wii Fit campaign!
11.05.07: Delayed due to a weekend of Mario Galaxy, we deliver pricey apples, a retro look at 1987, October in review, and a Famitsu survey about the end of the year. Plus, the cutest Halo ad ever!
10.26.07: Mario Galaxy commercials and some tough fights ahead for the PS3.
10.19.07: Wii Ware vs PSN vs Xbox Live Arcade vs... Gackt? Famitsu puts Gackt on the cover and interviews team Crystal Chronicles Wii Ware.
10.15.07: Sony strikes back just in time for Nintendo to strike back harder. September in review, with Jack Bauer's weakness discovered.
09.11.07 #210: August in review, a preview of the Tokyo Game Show, TGS history with Famitsu, Crisis Core signage and cute Pokemon CMs.
08.30.07: The Dragon Quest IX delay, our look back at 1986, and Shinji Hashimoto's take on Taito.
08.22.07: The latest in non-gaming. Plus, team Super Mario Galaxy interviewed in Famitsu.
08.08.07: Just as Wii and DS supply begin to catch up to demand, Gaming Life in Japan returns following a lengthy, entirely undeserved break with over 100 commercials.
06.20.07: Actual Japanese next generation games start appearing in Japan. Shockers!
06.08.07: From's Virtual Tokyo community set to make Gaming Life in Japan obsolete this winter.
05.31.07: Wii spotted at retail for the first time ever! And, old-skool box art for our look back at 1985.
05.23.07: PS3 drops to four digits as PSP continues to put up a brave fight against the powerful DS. Commercials for Harvest Moon, FF Tactics and Trusty Bell.
05.08.07: Preview of the Square Enix Party and a look back at April.
04.27.07: Giant hot-dogs, student-teacher love, and purple-haired Arabians in Sonic commercials.
04.18.07 #200: DS to replace books.
04.12.07: A look at the Blue Dragon anime.
04.06.07: DS gets over fifty games in one month to close off 2006.
03.29.07: We check out Sega's latest fan event. Plus, nine commercials for the Blue Dragon anime!
03.22.07: The start of a new feature as we look back at the state of the Japanese game industry 20 years ago. This month, Super Lode Runner, Goonies 2 and Mickey Mousecapade hit the Famicom.
03.15.07: PS3 being sold at discount as Nintendo distributes celebrity Miis. Plus, commercials for the PS3 and Wii's multimedia functionality.
03.07.07: Our new "newcomers" column kicks off with looks at the DS version of the granddaddy of brain games, a walking navigator sponsored by a Japanese guy named Duke, and manner lessons with Mr. Tights.
02.28.07: A look at the Japanese side of the Game Developers Conference, a Famitsu survey on online games, and CMs for the Blue Draogn anime, Fire Emblem and Monster Hunter.
02.21.07: A trip inside the AOU arcade expo, Famitsu survey on the next few months, and squirrel-banana-chair!
02.14.07: A Valentine's Day special features a look at love games, and a pic of the disturbing thing I ate in China.
02.07.07 #190: On Sony's struggles in Japan, and GTA's success. Plus, a look at the games of December and January.
01.22.07: Brought to you from Japan, aka Nintendo Land.
01.12.07: We kick of 2007 with a huge commercial feature packed with nearly 100 game ads from late 2006.
12.02.06: Will Japanese launch guide.
12.01.06: A continuing look at the Wii launch, and some post PS3 launch thoughts.
11.09.06: PlayStation 3 Launch Guide
11.06.06: A video tour of Nintendo World, PS3 in Akihabara, and year 2003 of the PlayStation 2.
10.26.06: Year 2002 of the PS2, the first Wii magazine and print ads, big DS 3rd party games, and the first half of the year in portable gaming.
10.19.06: Troubles pre-ordering the PS3, the first Wii and PS3 ads, a strange Custom Robo commercial, and the second year of the PS2.
10.12.06 #180: A couple of Wii banners join week 1 of our PS3 launch guide and a look back at the first year of the PS2.
09.30.06: The Tokyo Game Show in review.
09.19.06: A pre Tokyo Game Show report and an AM Show photo collection.
09.06.06: Fear over Sony's shipment of 100,000 PS3s at launch. Plus, pics from retail and commercials for Atama Scan, LocoRoco and Xbox 360.
08.18.06: The slow summer season continues as we deliver scans from the DS summer catalogue, details on the CESA white paper and commercials for Cooking Navi and Xbox 360.
08.09.06: A slow summer season means a slow Gaming Life in Japan. Featuring Dirty Old and Bubble Man!
07.24.06: The first half of the year in review, Hyper PlayStation compares PS3 to the Holy Grail, plus the return of print ads.
