Tag Archives: Nintendo Switch 2

Game News

Splatoon Raiders Direct Tonight: What to Expect

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Nintendo has scheduled a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct for tonight — the first time the Splatoon franchise has received its own standalone presentation — giving Switch 2 owners one final deep dive before the game launches on 23 July. For Singapore, the stream kicks off at 10pm SGT tonight, 30 June 2026, live on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.

Splatoon Raiders – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Is Splatoon Raiders?

Splatoon Raiders is the series’ first ever spin-off and a genuine departure from what the franchise is known for. Rather than dropping you into a multiplayer ink battle, it sends you — playing as a customisable Inkling mechanic — on a treasure-hunting expedition across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside Deep Cut, the three-member idol group (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man) beloved by Splatoon 3 fans.

The structure lands closer to a dungeon-crawler than a traditional Splatoon entry. A top-down Dungeon Menu lets you chart a course through a chain of islands, each housing ink-soaked stages filled with Salmonid enemies. One Deep Cut member accompanies you in an Exploration Bot during each raid, while you fight, level up, and upgrade a growing arsenal of ink weapons and mechanical gadgets.

Inklings and a Salmonid companion in the Splatoon Raiders hub area
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Solo Missions or Full Four-Player Raids

Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026 at US$49.99 digital / US$59.99 physical. Nintendo Asia has not confirmed the SGD price at the time of writing — we expect that to be updated ahead of launch. The download is approximately 20 GB.

The campaign is built around solo play, but it opens up to up to four players via online or local wireless co-op for full raids. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online play and cloud save backups. The game runs in TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes, supports compatible amiibo, and enables HDR output on supported televisions.

First-person ink combat against Salmonid enemies in a Splatoon Raiders dungeon
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Splatoon 3 Splatfest: Speed vs. Power vs. Technique

Not planning to pick up a Switch 2 yet? There is still a reason to log back into Splatoon 3. A Raiders-themed Splatfest runs 10–12 July 2026 with the question “Which is the strongest?” — pitting Speed, Power, and Technique against each other. The event brings nine exclusive Splashtag designs and two new titles, making it one of the more cosmetically generous Splatfests in recent memory.

The event kicks off at 8am SGT on 11 July (5pm PT on 10 July) and wraps at 8am SGT on 13 July.

The Dungeon Menu map screen showing the Spirhalite Islands in Splatoon Raiders
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Joy-Con 2 Colours, Amiibo, and the Nintendo Today! Comics

Nintendo will release a set of Deep Cut-themed Joy-Con 2 controllers on 23 July alongside the game. Pricing for these has not been announced. Compatible amiibo will also be supported at launch.

For lore fans who want to get up to speed before tonight, Nintendo has been publishing a daily digital comic series on the Nintendo Today! app since 23 June, telling the game’s prologue story. The app is free on iOS and Android with a Nintendo Account.

Splatoon Raiders dungeon gameplay showing the player and Frye at Sublevel 1
Image courtesy of Nintendo

How to Watch the Splatoon Raiders Direct Tonight

The Direct streams on the Nintendo YouTube channel at these times:

  • 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET (30 June)
  • 10:00 PM SGT, tonight, 30 June 2026

The main presentation runs roughly 45 minutes, followed immediately by a Nintendo Treehouse: Live session with around 30 more minutes of extended gameplay. If you want the full picture before the 23 July launch, set a reminder now.

Splatoon Raiders Direct official announcement card showing 30 June 2026, 7am PT / 10am ET
Image courtesy of Nintendo
Splatoon Raiders – Gameplay Video – Nintendo Treehouse: Live | June 2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Keep an eye on GameTrader’s Nintendo coverage for a full breakdown once the Direct wraps tonight.

Game News

Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition Dated

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Demon Slayer fans and Switch 2 owners, mark your calendars. Aniplex and CyberConnect2 have confirmed a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, launching physically in Japan on 29 October 2026. The news broke via Weekly Jump, Japan’s flagship manga anthology, and was reported by Gematsu on 25 June.

Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles 2 combat gameplay
Image courtesy of Aniplex / CyberConnect2

What the Switch 2 Edition Includes

The physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition carries a price of ¥7,810 and bundles the “Infinity Castle – Part 1 Character Pass” right in the box. For Singapore fans who caught Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 in cinemas last August and fell in love with its lineup of Hashira and Upper Moons, this is the DLC pack worth picking up.

CyberConnect2 has also confirmed that an Upgrade Pack will be available for players who already own the original Switch version and want to bring their save data across to the Switch 2 edition — though pricing for the upgrade has not yet been announced.

Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles 2 action scene
Image courtesy of Aniplex / CyberConnect2
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – Announce Trailer — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

40+ Characters and Infinity Castle Story Content

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launched on 1 August 2025 in Japan and 5 August 2025 internationally across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the original Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game expanded on its predecessor with over 40 playable characters, a revamped combat system, and new story chapters spanning the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs.

With the Infinity Castle film having dominated Singapore box offices when it opened in August 2025, appetite for in-game content tied to those new characters has been high among local players. The Switch 2 Edition bundles the character pass from day one, making it the most complete physical version of the game available.

Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles 2 character roster
Image courtesy of Aniplex / CyberConnect2

Getting It in Singapore

At time of writing, only a Japan physical launch date — 29 October 2026 — has been confirmed. The original game was published internationally by Sega, and a global announcement for the Switch 2 Edition is expected but has not been made. Singapore players who want the Switch 2 version at launch will need to import from Japan or wait for Sega’s global rollout.

The Switch 2 is region-free for game cards, so a Japanese physical copy runs on any Singapore console without modification. Do check retailer listings before importing, as Japanese game packages may not include English subtitles or menus — confirm language support before buying. SGD pricing for a potential Singapore or international release has not been announced.

Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles 2 special attack
Image courtesy of Aniplex / CyberConnect2

We will update this piece once Sega confirms global release plans and pricing. For more on Switch 2 titles and anime game news, head over to our game news section.

Game News, News

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Gets Id DLC and Switch 2 This September

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Cygames and Arc System Works had two big Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising announcements at EVO 2026, and they packaged them together: Id — the brooding swordsman from Granblue Fantasy: Relink — is the next DLC character, and the game is finally coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Both drop on September 17 as part of the version 2.60 update.

Who Is Id in Granblue Fantasy?

Id reveal close-up in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising — white-haired swordsman with purple energy effects
Image courtesy of Cygames

Id is one of the standout characters from Granblue Fantasy: Relink, the 2024 action RPG set in the same Granblue universe. He’s a white-haired swordsman with overwhelming raw power and dark, violet-black energy — exactly the type that tends to become an instant fighting game fan favourite. The reveal clip shows those trademark effects and that cold, composed stare. If his Relink toolkit carries over in any form, expect an aggressive style that pressures at close range.

Arc System Works hasn’t released a full moveset breakdown yet. Complete character details will come closer to the September 17 release date — the teaser is deliberately light on gameplay, leaning on the character’s existing Granblue fanbase to do the work.

Switch 2 Version: A First for the Series

Nintendo Switch 2 running Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising — Switch 2 version arrives September 17
Image courtesy of Cygames

GBVSR has been a PS5, PS4 and PC (Steam) title since its 2023 launch. The Switch 2 version announced at EVO 2026 is the game’s first Nintendo platform release, and it arrives fully updated — Switch 2 players get the complete version 2.60 build including Id, the new stage and the new system mechanic from launch day.

For Singapore players who own a Switch 2 and passed on GBVSR on other platforms, September 17 becomes a clean entry point. The portability factor is a genuine upside for anyone who wants to grind matchups anywhere. No SGD pricing has been confirmed for the Switch 2 version or the Id DLC as of this writing — that should surface as we get closer to launch.

