Tag Archives: Singapore

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.

Star Fox Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 June — What Singapore Players Need to Know

Fox McCloud is back, and this time he’s bringing the whole Lylat system with him. Star Fox, a sweeping remake of the beloved Nintendo 64 classic Star Fox 64, launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 June 2026 — and Singapore is on the launch roster. Whether you grew up screaming “Do a barrel roll!” or you’re discovering the mercenary crew for the first time, here’s everything you need to know before take-off.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 key art featuring Fox McCloud
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Is Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2?

This is not a remaster or a port. Nintendo has rebuilt Star Fox 64 from scratch — same stage layouts you know by heart, but everything else is brand new. The visuals have been completely overhauled, the characters redesigned with a more animalistic look, and the entire game voiced from scratch with a full orchestral soundtrack replacing the original MIDI compositions. New cutscenes have been added between every campaign stage to flesh out the story of the Star Fox mercenary team and their mission to save the Lylat system from the mad scientist Andross.

Most notably, the game kicks off with a brand-new prologue: you play as James McCloud, Fox’s father, in a mission that sets up the events of the main campaign. It’s the kind of lore expansion long-time fans have been asking for since 1997.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Game Modes Breakdown

There’s more here than a straightforward story replay. Nintendo has added three distinct game modes:

Campaign Mode

The classic rail-shooter campaign with branching paths — complete or miss optional objectives to unlock different routes through the Lylat system. Three difficulty levels are available, from a more forgiving entry point right up to the punishing Expert run that series veterans will remember.

Challenge Mode

Replay individual stages with fresh objectives not found in the main campaign. Think time attacks, score challenges, and new mission parameters. Normal and Expert difficulties are both available here, giving you a reason to keep coming back long after the credits roll.

Battle Mode — 4v4 Online Dogfights

This is the big new addition. Up to eight players split into Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf for competitive online dogfights across three dedicated stages: Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y. Objectives rotate between zone control and cargo retrieval, adding some tactical variety to the classic space battles.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 multiplayer Battle Mode
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Switch 2 Features: Mouse Controls, Co-op and GameChat

Nintendo has built in several Switch 2-specific features that set this apart from simply playing the N64 original:

  • Joy-Con 2 mouse mode — Place a Joy-Con flat on a surface and use it like a mouse for aiming. It’s an optional targeting style that some players may find far more precise than analogue stick aim.
  • Co-op Pilot and Gunner mode — Two players can tackle the campaign together sharing one console: one pilots the Arwing, the other handles weapons. Great for playing with a sibling or friend who prefers not to worry about navigation.
  • GameChat AR filters — Chat with friends mid-session using Star Fox character filters overlaid on your face, similar to AR avatar features on other platforms.
  • GameShare — Compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, so you can share the game wirelessly with a friend nearby.

One thing for Singapore players to note: the Nintendo 64 Wireless Controller is not available for purchase in Southeast Asia, as confirmed by Nintendo’s Singapore page. You can still use Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2 without any issues — it’s just the optional nostalgia controller that won’t be on local shelves.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Arwing in flight
Image courtesy of Nintendo

How to Pre-Order Star Fox in Singapore

Pre-orders are open now on the Nintendo eShop Singapore. The global digital price is US$49.99 and the physical edition is US$59.99 — check the Nintendo eShop Singapore for local SGD pricing, as regional prices may vary. Physical copies should be available through local game retailers; keep an eye on GameTrader news for Singapore retail listings as they go live closer to 25 June.

The game requires a Nintendo Switch 2 to play — it is a Switch 2 exclusive and will not run on the original Nintendo Switch.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

Star Fox has been on ice for nearly a decade. The last mainline game — Star Fox Zero for Wii U — landed back in 2016, and the series has been largely dormant since. This remake is Nintendo signalling that it believes in the franchise again, and the Switch 2 exclusive status means it doubles as a system-seller for anyone on the fence about upgrading.

For Singapore Switch 2 owners, 25 June is shaping up to be a genuinely exciting date. The Battle Mode online component also means Singapore players can jump into competitive dogfights with the global community from day one. If the online servers hold up in the SEA region — and Nintendo’s recent Switch 2 network performance has been solid — this could be a game people are grinding well into the second half of the year.

Mark 25 June in your calendar. Do a barrel roll.

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.

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.

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.