07.18.06: Sony's LocoRoco promotional campaign, the six months of Xbox 360, and commercials for Bullet Witch and Cooking Navi.
07.10.06: Commentary on the past 20 years of gaming from Japan's biggest developers. Plus, commercials for Chrome Hounds, Battle Stadium D.O.N. and Tekken.
06.23.06: Sonic and the N64 celebrate anniversaries as we take a trip to the World Hobby Fair.
06.16.06 #170: A sneak peak at the games of Summer. Plus, Famitsu's continuing 20th anniversary.
06.09.06: World Cup fever and continuing 20th anniversary Famitsu coverage.
06.02.06: Japan's new rating system, Mario's millions, Famitsu's 20th anniversary, and GE-MAGA's debut.
05.23.06: We take a trip to Akihabara where first PS3 signage goes on display. Plus, CMs for Loco Roco, Super Mario Bros. and Talkman.
05.02.06: E3 predictions, three magazines, and commercials for Cooking Mama and Xbox Cup.
04.21.06: Nintendo's DS brain craze continues as even more games are announced.
04.07.06: The Xbox 360 briefing and commercials for Starfee, Guilty Gear and Magna Carta Portable.
03.31.06: We bid farewell to the Xbox with a two page look at its troubled Japanese life.
03.24.06: PS3 delay, new DS magazines, and lots of commercials.
03.10.06: The second DS Lite pre-launch report, plus a look at Final Fantasy XII-related goods, including the FFXII Potion.
03.01.06 #160: The DS Lite pre-launch report, Famitsu trivia and thirty game releases.
02.10.06: A Zombie lands in Shibuya as we take a look back at the first couple of years of the PSP in Japan.
02.03.06: A look back at how the first year and a half of DS games were reviewed in the Japanese press. Plus, lots and lots of girly game commercials.
01.27.06: Nintendo announces DS Lite as Dirge of Cerberus takes over Shibuya. And a 500 year old he-man/she-ra vampire on the cover of Famitsu?
01.17.06: A look at the year end sales rush, 70 commercials and a weekly Japanese recap, featuring CES, the World Hobby Fair and an Every Party demo event.
12.16.05: Ryu Ga Gotoku versus the real Kabukicho, a few year-end sales trends, a look at the ugliest Japanese magazine around, the aftermath of the Xbox 360 launch, and commercials for Mario Kart and Rogue Galaxy.
12.09.05: A bonus Gaming Life in Japan, open to all readers and focusing on the Xbox 360 launch, with magazine information, retail displays, commercials, pamphlets, print ads and an address by Peter Moore.
11.24.05: This special pre-Thanksgiving GLIJ features three magazines, a brand new Now Playing section, the latest from the Xbox 360 pre-launch and commercials for Ratchet & Clank and Hamutarou.
11.14.05: Sega's Private Show, five game magazines, our Xbox 360 Lounge video, and forty new commercials.
10.28.05: A flood of new games arrive on the same day. Plus, IGN looks at the Akihabara Entertainment Festival, the WPC expo and the latest from the Xbox 360 launch. Brought to you buy the lonely PSP mini bus.
10.21.05 #150: Things that make us go boing, the Freshness Burger Spam Sandwich, week one of Xbox Launch Watch, Famitsu rumors and lots of print ads.
10.14.05: Ginza walking (and a look at Sony's new PlayStation spot download terminals) and CMs for Super Princess Peach, Shadow of the Colossus and more.
10.07.05: Nasty Shibuya girls and calorie-loving Jack Bauer deliver the latest Gaming Life in Japan along with a look at the Nintendo Dream Mario music CD and commercials for Code Age, Mario Tennis and Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest.
09.13.05: A preview of the Tokyo Game Show (completely with predictions that, for the most part, missed the mark), a trip to Shibuya and commercials for Ryu Ga Gotoku, Advent Children, Game Boy Micro and the white PSP.
08.26.05: Ads for Advent Children, Bleach Advance, Game Boy Micro and more. Plus, Bumpy Trot rules!
08.19.05: Week three of Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!) features a look at Jump World and the new Square Enix character goods shop.
08.12.05: For week two of Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!), we take a trip to Akihabara, find out what's on the Tsutaya 80% off wall of shame and deliver commercials for Grandia, Jump Superstars and Winning Eleven.
08.05.05: The first ever Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!) features comments on Microsoft, Sony and Square Enix's events, retail pics and 60 commercials. Plus, Jack Bauer sells Calorie Mate to little school girls! What a scoop!
