The Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS 2026), where game makers from all over the world gather, was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from September 17 to 20, 2026. Marking the 30th anniversary since its first event in 1996, this year’s show was filled with a wide variety of content, including hands-on demos of upcoming titles, exhibits that let visitors experience the worlds of popular series, and special features looking back on past works.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of booths from companies like Square Enix, KONAMI, and Sanrio, introducing new titles from Japan’s most popular series and highlighting some of the most eye-catching displays at the venue.
Square Enix | A Wide Range of New Titles Centered on Final Fantasy VII Revelation
At the Square Enix booth, a diverse lineup of new titles was on display, including the latest in the Final Fantasy (FF) series: Final Fantasy VII Revelation, as well as FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World, and Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United.
One of the most striking features was the massive Meteor (the attack magic that rains down meteors) floating above the booth. This object, symbolic of the Final Fantasy VII series, was so prominent it could be seen from afar.
In addition, there were photo spots themed after Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Final Fantasy VII Revelation, each designed to immerse visitors in the world of the games.
🎮 Featured Title | Final Fantasy VII Revelation (Scheduled for release April 8, 2027)
Final Fantasy VII Revelation is the final installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. Players can now explore a vast world map aboard the airship Highwind and experience even more evolved battles.
The game is scheduled for release on April 8, 2027. At TGS 2026, visitors had the rare opportunity to try out the game for the first time in the world, making it a valuable chance to experience the title before its official launch.
Sega ATLUS | Hands-on Demos and Interactive Exhibits Centered on Persona 4 Revival
At the Sega/ATLUS booth, a wide range of titles were on display, including Persona 4 Revival, the latest from RGG Studio (creators of the "Yakuza" series) titled STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, and Sonic Racing Crossworld. Numerous stage events were also held, showcasing the appeal of each title not only through game demos but also through live performances and talk sessions.
Among them, the area dedicated to Persona 4 Revival stood out with its striking decorations based on the iconic yellow color of the game. There was also a Persona Summoning Photo Experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the series.
🎮 Featured Title|Persona 4 Revival (Scheduled for release on February 18, 2027)
Persona 4 Revival is a full remake of the globally acclaimed Persona 4 Golden, featuring the latest graphics. Set in the rural town of Inaba, players spend a year with their friends while unraveling the mysteries behind the urban legend Midnight Channel and a series of incidents occurring in the town.
The Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, and Steam versions are scheduled for release on February 18, 2027. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for release on May 20 of the same year.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment|Popular Titles Gather, Including GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT
At the Bandai Namco Entertainment booth, games based on some of Japan’s most popular franchises, such as Dragon Ball, Gundam, and ONE PIECE" were brought together.
In addition to demos for GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT and ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 was also on display. At ONE PIECE: Grand Feast Restaurant, visitors could try out gameplay experiences such as developing dishes and coordinating the restaurant’s interior, making the booth a place where fans could enjoy the worlds of a wide variety of titles through games.
🎮 Featured Title|GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT (Scheduled for release on March 5, 2027)
GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT is an action game where players pilot Gundams equipped with a variety of weapons and skills, enjoying high-speed, high-mobility battles. The protagonist, Lex, and his partner Haro "Vee" face off against the threat of unknown enemies.
At TGS 2026, a special cockpit-style demo station was set up. Players could choose from three preset mobile suits and experience highly flexible, high-mobility battles. The game is scheduled for release on March 5, 2027.
🎮 Featured Title|ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE (Scheduled for release on October 2, 2026)
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is the latest entry in the ACE COMBAT series in about seven years, where players become ace pilots, soar through vast skies, and engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft. The game features exhilarating aerial combat and a dramatic story as you fight as an ace pilot. It is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.
At TGS 2026, Missions 4 and 11 were available for demo play. Visitors could experience the exhilarating aerial combat that the series is known for ahead of the official release.
KONAMI|Showcasing Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, and Anniversary Exhibits for Popular Series
At KONAMI's booth, alongside new game titles, there was also a spotlight on the long history of beloved series.
The KONAMI Anniversary to the Future exhibit celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Castlevania series and the Ganbare Goemon series, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Success Mode in the Power Pros series. The corner featured visuals and packaging from past titles, allowing visitors to look back on the series' history.
