Patlabor fans have been waiting a long time for this one. Patlabor: The Case Files, developed by Chime Corporation and published by Good Smile Company, has a confirmed worldwide release date: 17 September 2026 on PS5, PC via Steam, and PC via the Epic Games Store. Digital Deluxe edition owners get three-day early access starting 14 September.
It is the first Patlabor console game in roughly 20 years, and it arrives as a full-featured action game rather than a simple anniversary tribute — pilots will operate the iconic AV-98 Ingram across a campaign that covers the original anime, the OVAs, and both theatrical films.
Gameplay Modes
The Case Files ships with three distinct play modes:
- Main Mission — you play as an SV2 Division officer piloting an Ingram through story missions drawn from the full Patlabor continuity
- Another Side Mission — a unique perspective flip: you control an enemy Labor, staging incidents the SV2 team will have to respond to
- Simulator Mode — a free-play area for learning the mechs and practicing combat without story consequences
The roster covers more than 20 playable Labors, including the fan-favourite Type-J9 Griffon — the Ingram’s recurring rival unit — alongside a range of civilian and criminal Labor designs from across the series.
Kenji Kawai Scores the Soundtrack
Kenji Kawai — who scored both Patlabor theatrical films and is best known internationally for his Ghost in the Shell soundtrack — returns to compose the game’s music. The Digital Deluxe edition bundles the full 30-track OST alongside the early access window, making it the obvious pick for anyone who plans to spend time in Simulator Mode.
Pricing and Editions
Standard digital is priced at USD 34.99; the Digital Deluxe edition — which adds the 30-track Kenji Kawai OST and three-day early access — is USD 39.99. Both editions launch simultaneously worldwide, with the game fully localised in Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Where to Wishlist
The game is live on Steam and the Epic Games Store now for wishlisting ahead of the September window. A physical edition has not been announced at this stage.
We’ll have more coverage — including a hands-on impression if preview builds come our way — closer to the 14 September early access window. Check back at GameTrader’s game news section for updates.