Tag Archives: Japan

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon x Baskin-Robbins Japan: 31 Poké Summer Campaign Is Live

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Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is still going strong, and Japan’s Baskin-Robbins just turned up the sweetness. The annual 31 Poké Summer Campaign (31ポケ夏！キャンペーン) is now live at Baskin-Robbins Japan — and this year’s lineup celebrates three decades since Pokémon Red and Green first launched in 1996. For Singapore fans making the Japan trip this August school holidays, this one is a worthy side-quest.

What Is the 31 Poké Summer Campaign?

Running throughout August 1–31, 2026 at B-R サーティワン locations nationwide in Japan, the 31 Poké Summer Campaign is an annual collaboration between Baskin-Robbins Japan and The Pokémon Company. Each year it draws long queues, and the 2026 edition makes it the biggest yet: the 30th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green means Kanto’s original starter Pokémon — Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle — take centre stage, joined by Pikachu, Eevee, Ditto, Slowpoke, and starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions.

Check out more Pokémon news on GameTrader as we head into a packed August for the franchise.

The Signature New Flavour: Pikachu’s Volt Tackle

The star of the 2026 lineup is Pikachu’s Volt Tackle Pine Squash (ピカチュウのでんきショック！パインスカッシュ), priced at ¥420 per scoop. It’s a pineapple-and-cider sorbet laced with popping candy — 31% more than Baskin-Robbins Japan’s own popular Popping Shower flavour — so it fizzes and crackles on your tongue like a miniature Electric-type attack. It’s one of those flavours that sounds gimmicky on paper but reportedly delivers.

Joining it is the Ditto Crush Soda (メタモンクラッシュソーダ) at ¥760: grape and pineapple soda poured over crushed ice with a Ditto stirrer stick and grape gelatin. Mix the red and blue layers until they bleed into purple, and you’ve got a drink that transforms in real time — just like its namesake. A scoop of your choice flavour can be added on top.

Baskin-Robbins Japan Pokémon 2026 ice cream cone with Pikachu-themed decoration
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Poké Ball Sundae, Double Cups, and All Nine Regions

The most coveted item this year is the Poké Ball Sundae (モンスターボールサンデー) at ¥820. It’s a scoop of any flavour topped with Pikachu-shaped chocolate whipped cream, sprinkles, and served inside a reusable Poké Ball container — the kind you’ll want to keep. The spoon is a random one of three Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle). Catch: it’s only available through 9 August and is limited to three cups per group, so plan ahead if you’re in Japan early this month.

The Pokémon Double Cup (ポケモンダブルカップ, from ¥510) lets you pick two scoops, and the cups are decorated with starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions — Kanto to Paldea. For group orders, the Summer Special Set (from ¥3,520) packs nine scoops with stainless steel Pikachu and Eevee spoons; an upgraded version includes nine plastic starter spoons as well.

Pokémon Variety Box 6 Flavors at Baskin-Robbins Japan 2026 featuring Pikachu and Slowpoke
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Pokémon Ice Cream Cakes for the 30th Anniversary

Returning for another summer are the Pokémon face-shaped ice cream cakes, available to pre-order. The Pikachu Ice Cream Cake (¥3,800) is a spot-on sculpted Pikachu head in yellow fondant and chocolate, filled with Popping Shower and strawberry ice cream. There’s also an Eevee Ice Cream Cake for fans of the Evolution Pokémon, filled with caramel ribbon and milk chocolate — arguably the more sophisticated option of the two.

Pikachu face-shaped ice cream cake at Baskin-Robbins Japan 31 Poké Summer 2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Singapore Fans: Plan That Japan Trip

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign is Japan-exclusive — B-R Japan is a separate franchise from Baskin-Robbins outlets here in Singapore, and none of these Pokémon products will appear at local stores. However, August is school-holiday season and one of the most popular months for Singapore families to visit Japan. Baskin-Robbins branches are everywhere in Japan’s major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka), so picking up a Poké Ball Sundae or a Ditto Crush Soda is an easy Japan trip addition.

