Tag: Bandai Namco

  • Deal: 2 Bandai Namco RPGs at 80% Off on Steam, All-Time Lows

    Deal: 2 Bandai Namco RPGs at 80% Off on Steam, All-Time Lows

    Key Takeaway

    – Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition at $9.99 (80% off) is an all-time Steam low.
    – Tales of Symphonia at $4.99 (75% off) is also an all-time Steam low.
    – Both games are Steam Deck Verified and feature local co-op.
    – The sale runs as a Daily Deal through June 24, 2026.
    – This is the best entry point for the Tales franchise on PC, with both titles at unbeaten floor prices.

    Celebrating Three Decades of Tales

    Bandai Namco is now celebrating 30 years of its Tales franchise with a sale that actually has solid value: both Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition and Tales of Symphonia are currently available on Steam at the lowest prices they have ever reached on the platform, with the promotion running as a Daily Deal through June 24, 2026.

    Vesperia’s Deep Discounts

    Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is discounted 80% to $9.99, down from its standard $49.99 asking price. According to SteamDB price history data, this is the game’s all-time Steam low — a price point it first reached back on April 27, 2021, and has not gone lower since. The Definitive Edition, developed by QLOC and Bandai Namco Studios and published in January 2019, is an HD remaster of the original 2008 Xbox 360 JRPG. It celebrates the game’s 10th anniversary, and adds two new playable characters, new boss encounters, additional mini-games, and a full collection of previously unreleased costume DLC. The game has a “Very Positive” review score from over 4,000 Steam users, sitting at around 78.8% approval. It is Steam Deck Verified, supports local co-op, and features English and Japanese voice audio across an epic story of two friends caught in a power struggle over the Empire’s control of ancient tech.

    Symphonia’s Classic Value

    Tales of Symphonia is a GameCube-era classic that arrived on Steam in February 2016 as a PlayStation 3 port, and it is going for $4.99 — a 75% discount off its regular $19.99 price. SteamDB records confirm that $4.99 is the game’s all-time Steam low, a record it first set as far back as December 22, 2016. This 80-plus hour JRPG originally launched on GameCube in 2003 and is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the Tales series. The PC version includes full controller support, is Steam Deck Verified, and comes with local co-op alongside a cel-shaded art style by Kosuke Fujishima. It holds an 82.7% positive rating from over 5,000 Steam reviews.

    A Perfect Entry Point

    Both games are part of the wider Tales of Series 30th Anniversary Sale on Steam. If you’ve been looking to get into the franchise, there hasn’t really been a better entry point on PC — Symphonia for under five dollars, and Vesperia’s expanded Definitive Edition for a tenner, both at floor prices that have never been beaten on Steam.

    • Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition — $9.99 (80% off, regularly $49.99)
    • Tales of Symphonia — $4.99 (75% off, regularly $19.99)
    • Sale ends June 24, 2026


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  • Baki’s Yujiro Hanma: Final Tekken 8 S3 DLC Release

    Baki’s Yujiro Hanma: Final Tekken 8 S3 DLC Release

    Key Takeaway

    – Yujiro Hanma’s extreme feats would require careful game balance to avoid overpowering Tekken 8’s roster, likely using gimmicks like deliberate “holding back” mechanics similar to other overpowered characters.
    – A balancing approach may involve giving Yujiro highly destructive options that are telegraphed, with punishable risk or limited meter to prevent dominance in all matchups.
    – The reveal implies potential narrative and mechanical tension for the roster, possibly reshaping tier considerations and prompting cautious, artful implementation to maintain fair competition.

    The Absurd Reveal of Yujiro Hanma in Tekken 8 Season 3

    In an absurd turn of events, the final Tekken 8 Season 3 DLC character has been revealed as none other than Yujiro Hanma of Baki the Grappler fame. While Tekken 8 fans were clamoring for the addition of Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa (and livid at rumors that she will instead be joining the ladies over at Street Fighter 6,) the reveal of Yujiro Hanma has been met with nothing short of shock and awe. Those familiar with the series and Yujiro will understand why: not only is Jujiro the father of series protagonist Baki Hanma, he’s also one of the most cruel, megalomaniacal, brutal, and genuinely unhinged characters ever seen in manga or anime.

