A new illustration of Edogawa Conan with a soccer ball has been released to commemorate the Detective Conan TV anime's 30th anniversary collaboration with the J.League. A "Conan Day" event will be held on September 6, 2026 at Cerezo Osaka's YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM, where Conan will appear at the match against Tokyo Verdy. The announcement follows the broadcast of a special collaboration episode earlier today.
A Game Spark column argues that the vocal cord parasites in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are not a plot contrivance but a deliberate thematic device. Author Hideo Kojima, a close friend of the late novelist Project Itoh, replaces Itoh's concept of internal determinism with an external cause, asserting human dignity against despair.
The article interviews solo Brazilian developer Eduardo Scarpato about his horror-roguelite bento-builder game Don't Let It Starve. He explains the roguelite mechanics were the foundation, with the bento theme and horror aesthetic added later. He cites influences including the board game Patchwork, Inscryption, and Pokemon Card GB. He notes that as a solo indie developer, the roguelite genre's replayability from limited content was key to the project's sustainability.
Japanese retailer Geo is running a storewide game sale through July 20 that includes several Nintendo Switch 2 titles at discounted prices. The most notable deals are four games all priced at 3,278 yen: Momotaro Dentetsu, Etrian Odyssey I·II·III, Shiren the Wanderer 6, and Super Robot Wars Y. The sale covers both Switch 2 native software and Switch titles playable via backward compatibility, as well as Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades of earlier Switch games. Other discounted Switch 2 titles include Mario Kart World (7,128 yen), Donkey Kong Bananza (5,478 yen), Poko a Pokemon (6,578 yen), Kirby's Air Rider (4,928 yen), and Hyrule Warriors: Sealed Chronicles (5,478 yen). Switch 2 Edition games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (6,028 yen) and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (3,828 yen) are also on sale. The on-site investigation by Inside Games and Game Spark confirms the prices are available at physical Geo stores while stock lasts.
DEEP INTERACTIVE announced that the open-world action RPG AetherCycle will enter early access on Steam in November 2026. The game supports solo play and up to eight-player co-op, features a handcrafted world with a dynamic 'The Cycle' system that alters enemies, difficulty, loot, and events over time, and offers classes such as mage, archer, and warrior. Equipment has random stats, and abilities are freely obtainable. The early access version includes multiplayer, and a third-person perspective option may be added later.
Bethesda Game Studios released a statement detailing its upcoming projects, including remastered versions of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. The studio also confirmed a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment, a prequel expansion for Fallout 76 titled 'Raven Rock', and that Fallout 5 is in pre-production. The Elder Scrolls VI remains the main development focus, using the new Creation Engine 3.
Bethesda Game Studios published a detailed status update on its official X account on July 17, 2026, covering the development pipeline for its major franchises. The studio confirmed that Fallout 5 has entered pre-production and is being built using Creation Engine 3, the same engine powering Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI. In addition, remastered versions of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development. Bethesda also announced a new, unannounced Fallout project being co-developed with Obsidian Entertainment, the original creator of Fallout: New Vegas. The Elder Scrolls VI remains the studio's top priority, with development proceeding as planned. For Fallout 76, a major expansion called Raven Rock, set as a prequel to Fallout 3, is scheduled for 2027. The Fallout TV series is in production for a third season, and Fallout Shelter is receiving a new season of content. Bethesda stated that this year's Fallout Day broadcast will not be streamed, but a live event in Washington, D.C. is planned for 2027 to mark the series' 30th anniversary.
KADOKAWA will have a booth at Fate/Grand Order Fes. 2026 Chaldea School Festival on August 1-2, 2026, at Makuhari Messe. The booth will sell advance items from 14 Fate-related works, including newly illustrated goods for Fate/Grand Order: Fujimaru Ritsuka Doesn't Get It, Fate/Prototype: Fragments of Silver Blue, and others. Venue-limited clear cards and purchase bonuses are also planned.