The Pokémon Variety Boxes — available in 4, 6, 8, and 12-scoop configurations in Pokémon-branded boxes — also make decent takeaway gifts if you’re heading back to Singapore after your trip, though ice cream logistics on a flight are naturally your own adventure.

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign runs August 1–31, 2026 at participating Baskin-Robbins Japan stores nationwide. Full product details and a store locator are available on the official site (Japanese). Via SoraNews24 and Game Watch (Japanese).

News, Shop and Merchandise

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Collection Is Out Now in Japan

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If you caught The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in Singapore cinemas earlier this year and came out wishing you could take a piece of it home, Japanese fashion label BEAMS just answered that call. The long-teased collaboration between BEAMS and Nintendo’s blockbuster sequel officially went on sale in Japan today, 1 August 2026, and the nine-piece collection is exactly the kind of loud, character-forward streetwear that BEAMS does best.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Official Trailer — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What BEAMS Brought to the Galaxy

The collection takes the vibrant visual language of the Nintendo/Illumination film and runs it through BEAMS’ distinctly Tokyo-casual design sensibility. The standout piece is the all-over print open-collar short-sleeve shirt (¥13,200), which covers every inch of fabric with Coins, Fire Flowers, Super Mushrooms and Question Blocks in a pattern that somehow manages to feel wearable rather than overwhelming. It comes in white and navy, and there is a matching all-over print tote bag (¥7,700) in the same two colour options if you want to commit fully to the look.

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — open-collar shirts, character tees and Bowser pieces
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

The Bowser items deserve their own spotlight. The Bowser T-Shirt (¥7,920) and matching Bowser Sweatshirt (¥13,200) go full rock-poster with a massive KOOPA graphic across the chest — the kind of design that works for a casual weekend but also reads clearly enough that fellow fans will clock it immediately. Both come in white and black (fade black for the sweatshirt).

The Full Line-Up

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — sweatshirts, long sleeve tees, tote bags and logo cap
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

Here is everything in the collection with pricing in Japanese yen:

  • All-Over Print Open Collar Shirt — ¥13,200 (White, Navy, sizes S–XL)
  • Character T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Grey, S–XL) — full cast graphic across the back
  • Bowser T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Black, S–XL)
  • Logo T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Black, S–XL) — clean movie logo treatment on the back
  • Character Sweatshirt — ¥12,100 (Grey, Black, S–XL) — character print with Yoshi detail on the sleeve
  • Bowser Sweatshirt — ¥13,200 (Fade Black, S–XL)
  • Long Sleeve T-Shirt — ¥12,100 (Navy, Black, S–XL) — cast storyboard strip running the full length of the sleeve
  • Logo Cap — ¥8,250 (Black, One Size)
  • All-Over Print Tote Bag — ¥7,700 (White, Navy)
BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie long sleeve tee detail — BEAMS logo and character strip on sleeve
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

Getting It to Singapore

The collection is Japan-exclusive for now and available through the BEAMS Online Store and BEAMS retail locations across Japan. There is no confirmation of a wider international release or a Singapore-specific retail drop at this stage.

Singapore fans who want to order will need to use a Japanese proxy shopping or forwarding service — these typically charge a service fee on top of the item price and shipping, so factor that in before hitting checkout on the pricier sweatshirts. Items are priced between ¥7,700 and ¥13,200, putting most pieces in the same ballpark as a mid-range streetwear purchase once shipping is added.

The movie itself crossed USD $1 billion at the global box office and had a strong run in Singapore cinemas this April, with Nintendo’s local site carrying full movie information. If you missed the Uniqlo UT collaboration from earlier in the year (which did land in Singapore stores), the BEAMS pieces occupy a slightly more premium, Japan-fashion-brand position — fewer pieces, more distinctive designs, and import-only for most of us.