07.14.05: Mushi King, four magazines (including Toyo Keizai's look at the next generation), 30 commercials for the likes of Dance Dance Mario, Tamagotchi and Boktai, and a double idol feature with Jin Akanishi and Kazuya Kamenashi.
06.30.05: A look at the World Hobby Fair, over 35 commercials (including Bumpy Trot, Winning Eleven 9 and Star Wars) and a look at Nikkei Electronics, featuring PS2 versus Xbox 360.
06.15.05 #140: Former Sega president Irimajiri spotted on television! Plus, commercials for Grandia II, Drag on Dragoon 2, school girl soccer and more!
06.08.05: Pics from Shibuya, print ads for TearRing Saga, Atelier Iris 2 and Twinkle Star Sprites and Chinatsu Wakatsuki as young idol. Plus, we make fun of the PSP!
06.01.05: Twenty-five commercials including Berwick Saga, Racing Battle and Forza. All brought to you by Nice Stick!
05.15.05: Ikebukuro walking (complete with Foma Man!), a look at Machikaido Wrestling (the official best thing ever!), CMs for Heavy Metal and Hanjuku Heroes, and Yoko Kumada as young idol.
05.05.05: The start of Golden Week features a special message from Bill Gatest, four magazines and commercials/ads for Derby Time and Sengoku Basara.
04.27.05: Nintendogs, four magazines, ads for Bumpy Trot and Rockman as Fire Emblem hits the Cube and NDS takes over.
04.20.05: Square Enix's Heavy Metal rock show, Sayaka Isoyama as young idol, swag for Wild Arms, Tales and Nintendo and commercials for Fire Emblem, Ape Escape P and Romancing Saga. Plus, Jack Bauer uses Calorie Mate!
04.13.05: The ElectroPlankton event, swag for Kirby and Phantom Kingdom and forty pamphlets.
04.06.05: Girls love DS, PSP is available, letters and ads for Grandia III and ElectroPlankton.
03.30.05: Sega's GameJam, Shinjuku Walking, three new magazines and commercials for Bleach, Nintendogs and Tekken.
03.15.05 #130: Ramblings about Homeland, pics from Tsutaya, three new magazines and commercials for Enthusia, Bo-bobo, and Harvest Moon.
03.10.05: As PSP loses its load times and Nintendo customer service rocks, we bring you a look at Miki Ando, plus commercials for Pac Pix, Egg Monster Hero and Enthusia.
02.21.05: AOU in recap, a survey about March, commercials for Another Code, GT4 and more.
02.09.05: Club Nintendo bonus items including two special GameCube controllers. Plus, commercials for Popolocrois, Meteos and Bleach.
01.26.05: A video tour of the World Hobby Fair, all the latest print ads and commercials, plus Japanese gaming swag with the Zelda screen cleaner, the Kirby NDS cleaner, the Super Mario 64 DS cards and a Dead or Alive calendar.
01.19.05: Commercials for ACE, Bakumatsuden, Band Brothers, Egg Monster Hero and Radiata Stories, plus an end of 2004 report from Famitsu.
01.12.05: IGN Japan returns for 2005 with 70 commercials.
12.01.04: The day before the launch of the Nintendo DS, plus commercials and ads for NDS, PSP, Yoshi and more.
11.24.04: Dragon Quest VIII pre-launch, Famitsu PSP VS NDS survey and commercials for Nintendo DS games, PSP, Magnacarta and Gundam.
11.10.04: A video tour of the Touch DS! event, more coverage from the PSP and NDS launches, the Japanese launch of Halo 2, the latest Sega Press and lots of commercials.
11.02.04 #120: Week three of our look at the PSP and NDS launches is a little light as Nintendo gears up for the Nintendo World show. Featuring commercials for the slim PS2 and Pochi to Nya.
10.27.04: Sony blows the lid off the PSP launch as IGN Japan plays F-Zero and Ace Combat, beats of Pikachu and takes a look at the Entama show of suck. Plus, commercials for Naruto 3, Super Robot Wars GC and DS.
10.19.04: IGN begins a weekly look at the PSP and NDS launches, plays Mawaru Made in Wario, Kururin Squash and Virtua Fighter II, and delivers commercials for Sega Superstars, Ace Combat V and Tales of Rebirth. Plus, Classic Young Idol with Megumi Yasu.
10.12.04: The week that Nintendo blows the lid off the NDS, Gaming Life in Japan offers a look at the Viewtiful Joe cartoon, scans from the Square Enix TGS booklet and Makiko Kawajima as new young idol.
10.07.04: Following the Tokyo Game Show, Gaming Life in Japan returns with the Panzer Dragoon news station and 33 commercials for games like Romancing SaGa, Arc the Lad Generations, Before Crisis: FFVII, Shining Tears, F-Zero Climax and Dragon Quest VIII.