Dengeki Hobby Web highlighted Shueisha Kindle manga releasing on July 17, 2026. The roundup includes One Punch Man Vol. 37, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Vol. 26, Junket Bank Vol. 22, and additional titles such as Noa-senpai wa Tomodachi. Vol. 11, Mokkori Hanbei 13, Diamond no Kōzai 10, and Shadow House 22.
Kodansha will release a slate of digital manga on July 22, 2026, including the final volume of Space Brothers in a special edition with a booklet and recap map, the latest volume of Medalist featuring the JGP Final, and several other ongoing series from its Morning, Afternoon, and Comic DAYS imprints.
Rocketship Entertainment announced that Leeanne M. Krecic's webcomic Let's Play will resume with Season 4 on Tapas on July 22. A pre-launch episode is already available. The return will be celebrated at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where creator Mongie will appear and sign free prints. The series first ran on WEBTOON from 2016 to 2022, then moved to Tapas after a platform dispute. An anime adaptation aired in 2025.
The launch trailer for indie action-adventure game Teeto on PlayStation's YouTube channel has been flooded with hundreds of comments protesting Sony's decision to end disc production for PS consoles. The comments, mostly unrelated to the game's content, demand a physical version. Developer Eat Pant Games responded calmly, saying they would love a physical version but need to see digital sales first. Teeto is also available on PC, Switch, and Switch 2.
Sega Corporation will host the 'Sega NET Mahjong MJ Official Offline Event in Nagoya' on September 13, 2026, at Chunichi Hall. The free event allows users to play against professional mahjong players using MJ Mobile. Attendance is limited to 42 participants selected by lottery from applications submitted by August 2. Guests include six professional players.
The Uma Musume: Pretty Derby franchise announced its 7th Event World Tour: The Stage will stop at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on October 22-23, with 17 cast members. Tickets go on sale July 23. The tour, which began in Tokyo in June, will also visit London, Seoul, and Yokohama, marking the franchise's first global live performances.
City Connection released the first sample video of new arranged BGM for the upcoming compilation Muchimuchi Pork! & Pink Sweets Boosted, launching October 1 on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. The video includes four tracks by composer Daisuke Matsumoto. Future sample videos will feature arrangements by Yosuke Yasui, Hagane, and Sean Bialo.
Pocket Pair Publishing announced that the cooperative dark fantasy dungeon exploration game Vision Quench, developed by WizMUD Games, will launch in spring 2027. A new demo with enhanced content is now available on Steam. The game features a retro 3D visual style combined with American urban legends, and pits up to four players against the 'Green Tower' labyrinth in search of the legendary 'Sweepstakes Code'.
Idea Factory announced that the Nintendo Switch otome game MIX DUNK -KING OF BASKETBALL- will launch on November 26. The romance adventure is supervised by professional basketball team Kawasaki Brave Thunders and idol group AKB48. 4Gamer published exclusive event CGs and a scenario preview alongside the release date.
Bandai's candy toy line Mocchiri Kororin introduces a new meets series with Nintama Rantarou. Eight soft vinyl figures with puffy cheeks and bottoms are available in a 12-piece box. Reservations open July 17, 2026 on Premium Bandai, with shipping in January 2027. The lineup includes Rantarou, Kirimaru, Shinbe, and five other characters.
The 'Something Genuine' series published a conversation with Anastasia Muñoz, the voice of Serie in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The interview moves beyond her anime credits to discuss her work as a theater educator, fine arts department head, and founder of the nonprofit Arts Mission Oak Cliff, as well as her views on creativity and AI.
HYBE JAPAN announced the third VR concert tour by TOMORROW X TOGETHER, titled 'ENDLESS RIDE,' to be held in seven cities starting July 31. The tour includes first-time stops in Hiroshima and Miyagi. Produced by AMAZE, the concert features 12K video, 7.1ch surround sound, and new one-on-one communication elements. It is part of the 'HYBE JAPAN VR NEXT STAGE 2026' project, which expands the VR concert lineup and screening locations.
NetEase announced a major update for Where Winds Meet, launching July 23. The Bu Jian Shan update adds an oriental steampunk region, vehicle crafting, a new faction, a close-range weapon, and visual/audio upgrades. It is positioned as the start of version 2.0.