For other Japan culture drops and Singapore pop-culture news, check our merchandise and shop coverage.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Zenless Zone Zero × ZOZOTOWN: New Character Illustrations and Fashion Items on Sale Now

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Just as HoYo FEST 2026 wraps up in Singapore, HoYoverse’s urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero has launched a fashion collaboration with Japan’s largest online fashion mall ZOZOTOWN — and four of the game’s most popular characters are getting brand-new, exclusive illustrations to go with it.

Zenless Zone Zero x ZOZOTOWN collaboration key visual showing Hugo, Vivian, Miyabi, and Harumasa in their collab outfits against a futuristic cityscape
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Four Characters, 13 Items — Streetwear Meets New Eridu

The collab spotlights Hoshimi Miyabi, Asaba Harumasa, Vivian Banshee, and Hugo Vlad — a quartet of fan-favourite ZZZ agents — each rendered in a new 描き下ろし (original commissioned) illustration wearing a real, purchasable outfit inspired by their in-game look. The art was first revealed during the ZZZ Ver.3.1 「The Long Goodbye」 2nd Anniversary broadcast on 28 July (Japanese).

Thirteen items in total cover both fashion and accessories, unified around a sharp black-dominant palette:

  • Miyabi MA-1 Jacket — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Miyabi Bucket Hat — ¥6,578
  • Harumasa Mountain Parka — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Harumasa Baseball Cap — ¥6,578
  • Vivian Mode Shirt — ¥16,280 (M / L)
  • Hugo Chester Coat — ¥38,280 (M / L)
  • Collaboration T-shirts — ¥4,378
  • Tote Bag, Tapestry, Rubber Desk Mat — ¥3,795 each
  • Acrylic Keychain, Sticker Set (5 pieces) — ¥2,200 each
  • Merchandise Set — ¥3,278

Every purchase comes with a random ID photo-style sticker featuring one of the four characters.

Hoshimi Miyabi in the ZOZOTOWN collab outfit: bucket hat with 'MIYABI' text, MA-1 jacket, teal pleated dress and combat boots
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Miyabi, Hugo, Harumasa: The Outfits Up Close

The translated designs lean into each character’s existing aesthetic. Miyabi’s look pairs an oversized MA-1 bomber with a teal pleated midi-skirt and her signature bucket hat — chic and practical, with her spectral Hollow companion Mimi perched on the brim. Hugo Vlad’s chester coat is long and structured, the kind of tailored silhouette the Cunning Hares’ chief handler would actually wear off-mission. Harumasa’s parka and baseball cap go full streetwear energy, anchored by a yellow graphic hoodie layered underneath — which matches his in-game colour coding almost exactly.

Hugo Vlad in the ZOZOTOWN chester coat — long black tailored coat with gold accessories
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN
Asaba Harumasa in the ZOZOTOWN mountain parka and baseball cap, yellow graphic hoodie underneath
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Pre-Orders, Delivery and the Singapore Question

Pre-orders are open now at the ZOZOTOWN special event page (Japanese) and run until 31 August 2026 at 12:00 noon JST. Delivery is slated for mid-November to mid-December 2026.

These items are Japan-exclusive — ZOZOTOWN does not ship directly to Singapore. Singapore fans who want them will need to use a Japan proxy shopping or forwarding service, which is standard practice for Japanese anime and game merchandise. Factor in service fees and international shipping when calculating the final cost: the Hugo Chester Coat at ¥38,280 works out to roughly S$345 before those extras, while the tote bag at ¥3,795 is closer to S$34.

There’s no confirmed Singapore retail or online availability at this time. If official international distribution is announced, we’ll update this post.

Omotesando Pop-Up: 15–16 August in Tokyo

If you’re heading to Japan in August, an in-person exhibition event (Japanese) runs on 15–16 August 2026 at MIL GALLERY JINGUMAE in Omotesando, Tokyo. The event features item displays and photo spots with the collaboration visuals — no mention yet of exclusive on-site stock.

For more details and the full item listings, check the ZOZOTOWN ZZZ collab page (Japanese) and follow our merch coverage for updates.