09.07.04: Japan continues its news overload, with first details on Shining Force and Radiata Stories and updates on a few DS and PSP games. Plus, a look inside JAMMA and playtests of the latest arcade games. The ads and CM section features Biohazard Outbreak 2, Dororo, Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo, Kenran Butousai, Radiata Stories, Prince of Persia and more.
08.31.04: Following a dry spell, things kick into high gear as part of the pre-TGS build-up. IGN Japan samples Suikoden IV and VF Cyber Generation, offers a look at our latest toys and provides coverage from the Kessen III press conference and details on Sakura Taisen, Siren 2 and Shining Force. Plus, CMs for Pokemon and Dororo and ads for Dead or Alive Ultimate, Metal Gear Solid 3, Sakura Taisen V and Kessen III.
08.27.04: IGN Japan makes the move to Shibuya (and to an update earlier in the week) resulting in a tiny update with not much fun.
08.19.04: Rapping Mario features in the latest Nintendo ad as IGN Japan spreads some hate on Michigan and Nippon Ichi announces its latest title.
08.12.04: A tiny update for a slow week in gaming as Japan celebrates the return of the dead and Nintendo releases the latest Famicom Mini games.
08.04.04 #110: Nintendo unveils the final design for the DS as IGN taps into its growing collection of Japanese freebies to share with the world. Playtests of Mega Man X8, Mega Man X: Command Mission and Final Fantasy I - II Advance, a deeper look at former IGN Japan young idol Yin Ling of Joytoy, plus commercials for Fullmetal Alchemist: Dream Carnival, Lupin, King of Fighters: Maximum Impact and Famicom Mini Round 3.
07.28.04: As fireworks are heard throughout Japan, IGN Japan falls in love with Paper Mario RPG and finds some information on Mario Tennis. That and commercials for Nighmare of Druaga and Eye Toy.
07.20.04: Playtests of the Kinpachi Sensei game and Digital Devil Saga along with letters with Tanaka and commercials for Genso Suikoden, Power Pro Baseball 11, Naruto RPG and Taiko no Tatsujin. Plus, an all new IGN Japan young idol, Mayuko Iwasa.
07.13.04: As Sony unveils more on PSP and PS3, Famitsu takes a look back at the first half of the year and Nintendo announces the new Famicom Mini games. Playtests of two more Sega Ages games along with commercials for Paper Mario, Moji Pittan, Final Fantasy and Dragon Ball Z 2.
07.07.04: Commercials for Sonic, Megaman, Power Pro Ken and Saru Battle, the July Sega Press and the week in review with playtests of Saru Battle and Donkey Konga 2 and stories on Final Fantasy ads, the Advance Movie service, Sega's new arcade projects, Spike's new firefighting game and Square Enix's Mana project.
06.28.04: Print ads for Michigan along with commercials for Saru Battle, Magna Carta and Saka-Tsuku '04. Plus, the week in review with playtests of Xenosaga Episode II and Berserk and stories on Momotarou's US debut and Sakura Wars.
06.23.04: The World Hobby Fair, Microsoft's Xbox strategy briefing, Silent Hill, lots of monkeys and commercials for Donkey Konga 2, Godannar, Xenosaga Episode 2, Dragon Quest Characters, Eye Toy, Saka-Tsuku, Popeye Pachinko and more!
06.16.04: Commercials for Dear S, Full Metal Alchemist, Eye Toy and more, plus print ads and the week in review.
06.08.04: The first issue of GLIJ Mini, featuring charts, release dates and not much else.
06.02.04: Spike's Michigan porn star (from Taiwan!), the return of letters with Tanaka, a PSP and DS survey and commercials for Famicom Mini 2, Grand Theft Auto Vice City, Densha De Go Final and Mario VS Donkey Kong.
05.26.04 #100: The latest on Final Fantasy XII, commercials and ads for Ultraman, Famicom Mini, Crimson Sky and Crash Bandicoot: Nitro, and a look at where some of your favorite young idols from previous issues are today.
05.13.04: Print and television ads for the likes of Metroid Fusion, the Pikmin 2 CD (must see!), Gundam MX, Ultraman and Wario World, plus Chisato Morishita (Nintendo's Japanese Samus Aran) as young idol of the week.
05.06.04: Store Joutai Get returns, straight from Akihabara! Plus, game of the month Pikmin 2, the first weekly news recap, lots of print ads, a Game Boy Advance pamphlet and dimpled Miho Shiraishi as young idol of the week.