    Yujiro Hanma’s Unholstered Feats

    Yujiro Hanma’s feats in Baki the Grappler range from Superman-tier displays of strength to existentially-absurd manipulations of reality to genuine crimes against humanity. These feats range from literally willing himself into existence, punching an earthquake into submission, soloing the entire Obama-era United States military, crushing coal into diamonds, and shaking a man’s soul out of his body. No, I am not kidding about any of that—even by the standards of Baki and anime at large, Yujiro Hanma is an absurd, perverse display of unrelenting power.

    Balancing the Beast: Tekken 8’s Dilemmas

    For this reason, it’s hard to determine how the Tekken 8 developers remaining at Bandai Namco after the departure of series director Harada will balance the character in any capacity. While absurd, meteor-punching displays of strength do exist within Tekken, The Ogre is on another level entirely. Most likely, an approach similar to the Guilty Gear series and its overpowered immortal vampire Slayer will be taken. In those games, Slayer’s animations indicate he is only pretending to be hit and dramatically holding back his full capabilities for the sake of sport. Anything less with Yujiro would not only be unfaithful to the character, but also a complete nightmare to play against for every other player in the game.

    The Saga of Fathers in Fiction

    It’s remarkable, really: Tekken’s Heihachi is a top contender for the worst father in fiction. But with Yujiro now invading his universe, the King of Iron Fist may not be reigning for very long. May The Ogre have mercy on Tekken, and us all.

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  • My Hero Ultra Impact Shutdown Imminent: Gem Expiration Alert

    My Hero Ultra Impact Shutdown Imminent: Gem Expiration Alert

    Key Takeaway

    1. My Hero Ultra Impact will shut down on May 17, 2026, with no offline version planned, and remaining in-game currency must be used before then.
    2. The game launched in Japan in May 2021 and globally in February 2022, featuring 3v3 battles with characters from the anime.
    3. Community reactions have been mixed, with some players advocating for an offline archive mode, which Bandai Namco has not committed to.
    4. This is the second mobile My Hero Academia game to close within a year; the franchise’s mobile presence is now limited.
    5. The broader IP, including new console releases and live events, continues to be active despite the mobile game closures.

    Bandai Namco Entertainment is giving fans only a limited time to enjoy My Hero Ultra Impact before it officially shuts down. The servers will go offline on May 17, 2026 at 10:59 PM ET / 7:59 PM PT, which is May 18 at 11:59 PM JST. Players must use their Hero Gems and any other items from their accounts before the deadline because they cannot be transferred or used offline. Sadly, there is no plan for an offline version of the game in the future.

    Game Launch and Closure Timeline

    This popular mobile game debuted in Japan back in May 2021, shortly after the manga’s ending, mainly to capitalize on the hype. Globally, it arrived in February 2022, bringing a fun 3v3 battle system that focused on character quirks, special moves called Plus Ultra, and a gacha system for heroes and villains from the anime. The announcement for its shutdown came near the fifth anniversary of the Japanese release, but Bandai Namco didn’t provide specific reasons behind this decision. The shutdown policy includes disabling all in-app purchases from March 17, yet existing Hero Gems can still be used until the servers close.

    Community Reactions and Player Impact

    Since the shutdown was announced, reactions from players have been quite varied. Some players thinks the game was still doing good and were upset about the closure, while others pointed at falling revenue as a clear sign that this was inevitable. Many in the community calls for an offline archive mode so they can keep their progress, but Bandai Namco has yet to confirm if they will do this. As part of the farewell, every player gets a free 10x recruit pull each day until the game ends, and older story chapters are being made available for fans to revisit the story one last time.

