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Jax

Phantom Blade Zero Pushed to 29 October — What Singapore Gamers Need to Know

Singapore’s PS5 and PC gaming calendar just reshuffled. Phantom Blade Zero, the kung fu action RPG from Chinese studio S-GAME, has been pushed from its original 9 September 2026 date to 29 October 2026 — a 50-day delay confirmed alongside a brand-new Special Teaser trailer that dropped alongside the announcement.

Why S-GAME Delayed Phantom Blade Zero

The studio was direct about the reason: this is a polish delay, not a sign of development trouble. S-GAME identified a final window to raise the game’s visual quality — upgrading character models and reworking environmental textures — without sacrificing the performance targets already locked in. Importantly, the improvements do not lean on ray tracing, keeping the game accessible to a wider range of hardware.

“We do not want to release Phantom Blade Zero knowing there is still an opportunity to take it one step further,” the studio said. “While 50 days cannot change everything, it is enough time to finalize the critical improvements that players will notice the moment they start the game.”

For Singapore gamers, the move also clears a brutal late-September window that already has Marvel’s Wolverine (15 September), Control Resonant (24 September), and Onimusha: Way of the Sword (25 September) competing for attention and wallet space. Landing on 29 October gives Phantom Blade Zero breathing room to be its own event.

What Is Phantom Blade Zero?

Phantom Blade Zero protagonist Soul in high-speed kung fu combat
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

If this is your first time hearing about it, here is the quick brief. Phantom Blade Zero is an action RPG built in Unreal Engine 5, set in a “Kung Fu Punk” world that fuses classic wuxia storytelling with kinetic combat that has drawn comparisons to Ninja Gaiden, Sekiro, and Devil May Cry. You play as Soul, a warrior with 66 days to live who must uncover the truth behind his master’s murder.

Combat is stamina-free and built around two primary bladed weapons — each with a “power surge” ultimate ability — plus two secondary Phantom Edges ranging from cannons and lances to axes and hammers. The world is semi-open with interconnected regions and paths that unlock as you gain new weapons and abilities. The pitch: relentless, precise, and spectacularly stylish.

Phantom Blade Zero semi-open world environment
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

New Teaser Trailer and What’s Still to Come

S-GAME released a new Special Teaser alongside the delay announcement — roughly one minute of footage that shows Soul in full combat flow while, in a striking visual choice, protecting a baby mid-fight. It is the kind of image that crystallises the game’s tone: wildly cinematic but grounded in precise martial arts logic.

Phantom Blade Zero action sequence showcasing multi-weapon combat
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

There is more to look forward to before launch. S-GAME has confirmed that pre-orders open this summer with a full trailer attached, and a dedicated State of Play deep dive is scheduled for late summer 2026 — covering the world, combat system, exploration, and character progression in detail. If the brief State of Play segment in June already had the community excited, the full showcase should give Singapore gamers everything they need to make a call on day-one.

Phantom Blade Zero launches 29 October 2026 on PlayStation 5 (with a console-exclusive window) and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. SGD pricing has not been announced yet — that is expected alongside the pre-order opening this summer.

Last Words

A 50-day slip is never great news on paper, but S-GAME’s track record of transparency makes this one easy to accept. The September PS5 schedule was always going to force Singapore gamers into some painful pick-one choices; October 29 clears that crunch and lets Phantom Blade Zero land with the attention it deserves as one of the most visually ambitious Asian-developed action games in years. Mark the date, watch for the summer pre-order trailer, and keep an eye on our gaming news for more updates as they drop.

HoYo FEST 2026 Hits Singapore This August — Genshin, Star Rail & ZZZ at Suntec

HoYoverse’s beloved annual fan festival is coming back to Singapore — and if you play Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, or Zenless Zone Zero, you’ll want to clear your calendar for the first weekend of August.

HoYo FEST 2026 key visual
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore: Dates, Venue, and What’s New

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore runs from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403. That’s a three-day run — one day shorter than the other five Southeast Asian stops, which all kick off on the Thursday — so don’t wait until the weekend to plan your visit.