04.29.04: IGN Japan returns with a commercial-packed issue. Featuring television spots for Crayon Shin-chan, Mega Man Zero 3, EyeToy: Play, Pikmin 2, Mario Golf and more! Also, looks at Michigan, Okami and Final Fantasy XII.
04.06.04: A look at Famitsu Issue 800 (which entails a look at the original Famitsu) along with classic advertisements, reports on Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst and Home Land, and the simply ridiculous Kawori Manabe as this week's young idol.
03.31.04: Full form Gaming Life in Japan returns,with comments from Dragon Quest father Yuji Hori and a look at sexy Ai Tominaga and her McDonalds sauce of choice. Plus, IGN Japan votes for its favorite game of March 2004! Which deceptively-simple-looking Namco title won?
03.25.04: A half-issue as IGN Japan catches up with the billion releases from the past week.
03.17.04: Ramblings about Online gaming, twenty commercials (including Zelda), quick looks at Metal Wolf Rev and Sakurazakai Shouboutai, plus Sakura Mizutani as young idol of the week.
03.10.04: The babes of Custom Robo! Vote for your favorite (voting is now closed). Quick looks at Biohazard 4, Panic Maker, Curry House CoCo and commercials for GameCube Gundam and more.
03.03.04: A slightly new look for Gaming Life in Japan, with separate babe and ad pages. Featuring looks at Mario Golf GBA, 3LDK, Vib Ripple, Raimuiro and The Daibijin, details on next-gen Japanese cell phone gaming, and ads for DOA Online and Sega Ages. Plus, Yuko Ogura as this week's young idol.
02.25.04 #090: IGN Japan looks at Dorimaga and its anime/Sega lovin' readerbase. Plus, Love Aerobics, 35 game commercials (including Katamari Damashii), the horrendously offensive AOU arcade show and Weekly Young Idol featuring Minako Komukai VS Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima.
02.18.04: Nintendo roolz, Sony droolz. Details on Sakurazaka Shouboutai, Steady X Study, Orange Pocket, and more. Plus, a Famitsu survey on the Nintendo DS, a look at the Japanese commercial scene, Misaki Ito as young idol of the week and lots of print ads.
02.11.04: SCE's simplicity campaign, girls playing Eye Toy, upcoming NEC Interchannel games, a look at Japanese retail, Akihabara burning down, Famitsu reader top 100. Plus, the babe of the week: Aya Ueto.
01.27.04: Skiing Ostrich versus Snowboarding Chiwawa! You make the call! Plus, looks at the new PS2 Kinpachi-sensei game, Sengoku VS. Gendai and Soccer Life, some hot Microsoft Xbox ads and a World Hobby Fair picture collection.
1/21/2004: 22 commercials, featuring skiing ostrich (this is a precursor to the next issue's snowboarding dog). Plus, reports on Atelier Iris Eternal Mana, Michigan, The Hajimete no RPG, Galaxy Angel Moonlit Lovers. Also features a Famitsu powered look at the rest of 2004!
1/14/2004: The first issue of IGN for 2004 presents a look back at year 2003's sales and a huge awards presentation with awards for best game, best graphics, best sound and more! Plus, Cho-Kuso game of the year!
12/19/2003: The last issue of IGN Japan for 2003 features some ramblings about the PSX, a look at Uchuu no Stellvia and lots of high res print ads.
12/10/2003: Love Ping Pong, a preview of the Jump Festival and commercials for games like Donkey Konga, Winning Eleven Tactics, Ninja Gaiden and Cute Puppy.
11/18/2003: Thirty television spots including Sonic Heroes, and F-Zero in this limited IGN Japan as we prepare for the big Final Fantasy XII unveiling feature gorgeous Square Enix PR girls.
11/11/2003: Sony's unexpected price drop and "Sorry to have kept you waiting" ad campaign, Japan's most hated game developer and development company and not much else. IGN Japan is made up of lazy bastards! LAZY BASTARDS!
11/03/2003 #080: A look at the year end sales race in Japan, the hottest Famitsu cover girl ever, a look at the new Sister Princess expansion disk, the best selling Dreamcast games, a big Famitsu Tokyo Game Show survey and a ton of television spots.
10/27/2003: Nintendo's Japanese price drop ineffective? Plus, the latest magazine info on Gran Turismo 4 Prologue, Final Fantasy International + Last Mission, a Famitsu survey on the PSX and a Gran Turismo 4 pamphlet scan.
10/20/2003: The start of Nintendo's Fall attack, a game maker ranking and lots of print ads and detail from Famitsu.
9/22/2003: Rare collector's issue! The final Grand Theft Auto Watch and Tokyo Game pre-show report. Plus, a print ad featuring a really, really super mega hot chick!