    Related Titles and Franchise Future

    This marks the second My Hero Academia mobile game to shut down in a little over a year, after My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero ended its run on March 31, 2025. With both mobile titles gone, the franchise’s presence on mobile is now more limited, focusing on smaller regional games. However, the franchise’s overall momentum continues strongly. The console game My Hero Academia: All’s Justice released in early 2026, covering the manga’s finale, and upcoming live events like a European concert tour are scheduled for September 2026. Meanwhile, the manga ended in late 2024 but can still be read through VIZ Media, and the anime remains accessible on Crunchyroll.

    Final Remarks and Extra Content

    My Hero Ultra Impact will remain free on iOS and Android devices until its shutdown date to give players a chance to spend their last moments with the game. For those interested in game music, there’s news from a recent interview with Hitoshi Sakimoto, composer of Final Fantasy Tactics, who shared insights about his iconic soundtrack rooted in rock music and discussed an upcoming concert dedicated to his work, Colors of Harmony.

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  • Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Switch 2 Release Date Leaked After $80 Pre-Order

    Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Switch 2 Release Date Leaked After $80 Pre-Order

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is expected to be released around July 10th, possibly with a Game-Key Card and included DLC, but the initial price remains unchanged despite some stores discounting physical copies.
    2. The game faces performance concerns on the Switch 2, with past demos showing stuttering, and its launch was postponed from 2025 to 2026.
    3. Nintendo’s recent first-party titles have maintained standard pricing, and there is anticipation of a potential trailer and more gameplay details in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.

    Nintendo fanbase has been waiting a very long time for the release of FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed Soulslike game. Recently, a Canadian retailer has possibly revealed the launch date for the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. However, there has been no indication that the pre-order costs for the Switch 2 version will seeing any change anytime soon.

    Social Media Leaks and Store Listings

    On platforms like social media, user Edu2407dito detailed updates about edits to the PNP Games listing. The store holds a good reputation but, the supposed shipping date of July 10th could just be a placeholder. Some watchers notice that Bandai Namco’s Digimon will also get shipped on the same date. Still, as preorders launched with Amazon back in April, fans had expected an official update soonest.

    Pricing and Collector’s Edition Details

    While some Switch 2 titles have been sold at $80, Nintendo has kept to more conservative prices for their own titles lately. Some sellers are even offering discounts on physical copies to align with digital sales. But, unfortunately, this deal does not apply to the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition.

    Content and Hardware Performance

    The 4-year-old game will come in a Game-Key Card version, which many collectors find somewhat disappointing. It includes the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC plus some extras, making its higher price point a little easier to justify. Hopefully, the game’s performance hardware-wise will meet expectations to reward those who have waited patiently.

    Performance and Release Delays

    There’s still no clear answer on how well it will run on the handheld device, especially after initial demos showed some lag and stuttering issues, which led to a delay from 2025 to 2026. The game was showcased during a Nintendo Direct, initially slated for 2025, but experienced setbacks due to technical problems.

    FromSoftware Clarifications and Future Plans

    However, in February, FromSoftware reassured fans that there will be no delays, as confirmed in their financial statement. The release of the game coupled with the Switch 2 console is still expected, with the possibility of other titles like The Duskbloods launching before December 31st. This vampire-themed multiplayer game has been in limbo since the same 2025 Nintendo broadcast.

    Speculations and Expectations

    Rumors suggest that Nintendo might reveal these titles again during a June Direct presentation. Fans are hoping for a new trailer that shows the game running smoothly in open-world parts, offering a better look at its performance on the upgraded hardware.

    Disclaimer: The price and availability details mentioned are based on the last known data, and prices can change with time and retail restrictions. The retailer’s discounts or exclusive deals are valid only at the time of writing and could have limits on units or time.


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  • New Bandai Namco Action-RPG Remaster Hits Steam with Mixed Reviews

    New Bandai Namco Action-RPG Remaster Hits Steam with Mixed Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Standalone Prequel Release: Tales of Berseria Remastered acts as a standalone prequel to Tales of Zestiria and was released on February 27, 2026, for PC and modern consoles.