Everything in the Version 2.60 Update

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Version 2.60 update contents — arriving September 17 2026
Image courtesy of Cygames

The version 2.60 update drops simultaneously across PS5, PS4, PC and Switch 2 on September 17. Confirmed contents:

  • New DLC character: Id
  • New stage
  • New system mechanic
  • Adjustments to existing system mechanics
  • Character balance changes
  • New costume

The balance pass is described broadly — expect a meaningful tune-up to the meta rather than a light touch. Arc System Works will share specific details on the new mechanic and Id’s full kit before launch.

Watch the Official Id Reveal

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – Id Teaser — via Cygames EN on YouTube

Where Singapore’s Fighting Game Scene Stands on GBVSR

GBVSR has found a steady home in Singapore’s fighting game community since launch. It shows up regularly at local ranbats and online brackets alongside the bigger titles, and its approachable mechanics pull in both Granblue RPG fans and dedicated anime-fighter players. The arrival of Id — a character with strong existing recognition from Relink — and the Switch 2 debut are exactly the kind of double announcement that keeps the player base engaged between major updates.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is available now on PS5, PS4 and PC via Steam. The Switch 2 version and Id DLC both arrive on September 17. Check back on GameTrader game news for full moveset details and confirmed regional pricing when they drop.

Gadget, Shop and Merchandise

Kuromi and Cinnamoroll Get HORI Switch 2 Controllers

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Sanrio’s two most-iconic rivals are about to invade your Nintendo Switch 2 setup. Peripheral brand HORI has announced the “Kuromi to Cinnamoroll Series for Nintendo Switch 2” — four officially licensed accessories, split evenly between the goth-pop Kuromi and the cloud-soft Cinnamoroll, on sale in Japan from August 2026.

Everything in the HORI Sanrio Switch 2 Lineup

HORI Horipad TURBO Mini Kuromi edition for Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of HORI

Two product types, two characters each:

Horipad TURBO Mini for Nintendo Switch 2 — a compact wired controller (13 cm × 7 cm, 170 g) built around a clear glitter shell, a rapid-fire function (5, 10, or 20 shots per second), a C button for in-game voice chat, and a 3-metre USB-A cable. The Kuromi edition launches in August 2026 at ¥3,980 (around SGD 35); the Cinnamoroll version follows in September 2026 at the same price. Crucially, both controllers are compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch, and Switch OLED — so Singapore gamers who haven’t upgraded yet can still join in.

Pukkuri Hybrid Pouch for Nintendo Switch 2 — a semi-hard carry case with a dual-layer lid, EVA reinforcement, a ruched-fabric carry handle, and a character charm on the zip. It holds the Switch 2 console plus up to ten game cards. Pricing is approximately ¥4,480 per pouch (around SGD 39), with Kuromi shipping in August and Cinnamoroll following shortly after.

Glitter, Sweets, and Pure Character Energy

HORI Kuromi TURBO Mini controller lifestyle shot
Image courtesy of HORI

The design language is exactly what fans of either character would expect. Kuromi’s controller is deep translucent purple, packed with glitter, dessert stickers, and a scene of Kuromi sipping a milk tea — her signature skull logo even peers through the see-through faceplate. Cinnamoroll’s take is sky-blue and icy-clear, with lemon-yellow analogue sticks, floating star decals, and a lemon-tart motif that suits his dreamy, fluffy personality down to a tee.

HORI Horipad TURBO Mini Cinnamoroll edition for Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of HORI

Both controllers carry the Official Nintendo Licensed Product seal and the © 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. approval mark. The full lineup made its public debut at Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai, Yokohama, where all four products were on display on 27–28 June 2026 — making this one of the freshest product announcements to emerge from Japan this weekend.

Can Singapore Fans Get These HORI Sanrio Controllers?

HORI Pukkuri Hybrid Pouch Kuromi edition for Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of HORI

No international release has been announced — both controllers and pouches are currently Japan-only and listed for sale on Amazon Japan and Rakuten. Singapore fans who want them will need to import, either directly or through a parcel-forwarding service. At roughly SGD 35 per controller before shipping, they sit at the more affordable end of officially licensed Switch 2 accessories available from Japan, and the backward compatibility with original Switch and Switch OLED makes them worthwhile even for those who haven’t upgraded.