Manga Anime, News, Shop and Merchandise

Digimon’s DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL Launches Today in Japan

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Today — 1 August 2026 — is Odaiba Memorial Day, the anniversary of when the DigiDestined first arrived in the Digital World. Bandai Namco is marking it in the best way possible: the DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL is out today in Japan, reviving the iconic LCD handheld toy from the original Digimon Adventure series for the first time since 1999.

What Is the DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL?

If you grew up in Singapore watching Digimon Adventure and pestering your parents for a Digivice at the toy shop, this one is for you. Released in Japan in July 1999, the original Digivice was a pendulum-style LCD game — you raised a Digimon partner, kept it healthy by swinging the device, and linked up with other Digivice owners to swap HELP requests. It was part virtual pet, part adventure companion, and for a generation of Singapore kids it was the coolest thing on the toy shelf.

The DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL brings that loop back, pulling content from the full original Digimon Adventure TV run all the way through the 2020 film Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna. There are more than 80 Digimon to raise and encounter — partners and rivals alike — and the core pendulum mechanic is intact. The retail price in Japan is ¥4,378 (tax included), roughly US$30.

DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL Taichi Yagami Colour — orange and blue transparent body with Agumon on the LCD screen
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Two Variants: Taichi or Yamato?

There are two colour variants at launch, each styled after one of the original DigiDestined:

  • Taichi Yagami Colour — the classic orange-and-blue transparent shell with Agumon on boot. If you only owned one Digivice as a kid, it was probably this one.
  • Yamato Ishida Colour — a deep translucent blue with white buttons, Gabumon on the LCD. Yamato’s device always had the colder, sharper look, and this version nails it.

Both variants have identical gameplay and Digimon rosters — the choice is cosmetic. A single CR2032 battery (included) powers the unit and the rated age is 8 and above.

DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL Yamato Ishida Colour — deep blue and white body with Gabumon on the LCD screen
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

How Singapore Fans Can Pick One Up

The DIGIVICE ver.REVIVAL is going out through general Japanese retail today — it is not a Premium Bandai exclusive — so stock should be broadly available at toy shops and electronics chains across Japan. For Singapore fans, the usual import routes apply: Play-Asia and AmiAmi both stock Bandai toys and frequently ship to Singapore, and proxy/forwarding services (Tenso, Buyee, Remambo) are straightforward options for this size of item.

Closer to home, Singapore’s Zenint — a local Digimon card and collectibles specialist — has both variants listed for pre-order ahead of the international release. Bandai has confirmed an international version is in development, described as a re-work of the existing Ver.Complete build made more accessible for fans outside Japan (likely including English text). Zenint’s listings point to a September–November 2026 window for that release; international pricing has not been confirmed.

If you want the Japanese version now, ¥4,378 per unit is very reasonable for a piece of Digimon history. Both colours are worth considering — the 1999 originals came out at similar price points and dried up fast. For more on upcoming Digimon products and other gaming news, see our latest news.

Manga Anime, News

Crayon Shin-chan 2026 Movie Opens in Japan Today

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The 33rd 2D animated Crayon Shin-chan film — Spooky! My Yokai Vacation (奇々怪々！オラの妖怪バケ～ション) — opened in Japanese theatres today, 31 July 2026, kicking off another summer tradition for one of anime’s most enduring family franchises. Directed by a fresh face and set somewhere the Nohara family has never gone before, this entry looks like a genuine standout in the 34-film run.

What Happens When Shin-chan Meets the Yokai

It starts with fireworks. The Nohara family travels to Akita Prefecture — Hiroshi’s paternal hometown and a first for the Shin-chan film series — to attend the famous Omagari Fireworks Festival, one of the most spectacular summer events in Japan. Being entirely Shin-chan, he immediately spots flyers advertising “Obake Village” (Ghost Village) with promises of unlimited snacks, and convinces the family to investigate deep in the mountains. They accidentally wander into the forbidden Land of Yokai, and what begins as a food-motivated detour becomes the Noharas’ most surreal crisis yet.