This year marks an expanded format for the festival: what started as a themed pop-up experience has grown into a full-fledged fan convention, with a dedicated exhibition floor, live stages, and a proper creator marketplace built in. Last year’s Singapore edition at Suntec drew strong crowds across all three days, and the 2026 edition looks set to be even more packed.

What’s Happening on the Convention Floor

HoYoverse has confirmed several activity streams for all six stops, including Singapore:

  • Themed Exhibitions — Immersive installations and interactive booths celebrating the worlds of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero.
  • Exclusive Merchandise — Official HoYo FEST-edition goods, typically available only at the event. Stock tends to go fast.
  • Artist Alley — A dedicated creator marketplace where fan artists can showcase and sell original merchandise, illustrations, and crafts inspired by HoYoverse titles.
  • Open Stage — Fan-led performances and community segments on the main stage.
  • Cosplay Runway Walk — Cosplayers take the spotlight in a runway showcase. Whether you’re watching or walking, it’s always a highlight.
Honkai: Star Rail official artwork
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Want to Participate? Registration Is Open Now

HoYoverse has opened recruitment for two participation tracks — and if you’re a creator or cosplayer, this is your shot to be part of the event from the inside:

  • Artist Alley — Apply to set up a booth and sell your fan-made work directly to attendees. This is separate from the standard vendor slots at events like Doujin Market, so it’s a unique opportunity for HoYoverse fan creators specifically.
  • Stage Activities — Submit for the Open Stage or Cosplay Runway Walk. You’ll be performing or strutting before a live audience of fellow fans.

Registration links are pinned on the official social media pages for each game — check Honkai: Star Rail on Facebook and the official HoYoverse social channels for the direct form links. No registration deadline has been confirmed yet, but these slots fill up quickly, so apply early.

The Full Southeast Asia Tour

Singapore is the sixth and final stop on HoYo FEST 2026’s Southeast Asia run. The full schedule:

  • Bangkok — Central Ladprao, BCC Hall (30 Jul – 2 Aug)
  • Ho Chi Minh City — Sky Expo, Hall A4 (30 Jul – 2 Aug)
  • Jakarta — Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall (30 Jul – 2 Aug)
  • Kuala Lumpur — Pavilion Exhibition Centre, Halls 1–3 (30 Jul – 2 Aug)
  • Manila — SPACE at One Ayala, Halls A–D (30 Jul – 2 Aug)
  • Singapore — Suntec Convention Centre, Hall 403 (31 Jul – 2 Aug)
Zenless Zone Zero official artwork
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Ticket Prices and Entry Details

Ticket pricing for the Singapore leg has not been announced yet — watch the official HoYoverse Singapore social pages for updates. Past HoYo FEST editions in Singapore have offered a mix of free and ticketed zones, so it’s worth checking before you assume entry is fully free.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

HoYoverse games have a massive player base here — Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero consistently rank among the most-played mobile and PC titles in Singapore, and the communities around each title are active and enthusiastic. For fans who’ve only ever experienced these games through a screen, HoYo FEST is genuinely one of the best chances to get hands-on with the worlds, meet other players in person, and pick up limited merch that doesn’t make it to retail.

Mark the dates: 31 July to 2 August, Suntec Convention Centre Hall 403. Keep an eye on the official HoYoverse channels for ticket sales and any Singapore-specific programming announcements. We’ll update this page as more details drop.

Check out our roundup of other upcoming events in Singapore so you’ve got the full picture for the rest of the year.

ONE PIECE Band muque Brings Its GLHF Tour to Singapore

If you know muque from the ONE PIECE Egghead Arc, here’s your cue to grab a calendar: the Fukuoka-based indie band is bringing its GLHF world tour to Victoria Theatre on 13 June 2026 — their first ever solo show in Singapore.

Who Is muque?

muque is an indie band from Fukuoka, Japan, formed in May 2022. The name blends the French word musique and the Japanese word muku (meaning purity), reflecting the band’s intent to make music entirely on their own terms. Their sound sits at the intersection of contemporary production and melody lines with a distinctly Japanese sensibility — drawing from American, British, and Asian musical traditions without sounding like any one of them.

