BULL reported that HORN-L, the demonstration unit of its HORN post-mission disposal device, launched on H3 Rocket No. 6 on June 12, 2026, reentered Earth's atmosphere on August 27, 2026 (UTC), about two and a half months after launch. On August 23, 2026, four days before reentry, the company captured orbital imaging showing the fan-shaped membrane still deployed.
Bandai opened product pages for two new PROJECT R.E.D. items tied to Ultra Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity. The Gavan Infinity Laser ver. soft vinyl figure, priced at 1,100 yen, ships September 19, 2026. The DX Horned Beast Hekikaku, a roughly 200mm figure with a scissor open-close gimmick and an Egorgia set, costs 4,400 yen and releases October 3, 2026. It combines with the DX Horned Beast Enkaku and Omega Horn.
Reito Kuji, producer of the tokusatsu video series [PROJECT R.E.D.], discussed the response to Ultra Gavan Infinity and what comes next with Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn. He described the crossover between Omega Horn and Ultra Gavan as unfolding like pieces being unearthed little by little, with plans to keep the project moving forward.
Bandai Spirits is launching a new Gundam figure brand called ABSOLUTE ACT, built around the ABSOLUTE ACTION SYSTEM for articulation. The first entry is the Strike Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, which received its world first display at TOKYO Toy Show 2026, running from August 27 to August 30, 2026. The approximately 185mm tall ABS/PVC figure features movable mechanisms in the neck, shoulders, and waist, plus a waist rail mechanism and shoulder pull-out mechanism for dynamic posing. It includes a high-energy beam rifle, two beam sabers, a connected saber handle, two beam shields, interchangeable wrist parts, and a base with a bendable support rod. Reservations begin August 27, 2026, at general retail stores, with release scheduled for March 2027 at 16,500 yen including tax. TOKYO Toy Show 2026's first two days are trade-only, with public access on August 29 and 30. The show also featured other Gundam items at the Bandai Spirits booth, including Gundam Miximize Gundam Zero and HG 1/144 Gundam Zero.
Whitethorn Games and Ephemera Games announced on August 18 that the roguelike action RPG Kernel Hearts will launch on September 17, 2026, local time, with a Japanese release following on September 18 due to time zone differences. The game is set to arrive on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. In Kernel Hearts, players join the android magical girl unit M.A.H.O.U to climb the Tower of Babel, battle angel-like creatures, and defeat the god waiting at the top. The game supports single-player and up to four-player online co-op. Each run involves collecting souls to level up, choosing new spells, and using mementos for various effects. The demo, available since April 1, has been updated with adjustments to mementos and relics, enemy stats, item drops, and UI improvements. Japanese voice acting has been added, requiring a new game start to experience story scenes with Japanese audio. The demo covers two floors, while the full game offers about seven. The developer, Ephemera Games, is an Argentina-based studio founded in 2022, and Kernel Hearts is its first title, developed over roughly four years.
GSC Game World detailed Update 2.0 for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, arriving alongside the Cost of Hope story expansion. The update introduces a new engine version, a full visual overhaul, three binocular types, four new weapons, custom difficulty rules, and A-Life improvements. It launches August 20 at 10 PM JST on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
GSC Game World announced Update 2.0 for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will release August 20 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The patch includes an engine update and a graphics overhaul covering lighting, shadows, reflections, terrain, and vegetation, plus improvements to the A-Life NPC and mutant simulation. Custom Rules add granular difficulty adjustments. New content brings three binocular types, four weapons including the Arev assault rifle, and new sights. Weather now affects visibility and hearing. The Cost of Hope expansion DLC also arrives the same day.
GSC Game World announced on July 27 that the first major story expansion for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, titled Cost of Hope, will launch on August 20. The DLC adds two new regions: the Iron Forest and the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, each with its own hub, quests, and activities. The story follows protagonist Skif on the same timeline as the main game and focuses on the escalating conflict between the Duty and Freedom factions. Player choices will alter the narrative and affect the entire Zone. The content volume is estimated at dozens of hours. A major free update, version 2.0, will arrive alongside the DLC, upgrading the game to the latest version of Unreal Engine 5 and adding new content and improvements. The DLC is positioned as the middle chapter of a new trilogy, with a second story DLC planned. Cost of Hope will be available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG.com, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Studio Laaya released the psycho-horror game Foghorns Drown on Steam on July 21. Players take the role of a ferryman in the remote village of Birchwood, transporting passengers across a foggy lake while investigating a disappearance and murder. The game is priced at 1,350 yen, with a 10% launch discount until July 28.