Shin-chan gazes up at the Akita fireworks festival that sets the film in motion
Image courtesy of Shin-Ei Animation / Toho

New Director, Familiar Heart

Official trailer — via アニメ クレヨンしんちゃん公式チャンネル on YouTube

Taking the director’s chair is Masaki Watanabe, who SG anime fans may recognise from the Sakamoto Days anime. He’s working from a script by Yoshiko Nakamura, with the full regular voice cast returning: Yumiko Kobayashi as Shin-chan, Miki Narahashi as Misae, Toshiyuki Morikawa as Hiroshi, Satomi Korogi as Himawari, and Cho as grandfather Ginnosuke. Sairi Ito joins as the mysterious yokai character Yako. The theme song, “Otona ni Nattara” (When I Grow Up), is performed by TOMOO.

The Akita setting adds something new to the formula: this is the first Shin-chan film to centre on Hiroshi’s family roots, giving the dad a rare moment of emotional grounding alongside the supernatural chaos. Produced by Shin-Ei Animation and distributed by Toho, the film occupies the summer blockbuster slot the series has claimed for over three decades.

Shin-chan stands alone in a mysterious glowing yokai forest — alternate key visual for the 2026 film
Image courtesy of Shin-Ei Animation / Toho

When Is It Coming to Singapore?

The Shin-chan summer film tradition has historically made its way to Singapore. The 2023 3D CG entry opened in Singapore and Malaysia in September of that year. No local release date has been announced for the 2026 film as of writing, and no Singapore distributor has confirmed it yet.

If the pattern holds, SG fans may see it in cinemas in the coming months. For those visiting Japan this summer, Spooky! My Yokai Vacation is in theatres nationwide from today. Keep an eye on our anime coverage for any Singapore release updates.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon Shushushu! Out Now in Japan — The Card-Flinging Board Game Worth Importing

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The Pokémon Company has launched its fourth official tabletop game in Japan, and it might be the most fun one yet: Pokémon Shushushu! (ポケモンシュシュシュ！) went on sale today, July 30, exclusively at Pokémon Center stores and Pokémon Center Online Japan. For Singapore Pokémon fans who regularly import from Japan, this is a solid pick-up at under ¥2,000.

Pokémon Shushushu! product detail
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

How Pokémon Shushushu! Works

The concept is brilliantly tactile. Every Pokémon card in the game has a number printed on it. On your turn, you physically flick or throw a Poké Ball card across the table — if it lands covering all the numbers on a Pokémon’s card, that Pokémon is caught and added to your score pile. The player who racks up the highest total wins.

The official press release (Japanese) names four throwing techniques you can deploy: the shuriken throw, the mountain throw, the drop throw, and the spin throw. That immediately makes it a dexterity contest as much as anything else, which fits perfectly as a party or family game. Special Poké Ball cards with unique catch-effects add a strategic wrinkle on top.

Watch It in Action

【公式】『ポケモンシュシュシュ！』プロモーション映像 — via ポケモン公式YouTubeチャンネル on YouTube

Cards, Contents, and the Pokémon Inside

The complete card list has not been published, but the Famitsu hands-on preview (Japanese) confirms the box includes a set of Pokémon cards and several Poké Ball card types, with certain Pokémon triggering bonus effects when caught. Some Poké Ball cards carry special mechanics that shake up the standard catch rules, keeping the game unpredictable round to round.

Pokémon Shushushu! gameplay contents
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Price and How Singapore Fans Can Get It

Pokémon Shushushu! is priced at 1,760 yen (tax included) — around S$16 at the current rate, before shipping. The game is a Japan-exclusive release through three official channels:

  • Pokémon Center stores in Japan
  • Pokémon Center Online Japan (ships internationally, including Singapore)
  • Amazon.co.jp’s official Pokémon Store listing

There is no confirmed global release date and no announcement that The Pokémon Company plans to bring Shushushu! to other markets. Your clearest options as a Singapore fan are ordering directly through Pokémon Center Online Japan, which handles international shipping, or routing through a Japan proxy or forwarding service. Given the ¥1,760 price tag, shipping costs will likely exceed the game itself — worth bundling with other Japan-exclusive Pokémon merch if you have a cart building up.