In a relatively short career they’ve built a devoted following across Japan, driven largely by word of mouth and the kind of infectious songwriting that travels well. Singapore fans may know them best through anime, but their catalogue goes much deeper than any single tie-in.

muque band photo 2026
Image courtesy of muque

How ONE PIECE Put muque on the Map in SEA

muque’s breakthrough moment in Southeast Asia came in April 2025, when their track “The 1” was chosen as the ending theme for the ONE PIECE Egghead Arc — their first anime theme, and arguably one of the most high-profile placement a new Japanese band can earn. The track layers emotional chord progressions over a drum-and-bass inspired beat, written around the theme of inner strength. It went on to become one of the most Shazam’d ONE PIECE endings in years, and introduced the band to an audience well beyond their Japan fanbase.

“The 1” is now part of their second full album, GLHF — and yes, that stands for Good Luck Have Fun, the gaming sign-off that’s become universal shorthand for fair play and good vibes. The album title is a neat fit for a band whose music often lands in gaming streams and gaming community playlists.

Singapore Show Details

The Singapore stop is part of muque’s Asia leg following Japan tour dates, taking in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul. Victoria Theatre is a fitting venue — intimate enough to keep the energy tight, and centrally located at 9 Empress Place.

  • Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026
  • Venue: Victoria Theatre, 9 Empress Place, Singapore 179556
  • Doors open: 6:30pm | Show starts: 7:00pm
  • Tickets: S$88 (Cat 3) / S$108 (Cat 2) / S$138 (Cat 1) / S$188 (VIP — includes post-show photo session and signed poster)
  • Ticketing: via Ticketmaster Singapore (link at muque.sozolive.asia)

Ticket sales opened on 6 April 2026. Check availability via the link above — some categories may still have seats.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers and Anime Fans

For anyone who had “The 1” on repeat while watching the Egghead Arc, this is the chance to hear it live. muque’s music resonates with the same community that attends events like AFA Singapore — fans who sit comfortably across gaming, anime, and Japanese pop culture. Victoria Theatre holds a few hundred seats, and with this being their Singapore debut, the room is going to feel personal in all the right ways. If you’re on the fence, the setlist will almost certainly include “The 1”, material from the GLHF album, and songs from their earlier catalogue. Check out more upcoming Singapore events on GameTrader.SG while you wait for June 13.

Singapore’s Guide to Summer Game Fest 2026

The biggest gaming showcase week of the year is already underway — and for once, Singapore fans have a front-row reason to stay up on Saturday night. The SEA Games Showcase joins the Summer Game Fest season for the first time, spotlighting games made right here in our region. Here’s the full schedule in Singapore time, a recap of what PlayStation already revealed, and what we’re watching for.

Summer Game Fest 2026: What Is It?

Summer Game Fest has been filling the gap left by E3’s exit — a sprawling multi-day season where publishers, indie studios, and platform holders all take a turn in the spotlight. This year’s season runs from 1 to 8 June, anchored by a two-hour main show hosted by Geoff Keighley and Lucy James, broadcasting live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. For Singapore gamers, most streams land in the early hours or late evenings, so planning ahead makes the difference between catching reveals live and waking up to spoilers.

PlayStation State of Play Recap — What You May Have Missed

PlayStation fired first on Tuesday with a showcase packed with reveals. The flagship announcement was God of War Laufey, a new entry that swaps Kratos for his late wife Faye as she battles through the afterlife of the gods. No release date was given, but the reveal made it clear Sony Santa Monica is taking the series in a fresh direction.

September is shaping up to be stacked: Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games arrives 15 September, and Capcom finally gave Onimusha: Way of the Sword a date — 25 September — with a demo available right now on PS5. Control: Resonant, the sequel to Remedy’s cult hit, lands 24 September. Until Dawn 2 was also shown, carrying a 2027 window. If you missed it, the State of Play replay is on PlayStation’s official YouTube channel.