At the finale event for Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity, held July 19 at Tokyo Dome City Theater G Rosso, main cast members Kohei Nagata, Ryuga Akabane, Kanna Sumi, and Kentaro Yasui announced that the Super Gavan team will appear in the new series Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn. A post-finale mini-drama, Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Gaiden, will stream on YouTube and TTFC.
Toei announced a mini-drama series 'Super Space Sheriff Gabban Infinity Gaiden' set after the TV series finale. It will be distributed from August 2 on YouTube and the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club. The episode holds the key to a crossover between 'Super Space Sheriff Gabban Infinity' and 'Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn'. A mysterious red Arc Gaburion appears. The second PROJECT R.E.D. series 'Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn' begins July 26, with Kohei Nagata returning as Iron Wall Rage.
Takara Tomy announced two new sets for the Transformers MPG toy line: MPG-24 Eject & Amhorn, releasing in late February 2027, and MPG-25 Blaster & Steeljaw, releasing in late March 2027. Both sets include fully transformable figures and accessories based on the classic anime series.
Kotobukiya announced a reissue of its Dark Horn Harry Special plastic model from Zoids: New Century/ZERO. The 1/72-scale kit uses new mold colors to match the anime appearance, includes gold armament in two gold tones, clear parts in green and colorless, and adds a new decal for Linon Tros. It releases in November 2026 for 14,300 yen.
GSC Game World released a new story trailer for the major expansion DLC Cost of Hope for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The trailer, titled Between Duty and Freedom, shows the conflict between the Duty and Freedom factions. The expansion offers over 20 hours of main story gameplay, two new regions, and a non-linear narrative. It is scheduled for summer 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NEARstudios released a demo of its open-world survival RPG Hawthorn on Steam for Next Fest, available until June 22. The game, set in a Victorian fairy-tale forest with anthropomorphic animal characters, focuses on village building and exploration. The demo is an early prototype for feedback.
GSC Game World released a trailer for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl DLC 'Cost of Hope,' showing a conflict between the Duty and Freedom factions. The player character Skif must choose a side, shaping the future of the Zone. The DLC launches this summer on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
RK Music duo HONK THE HORN will perform at the GOLD DISC DJ event at ZEROTOKYO in Shinjuku Kabukicho on July 11, 2026. The group debuts on the stage just three months after forming, joining a lineup that includes DÉ DÉ MOUSE, Moe Shop, PSYQUI, YUC'e, and others across two halls.
Crunchyroll began streaming the English dub for the Tamon's B-Side anime on Thursday. The dub cast includes Abigail Blythe as Utage, Conner Allison as Tamon, and Brandon Acosta as Ouri, among others. Helena Walstrom directed the dub. The anime premiered in January and was produced by J.C. Staff.
Voice actor Alex Horn has joined the English dub of the television anime Marriage Toxin. Horn announced the role on social media on May 12, 2026, confirming he plays Genya Naruko, a sound master. The episode featuring the character is now streaming on Crunchyroll. The dub is directed by Leeo George, with scripts adapted by Clayton Browning. The series premiered on April 7, 2026, as part of the Ka-Anival!! programming block. Crunchyroll is streaming the show and producing the English version. The anime adapts the manga by Joumyaku and Mizuki Yoda, which has been serialized in Shonen Jump+ since 2022 and collected into twelve volumes. Viz Media publishes the print edition in English. The Japanese cast includes Haruki Ishiya as Hikaru Gero, Shion Wakayama as Mei Kinosaki, and Soma Saito as Genya Naruko. The previously announced English cast features Ethan Gallardo as Hikaru, Brittney Karbowski as Mei, and Taylor Murphy as Akari. Motonobu Hori directs the series at studio Bones Film, with series composition by Kimiko Ueno and character designs by Kohei Tokuoka.