    2. Mixed Reception: The remaster has received a “Mixed” 65% rating on Steam, with criticisms focused on its value and necessity given the original version’s availability.

    3. Technical Upgrade: The remaster uses the Unity engine for improved stability and faster loading times, but it introduces minor visual flaws and does not significantly enhance graphics.

    4. Pricing Concerns: Priced at $39.99, many players feel the remaster only offers “quality of life” improvements, making it less appealing for those who already own the original.

    5. Improvements for New Players: The remaster features quicker movement and early access to the Grade Shop, making it more enjoyable for newcomers, while offering limited benefits for existing players.

    Bandai Namco broadened its “Tales Remastered Project” on February 27, 2026, by launching Tales of Berseria Remastered for PC. This updated version of the 2016 dark fantasy game acts as a standalone prequel to Tales of Zestiria. While the release successfully transitioned to modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 (currently $444 on Amazon) and Xbox Series X|S, the Steam release has quickly come under fire from some players who already have access to the fully operational 2017 original.

    Recent Remasters and Reception

    The release follows a series of other remasters by the publisher, such as Tales of Graces f and Tales of Xillia, as they aim to unify the franchise on current-gen systems. Unlike those earlier titles that filled significant platform gaps, Berseria was already easily accessible on PC, making the response to this specific port rather mixed.

    The remaster represents a technical upgrade to the Unity engine, focusing on long-term stability and compatibility instead of being a visually intensive overhaul.

    Mixed Reviews and Pricing Concerns

    The “Mixed” 65% rating on Steam primarily stems from discussions on its value and necessity. Tales of Berseria is regarded as having one of the most mature and engaging narratives in the series. While its story remains as intriguing as it did in 2016, the original version is still available on Steam and holds up well, leading to frustration over the $39.99 price tag for what many see as “quality of life” improvements.

    Some players have also pointed out that, although the Unity engine transition has sped up loading times, it has introduced minor visual flaws that were not present in the original engine. It seems clear that this remaster is more about achieving console parity than providing a significant upgrade for PC players at the $39.99 price point.

    Improvements for New Players

    On the upside, the quicker movement and early access to the Grade Shop address the original’s slow pacing, making the 50-hour experience more enjoyable for those interested in the narrative. By eliminating the need for a “New Game Plus” to access the Grade Shop, Bandai Namco appears to be targeting a modern audience that may not have the time for multiple playthroughs.

    That being said, if you’ve already purchased the original on PC, this remaster offers little more than convenience adjustments and bundled DLC. For newcomers, the pacing enhancements and additional content make this the best version, assuming the $39.99 price does not deter you. You can find more details about Tales of Berseria Remastered on its Steam store page here.

    Steam, SteamDB, Bandai Namco, Games Press.

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  • New Souls-Like RPG from Bandai Namco Launches on Steam with Mixed Reviews

    New Souls-Like RPG from Bandai Namco Launches on Steam with Mixed Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Details: Code Vein II was launched on January 30, 2026, with early access for Deluxe and Ultimate edition buyers starting January 27.

    2. New Gameplay Mechanics: The game introduces a time-travel mechanic and a new Forma and Jail system, allowing players to customize attacks and create a more dynamic combat experience.

    3. Technical Issues: The game has received mixed reviews with a 53% rating on Steam, primarily due to technical problems in the PC port, including poor graphics and animation issues.

    4. Absence of Co-op Play: Players are disappointed by the lack of co-op play at launch, which was a popular feature in the original game.

    5. System Requirements: Players need a robust setup, including 16 GB of RAM and an RTX 3080 for optimal performance, with challenges noted on platforms like the Steam Deck.