Southeast Asian Games Showcase 2026 banner — part of Summer Game Fest
Image courtesy of Southeast Asian Games Showcase

Full Summer Game Fest 2026 Schedule in SGT

All times are Singapore Standard Time (SGT, UTC+8). Live streams are available on each event’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

  • Thu 4 Jun, 5:30am — Shacknews Indie Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 5am — Latin American Games Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 7am — Women-Led Games Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 11pm — Access-Ability Summer Showcase
  • Sat 6 Jun, 5amSummer Game Fest Main Show (world premieres, Geoff Keighley, Dolby Theatre)
  • Sat 6 Jun, 7am — Day of the Devs (indie spotlight)
  • Sat 6 Jun, 11pmSoutheast Asian Games Showcase ← don’t miss this
  • Sun 7 Jun, midnight–3am — Wholesome Direct, Story-Rich Showcase, Green Games
  • Mon 8 Jun, 1am — Xbox Games Showcase (Gears of War: E-Day spotlight follows)
  • Mon 8 Jun, 3am — PC Gaming Showcase

The SEA Games Showcase: Five Titles From Our Region

Saturday night at 11pm SGT is when Southeast Asian gaming gets its own spotlight. The SEA Games Showcase — streaming on its YouTube and Twitch channels, and simulcast on The Game Awards YouTube — has confirmed five titles for this year’s show.

No Straight Roads 2 key art showing Mayday and Zuke in vibrant music-action style
Image courtesy of Metronomik / Shueisha Games
  • No Straight Roads 2 (Metronomik / Shueisha Games, Malaysia) — The sequel to one of Southeast Asia’s best-loved indie games. The original’s mix of music-driven action and irreverent boss design earned a cult following here, and the sequel teases a customisable band van and new playable characters alongside returning duo Mayday and Zuke.
  • TCG Card Shop Simulator (O.P. Neon Games, Malaysia) — Open your own card game store, hire staff, stock shelves, and host tournaments. Anyone who’s spent an afternoon in a local game shop will get the fantasy immediately.
  • Montabi (Manikibo, Indonesia) — A creature-collector roguelike deckbuilder with tactical turn-based combat. Think Pokémon meets Slay the Spire in a hand-crafted world.
  • Building Relationships (Tan Ant Games, Thailand) — You play as a sentient building navigating an island. It’s an indie puzzle game, and yes, we’re intrigued.
  • Am I Nina (HO! Games / Outersloth) — A psychological horror title that explores a mother-daughter relationship through wordplay mechanics.
TCG Card Shop Simulator showing a cozy card game store interior
Image courtesy of O.P. Neon Games

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

The State of Play made September look very full — if you’ve been waiting on Onimusha, the demo is live now and worth a download to see whether the Capcom revival lands. The SGF main show on Saturday morning is the big wildcard: world premiere announcements are rarely telegraphed in advance, so anything could happen. But the event we’re most looking forward to is the SEA Games Showcase at 11pm Saturday night — it’s one of the few times a year that games from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the broader region get a dedicated global stage. Give these studios a watch, wishlist the ones that catch your eye, and check back here on GameTrader.SG Events for post-show coverage all weekend.

DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market Singapore 2026 banner

DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market Is Back at Suntec This Weekend

Singapore anime fans, your weekend plans just got a whole lot better. DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market is back at Suntec this Saturday and Sunday, 6–7 June 2026 — and if previous editions are anything to go by, Hall 405 is going to be packed with fans, independent artists, and art you won’t find anywhere else.

DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market 2026 at Suntec Singapore
Image courtesy of DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market Singapore

What Is DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market Singapore?

DOKI! DOKI! Anime Market (DDAM) is an anime convention with a singular focus: the artist alley. While mainstream conventions load up on big-brand booths, DDAM puts independent creators front and centre — artists who pour genuine passion into original and fan-made prints, keychains, acrylic standees, and handmade goods.