9/14/2003: A video and picture tour of JAMMA 2003, with lots of hot Japanese girl snips. Plus, the continuing Grand Theft Auto watch, a look at Naruto for the PS2, and more from the Tokyo Game Show pre-game show report.
9/8/2003: Grand Theft Auto watch, Tokyo Game Show and JAMMA pre-game info, a look at the marathon game, plus commercials for Drag On Dragoon and more.
8/25/2003: A PSP survey and lots of game ads in the IGN Japan for the week that Grand Theft Auto 3 hits the number six spot on the Famitsu most wanted list. Also details on the Mario 4 e-Cards and Donkey Kong tatsujin.
8/11/2003: Lots of television commercials for some tremendously obscure games. Presented in high res for your obsessive enjoyment. Plus Tokyo fireworks. Hmm... we're running out of things to talk about.
8/1/2003: The state of Tokyo's Sun. Plus, an Xbox Conference, PSP specs and the history of Namco. Oh -- and the August Sega press. YEAH!
7/17/2003: The Nintendo Famicom turns 20 causing Japanese magazines to give a little history lesson. The full Famicom history, inside.
6/16/2003 #070: A full report from Capcom's Street Fighter 15th Anniversary special, complete with videos and cos-player pics! Plus, a Famitsu survey on Sony's upcoming PSX system.
6/06/2003: Famitsu conducts a big survey on Sony's PSP hardware. Plus a look inside the halls of Square where the company's foreigner population chills with president Wada. Can you spot Colin in this update?
5/23/2003: A particularly wordy issue of IGN Japan in the week following E3. Features a look at seven big game company financial statements, a briefing on the upcoming Street Fighter anniversary celebration and looks at Nintendo's Japanese demo disk and Sony's upcoming Japanese broadband program. Plus, Sammy and drumming game commercials!
5/9/2003: A look at a Japanese business gaming magazine, a bunch of print ads, the May Sega Press and a big Store Joutai Get section!
4/18/2003: The new Sega Press, our hatred of boy bands, the latest peeing statue commercial, a Famitsu retail survey and that's about it as a flood of games see Japanese release.
4/11/2003: The return of Pepsi Man, Sega's Game Jam, Bob Sapp gets his ass kicked bug still gets bigger, the April Sega Press and commercials for Yummeria, Dragon Quest: Caraven Hearts and Taiko no Tatsujin.
4/4/2003: Pics from cell phones, the Sony festival, the latest store joutai and ads for Dragon Quest Caravan Hearts, Doka-Pon DX, NUDE and Super Robot Wars.
3/26/2003: The Soul Calibur release, the Panasonic Center (with the Nintendo GameFront) and... that's about it. Gad, this IGN Japan column really sucks.
3/19/2003: IGN Japan returns after an extended break with a sayonara to Quiter, Foma Man and commercials for Soul Calibur 2, Made in Wario, P.N.03 and (not much) more.
2/28/2003: One Bob Sapp to rule all. Plus, looks at the AOU arcade show, a hate-filled message about Japanese boy-bands SMAP and Tokio, and commercials featuring Ewan McGreggor's big schwartz and Sony's multi-colored PS2 systems.
2/20/2003 #060: Some ramblings about the GBA SP Japanese launch, a Famitsu retailer/consumer survey, a new Guess the Picture feature, plus commercials and ads for Super Robot Wars, Shin Megamitensei 3, Gun Survivor 4, and ZOE 2.
2/12/2003: More Japanese stupidity, plus some good is very Engrish, pamphlets for Venus & Braves, Star Ocean 3 and Puzzle Collection, and CMs for Star Ocean 3, FF Tactics and Mega Man GameCube, and more.
2/3/2003: A look at Dori-Maga (complete with Dreamcast sales charts), Final Fantasy X-2 limited edition goods, the Japanese retail scene, the World Hobby Fair, pamphlets for Sakura Wars and Sony's Voice recognition games, the February Sega Press, and commercials/ads for Venus & Braves, Nintendo Puzzle Collection, ZOE 2, FF Tactics and more!
1/24/2003: 2003's second issue of IGN Japan as the evil Fran Maribella the Third takes over the ranks of IGN Insider. Features a look at the Xbox Live launch party, a Famitsu survey regarding gamer's hopes for the coming year, a look at our Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball preorder goods, a pot shot at Square, and commercials for DOAX, Devil May Cry 2 and Operator's Side. And what's up with the weather always raining (and snowing) on Microsoft's party?