    After waiting for seven long years, fans of the “anime souls” genre finally receive their long-anticipated sequel. Bandai Namco has launched Code Vein II on January 30, 2026, although those who purchased the Deluxe or Ultimate editions have been enjoying the game since the 27th. This new title is crafted by the same core team that brought us the original game and God Eater, and it doesn’t just repeat the success of the 2019 version. It introduces an exciting time-travel mechanic reminiscent of Ocarina of Time. You and a new character named Lou must leap between a pre-apocalyptic past and the desolate present to save humanity from the threat of the “Luna Rapacis”.

    Exciting New Features

    The main attraction this time is the Forma and Jail system. While the Blood Codes return, players can now assign unique special attacks (Formae) to the face buttons, creating a more active combat experience that feels less like the slow-paced Souls games. Players can also ride a motorbike to traverse the open world, but early critiques haven’t been very positive (more on that later). Many comparisons have been made to an “RC car” that has trouble with invisible barriers. Additionally, the Partner system from the original game has been enhanced. Now, players can “assimilate” their partner, resulting in a significant stat increase while they’re off the battlefield, or rely on them to bring you back to life mid-battle if you make mistakes.

    Technical Issues and Mixed Reviews

    Unfortunately, the launch hasn’t been as smooth as Bandai Namco likely envisioned. Currently, the game holds a 53% “Mixed” rating on Steam. The recurring issue in negative reviews isn’t the storyline, which players seem to enjoy, but rather the technical problems with the PC port. Despite the fairly demanding system requirements—suggesting an RTX 3080 just for 1080p/60fps—players are experiencing “muddy” textures, frequent cutscene pop-ins, and combat animations that lack the impact of the previous installment. Furthermore, many fans are disappointed by the absence of co-op play at launch, a feature that was highly regarded in the first game.

    System Requirements and Performance

    If you plan to dive into Code Vein II, be ready for a demanding experience. You will need 16 GB of RAM and 70 GB of storage, with an SSD being nearly essential to avoid complications. On the Steam Deck (currently priced at $765 on Amazon), the experience is less than ideal. While it is “Playable” and works well with controllers, the game struggles to maintain 30 FPS even on Low settings, and the UI is not well-suited for the smaller screen. This challenging start for a much-anticipated sequel offers a lot of depth for hardcore fans willing to overlook the technical glitches.

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  • My Hero Academia All’s Justice Game Trailer for PS5, Xbox, PC

    My Hero Academia All’s Justice Game Trailer for PS5, Xbox, PC

    Key Takeaways

    1. “My Hero Academia: All’s Justice” features the final battle of the series with all U.A. High School Class 1-A students at their peak power.
    2. The game includes various modes: Story Mode, Archives Battle, Team Up Missions, and Hero’s Diary, focusing on both heroes’ and villains’ perspectives.
    3. Initial fan reactions are positive, with comparisons to the Bleach Rebirth game and discussions about potential Switch and PC modding.
    4. The game is set to release globally on February 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, supporting offline and online play.
    5. Three editions will be available: Standard, Deluxe (with Season Pass), and Ultimate (with additional content), celebrating the anime’s 10th anniversary.

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America has just unveiled the opening cinematic trailer for “My Hero Academia: All’s Justice,” a new action fighting game set during the last arc of the My Hero Academia series.

    Exciting Gameplay Features

    This game highlights the final significant battle in the series, featuring both heroes and villains at their peak power. Bandai Namco claims that this is the first console and PC game to present all U.A. High School Class 1-A students with their abilities from the end of the series. The narrative and character lineup are heavily inspired by the manga’s finale.

    Developed by Byking Inc., “My Hero Academia: All’s Justice” offers 3v3 team-based combat along with various gameplay modes. The Story Mode explores the last arc from both the heroes’ and the villains’ viewpoints. The Archives Battle mode lets gamers relive crucial confrontations from the series, while Team Up Missions introduce cooperative challenges on a brand new map. The Hero’s Diary mode emphasizes individual characters and their personal journeys.

    Fan Reactions and Speculations

    Initial responses to the trailer indicate a strong excitement from devoted My Hero Academia followers. Many fans have likened it to the Bleach Rebirth game due to its opening-style music and overall presentation.

