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Nintendo Unveils “My Mario” – A New Product Line Designed for Young Kids, Launching August 26

Nintendo is taking Mario into a whole new playground — literally. The company has announced “My Mario”, a brand-new merchandise line aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, set to launch August 26, 2025. The series will debut at Nintendo TOKYO, Nintendo OSAKA, and Nintendo KYOTO stores, with more products on the way.

Bringing Mario Into Everyday Family Life
Nintendo says the concept behind My Mario is to create products that parents and kids can enjoy together in everyday settings. The lineup will feature items developed both in-house and in collaboration with partner companies, with additional products planned for future release.

Here’s what’s included at launch:

Mario-Themed Building Blocks
Classic characters like Mario and Luigi, along with familiar Super Mario items, are recreated as chunky, brightly colored blocks sized for small hands. Some character blocks will even double as amiibo, unlocking special features in compatible Nintendo Switch games.

Building Block Mario (3-piece set): ¥2,980 (tax included)

Mario Building Blocks Special Set (30-piece set): ¥19,980 (tax included)

Interactive Picture Book
A tactile Mario pop-up-style book where kids can turn dials and levers to make Mario’s face move — his mouth opens, his head spins — adding a playful, hands-on twist to story time.

Big Face Mario Picture Book: ¥1,870 (tax included) – published by Shogakukan
(Available in bookstores across Japan.)

Free App for Mobile & Switch
A companion interactive app lets toddlers drag, twist, and poke Mario’s face, triggering funny expressions and cute reactions. Available both as a mobile download and as Nintendo Switch software.

Big Face Mario App: Free – Nintendo
(Requires iOS 15+/Android 6.0+ for mobile.)

Stop-Motion Animated Shorts
A series of one-minute stop-motion Mario shorts, showcasing expressive faces and playful antics, created specifically for young audiences. Episodes will be released periodically on the My Mario official website and other platforms.

Frame-by-Frame Mario: Free – Nintendo

More to Come
Nintendo confirmed that My Mario will expand to include clothing, household goods, plush toys, and more, with some items planned for overseas release in 2026. The initiative is part of Nintendo’s broader goal to introduce its iconic IP to new generations while offering unique, smile-inducing entertainment experiences.

About Nintendo
Founded in 1889 as a playing card manufacturer, Nintendo has evolved into one of the most influential companies in the gaming industry. From the Family Computer in 1983 to the current Nintendo Switch 2, the company has sold over 860 million hardware units and 5.9 billion games worldwide, creating legendary franchises such as Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Kirby, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, and Splatoon. With My Mario, Nintendo continues its mission to expand the reach of its IP while delivering creative, original entertainment to players of all ages.

©2025 Nintendo. All Rights Reserved. Nintendo and the Nintendo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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TGS 2025 Blew Our Minds: Forza in Japan, a New Yakuza, and Why the Future of Gaming Looks Incredible

Tokyo Game Show 2025 has wrapped, and what a show it’s been! The halls were buzzing with excitement, the cosplayers were out in full force, and we got a thrilling glimpse into the future of gaming. From massive announcements by industry giants to hands-on demos of some of the most anticipated titles, TGS 2025 did not disappoint. Here’s our breakdown of the biggest news and the games that left us hyped.

Japan Takes Center Stage

This year’s TGS had a distinctly Japanese feel, with many developers and publishers paying homage to the host country’s rich culture and history. Microsoft came out swinging with a showcase that put Japan in the spotlight. We got the official reveal of Forza Horizon 6, and it’s taking us to the neon-drenched streets and scenic mountain passes of Japan! The announcement trailer was a jaw-dropping tour of what’s to come, and we can’t wait to get behind the wheel in 2026.

But the Japan-centric announcements didn’t stop there. We got a look at the “Heavenly Spear” expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold, which will introduce Japanese gods and monsters. And for all you FPS fans, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be dropping players into new multiplayer maps set in Tokyo and the Japanese countryside.

Of course, the other big players brought their A-game as well. Sony’s booth was a PlayStation paradise, with a heavy focus on their upcoming first-party titles and the latest for PSVR2. Capcom gave us a deeper look into the world of Monster Hunter Wilds, while SEGA sent fighting game fans into a frenzy with a teaser for a new Virtua Fighter project. Square Enix and Bandai Namco also had a strong presence, showcasing their upcoming RPGs and announcing Code Vein 2, respectively.

Hands-On with the Most Hyped Games of TGS 2025

While the big announcements were exciting, the real thrill of TGS is getting to go hands-on with the games. We were lucky enough to get some playtime with some of the most talked-about titles on the show floor. Here are our impressions:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Get ready for another round of 1-vs-1,000 action in the land of Hyrule! This new installment in the Hyrule Warriors series, coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2025, is everything you’d expect and more. The gameplay is as chaotic and satisfying as ever, and the new story has us hooked. Slicing through hordes of Moblins with our favorite Zelda characters never gets old.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties

The Dragon of Dojima is back! We got to experience the stunningly remade streets of Okinawa and Tokyo in Yakuza Kiwami 3. The combat feels better than ever, and the added story scenes bring even more depth to this beloved classic. But the real surprise was Dark Ties, a brand-new side story focusing on the enigmatic Yoshitaka Mine. This two-in-one package, releasing on February 12, 2026, is a must-have for any Yakuza fan.

Silent Hill F

Prepare to be terrified all over again. Silent Hill F, the latest entry in the legendary horror series, is a chilling return to form. Set in 1960s Japan, the game’s atmosphere is incredibly unsettling, thanks to the masterful sound design by Akira Yamaoka and a story penned by the renowned Ryukishi07. We only played a short demo, but it was enough to give us nightmares. Silent Hill F is out now, and we highly recommend playing with the lights on.