1/16/2003: The first issue of IGN Japan for 2003 really sucks. First of all, we were drunk off free Xbox liquor when we wrote it. The only redeeming factor is the start of a new feature: Guess the Shoes! Oh, and a recap of Japanese game sales for 2002, our pick for Japanese-only game of the year and commercials for Dead or Alive Whack-off Volleyball, Game Boy SP and Xbox Live.
12/20/2002: The last IGN Japan for 2002 features a bunch of silly Japanese commercials gaming-and-non-gaming, print ad scans, shots from around Tokyo's gaming scene (Xbox Price Drop?) and an explanation, from Tanaka, of our new naming system. Plus, Andria opens a ton of mail and Juyon introduces herself.
12/09/2002: Tanaka takes over and welcomes Juyon and Andria Lee Sang to the IGN Japan ranks as the entire Japanese gaming industry goes topsy-turvey. Included, weird Xbox and Sega print ads along with a 16-page Dark Chronicle mini magazine scan.
11/22/2002: A look back at our favorite Japanese commercials as the IGN Japan staffers close their doors for inventory purposes.
11/15/2002: Capcom announces five big titles for the GameCube while Japan celebrates National Toilet Day. Features a look at Japanese retail, a special letter about Engrish, a Famitsu survey about the big games for the year's end, television commercials and Tanaka in a suit vying for the head spot at Xbox Japan.
11/07/2002: The debut of Kita-he: Diamond Dust for the PS2, the November Sega Press, the lame CESA awards, more Xbox stupidity and commercials for such titles as Resident Evil 0, Ratchet & Clank and Xbox.
10/30/2002 #050: The first Kenji Eno spotting in ages, the Tokyo CG festival, crazy commercials for Xbox and PS2 and a ton of print ads.
10/23/2002: Scans and videos from the Square press conference (see CG Yuna wield twin guns and do a back flip), plus a look at the Smash Brothers Orchestra CD.
10/16/2002: A look at AsoBitCity (the replacement for Laox), the meaning of Zelda's new name, plus television commercials for Rygar, GBA Gold and Silver, and Eternal Darkness.
10/9/2002: Xbox Cafe, more DOA Xtremem Beach Volleyabll ads and (what we thought was) the death of the Laox Akihabara games store.
10/2/2002: More DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball ads, plus information on Tama-chan, the seal we'd so very much like to eat.
9/18/2002: Preview of Tokyo Game Show, plus scans of Sega Press September, Sega Driving and Star Fox Adventure pamphlets.
9/11/2002: Japan's toilet paper crisis, Hikki gets hitched, plus ads for DOA Volleyball and pamphlets for Mario Advance 3 and PSO Ep. 1&2.
9/3/2002: Japanese gamers reveal what they want on Xbox Live and some group predicts the future of broadband and internet gaming in Japan. Plus, print ads for Dead or Alive Volleyball, Contra and more!
8/29/2002: Television ads for Tekki, Automodelista and the Dakara peeing statue ad. Plus, we make fun of the Xbox!
8/20/2002: Hmm... not much of anything in the week where Nintendo unveils Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle through a television commercial.
8/13/2002 #040: Big look back at Japanese sales for the first half of 2002. No surprises.
7/31/2002: Mario Sunshine adversely affects yet another issue of IGN Japan. We do find time to scan a bunch of advertisements from the latest Japanese magazines, though.
7/22/2002: IGN Japan was very busy shine getting and didn't spend much time on this story. Lots and lots of television commercials to download though.
7/15/2002: A look at the World Hobby Fair, Famitsu's survey on what's hot this summer, and Megumi!
7/9/2002: Sega parties, Doreamon is king, a bunch of advertisements and horrible weather.
7/2/2002: Famitsu's latest Online surveys, plus the return of television ads!
6/26/2002: I will use Haiku. Evil scandals rock Japan. Mario and Zelda.
6/19/2002: Naked man jumping off bridge. Plus, the Japanese retail report. It's Anoop's birthday. Send presents to Anoop.
6/12/2002: A look at Sega's arcade show. And, the most watched Japanese sports broadcast is...
6/5/2002: Japan earns its first point ever in World Cup history as Fooligans arrive in and are quickly deported from Tokyo.
5/28/2002 #030: Best ad ever! Plus, PS2 price drop info and... not much more in this very uneventful issue.
5/21/2002: Price drops, no Final Fantasy, and more World Cup fever.
5/14/2002: Problems with Final Fantasy XI and a Famitsu survey on what can be done to fix the Xbox.
4/28/2002: The full IGN Japan returns with a review of the Lotteria Pure Burger and... not much else. Have a first look at new correspondents Cindy and Mindy, both Communists!