    There has also been chatter about what could come next. Some fans expressed a desire for a potential Switch version, while others mentioned the PC release, eagerly anticipating “what the modders can do” with it.

    Release Information and Editions

    “My Hero Academia: All’s Justice” is set to be released globally on February 6, 2026. The game will support both offline and online play for one or two players and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam.

    Three editions are being offered: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. The Deluxe Edition comes with the base game and a Season Pass that includes five extra playable characters set to be released after the game’s launch. The Ultimate Edition enhances this with 20 additional costumes and seven HUD banners, plus all Season Pass content.

    The final season of the My Hero Academia anime wrapped up in December 2025, and a special episode titled “More,” based on additional manga material, is planned to air in May as part of the celebrations for the anime’s 10th anniversary.

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  • Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Demo Shows Progress Amid Switch 2 Concerns

    Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Demo Shows Progress Amid Switch 2 Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Poor Initial Performance: Elden Ring Tarnished Edition faced noticeable frame rate drops at Gamescom, disappointing audiences.

    2. Demo Improvements: A new build showcased at Pax West 2025 showed clearer visuals and reduced stuttering, particularly in expansive areas.

    3. Visual Detail Retention: The game maintains good visual detail on Switch 2, with clear trees and effective lighting, despite some frame rate issues.

    4. Need for Performance Mode: Developers should consider adding a performance mode to allow players to prioritize frame rates over texture quality.

    5. Caution in Early Judgments: Early demos can lead to premature conclusions, as final versions may show improved performance, as seen with other titles.

    The performance of the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition didn’t really impress audiences at Gamescom, with noticeable frame rate drops. To potentially counter this feedback, Bandai Namco organized a demo at Pax West 2025 showcasing a new version. While it wasn’t flawless, Nintendo Life noted some clear improvements with the upcoming Switch 2 game.

    Improved Visuals in New Build

    Unlike the event in Berlin, the company permitted recording of a docked version of the port. Even though it was not a final version, Nintendo Life got to try out an updated build of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. Initially, the graphics struggled a bit, but once they entered the expansive areas of Limgrave, the visuals became surprisingly fluid. There were still some drops from 30 fps, but the stuttering was less common than what was seen at Gamescom.

    Detail Retained on Switch 2

    More notable than the frame rates was the fact that Elden Ring maintains a lot of visual detail for a Switch 2 game. The trees showed decent clarity, and the lighting did a good job of showcasing the foliage. Nintendo Life also pointed out that sudden bursts of fire did not seem to slow down performance.

    The developers still need to include a performance mode in this Souls-like action RPG. Some players might be okay with reduced texture quality and details if it means achieving higher frame rates. With the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition release date still months away, FromSoftware has the opportunity to introduce this feature.

    Caution in Early Judgements

    The updated demo from Pax West serves as a reminder that judging games too early can be risky. Star Wars: Outlaws also raised concerns when Switch 2 players tried out the Ubisoft game. Yet, reviews of the final version indicated less stuttering than expected. Digital Foundry concluded that utilizing DLSS and ray tracing takes advantage of the enhanced specs of the Switch 2.

    At the same time, players have grown used to getting early access to highly anticipated games. To boost marketing efforts, publishers are keen to showcase titles well before their actual launch. Nevertheless, optimization often happens late in the development process. Consequently, testers may leave with impressions that aren’t as favorable.

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  • Tekken 8 Director Calls Switch 2 Port an Interesting Option

    Tekken 8 Director Calls Switch 2 Port an Interesting Option

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tekken 8 launched in January 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms.
    2. The director, Katsuhiro Harada, considers a port to the Switch 2 a potential smart business move.
    3. There are no definitive plans to adapt Tekken 8 for the Switch 2 yet.
    4. Significant work would be required to make Tekken 8 functional on the Switch 2.
    5. The Switch family has not had any Tekken titles since Tekken Tag Tournament 2 on Wii U in 2012.

