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Namco

Namco operates as a games, film, and hobby group. In the stories it is releasing CODE VEIN II's Mask of Idris DLC and Ver.2.0 update on September 9, 2026, and publishing Ondeh Ondeh: Kaya's Umami Great Adventure with Metronomik for 2027.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Sep 12

Bandai Namco Entertainment's release slate runs from immediate launches to 2027. CODE VEIN II received the paid Mask of Idris expansion and the free Ver.2.0 update on September 9, 2026, adding the Discarded World, a new buddy, post-story exploration and a Trial of Memories battle mode. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2 with the largest online mode in the series. Gundam Rogue Orbit was dated for March 5, 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, sharing a world with Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 showed custom avatars and an Android race for 2027, while Digimon Story: Time Stranger's Legacy of Heroes DLC, The Blood of Dawnwalker on September 3 and THE IDOLM@STER TOURS Second Stage on August 6 round out the games side.

Film and event work continued in the same period. Bandai Namco Filmworks set the fifth Girls und Panzer das Finale film for October 9, the Maebashi Witches compilation film for October 23 and a January 2027 concert for the group. The new Ghost in the Shell television anime, from Science SARU, added Chikahiro Kobayashi as Lee in its eighth episode, and Mobile Police Patlabor REBOOT streamed for one day on YouTube starting August 11. The life-size Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba ran its final ten days of display from August 22 to August 31.

Hobby and arcade lines moved as well. Bandai Spirits announced ABSOLUTE ACT with a Strike Freedom Gundam figure for March 2027, added Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon to the 30 Minutes Missions kit line for February 2027, and Builders Note set four Gunpla reissues through a lottery. Bandai Namco Amusement America is taking the hololive English -Justice- City Groove pop-up store to five US cities from September 2026 through March 2027. BeXide's NAMCO LEGENDARY Mountains adds versus modes in Ver1.2.0.

At the staff level, Kohei Ikeda left Bandai Namco Studios in June after 20 years and joined VS Studio SNK in August. The company also appears among the registered companies for MeetToMatch's Tokyo Game Show 2026 edition.

Key facts

CODE VEIN II DLC release
Mask of Idris expansion and free Ver.2.0 update released on September 9, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Ace Combat 8 release
Launches October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam
Gundam Rogue Orbit release
March 5, 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 platforms
Planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam in 2027
Digimon Story: Time Stranger DLC
Legacy of Heroes DLC scheduled for 2027 on PlayStation 5
Ondeh Ondeh announcement
Announced during the September 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, developed by Malaysian studio Metronomik
Ikeda departure
Kohei Ikeda left Bandai Namco Studios in June after 20 years and joined VS Studio SNK in August
Girls und Panzer film 5 date
Girls und Panzer das Finale film 5 opens in Japan on October 9
Unicorn Gundam statue
Final ten days of display from August 22 to August 31, with the video UNICORN GUNDAM Statue - BEYOND POSSIBILITY -
hololive pop-up store
Bandai Namco Amusement America and hololive English -Justice- City Groove runs in five US cities from September 2026 through March 2027

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Connections

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/namco. CC BY 4.0.

All coverage

3d ago

Idolmaster XR Live Team Details Chihaya Budokan Concert at TGS

A Tokyo Game Show session on September 18 brought together four people behind Chihaya Kisaragi's solo Nippon Budokan concert OathONE, held January 24 and 25. Yukiyoshi Yoshimoto of Bandai Namco Entertainment, Nobuaki Kazoe of REZ&, Akira Nakano of Sony Group and Takahiro Kozuki of Sony PCL explained the roles their companies played. The set used a 360-degree center stage, motion capture and Unreal Engine rendering.

4d ago

Bandai Namco Announces Balance Adjustments For Nine Inibo Units At TGS 2026

At Tokyo Game Show 2026, Bandai Namco Experience announced a balance update for Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 Infinite Boost, scheduled for October 1. Nine existing units are being adjusted. Strike Gundam gets overhauled charge shots per form plus new melee attacks, Hecate gains block bits, and Star Build Strike Gundam gets changes centered on the Star Beam Cannon with new actions. Guncannon and Hyaku Shiki also appeared in the update visual. The remaining four units will be revealed later.