The team behind DDAM describe themselves as “artists, merch hoarders, weebs, and cosplayers” — which means they know exactly what fans want to browse, and exactly what artists need from an event. The result is one of the most intimate and genuinely fan-driven events on Singapore’s ACG calendar.

What to Expect at DOKI! DOKI! 2026

This year’s edition fills Hall 405 at Suntec with hundreds of specially curated artist booths. Organisers hand-pick participants to cover as many fandoms as possible with minimal repetition, so whether you’re hunting for Genshin Impact art, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (ORV) prints, classic Trigun fan goods, or something from a niche fandom you thought no one else cared about — chances are you’ll find it here.

A few highlights to look out for:

  • Singapore’s first anime illustration auction house — DDAM is debuting a live-auction format for original anime artwork, a genuine first for Singapore.
  • Anti-AI and anti-theft policies — All booths are vetted, so every piece of art you buy is legitimately creator-owned and made by hand.
  • Curated booth layout — Artists can select their neighbours, helping build thematic clusters so browsing feels cohesive rather than random.

Event Details and How to Get Tickets

  • Dates: Saturday 6 June & Sunday 7 June 2026
  • Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (both days)
  • Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 405, Level 4, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
  • Tickets: From S$12 via Eventbrite

Grab your tickets online beforehand — door queues at popular anime markets here can stretch well past opening time, and a pre-bought ticket gets you straight in.

Also Happening This Saturday: Cos Haven at *SCAPE

Making a full-day outing of it? Cos Haven runs concurrently on Saturday 6 June at *SCAPE (6 Orchard Road), 11am–8pm, with free admission. It’s a short MRT hop from Suntec, so you can hit both in one packed day of ACG goodness.

What This Means for Singapore Anime and Cosplay Fans

DOKI! DOKI! has become one of the most beloved grassroots ACG events in Singapore. It’s not about corporate presence or big-publisher booths — it’s about independent creators getting a real platform, and fans connecting directly with the people who make the art they love. If you’ve been sleeping on DDAM, this weekend is the time to show up.

Follow @dokidokianimemarket on Instagram for the booth map and last-minute updates. We’ll see you at Suntec.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer banner

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Hits Nintendo Switch 2 on 3 June

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — Square Enix’s sprawling second chapter in the FF7 remake trilogy — hits Nintendo Switch 2 this Wednesday, 3 June 2026. And for fans in this region: a physical edition has been confirmed for Southeast Asia, which means local game shops here will have box copies from launch day.

What Is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

Rebirth is the second entry in Square Enix’s multi-part reimagining of the 1997 PlayStation classic. Following 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake and the Intergrade update, Rebirth picks up after Cloud and his allies escape the walls of Midgar and expands into a vast open world — the Grasslands, Junon, the Gold Saucer, and beyond. It was critically acclaimed on PlayStation 5 at its February 2024 launch, and Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S players are finally getting their turn.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Nintendo Switch 2 Version: What You Need to Know

The Switch 2 port is expected to run at 1080p and 30fps in docked mode, using Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology built into the console. Rebirth is one of the most demanding RPGs Square Enix has produced, so DLSS is doing some heavy lifting here — but the results should be solid based on what’s been previewed so far.

All purchasers at launch receive three in-game bonuses:

  • Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia
  • Shinra Bangle Mk. II armour
  • Midgar Bangle Mk. II armour

Physical Switch 2 Edition — And That Exclusive MTG Card

The physical Switch 2 copy comes with something no other platform or format offers: an exclusive Magic: The Gathering — Final Fantasy promo card featuring Zack Fair, with variant art by none other than Final Fantasy character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Stock is limited, so if you want the card, don’t sit on this one.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition with MTG Zack Fair card
Image courtesy of Square Enix

There’s also a save-data bonus for returning players: if you have Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade save data on your Switch 2, you’ll receive the Leviathan Summoning Materia. Clear the INTERmission DLC and you’ll also unlock Ramuh materia — a nice nudge to play Intergrade first if you haven’t already.