ILLUMINATION released a trailer for the VR version of Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns, demonstrating the "zero distance stripping" system. The Steam store page now includes uncensored screenshots of character Tohno Mizuki without the "mysterious light" blur. Updated 3D models for Shoko and Hayasaka Akira are also visible. The game is scheduled for summer 2026 on Windows with VR support.
The Critics Choice Awards announced nominees for its sixth annual event on Wednesday. The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle film and the live-action Exit 8 film were both nominated for Best Superhero Movie. Kazunari Ninomiya, star of the Exit 8 film, received a nomination for Best Actor in a Superhero Movie. Winners will be announced on August 6.
U&I Entertainment Japan will release a physical Nintendo Switch double pack of Toy Story: Retro Roundup! and Toy Story 3 Complete Edition on October 15, 2026. The bundle combines a retro collection of early Toy Story games with a remastered version of the 2010 film-based game, which was previously unreleased on home consoles in Japan. Pre-orders are open now. Digital versions of each title will also be available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Switch.
Bandai Spirits will release prize figures of Rice Shower and Nakayama Festa from the Uma Musume unit BoC'z we\n in December. The two figures complete the seven-member lineup of the unit, which originated as an April Fools' project. Previous figures for other members were released earlier in 2026.
The Honkai Impact 3rd Fuka Chibi Tea Party Ver. complete figure by Myethos is now available for pre-order at AmiAmi starting July 17, 2026. The 86mm PVC/ABS figure depicts Fuka sitting with two Chi Yuan creatures, one held in her arms and another beside her, with a gentle smile and pearl-like details. The figure is priced at 6,730 yen at AmiAmi and is scheduled for release in June 2027.
Global pre-registration has begun for Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble, a free-to-play online multiplayer hero shooter for smartphones. The game features 12 heroes and six modes at launch, including PvP, PvE, and battle royale. Soft launches in select regions preceded the global announcement. A pre-registration campaign offers a limited skin as a reward.
Bandai Namco Entertainment launched a new event in SD Gundam G Generation Eternal on July 16. The E Simulator: U.C.0079 event presents an alternate history of the One Year War, featuring units like Perfect Zeong and Full Armor Gundam. Pickup gachas include UR Darilbalde (Season 2 Spec) (EX) and UR Michaelis (Season 2 Spec) (EX) from The Witch from Mercury, plus a 9 million download commemoration gacha with UR Gundam GP03 (EX). The event runs until July 31.
Ameno Usari's illustration "Anata ni, Shitsuke Rare Tai" is being adapted into a 1/6 scale figure. The figure, manufactured by Oh-ami, is a PVC/ABS painted complete figure standing approximately 230mm tall including its base. It faithfully recreates the original artwork's soft expression, delicate hair flow, and supple body lines. Pre-orders are now available on Amazon.co.jp at a price of 29,700 yen (tax included). The scheduled release date is January 31, 2028. The information was current as of July 16, 2026, when the announcement was published by Dengeki Hobby Web. The figure is part of the PURE series and is sold at standard retail price. Potential buyers should note that availability and pricing may change after publication, and the article recommends checking Amazon's product page for the latest details.
PLAYISM released the Japanese version of the high-difficulty narrative horror platformer LOVE ETERNAL on July 16, 2026. The game, developed by the two-person team brlka (Toby Alden and Sam Alden), is now available on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S at a price of 1,200 yen. A two-week 20 percent launch sale brings the price to 960 yen on Steam, the Nintendo eShop, and the PlayStation Store for PlayStation Plus members. Players control Maya, a girl separated from her family by a lonely god, as she attempts to escape a prison castle filled with over 100 stages of traps, spikes, and lasers. The core mechanic is gravity reversal, allowing Maya to flip between floor and ceiling to navigate obstacles. The game has been available internationally since February 19 and holds a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam. The Japanese version adds full Japanese text support and domestic console releases.