4d ago

Ace Combat 8 Returns to Tokyo Game Show with Three Playable Missions

Bandai Namco Entertainment brought ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE to Tokyo Game Show 2026 as a playable build inside a five-title booth in Hall 5. The demo offers three missions, and the article's author chose "11 Maximum Payload," an air-to-air sortie against a group of intercontinental transport aircraft called Podarge, which fly with electronic warfare aircraft that jam radar.

4d ago

Bandai Namco Gives Out Zangetsu Balloons For BLEACH Mirrors High At TGS2026

Bandai Namco Entertainment is exhibiting the smartphone game BLEACH Mirrors High at its booth at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held from Thursday, September 17 to Monday, September 21. Visitors to the booth receive a Zangetsu-shaped balloon, and the booth also offers novelties obtained through trial play experiences and other activities. BLEACH Mirrors High carries an original story set after BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War.

4d ago

ONE PIECE Ocean's Delicacy Restaurant Demo Gives Cutlery Set at TGS2026

Bandai Namco Entertainment will hand out a cutlery set to visitors who try ONE PIECE Ocean's Delicacy Restaurant at its Tokyo Game Show 2026 booth. The set carries a design of the Straw Hat crew taking a breather. Quantities are limited and distribution ends when stock runs out. The demo lets players try part of the basic gameplay, including developing dishes and coordinating the restaurant's interior.

5d ago

Bandai Namco Cross Store And THE GUNDAM BASE Open At Mall Of America

Bandai Namco Amusement America and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles will open Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis and THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis at Mall of America on September 30, 2026. Both are the second U.S. locations for their retail concepts. The Cross Store carries 15 official shops and brands, including BANDAI CARD GAMES OFFICIAL STORE, GASHAPON BANDAI OFFICIAL SHOP, and TAMASHII NATIONS, and offers gifts with purchase.

5d ago

Seventh Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 Film Reveals Main Trailer

Bandai Namco Filmworks revealed the main trailer and main visual for Nijiiro no Rinne, the seventh film in Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199, on Friday. Character designer Nobuteru Yuki drew the main visual. The film opens in theaters in Japan on October 30. The sixth film, Aoi Meikyu, opened on June 26. Crunchyroll streams the anime as Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199.

6d ago

Tank Chair Anime Adds Megumi Ogata as Sensei in Second Promo Video

Bandai Namco Filmworks released the second main promotional video for the Tank Chair anime and confirmed Megumi Ogata as the voice of Sensei, described as the founder of the Academy. Ogata will appear at an advanced screening at Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas on September 24. The series premieres October 4 on Tokyo MX, then BS11, CBC, and MBS, with Kodansha USA Publishing handling the license.

Sep 16

EDWIN And ACE COMBAT 8 Apparel Line Lands September 17 With Three Items

EDWIN will release three apparel items tied to the flight shooting game ACE COMBAT 8 on September 17, made with VALLEY APPAREL L.L.C. and Dickies. The lineup is a reversible MA-1 flight jacket at 39,600 yen, a short-sleeve T-shirt at 6,600 yen, and a Dickies short-sleeve work shirt at 11,000 yen, all tax included.

Sep 16

Gundam Rogue Orbit Launch Date Set For March 5, 2027

Bandai Namco Entertainment is running a collaboration campaign between GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT and SD Gundam G Generation Eternal from September 16 to September 16, 2027. Entering a promotion code listed on the GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT official page grants a Premium Gasha Ticket in SD Gundam G Generation Eternal. The campaign marks the decision to release GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT on March 5, 2027.