Pokémon Shushushu! promotional announcement image
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The Growing Series of Official Pokémon Board Games

Shushushu! is the fourth entry in The Pokémon Company’s line of party-style tabletop games, following Pokémon Babanuki, Pokémon Babanuki Super High Tension, and Pokémon Taruka. Each game takes a simple real-world mechanic — card tricks, flicking — and wraps it in Pokémon. None of these titles get wide global distribution, which makes them appealing to collectors and fans who like having something physically unique from Japan.

Pokémon Shushushu! card spread
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

For more Japan-exclusive Pokémon picks and local merchandise news, check out our shop and merchandise coverage.

Game News, Retro Gaming

Truxton Extreme Is Out Now — A Classic Shmup Returns After 38 Years

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After 38 years of silence, one of the most beloved Japanese arcade shoot ’em up series is finally back. Truxton Extreme — known in Japan as TATSUJIN EXTREME — launched today, 30 July 2026, on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and GOG. If the name Truxton rings a bell from your Mega Drive days or Singapore arcade visits in the late 1980s, that instinct is correct: this is the real deal, made by the original creator.

Truxton Extreme gameplay screenshot — fighter ship vs alien machines
Image courtesy of Clear River Games / Tatsujin

Thirty-Eight Years Is a Long Time to Wait for a Sequel

The original Truxton (TATSUJIN) dropped in Japanese arcades in 1988, published by Toaplan — the legendary Osaka studio behind DoDonPachi, Batsugun, and Zero Wing. It was a brutal vertical shooter with tight movement, weapon upgrades, and that unmistakable Toaplan DNA. Toaplan closed in 1994, and the series went dark.

Masahiro Yuge, one of Toaplan’s co-founders and the creative force behind the original Truxton, eventually founded a new studio also named Tatsujin. Partnering with Swedish publisher Clear River Games, he has spent years building what Truxton Extreme became: a full modern evolution of the franchise, fully rendered in 3D while staying true to the vertical-scrolling shmup roots that made the series iconic.

Truxton Extreme | Story Trailer — via Clear River Games on YouTube

What’s New in Truxton Extreme

This isn’t just a remaster — it’s a ground-up reimagining. The visuals jump to full 3D polygons, widescreen play field, and smooth performance (the Nintendo Life review noted zero performance issues on Switch 2 in both docked and handheld modes). The classic weapon roster — Tatsujin Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star-Mine Shot — returns alongside a new EX bar mechanic that lets you charge up and unleash supercharged shots when things get hairy.

Manga artist Junya Inoue (known for Btooom! and his work on DoDonPachi and Batsugun) illustrates a branching, comic-book-style story spanning 18 chapters. Players choose from three TATSUJIN pilots — Ash, Bergamot, and Cyrilla — each with their own motivations and arc within the narrative.

Truxton Extreme — 3D gameplay, multiple enemy types
Image courtesy of Clear River Games / Tatsujin

Modes for Every Kind of Player

Whether you want the full narrative experience or a pure arcade endurance run, Truxton Extreme has a mode for it:

  • Story — 18 chapters with comic-panel cutscenes, escalating enemy waves, and boss encounters
  • Arcade — traditional sequential progression with no hand-holding
  • Heart Starter — a beginner-friendly difficulty setting that actually lets newcomers enjoy the series for the first time
  • Team — local 2-player co-op (a first for the series) with shared resources
  • Arena — 2-minute score-attack for bragging rights
  • Pipiruville — a village-building collection mode for cosmetics

Eight difficulty settings across the board mean veterans can recreate the punishing quarter-eating arcade feel, while curious newcomers can actually finish the game.

Truxton Extreme — boss battle encounter
Image courtesy of Clear River Games / Tatsujin

Pricing and Where to Get It

Digital pricing is set at US$24.99 for the standard edition and US$29.99 for the Deluxe digital edition. Physical copies are priced at US$39.99 (PS5 / Xbox Series) and US$49.99 (Switch 2). For Singapore players, the game is available now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop — check your regional storefront for local pricing. Physical editions should be available through major game retailers and electronics chains.