New: Streamlined Progression Mode

The Switch 2 (and Xbox) version introduces Streamlined Progression, an optional mode that gives Cloud’s party unlimited HP, MP, and Limit Break and ATB gauge during battles, along with simplified weapon ability acquisition. It keeps the RPG DNA intact — damage is still capped at 9,999 — but removes most of the grind, making Rebirth far more accessible for players who want to experience the story without getting stuck on combat.

Veterans can ignore it entirely. But for those who bounced off the difficulty on PS5 or are new to the series, this is a genuinely useful addition.

Editions and Pricing

Two digital editions are available on the Nintendo eShop:

  • Standard Edition — USD $49.99 (SGD retail price to be confirmed at local stores; other major Switch 2 titles retail around SGD $79–$110 locally)
  • Digital Deluxe Edition — USD $69.99 — adds the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory, Orchid Bracelet armour, a digital art book, and a digital mini soundtrack

Not ready to commit? A free demo is already live on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, letting you sample the opening chapters of Rebirth before purchasing.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

The Nintendo Switch 2 has gained a solid foothold in Singapore since its launch, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is shaping up to be one of the biggest RPG releases on the platform this year. The confirmed SEA physical edition means local retailers here won’t be empty-handed — you can grab a box copy from your nearest game shop rather than importing.

SGD retail pricing had not been confirmed at the time of writing; check with your local game retailer or the Nintendo eShop Singapore for the final figure. And if you’ve already put hours into Rebirth on PS5, that exclusive Tetsuya Nomura MTG card might still be enough to tempt a double-dip on Switch 2.

Creators Super Fest CSF26 Singapore 2026 key visual

CSF26: Creators Super Fest Singapore Returns in July

If you’re a cosplayer, artist, or ACG content creator in Singapore, mark 11–12 July in your calendar right now. Creators Super Fest 2026 (CSF26) is returning to Suntec — and applications for the Cosplay Hub are already open.

CSF26 Creators Super Fest Singapore 2026 event banner
Image courtesy of Creators Super Fest / Anime Festival Asia

What Is Creators Super Fest (CSF)?

Creators Super Fest is an annual ACG creators festival organised by the team behind Anime Festival Asia (AFA). Unlike AFA’s flagship November event — which centres on big-stage concerts and official brand experiences — CSF puts the spotlight squarely on creators: artists, cosplayers, illustrators, and content makers who form the backbone of the ACG community in Singapore and across the region.

CSF26 takes over Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 403–405, on the weekend of 11–12 July 2026.

What’s On at CSF26

The festival is built around four core pillars, each catering to a different part of the creator and fan community.

Creators Hub

Independent artists and illustrators take over a dedicated exhibition zone, giving fans direct access to original ACG-inspired artwork, prints, and merchandise. If you’ve ever wanted to buy directly from the artist rather than a reseller, this is the place.

Cosplay Hub

Cosplayers from Singapore and across the region showcase their work on a dedicated stage. The headline event is the Cosplay Singles Competition, where contestants display their costume craftsmanship and performance for a judging panel — with cash prizes on the line. Cosplay applications are open now (more details below).

Creators Lab

This is the knowledge-sharing heart of CSF: experienced creators lead workshops and panel sessions covering everything from illustration technique and character design to growing an audience online. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, there’s something here.

Stage Performances

Live acts and performances round out the programme throughout both days, keeping the energy high on the main stage.

CSF26 Creators Super Fest Singapore 2026 floor map Suntec
Image courtesy of Creators Super Fest / Anime Festival Asia

Cosplay Hub: Applications Are Open Now

If you want to compete or display your cosplay at CSF26, you need to apply — and the window is open right now. Head to creatorssuperfest.com and follow the Cosplay Hub link to register via the SOZO portal. You’ll need to create a SOZO account to complete your application. Slots are limited, so don’t leave it too late.