Ghost of Yotei

As massive fans of Ghost of Tsushima, we had high expectations for its standalone sequel, and Ghost of Yotei did not disappoint. This action-adventure epic, set in the beautiful and brutal landscape of 17th-century Hokkaido, is a visual masterpiece. The new protagonist, Atsu, is a force to be reckoned with, and her quest for revenge is both thrilling and emotional. Mark your calendars for October 2, 2025, because this is one game you won’t want to miss.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

A true classic returns! This expanded remaster of the beloved strategy RPG is a dream come true for fans. With updated graphics, full voice acting, and some welcome quality-of-life improvements, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the definitive way to experience this masterpiece. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer to the world of Ivalice, this is a must-play when it releases on September 30, 2025.

That’s a wrap on our TGS 2025 coverage! The future of gaming is looking bright, and we can’t wait to get our hands on all these amazing titles. Stay tuned for our full reviews and more in-depth coverage in the coming months.

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Indonesian Adventure Game Kejora Delayed to Avoid Hollow Knight: Silksong Competition

In a surprising move that highlights the indie gaming landscape’s competitive nature, Indonesian developer Berangin Creative and publisher Soft Source have announced that their narrative puzzle adventure game Kejora will be pushed back from its original September 4, 2025 release date to January 8, 2026. The reason? They want to steer clear of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s massive launch impact.

Strategic Repositioning in a Crowded Market

This delay decision showcases the harsh realities facing indie developers in today’s gaming market. With Silksong generating unprecedented hype and occupying the same release window, the team behind Kejora made the tactical choice to find clearer waters for their launch.

“This is a difficult but necessary decision,” the development team explained. “We believe this will provide Kejora with a better platform to debut as it deserves and receive the full attention of players.”

A Game That’s Evolved Through Development

Kejora’s journey to release has been anything but straightforward. Originally announced back in 2021, the project has undergone several transformations, shifting from its initial side-scrolling shooter concept to its current form as a narrative-driven puzzle adventure. Despite these pivots, the game has maintained its core appeal: stunning hand-drawn visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli’s distinctive art style, infused with rich Southeast Asian cultural elements.

Set in a seemingly peaceful village harboring dark secrets, Kejora promises to deliver a story where residents continue their daily routines while mysteries unfold beneath the surface. The game’s hand-crafted animation and art direction have been praised for authentically capturing Southeast Asian aesthetics in ways rarely seen in gaming.

Expanding Platform Reach

The delay brings some silver lining for potential players. When Kejora finally launches, it won’t be limited to just Steam. The game will simultaneously arrive on Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox Series X|S, significantly broadening its potential audience.

This multi-platform approach reflects the team’s ambition to showcase Southeast Asian storytelling to a global audience across all major gaming ecosystems.

A Testament to Regional Game Development

The developers view Kejora’s evolution as more than just a single game’s journey. “From the 2021 side-scrolling shooter concept to today’s narrative puzzle adventure, Kejora’s growth reflects our passion for Southeast Asian cultural heritage and demonstrates the innovative potential of game developers in the region,” they stated.

The team expressed gratitude to their patient fanbase, acknowledging that community support has motivated them to polish the experience further. For an industry where cultural representation often takes a backseat to broader appeal, Kejora represents an important step in bringing authentic regional storytelling to the global stage.

While the wait just got longer, this strategic delay might ultimately serve both the game and its audience better, allowing Kejora to claim the spotlight it deserves when it launches across all major platforms in early 2026.

©2025 Berangin Creative and Soft Source Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Soft Source and the Kejora logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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Yakuza Studio RGG Announces Major Digital Showcase for September 24

SEGA’s Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) is gearing up for a significant news drop with the announcement of “RGG SUMMIT 2025,” a digital showcase event scheduled for September 24 at 12:00 PM JST (the day before Tokyo Game Show 2025 officially kicks off). The studio promises to deliver major updates on their upcoming projects during this online presentation.

What to Expect from the Showcase

The event will be livestreamed simultaneously across YouTube and Twitch on RGG’s official channels, ensuring fans worldwide can tune in for the latest announcements. Following the main presentation, the studio will host an additional deep-dive stream called “RGG DIRECT 2025.9,” which will provide more detailed coverage of whatever gets revealed during the summit.

RGG has yet to release the specific streaming links, but they’ve confirmed these will be made available closer to the event date.

Spotlight on Stranger Than Heaven

While RGG hasn’t revealed exactly what they’ll be showcasing, all eyes are on their current flagship project: “Stranger Than Heaven.” This action-adventure title represents a departure from the studio’s typical modern-day crime sagas, instead taking players to early 20th century Osaka’s Souten-bori district across multiple time periods.

The game centers around Mako Daito, a protagonist whose story unfolds against the backdrop of a historically turbulent era in Japanese history. This period setting marks an intriguing shift for RGG Studio, known primarily for their contemporary Yakuza series and Judgment spin-offs.

Timing and Expectations

The strategic timing of this announcement—just before one of gaming’s biggest annual events—suggests RGG Studio has something substantial to reveal. Whether that’s new gameplay footage, a release window, or entirely new project announcements remains to be seen.

Given RGG Studio’s track record of delivering compelling narratives set in meticulously recreated Japanese urban environments, anticipation is running high among fans who have been eagerly awaiting more details about their next chapter.

The September 24 showcase promises to be a must-watch event for anyone following the studio’s evolution beyond their signature Yakuza formula into new narrative and historical territories.

©2025 SEGA Corporation. All Rights Reserved. SEGA and the SEGA logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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