HORI has been releasing a steady stream of character-themed Switch 2 peripherals in Japan — recent drops have covered Kirby, Animal Crossing, and a range of Pokémon themes. Whether this Sanrio line gets a SEA or global roll-out is unconfirmed; keep an eye on HORI’s official website for any updates. For more import-worthy hardware and merchandise finds, head to our shop and merchandise section.

Game News

Capcom Spotlight June 2026 Recap: Dragon’s Dogma 2 Expansion, Onimusha Release Date, MH Stories 3 DLC

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Capcom’s June 2026 Spotlight wrapped up today with three concrete updates for games already on Singapore fans’ radar—a major expansion landing on a new platform, a September release date finally locked in, and a surprise DLC for one of the year’s best JRPGs. Here’s everything confirmed in the showcase.

Capcom Spotlight (US) ｜June 2026 — via Capcom USA on YouTube

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on 9 October

Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Capcom

The biggest announcement of the showcase: Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is arriving on 9 October 2026 across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S—and for the first time, Nintendo Switch 2. The expansion introduces the new region of Norgan, new weapons and skills, and twelve Lost Rites dungeon challenges designed to test even veteran Arisen.

Pricing for the expansion standalone is USD 29.99; a bundle with the base game is USD 49.99. Switch 2 players get the best deal: the base Dragon’s Dogma 2 launches on the platform at the same time, and Dark Arisen content is included from day one—meaning Switch 2 owners effectively get the complete package at the standard software price. Singapore players can pick it up via the Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store digital, or watch for a physical release through retailers.

Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen key art
Image courtesy of Capcom

Dark Arisen’s arrival on Switch 2 is notable: it means the full Dragon’s Dogma 2 experience—open world, expanded story, dungeon content—is playable portably for the first time. For Singapore Switch 2 owners who have been eyeing the game since its PS5/PC launch, October is now firmly on the calendar. Check Dragon’s Dogma 2 on Steam and the PlayStation Store SG for local pricing closer to launch.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Gets a 25 September Release Date

Onimusha Way of the Sword key art
Image courtesy of Capcom

After months of teases, Onimusha: Way of the Sword now has a firm date: 25 September 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The Spotlight showcased new gameplay footage highlighting three signature mechanics: the Issen precision counterattack system, a soul absorption loop tied to enemy kills, and Oni Agility—a movement option that changes how you close distance and evade.

The game casts players as Miyamoto Musashi in an Edo-era Kyoto twisted by an encroaching force of Malice, with rival Sasaki Ganryu appearing as an early confrontation. A demo has been available since 3 June on both PS5 and Steam, so if you haven’t tried it yet, that’s worth a download before the clock ticks down to September. No Nintendo Switch version was announced; this is a current-gen title only.

Onimusha Way of the Sword combat gameplay
Image courtesy of Capcom

Singapore fans of the original Onimusha trilogy will feel the DNA here—this is an unambiguous revival of that sengoku action-horror style, now rebuilt for current hardware. Grab the demo on Steam or the PlayStation Store SG to get a taste ahead of the September launch.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Gets a Rudy Side Story DLC

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Twisted Reflection key art
Image courtesy of Capcom

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which launched earlier this year, is getting its first major DLC: the Additional Side Story: Rudy, arriving Autumn 2026. As the name suggests, this chapter shifts the spotlight to Rudy—the player’s Azurian Royal Palico companion—who heads off on an independent investigation involving Egg Quartz and new aerial locations. It’s a lore-focused addition that expands on Rudy’s heritage in ways the base game only hinted at.

The Rudy Side Story is included in the Deluxe Edition (USD 89.99) and Premium Deluxe Edition of the game, with separate purchase availability to be confirmed. If you bought the base edition and have been enjoying the game, keep an eye on an upcoming announcement about standalone pricing.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 battle screenshot
Image courtesy of Capcom

For Singapore players who want to catch up, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is available now on Steam and consoles. The Game News category has more on the broader summer release slate from major publishers.