Proxima Beta Pte. Ltd. launched the KALEIDO Test for Chasing Kaleid Rider on July 16, 2026. The test introduces a limited S-rank character, Misty, available through the limited call 'Tide and Flame.' Misty's appearance rate is boosted, and reaching Navigator level 25 unlocks her patrol event 'And So, the Hero Departed.' The test also opens all three chapters of the main story: the Past Arc, School Arc, and Band Arc. Players can build bonds with the 15 available Kaleid Riders, including Prome, Akiko, Jormunga, and Yang, and take them on dates to locations like the aquarium, amusement park, and shopping mall. Intimacy mechanics allow for confessions at max level. Additional limited-time events such as 'Navigator License' and 'Charge into Terminus' offer login rewards. The game is in development for iOS/Android and PC as a free-to-play title with item monetization. A release date has not been announced.
Colorful Palette will release the raising simulation game Volcano Princess on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS on July 30 for 1,300 yen. The previously Steam-only title gets revised translations, full voice acting with new cast, additional stories, stills, and a dungeon. A trial version is available now. A free update for the Steam version is planned for October.
NCT member Yuta (Nakamoto Yuta) has been cast in the film Kamen Rider Zetts: Sayonara no Mission as a mysterious biker who appears before character Natsuka Nagumo. Yuta also performs the theme song "Dreams Never Sleep." Voice actress Ayana Taketatsu joins as an announcer. The final trailer, featuring the villain Kamen Rider Mugen and a new form, has been released. The film opens July 24.
Nijisanji and Karaoke Manekineko have announced a summer collaboration campaign titled 'Sweet Scoop Sundae,' running from July 15 to August 16, 2026, at nationwide Manekineko stores. The campaign features new ice cream parlor-themed visuals, original goods, collaboration menu items, themed rooms, standing panels, and a singing campaign offering digital wallpapers.
Edye will release Aretha COLLECTION 1993-1995 for PS5, PS4, and Switch on July 30, 2026. The set includes three Super Famicom titles from Yanoman's Aretha series, with speed options, save-anywhere, and bonus materials. A crowdfunding campaign for Game Boy reissues and a new game also launched July 15.
The final trailer for the double feature film "Kamen Rider Zetts: Sayonara no Mission" and "Super Space Sheriff Gaban Infinity: The Day the Sun Wept" has been released. NCT127 member YUTA joins the cast of Kamen Rider Zetts as a mysterious biker and also performs the theme song "Dreams Never Sleep." Voice actress Ayana Taketatsu plays a news announcer. The film opens in Japan on July 24, 2026.
Hayakawa Publishing released "There Is No Antimemetics Division" on July 15 under its Hayakawa Bunko SF label. The horror sci-fi novel, written by qntm and translated by Masato Naruniwa, originates from the SCP Foundation. It depicts a secret organization confronting antimemes, entities that erase themselves from memory. Author Li called it "overwhelmingly, crushingly interesting."
Windup Minds released two virtual pet titles on Steam on July 14. 'Stay: Your Forever Pet!' is an early access simulation where players explore the fantasy world Otherlands with a fox-like pet named Ember. 'Stay: Ember's Desktop Adventures' is a companion app that brings Ember to the PC desktop, allowing the pet to interact with the cursor and rest, maintaining the bond even when the game is closed. The studio, founded in 2023, includes veterans from Niantic and other studios.
Hiroyasu Kobayashi, CGI director of the Rebuild of Evangelion films, is directing the Tiny Metal: Zero Line anime at studio SAFEHOUSE. The pilot episode premiered at Japan Expo 2026. The anime is based on AREA35's tactical game series. Character designer Yūsuke Kozaki and composer Gō Shiina are attached. The game sequel Tiny Metal 2 is scheduled for spring 2027 on PC.
In a new interview, BetaLab producer BetaCat discusses the design of roguelite god sim Pandora's Toybox, released on PC in May. The developer explains cutting real-time combat and direct unit control to preserve a god-like perspective, and confirms no major content updates are planned as they shift to a new project.