CSF26 Event Details

  • Dates: Saturday 11 July – Sunday 12 July 2026
  • Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 403–405, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
  • Organised by: Anime Festival Asia (AFA)
  • Tickets: To be confirmed — check creatorssuperfest.com for updates
  • Cosplay applications: Open now at creatorssuperfest.com (via SOZO portal)

What This Means for Singapore Cosplayers and ACG Creators

CSF fills a real gap in Singapore’s events calendar: it’s a dedicated space for creators and fans to engage beyond just browsing stalls. Whether you’re entering the cosplay competition, attending a craft workshop, or picking up original prints from the Creators Hub, there’s genuine value for every part of the ACG community.

With AFA’s organisation behind it and regional cosplayers participating, CSF26 is shaping up to be one of the bigger community moments before the main AFA event in November. Follow @animefestasia on Instagram for lineup announcements and ticket details as they drop.

Pokémon Center Singapore Reopens at Jewel on 1 July 2026

Mark your calendars, Trainers — Pokémon Center SINGAPORE reopens at Jewel Changi Airport on 1 July 2026, and it is coming back as the first Pokémon Center store outside Japan to get a full-scale redesign.

Pokémon Center Singapore reopening key art featuring Solgaleo
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore

Pokémon Center Singapore reopens at Jewel Changi Airport

After closing in April for reconstruction, the store returns to its home at Jewel Changi Airport (#04-201/202/203, 78 Airport Boulevard), open daily from 10am to 10pm. It is not just a fresh coat of paint either — Pokémon Singapore is billing this as the first full-scale renovation of any Pokémon Center outside Japan, with an interior reimagined around Singapore’s culture and heritage.

Solgaleo takes over as the new store symbol

The biggest change is the new face of the store. The Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo becomes the official symbol of Pokémon Center SINGAPORE, appearing on the new logo and façade — its sun-like mane greeting visitors at the entrance, alongside Pikachu, in a display designed to evoke the Singapore skyline. Managing Director Shunsuke Sasaki said the team wanted the store “to be more deeply rooted in Singapore.”

Solgaleo and Pikachu plush toys from Pokémon Center Singapore
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore

20 Singapore-exclusive products, kopi and all

This is where local fans will want to pay attention. A total of 20 new products have been designed specifically for the Singapore store, with the first 12 launching at the grand reopening and a second wave arriving in August. Opening-day items include Solgaleo and Pikachu plushes, a kopi cup-and-saucer set, sticker sets and magnets, with the August drop adding a Pikachu-and-kopi bag charm. Yes, the local touches are very on-theme.

Durian Pikachu plush, a Singapore-exclusive Pokémon Center item
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore

A new event space for tournaments

The revamp also adds a dedicated event space at the back of the store, fitted with a large-format monitor for activities spanning the Pokémon video games, the Trading Card Game and app-based gaming. It is a clear signal that the new store wants to be a community hangout, not just a retail stop.

How to get in during the first five days

Demand is expected to be intense, so a special admission system runs from 1 to 5 July 2026:

  • 10am – 1pm: Entry by advance reservation through the Store Visit Application.
  • 1pm onwards: Same-day queue entry tickets, handed out from 8:30am on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Check the official Pokémon Center SINGAPORE channels closer to the date for reservation details.

What this means for Singapore gamers

Getting the first major Pokémon Center redesign outside Japan — complete with a Solgaleo logo and durian-and-kopi flavoured exclusives — is a real nod to how strong the Pokémon community is here. Whether you are hunting the launch plushes or just want to see the new Jewel façade, 1 July is the date to plan around. For more launches and meetups, keep an eye on our events coverage.

My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON Crowned Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards

After a record-shattering 73 million votes from fans around the world, Crunchyroll has named My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON the Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The top honour was revealed in Tokyo on 23 May, and in a fitting moment for anime’s biggest night, it was handed out by global superstar — and long-time anime fan — The Weeknd.

My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON director Kenji Nagasaki accepts Anime of the Year on stage
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON director Kenji Nagasaki accepts Anime of the Year in Tokyo.

This year’s ceremony was a milestone in its own right: the tenth edition of the Anime Awards, staged at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa with returning hosts Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira back for their fourth year. A decade in, the awards have grown from a niche fan event into a genuinely global celebration, and the 2026 vote tally proves it.