What to Watch Next

All three games are either out or arriving this calendar year. The October 9 Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen date puts it in a busy Q4 window alongside other major releases, so plan accordingly if your backlog is already stretched. Onimusha in September gives the action crowd something to look forward to after the summer, and the MH Stories 3 DLC should slot in neatly once Capcom announces its standalone price. Keep the Onimusha Steam page and Capcom’s official site in your bookmarks for the latest.

Game News

Ratatan Delayed to October — The Patapon Spiritual Successor Needs More Time

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If you have been waiting for Ratatan to hit 1.0, clear your October calendar instead. Developer Ratata Arts has announced the full release of their rhythmic roguelike is moving from 16 July to 15 October 2026 across all platforms.

Ratatan Early Access Trailer — via Ratatan on YouTube

Why Ratatan Needed More Development Time

The delay is about quality, not crisis. According to Ratata Arts’ official announcement as reported on 4gamer (Japanese) and confirmed by English-language outlets including Nintendo Everything, the team needs extra time to address online play stability issues flagged during Steam Early Access and to complete final adjustments to the console versions. The team stated that these improvements will reach “a sufficiently high-quality state for release” before the October date. In short: Early Access feedback is doing exactly what it is supposed to do, and the developers are listening.

Ratatan rhythmic roguelike gameplay with colourful characters marching in formation
Image courtesy of Ratata Arts

What Is Ratatan — And Why PSP Veterans Will Recognise It

Ratatan is a rhythm-action game developed by Ratata Arts, with involvement from Hiroyuki Kotani — the original producer of Patapon. The Patapon series, which ran across three PSP titles between 2007 and 2011, was a cult favourite among Singapore gamers and the wider Asian gaming community. Ratatan carries that torch into a modern format: instead of playing as a deity commanding a small army, you directly control one of eight Ratatans in a side-scrolling rhythmic roguelike that supports up to four-player online co-op.

The Steam Early Access build has been live since September 2025 and has earned roughly 90% positive reviews from close to 900 players, with consistent praise for the rhythm gameplay and the way it evolves the Patapon formula. The October 1.0 release will be the version that addresses the remaining rough edges and brings the console builds up to the same standard.

Ratatan gameplay showing co-op action and enemy encounters
Image courtesy of Ratata Arts

Platforms and Pre-Order Details

Ratatan 1.0 targets PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S simultaneously on 15 October 2026. Pre-ordering through publisher Game Source Entertainment unlocks a DLC bonus bundle: a Kobun Set (×8 Kobuns), a weapon and accessory set, and growth materials to give you a head start on day one. Steam Early Access players’ save data transfers into the 1.0 release.

Ratatan characters and enemies in a dynamic battle scene
Image courtesy of Ratata Arts

What the October Window Means for Singapore Players

A mid-October launch actually works in Ratatan’s favour. Mid-July is a crowded release window, and October sits just ahead of the year-end rush, giving the game space to breathe before the holiday slate arrives. For Singapore fans who grew up with Patapon on PSP, it is a little longer to wait — but given the team is using the time specifically to polish online play and console stability, the October build should be the definitive version worth picking up. Check the official Steam page for updates, and follow our game news coverage for more as the date approaches.

Game News

Star Fox Is Out Now on Nintendo Switch 2 — Velan Studios Brings Fox McCloud Back

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Fox McCloud is finally back. Star Fox launches today, 25 June 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 — the franchise’s first proper new game since Star Fox Zero a decade ago. The developer is Velan Studios, the Massachusetts studio behind Knockout City and Mario Kart Live, and what they have delivered is not a straight remaster but a fully rebuilt, cinematically expanded reimagining of the beloved 1997 Star Fox 64.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 — gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Nintendo
Star Fox — Overview Trailer — Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Velan Studios Built With Star Fox Switch 2

At its core, Star Fox remains the rail-shooter it has always been: you pilot Fox McCloud’s Arwing through branching mission paths, barrel-rolling through enemy fire and barking orders at your wingmates across the Lylat System. But the bones have been completely reclothed. The original 64-bit visuals are gone, replaced by real-time cinematic cutscenes rendered at a locked 60fps. All dialogue has been re-recorded with a new cast, and the score is a sweeping orchestral work composed by Matt Pirog and Stephen Barton. Three difficulty modes — Easy, Normal, and Expert — give both returning veterans and first-timers a sensible way in.