4/19/2002: Week three of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a look at Halo`s Japanese marketing campaign, a big soccer face-off, and more.
4/12/2002: Week two of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a big look at Sony`s broadband plans (find out how Japanese gamers will play FFXI) and some cool Famitsu reader surveys.
3/29/2002: Week one of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features an interview with Chikako-chan, IGN Japan`s resident kid gamer, along with some odd-ball Japanese commercials.
3/12/2002: Week 1 of the Xbox in Japan. Plus, some other stuff that isn`t as important.
3/6/2002: A look at Sony's Online gaming plans in Japan, plus some shots of the free Xbox merchandise that we have and that you want.
2/28/2002: Uhh, yeah, so this issue kinds sucks. Sorry... we were loving every minute of Jet Set Radio Future and pretending to enjoy Dead or Alive 3, so we didn't get around to doing anything special for this week's column. Plus, there were all those controversies at the Olympics, and we were just concerned that maybe, just maybe, the world was slipping back into the Cold War era. HOW WERE WE TO CONCENTRATE!!!???
2/21/2002 #020: One last big look at the Xbox pre-launch mania in Japan, plus Nintendo's touch and try event in Shibuya, complete with a horribly-rushed video!
2/14/2002: Worst issue ever! On the day that Sony announced its sweeping plans for the Online gaming scene in Japan, IGN Japan reports on Sony's month old plans, when little was known. Also, a look at the Xbox Experience event in Akihabara, with babe selections by Andria Lee Sang.
2/7/2002: The biggest IGN Japan yet! In addition to all new navigation buttons, this issue provides a look at the Virtua Fighter Carnival, complete with a ton of video of the best VF players in Japan going at it, and a look at the Xbox in Japan, complete with pre-order info, developer surveys and comments (via Famitsu Xbox) and commercials! View it today!
1/29/2002: A visual tour of the World Hobby Fair, complete with video (note: the video now works). Plus, a fun look at how poorly developers, retailers and users think Xbox will do in Japan.
1/22/2002: The first Xbox commercial, plus commercials for Grandia Xtreme and Virtua Fighter. Plus, first details on the upcoming World Hobby fair in the all new events calendar.
1/15/2002: IGN Japan returns. And this time, it's personal! Included in this issue, our pick and the reader's pick for import game of the year. Plus, a look back at 2001 and a look forward to 2002. Oh yes... and a very special interview with the evil biases of IGNPS2.
12/14/2001: This week, a review of the Pikmin music CD, plus the debut of upcoming release dates!
12/7/2001: We were too lazy to do anything game related this week, so we uploaded footage of Japanese beach girls getting their bikini angles measured by giant protractors. Plus, the top five Ramens! And, a ton of television and print ads!
11/27/2001: The most boring IGN Japan yet! Featuring Japanese retail predictions on what`s gonna be hot this holiday season (in Japan).
11/20/2001: A look at the Sony building in Tokyo, along with our attempts at pre-ordering an Xbox in Akihabara. Plus, Smash Brothers goes on sale!
11/13/2001 #010: An absolutely boring update not worthy of the IGN name. Does feature ads for Smash Brothers, Rez, Jack and Daxter and Japanese beer, though. Plus, a look at the first ever Ayumi Hamasaki "Game."
11/06/2001: A ton of Japanese ads, including Metal Gear Solid and Seaman. Plus, news on Pride, SNK and the super duper Sakura Wars-themed bus.
10/29/2001: We take a trip down to Tokyo Tower to see a bunch of wax, and a li'l bit of PS2 Seaman.
10/22/2001: After a month long gap, IGN Japan returns from a brand new building in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district. Featured in this issue -- the debut of weekly news updates and... well, that's pretty much it. Yes, we're lazy bums, but it ads to our charm.
09/21/2001: Report from the Rez Rave in Yokohama and Sega`s Jet Set Radio Future ad.
09/13/2001: The Shenmue 2 packaging, a look at the pre-Gamecube launch frenzy, plus Capcom`s cool Capcom vs SNK 2 television ad.
09/05/2001: AM2 and Yu Suzuki appear live in Tokyo (videos included), PS2 hardware sales stats and ads for Shenmue and Seaman
08/31/2001: Our trip to Space World (including directions on how to get there), Parappa ads, the Devil May Cry sound sampler, and a look at the slowing down of Final Fantasy sales.
08/21/2001: Adventures pre-ordering four GameCube systems, Muscular Ranking playtest and ads for GameCube and Devil May Cry.
08/14/2001 #001: Premiere issue -- rare collectors' item! IGN Japan heads on out to Yokosuka, Japan in order to find the real Shenmue. Featuring video footage!