Crunchyroll 10th Anime Awards logo

Deku’s send-off takes the top prize

There’s a poetic symmetry to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON claiming the night’s biggest award. The series wraps up a story that has defined a generation of shounen fans, and the win doubles as a farewell to one of the most beloved anime of the past decade. Class 1-A didn’t leave empty-handed elsewhere either — Katsuki Bakugo took Best Supporting Character, and the season’s emotional ending theme, “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN, won Best Ending Sequence. Rock band PORNOGRAFFITTI even performed live in honour of the franchise’s 10th anniversary and its conclusion.

My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON Crunchyroll Anime Awards winner card
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON also took Best Ending Sequence.

The other big winners

While Deku’s finale led the headlines, the spread of awards showed just how strong this past year of anime really was.

  • Film of the Year went to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which also picked up Best Score.
  • ONE PIECE continued its unstoppable run with Best Continuing Series.
  • Newcomer Gachiakuta swept the technical categories, taking Best New Series, Best Background Art, and Best Character Design.
  • The Apothecary Diaries (season 2) was the night’s quiet powerhouse, winning Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Main Character for the brilliant Maomao.
  • DAN DA DAN Season 2 landed Best Comedy, Solo Leveling Season 2 took both Best Action and Best Animation, and SPY x FAMILY Season 3 earned Best Slice of Life — with Anya Forger predictably winning “Must Protect At All Cost” Character.

A decade celebrated in music

The tenth anniversary leaned hard into nostalgia, and the live performances were a love letter to anime history. DEAN FUJIOKA opened with “History Maker” from Yuri!!! on ICE — the very first Anime of the Year winner. Yoko Takahashi delivered a 30th anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion with the iconic “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata,” the legendary second opening to NARUTO.

PORNOGRAFFITTI performing at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
PORNOGRAFFITTI perform a tribute to My Hero Academia’s 10th anniversary and finale.

The presenter line-up was just as star-studded, bringing together a global mix of celebrity anime fans including BamBam, TEN, RZA, Winston Duke, Young Miko, Rashmika Mandanna, and cosplay icon Enako.

Global Impact Award: Tatsuya Nagamine

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the Global Impact Award presented to director Tatsuya Nagamine, whose work spans Ojamajo Doremi, PreCure, Dragon Ball Super, and ONE PIECE. With the director unable to attend, animator Masayuki Sato — a long-time collaborator and friend — accepted the award on his behalf.

Anime’s global reach keeps growing

That record 73 million votes didn’t come from any single region. The five most engaged voting countries this year were Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United States — a reminder that anime fandom is now truly worldwide, with fans here in Singapore very much part of that wave.

2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards — full winners list

  • Anime of the Year — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
  • Film of the Year — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
  • Best Original Anime — Lazarus
  • Best Continuing Series — ONE PIECE
  • Best New Series — Gachiakuta
  • Best Opening Sequence — “On The Way” by AiNA THE END — DAN DA DAN Season 2
  • Best Ending Sequence — “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
  • Best Action — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
  • Best Comedy — DAN DA DAN Season 2
  • Best Drama — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
  • Best Isekai Anime — Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
  • Best Romance — The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
  • Best Slice of Life — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
  • Best Animation — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
  • Best Background Art — Gachiakuta
  • Best Character Design — Gachiakuta
  • Best Director — Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
  • Best Main Character — Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
  • Best Supporting Character — Katsuki Bakugo — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
  • “Must Protect At All Cost” Character — Anya Forger — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
  • Best Anime Song — “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
  • Best Score — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle — Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina
  • Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) — Aoi Yuki as Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
  • Best Voice Artist Performance (English) — Lucien Dodge as Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

The full tenth annual Anime Awards, complete with exclusive content, will be available to stream on Crunchyroll and its YouTube channel shortly.

Which win were you cheering for? Whether you’re team Deku, Maomao, or Anya, drop by GameTrader.SG to gear up on the merch, games, and collectibles behind your favourite series.