Early reviews have been strong: Nintendo Life awarded it a 9/10, calling it “a thrilling return for a classic shoot-’em-up series” that “sets a new benchmark for how to bring back cult series of the genre into the current age.” High praise for any comeback, let alone one 38 years in the making.

Truxton Extreme — character artwork and pilot selection
Image courtesy of Clear River Games / Tatsujin

For Singapore shmup fans — and there are more of us than people expect — Truxton Extreme is the biggest genre release in years. Check out other retro gaming coverage and game news on GameTrader.SG.

News

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo Reopens 24 August 2026

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Japan’s largest Pokémon store has a confirmed comeback date: Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, the iconic flagship location inside Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will reopen on Monday, 24 August 2026 — five months after a tragic incident forced its indefinite closure. For Singapore fans who put this Ikebukuro landmark at the top of every Japan itinerary, the wait is nearly over.

A Tragic Closure: What Happened on 26 March

On 26 March 2026, a fatal stabbing occurred at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo. A stalker entered the Sunshine City store and killed a female employee before taking his own life. The Pokémon Company immediately closed both Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and the adjacent Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café out of respect and concern for staff and customers. Other Pokémon Centers across Japan and the official online store remained in operation throughout the closure.

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo entrance featuring the iconic Poké Ball logo and Pokémon Legends: Z-A promotional display
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

This wasn’t just any store going dark. Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is the largest Pokémon Center in the world, occupying the second floor of Sunshine City Alpa in Higashi-Ikebukuro and stocking more than 2,500 items — from limited-edition plush and stationery to exclusive regional products and trading card supplies. Its closure for five months has been keenly felt by Pokémon fans visiting Japan.

Confirmed: Reopening Monday, 24 August 2026

In an official announcement published on 27 July 2026, The Pokémon Company confirmed that both Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café will resume operations on Monday, 24 August 2026.

“We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused during the temporary closure,” the company stated, with the goal of creating “an environment where customers can visit and shop with peace of mind.”

Key details for the reopening:

  • Partial renovations have been carried out during the closure period
  • Employee safety measures have been significantly strengthened
  • Temporary entry restrictions will be in effect after reopening — the specific admission method will be announced separately
  • No campaigns or events will be held at this location during August; expect the usual event schedule to resume from September onwards
  • The Pokémon Company noted the date “could still change depending on circumstances”

What’s Inside Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café official logo
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

For those visiting for the first time, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is far more than a souvenir shop. Alongside thousands of Pokémon products spanning plush toys, clothing, accessories, games, cards, and collectibles, the complex houses several dedicated zones:

  • Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café — Pokémon-themed desserts, drinks, and sweets
  • Pokémon Card Station — a dedicated area for Pokémon Trading Card Game products, booster packs, and singles
  • Pokémon GO Lab — a zone for Pokémon GO players with themed activities and exclusive merchandise
Pokémon Card Station logo
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The store operates daily from 10:00 to 20:00, and is a three-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station.

Inside Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo | Tokyo Store Tour 2026 — via Rokka Biyori | Explore Japan with Rokka on YouTube

Planning Your Visit from Singapore

The 24 August reopening lands squarely in Singapore’s August school holiday period, when Japan trips are among the most popular destinations for families and groups. If you are heading to Tokyo this August, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is finally back in play — but plan ahead for the entry restrictions that will be in effect. The admission process will be detailed by The Pokémon Company before opening day, so check the official store page and the Pokémon Center’s social channels before your visit.

For more Pokémon news and Japan gaming updates, stay tuned to GameTrader.SG.