Velan Studios described the project simply: “Collaborating with Nintendo and bringing Fox McCloud and crew to Nintendo Switch 2 is truly an honor.” Original Star Fox 64 character designer Takaya Imamura was characteristically direct in his response — telling NintendoEverything that “this latest graphics upgrade really gets me choked up” and that “the designs of the 2026 game are exactly what I had in mind when designing for Star Fox 64.”

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 — Arwing in combat
Image courtesy of Nintendo

The Joy-Con 2 Mouse Mode Is the Real Star Fox Switch 2 Showcase

The headline hardware trick is a cockpit first-person view that maps to the Joy-Con 2’s built-in optical mouse sensor. Point the Joy-Con 2 like a mouse on a flat surface and you get tight, zero-dead-zone aiming that feels closer to PC mouse-and-keyboard than anything the platform has managed before. Players can switch between standard button controls and mouse mode mid-mission — no menus, no restarts. It is the kind of feature that sounds gimmicky on paper but, based on early impressions, changes how the combat loop actually feels.

Star Fox Switch 2 — Joy-Con 2 mouse mode demonstration
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Multiplayer and Co-op Modes

Solo play is only part of the package. A two-player asymmetric local co-op mode splits duties between pilot and gunner on the same machine. Online co-op runs through GameShare. The competitive multiplayer is a 4v4 mode pitting the Star Fox crew against the Star Wolf team across three dedicated maps — up to eight players online in total. amiibo support adds cosmetic Battle Banner items for multiplayer if you own Fox, Falco, or Wolf figures.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 — Star Wolf rivalry scene
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Singapore Switch 2 Owners Need to Know

Star Fox is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive — the original Switch cannot run it. International pricing is US$49.99 for the digital edition and US$59.99 for the physical version; check the Singapore-region Nintendo eShop for local SGD pricing. A free demo is live on the eShop now, covering the prologue, the tutorial, and the full Meteo stage — enough to get a real feel for the mouse mode and the campaign structure before committing. The full game weighs 14.8 GB.

Early reviews have landed warmly, with a Metacritic score around 81–82 and IGN awarding 8/10. If your Switch 2 has been sitting on the shelf since launch, Star Fox is one of the more compelling reasons to pick it up again. Check out other game launches and news for what else is worth your attention this week.

Arcade Archives 2 TEKKEN key art — Image courtesy of Hamster Corporation
Game News, Retro Gaming

Arcade Archives 2 TEKKEN Launches Tomorrow — The 1994 Arcade Original Comes to Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series

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Hamster Corporation is kicking off its new Arcade Archives 2 sub-series with one of fighting game history’s most significant titles: the original 1994 Namco Tekken. The arcade ROM drops tomorrow, 25 June, on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, priced at ¥1,800 — roughly SGD $17–18.

The Arcade Original, Properly Preserved

Before the PlayStation home port, before the franchise sold tens of millions of copies worldwide, Tekken was a Namco System 11 arcade cabinet. Eight fighters, digitised backgrounds, and juggle physics that shaped an entire generation of FGC muscle memory. Hamster’s release preserves that ROM without modification — no balance patches, no additional characters, nothing that wasn’t in the original cabinet.

Arcade Archives 2 TEKKEN gameplay screenshot — Image courtesy of Hamster Corporation
Image courtesy of Hamster Corporation

What separates this from a barebones ROM dump is the new Arcade Archives 2 platform Hamster has built around it. The updated framework — launching with this title — adds Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) output for tear-free playback on compatible displays, a dedicated Time Attack mode, a rewind function for frame-perfect practice sessions, and global online leaderboards. It is, to date, the most feature-complete official release the original arcade Tekken has ever received.

