Nintendo announced yesterday that they will publish the role-playing game Yo-Kai Watch, which has been something of a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
The 3DS game, published by Nintendo, centers on a boy who gets a special watch that lets him befriend and help mischievous Yo-kai and later summon them to fight other Yo-kai. Players can overcome challenges and help various characters solve everyday problems with the help of Yo-kai friends. These eccentric Yo-kai resemble anything from inanimate objects to mythical creatures.
After the 2013 launch in Japan, the Nintendo 3DS game became a top seller and was well-received by both critics and players. Along with the anime and manga, the Yo-Kai Watch phenomenon evoked wide-spread popularity and demand for the brand among children.
“With sales of more than 7 million units in Japan, Yo-Kai Watch is coming to the U.S., where a new audience will be able to experience this irresistible franchise for the first time,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid, parent, fan or fan-in-the-making: Everyone will be won over by this charming game.”
Yo-Kai Watch is launching in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Korea, demonstrating its global demand and appeal. Beyond video games, manga and anime television shows, YO-KAI WATCH has generated more than $1 billion in retail sales of toys and other merchandise in Japan, not counting games, music or publishing.
The game will be released in both retail and in the Nintendo eShop, though no release date has been set.