Manga Anime, News

Persona 3 Stage Play Streams Free on YouTube from 31 July

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Persona fans, clear your calendars: Atlus is making the first chapter of the Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade stage play available to stream free on YouTube for two weeks starting 31 July. Both the male and female protagonist versions will go up on the official ATLUS GAME MUSIC YouTube channel (Japanese) — and if you have not played the game yet, there has never been a better moment to jump in, with Persona 3 Reload currently slashed in an anniversary sale that ends as soon as 29 July on PS Store.

Free on YouTube From 31 July — How Long You Have

Persona 3 the Weird Masquerade Blue Awakening theatrical key art featuring both male and female protagonists
Image courtesy of Atlus / P3 the WM Project

Atlus is releasing both versions of PERSONA3 the Weird Masquerade ～青の覚醒～ (Blue Awakening) as a limited-time, free YouTube stream to mark the Persona series’ 30th anniversary and Persona 3’s 20th anniversary. The schedule is:

  • Female protagonist version (starring Asumi Kana as Kotone Shiomi): goes live 31 July 2026 at 5 pm SGT, available until 13 August at 4:59 pm SGT
  • Male protagonist version (starring Shota Aoi as the male protagonist): goes live 1 August 2026 at 5 pm SGT, available until 14 August at 4:59 pm SGT

Both videos are already on the ATLUS GAME MUSIC channel with the 【期間限定公開】 (limited-time release) tag. The performances are in Japanese with no English subtitles in the official upload, so dust off your headphones and enjoy the atmosphere even if your Japanese is limited — Persona 3’s soundtrack and stagecraft carry a lot.

Persona 3 the Weird Masquerade — Blue Awakening (Female Protagonist ver., starring Asumi Kana) — via ATLUS GAME MUSIC on YouTube (Japanese)
Persona 3 the Weird Masquerade — Blue Awakening (Male Protagonist ver., starring Shota Aoi) — via ATLUS GAME MUSIC on YouTube (Japanese)

What Is the Weird Masquerade?

Persona 3 the Weird Masquerade Blue Awakening promotional anime art showing SEES members
Image courtesy of Atlus / P3 the WM Project

Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade is a series of stage plays produced by CLIE that adapt the events of the 2006 Atlus RPG. The first chapter — Blue Awakening — ran for five days at Theatre G-Rosso in Tokyo in January 2014, and was famously double-cast: the same ensemble performed the story twice with a different lead actor playing the protagonist in each version (a nod to Persona 3 Portable’s female protagonist option). The series continued across four chapters through 2017, following SEES as they battle Shadows during the Dark Hour and unravel the mystery of the Apathy Syndrome.

For years these plays were essentially impossible to watch outside Japan without seeking out fan recordings. Making Blue Awakening — the very beginning of that story — free on YouTube for two weeks is a meaningful gesture for international Persona fans, and a first step for anyone who wants to follow the full arc across subsequent chapters. The anniversary campaign has been rolling out monthly promotional content since earlier this year; this is the seventh installment.

Persona 3 Reload Sale — Act Fast on PS Store

Persona 3 Reload gameplay screenshot featuring Aigis in combat in Tartarus
Image courtesy of Atlus

Running alongside the stage play announcement is a P3 20th Anniversary sale on Persona 3 Reload, Atlus’s 2024 full remake of the game. Based on the official Persona Channel announcement (Japanese):

  • PS Store: up to 60% off — ends 29 July (Wednesday) in Japan, so Singapore PS5 players should check their regional storefront immediately as this closes soon
  • Nintendo eShop: up to 40% off — ends 10 August (Monday)

Discounts vary by region; check your Singapore PS Store or Nintendo eShop directly for local pricing. Persona 3 Reload is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (Steam / Windows). If you have been sitting on the fence about Persona 3, jumping in during the sale and then watching the stage play while it is free is a pretty ideal combination — the musical themes from Shoji Meguro carry over into both, and seeing the live-stage versions of the SEES dormitory scenes hits differently once you have played through Tartarus yourself.

Check the Manga Anime section for more Persona and Atlus coverage, and keep an eye on the ATLUS GAME MUSIC YouTube channel — if the monthly campaign continues its pattern, more chapters may follow after Blue Awakening concludes its run.