🎮 Featured Title|Castlevania: Belmont's Curse (Scheduled for release on October 15, 2026)
Set in Paris in 1499, 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, this exploration-based 2D action game follows the growth of Rose Belmont, daughter of the series protagonist Trevor Belmont. The game combines exhilarating whip-based action with exploration of a gothic world.
This latest installment, released to mark the 40th anniversary of the series, is scheduled for release on October 15, 2026. At TGS 2026, it was available for demo play for the first time in Japan, giving visitors a chance to experience the new Castlevania action before launch.
CAPCOM|Showcasing Anticipated Titles Like Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance
At CAPCOM's booth, new entries from popular series such as Monster Hunter and Mega Man, beloved both in Japan and overseas, were on display.
Among them, the most attention was drawn to Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance. According to staff at the venue, demo play tickets for the day of the press coverage reached their planned limit in about 30 minutes, showing just how popular it was.
Meanwhile, Mega Man: Dual Override was also available for demo play for the first time in Japan, with many visitors eager to try out the new title.
🎮 Featured Title|Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance (Scheduled for release in 2027)
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is a massive paid expansion (DLC) for the 2025's Monster Hunter Wilds.
In addition to continuing the story from the main game, new quest ranks, fields, and monsters have been added. Weapon actions are also expanded with new features. The game is scheduled for release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
🎮 Featured Title|Mega Man: Dual Override (Scheduled for Spring 2027 Release)
Mega Man: Dual Override is the latest entry in Capcom’s iconic 2D action game series, Mega Man. In addition to the classic action fans know and love, new systems such as “Override”, which greatly enhances abilities, and “Custom Chips”, which allow you to customize your powers, are being introduced.
The game is scheduled for release in Spring 2027. At TGS 2026, it was exhibited as a playable demo for the first time in Japan, where attendees could try out the “Twinkle Girl” stage.
Sanrio|Introducing New Titles from Sanrio Games, Including Sanrio Party Land
Sanrio, the creator of beloved characters like Hello Kitty, made its first appearance at TGS 2026. This marks the Tokyo Game Show debut for Sanrio Games, Sanrio’s first in-house game brand, which launched in April 2026.
At the general exhibition booth, visitors could try out games like Sanrio Party Land and Sanrio Kawaii Me LIVE!. The booth featured a gate decorated with a large ribbon and colorful decorations using various Sanrio characters, fully showcasing the brand’s signature “kawaii” world.
Sanrio Party Land (Scheduled for Release October 29, 2026)
Sanrio Party Land, the first title from Sanrio Games, is a party game for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
In addition to a variety of mini-games, the game also features avatar customization and a sticker book. At TGS 2026, visitors could try out a demo ahead of the October 29 release and experience some of the fun that can be enjoyed with family and friends.
Sanrio Kawaii Me LIVE! (Scheduled for Release January 2027)
Sanrio Kawaii Me LIVE! is a dance and rhythm game for smartphones where you can enjoy music together with Sanrio characters. You can manage character outfits and live stages to create your own “super KAWAII” stage.
A playable demo was also available at TG S2026, and it was later announced that the global release is scheduled for January 2027. The game will be available on the App Store and Google Play.
New Horizons for Japanese Games Seen at the 30th Anniversary Tokyo Game Show
At this year’s TGS, beloved Japanese series such as Final Fantasy, Persona, Gundam, Monster Hunter, and Mega Man showcased new titles, further expanding their reach.
Meanwhile, new developments were also seen, such as Sanrio making its first appearance as Sanrio Games. The evolution of long-loved series and the challenge of attracting new players, being able to experience both is part of what makes TGS so appealing.
If any of the titles caught your interest, be sure to keep an eye out for future updates.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 Event Overview
Dates
[Business Days]
- Thursday, September 17, 10:00–17:00
- Friday, September 18, 10:00–17:00
[Public Days]
- Saturday, September 19, 9:30–17:00
- Sunday, September 20, 9:30–17:00
Venue
Makuhari Messe (Exhibition Halls 1–11, International Conference Hall) / TKP Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hall
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