Anime Feminist's review of the first episode of Let's go KAIKIGUMI describes the comedy horror as unfunny and disjointed. The protagonist's constant screaming is the main joke, failing to provide comedic nuance. The female lead Mechako is noted as a genuinely interesting character, with her off-putting demeanor and unpredictable behavior. The retro animation style is the only positive, but the series feels out of place for the 2026 summer season. The reviewer questions why this gag series was adapted.
BANDAI SPIRITS has revealed the full prize lineup for the CUTIE STREET Ichiban Kuji, scheduled for release on August 4, 2026. The no-loser lottery includes an A prize set of eight new visual boards, the group's first mascot figures as the C prize, and a Last One Prize alarm clock that lets fans select a favorite member's voice. Each draw costs 700 yen.
The remastered version of the 1999 PlayStation game '70s Style Robot Anime: Geppu X' was released today, July 16, on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. Originally known for its 8,000 hand-drawn cels and 4 CD-ROMs, the game is a cult classic that emulates 1970s robot anime. The remaster features restored video from Betacam tapes, modern conveniences like quick save and rewind, and the original voice cast.
Premium Bandai has opened a second lottery sale for the METAL BUILD Hi-ν Gundam HWS Option Set, a heavy weapon system add-on for the separately sold METAL BUILD Hi-ν Gundam figures. The set includes a large Hyper Mega Rifle, a Hi-Mega Shield, and additional armor with deployment gimmicks and thrusters. The application period runs until July 19 at 23:00 JST, with winners announced in late July. The set is priced at 19,800 yen (tax included) and is scheduled to ship in December 2026. It does not include the figure body. Separately, Premium Bandai is also running a second lottery for the Hyper Mega Bazooka Launcher [METAL BUILD EXPO], a large weapon that transforms between two modes. That item costs 17,600 yen, ships in December 2026, and has been recolored to match the Hi-ν Gundam EXPO figure. Both lotteries are open on the Premium Bandai website. The HWS Option Set is compatible with both existing METAL BUILD Hi-ν Gundam releases.
The Junket Bank TV anime has added Wataru Hatano as Keiichi Shishigami and Daisuke Hirakawa as Reiji Murasame. The series will air on TV Tokyo and affiliates on Mondays at 24:00 JST starting in October. The anime adapts Ikkō Tanaka's manga about a world where banks double as gambling halls, with Sōma Saitō and Rikuya Yasuda starring.
STUDIO24's figure series THE KING OF COLLECTORS'24 adds Ryu from Street Fighter II as its 9th entry, releasing December 2026. The 18cm figure is sculpted by Hirotaka Inasaka and produced in-house. The series previously included characters from Fatal Fury SPECIAL and The King of Fighters '98, enabling cross-company matchups in figure form.
Nyxtails Studio announced Backrooms Manager - Together, a cooperative logistics survival game for up to six players set in the Backrooms. Players are kidnapped with erased memories and must fulfill a 49-day contract to regain freedom. The game emphasizes economic management: players meet quotas, manage team funds, and face balance checks every three days. Early access begins on Steam on July 26, 2026, with Japanese display support.
SD Gundam G Generation Eternal will add two new UR units from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury on July 16. The units are Darilbalde (Season 2 spec) (EX) paired with Guel Jeturk, and Michaelis (Season 2 spec) (EX) paired with Shaddiq Zenelli. The game is available on iOS and Android.
SpaceCan has announced Concrete Carnage, a post-apocalyptic truck racing game heavily influenced by the original 1997 Carmageddon. Set in the toxic wasteland of Hexagon, players take on the role of 'gleaners' who run over pedestrians, crush rivals, and transport cargo. The game features six modes, eight trucks, real-time deformation, and a repair system. It is scheduled for release on PC via Steam.
Fuji Television released the Blu-ray and DVD of the short puppet series "Puppet Sunsun" on July 15. The show, which airs weekly on the morning program "Mezamashi TV," is now available in deluxe and regular editions. The deluxe set includes an NFC keyholder, a diorama acrylic stand, and a postcard set. Bonus footage includes the show's TV commercials and a performance from the 2025 FNS Kayousai.