    Tekken 8 launched in January of the previous year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms. With the Switch 2 set to debut in June and showing solid performance, the idea of bringing Tekken 8 to the new console doesn’t seem too far-fetched. The game’s director believes it could be a smart business move, although it would involve considerable effort.

    Potential for Switch 2 Port

    In a recent conversation with Eurogamer this August, game director Katsuhiro Harada shared his thoughts, stating, “It’s an interesting option, and not totally off the table.” He continued, “From a business standpoint, [the Switch 2] is doing quite well, so it would be a very good business decision if you’re trying to get a bigger audience.” While it’s not certain if Bandai Namco has any definitive plans to adapt Tekken 8 for the Switch 2, this news is encouraging for fans of both fighting games and portable consoles.

    Challenges Ahead

    Harada noted that significant work would be necessary to make the game functional on the Switch 2, complicating any potential decision about a port. He humorously added that, for the time being, there’s nothing concrete to share.

    So far, the Switch family of consoles has not seen any Tekken titles. The only game from the franchise on a Nintendo console was Tekken Tag Tournament 2, which launched for the Wii U in 2012. Given that titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy run smoothly on the Switch 2, it seems feasible that Tekken 8 could also be adapted, assuming the developers are ready to invest the necessary effort.

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  • Sony Acquires 2.5% Stake in Bandai Namco for Strategic Partnership

    Sony Acquires 2.5% Stake in Bandai Namco for Strategic Partnership

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has acquired a 2.5% stake in Bandai Namco, investing $464 million to strengthen its position in the gaming and anime sectors.
    2. The partnership aims to enhance Bandai Namco’s intellectual property portfolio, potentially leading to new anime and manga collaborations.
    3. Sony owns leading anime streaming services Crunchyroll and Funimation, which will support its global reach in fan communities.
    4. Sony has a history of significant investments in Japanese media, including stakes in Kadokawa and FromSoftware.
    5. The collaboration is expected to result in innovative anime projects and new merchandise, enriching fan experiences.

    Sony Group Corporation (TYO: 6758) has declared a new strategic alliance with Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7832), acquiring 16 million shares, which amounts to about a 2.5% ownership in the firm. The investment, valued at $464 million (¥68 billion), was revealed through a press release on Sony’s official site.

    Expanding Global Presence

    This significant investment positions Sony as a crucial minority stakeholder in the publisher of Elden Ring, with the aim of expanding the company’s reach within global fan communities, particularly for intellectual properties like anime. Currently, Sony also owns leading anime streaming services Crunchyroll and Funimation.

    Enhancing IP Portfolio

    With these platforms, it’s anticipated that Sony will bolster Bandai Namco’s intellectual property lineup, which features popular franchises such as Tekken, Gundam, Soulcalibur, and Pac-Man, among others. There are speculations that both entities will collaborate to create new anime and manga inspired by various IPs.

    In the announcement, Sony’s Chief Strategy Officer and Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Toshimoto Mitomo, mentioned:

    “Through this partnership, we aim to co-create an array of content and experiences that exceed expectations and deliver Kando (emotion) to even more fans, alongside Bandai Namco Group, with its outstanding capacity for multidirectional expansion of diverse IP and deep connections with fans at real touchpoints, both domestically and internationally.”

    Investments in Japanese Media

    Sony has a history of investing in major Japanese media companies. It holds a 12% stake in Kadokawa, making it the largest shareholder. Additionally, Sony owns 14.09% of FromSoftware, 4.9% of Epic Games, 5% of Develover Digital, and 4.98% of Bilibili.

    While Bandai Namco is heavily focused on gaming, the company is also broadening its horizons in filmmaking, such as the forthcoming Elden Ring movie with A24 and Alex Garland.

    Sony is strategically positioning itself to strengthen connections with important figures in the gaming and media sectors. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to innovative and thrilling collaborative anime projects in the pipeline, along with new merchandise.

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