Why It Matters for the SG Fighting Game Scene

The original Tekken arrived in Southeast Asian arcades at a moment when 3D fighting was still a novelty. Singapore game centres ran it alongside Virtua Fighter 2, and the character archetypes and combo logic that veterans first learned on that hardware never fully left the series. The sidestepping system wouldn’t appear until Tekken 3, but the core damage economy and the juggle-into-wall-oki philosophy that defines modern Tekken competitive play were already visible in the 1994 build.

For anyone active in today’s local Tekken 8 scene, this is a genuinely useful historical reference — and at ~$17–18, a far more accessible one than sourcing original hardware. It also lands at a pointed moment: Tekken 8 just confirmed its Street Fighter 6 Chun-Li crossover DLC last month, meaning players can now run the series’ entire 32-year arc — from System 11 cabinet to rollback-netcode PlayStation 5 fighter — without leaving digital storefronts.

Arcade Archives 2 TEKKEN key art — Image courtesy of Hamster Corporation
Image courtesy of Hamster Corporation

Official Trailer

At a Glance

  • Title: Arcade Archives 2 TEKKEN
  • Developer / Publisher: Hamster Corporation (original arcade by Namco)
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
  • Release date: 25 June 2026
  • Price: ¥1,800 (approx. SGD $17–18)
  • New series features: VRR output, Time Attack, rewind, online leaderboards

No Singapore eShop or PSN regional pricing has been confirmed at time of writing. The title publishes digitally tomorrow — check your regional storefront for local pricing.

Source: 4Gamer.net

Game Industry News, Game News

Lords of the Fallen II Delayed to Q1 2027 — GTA VI Among the Reasons

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Lords of the Fallen II won’t be arriving this holiday season after all. Developer Hexworks and publisher CI Games have confirmed the Soulslike sequel has been pushed to Q1 2027 — and they’re being unusually candid about one of the reasons: GTA VI is a nightmare to compete with during the holidays.

Lords of the Fallen II – Official Announcement Trailer — via CI Games on YouTube

Why the Delay?

In a statement this week, CI Games cited feedback from a dedicated “Gameplay Feedback Team of seasoned Souls-like veterans” whose input identified areas to “further refine and elevate key aspects of the experience.” The studio says it would rather take more time than ship a less-polished product into an already brutal holiday window.

The developer was refreshingly honest about the commercial reality too. As PC Gamer put it, GTA VI has effectively cleared the holiday field — the game’s cultural dominance this season makes the Q4 window punishing for any title without a nine-figure marketing budget. Singapore pre-orders for GTA VI have already opened (we covered it earlier today), and that level of hype leaves little oxygen for even a well-reviewed Soulslike sequel.

What We Know About Lords of the Fallen II

The game was world-premiered at Summer Game Fest 2026 to strong reception. A sequel to Hexworks’ critically praised 2023 reboot, it continues the dual-world mechanic that set the original apart from its Soulslike peers — players simultaneously traverse Axiom (the realm of the living) and Umbral (the realm of the dead), with each world affecting the other in real time.

Lords of the Fallen II official key art
Image courtesy of CI Games / Hexworks

Confirmed platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch 2 version — announced during the Nintendo Direct in June 2026 — is particularly welcome; the 2023 original never reached Nintendo hardware, making this a first for the franchise on a Nintendo platform.

What This Means for Singapore Players

A Q1 2027 launch puts Lords of the Fallen II somewhere between January and March 2027 for Singapore. The delay isn’t ideal, but it gives Singapore gamers a breather after a packed holiday season — and a well-polished Soulslike in the quieter early-year window could land with much more impact than if it had launched alongside GTA VI.

Local pricing has not been confirmed yet. Based on comparable Switch 2 titles currently available in Singapore, expect a range of around SGD 74–89 depending on platform and retailer. Watch our Game News section for pre-order details when they land.

Last words

A delay is never fun, but Hexworks has earned some goodwill — the 2023 reboot was a genuine return to form after years of the Lords of the Fallen name being associated with a disappointing original. More polish time, combined with the competitive breathing room of Q1 2027, sets the sequel up well. Singapore’s action-RPG fans should add it to their 2027 watchlist.