Sep 16

Gundam Rogue Orbit Developers Detail High-Speed Action and Worldwide Aim

Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the action game GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on March 5, 2027. Producer Yuya Tomiyama and director Yoshiyuki Serizawa, the latter at Bandai Namco Studios, gave a joint media interview timed to a preview play session. The project began under a mission to deliver a Gundam work to game users worldwide, and the team landed on the concept of Gundam versus extraterrestrial lifeforms. Players pilot the Gundam Helix against a giant enemy called Apocalypse, and the game leans on close-range combat over the long-range weapons typical of the series. Serizawa said the aim is to give players worldwide an ace pilot experience, following the sequence of boarding, cockpit entry, briefing, and catapult launch. A full story run is estimated at around 20 hours. A three-player co-op mission unlocks after the story is cleared.

Sep 15

4Gamer Sets Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 Infinite Boost Stage At TGS 2026

4Gamer will host a stage event for Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 Infinite Boost at its Tokyo Game Show 2026 booth on September 19, 2026, from 15:15 to 15:45. Voice actress Tomomi Isomura is MC, with game center employee and esports caster Nakao as guest. They will present the game and its latest information, and the stage will stream live on the YouTube channel 4GamerSP.

Sep 15

ACE COMBAT 8 Trailer Sets Story in July 2029 Strangereal

Bandai Namco Entertainment released a story trailer and new details for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, set for October 2 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The prologue is set in July 2029 in Strangereal, where the Federated Central Usean Republic loses its main forces to a surprise invasion by the Republic of Sotoa. PROJECT ACES handles development. The trailer confirms three characters and the original FA-36 Game.

Sep 14

Bandai Resolicits JoJo World Capsule Figures From 2022 And 2025 Runs

Bandai is reselling two sets of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Capsule Figure Collection gashapon, tied to illustrations from JOJO WORLD 2 and JOJO WORLD 3. Each set has six types at 700 yen per play, scheduled for the third week of September 2026. The JOJO WORLD EDITION matches the November 2022 release; the JOJO WORLD 3 EDITION matches the April 2025 release. Both are sold at Bandai Namco Amusement.

Sep 13

Idolm@ster SideM Gets Film for November 20 and Switch Console Game

The Idolm@ster SideM franchise announced a film, Gekijō-ban Idolm@ster SideM F@ntastic Battle Fes ~Who goes first~, opening in Japan on November 20. Bandai Namco Entertainment is planning and presenting it, with Takanori Urui directing at hotarubi / SIKAKU. D3 Publisher and Bandai Namco also announced a console game for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, an adventure game where the player schedules 16 units and 49 idols.

Sep 13

Bandai Namco Opens SideM Console Game Project For Switch And Switch 2

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on September 13 that a console game project has begun for The Idolmaster SideM, the branch of The Idolmaster franchise whose producible idols are all male. The game is in development for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with the official title and release timing to be announced later. Players take the role of a Producer at 315 Production and work with 49 idols across 16 units in what the announcement calls an idol producing and scheduling adventure. The story shares the worldview of the SideM brand page on The Idolmaster portal site but is a new story written for the game, following the idols toward a large-scale live concert one year away. At the start, the player picks one of the 16 units as the leader unit for that concert, and the story and conversations change depending on the choice. The concert concept is MMM.

Sep 9

Bandai Namco Announces Ondeh Ondeh: Kaya's Umami Great Adventure for 2027

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia announced Ondeh Ondeh: Kaya's Umami Great Adventure during the Nintendo Direct streamed on September 9, 2026. The game is a rhythm action title developed by Malaysian studio Metronomik, and it is scheduled for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2. The protagonist, Kaya, aims to become a World Builder, a figure who creates worlds. To reach that goal, she travels through islands filled with rhythm, solving mysteries and taking on trials along the way. The central mechanic is a Magic Spoon that gives rhythm to whatever it scoops. Footage shown during the presentation included scenes of the spoon moving giant objects. The game combines rhythm-based play with puzzle-solving, as Kaya uses both timing and insight to overcome the challenges on each island. The announcement came as part of the broader Nintendo Direct 2026.9.9 showcase, which included multiple third-party and first-party reveals.

Sep 9

CODE VEIN II DLC Mask of Idris and Update Ver.2.0 Launch

Bandai Namco Entertainment released the Mask of Idris expansion DLC and free update Ver.2.0 for CODE VEIN II on September 9, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The DLC is set in the Discarded World and adds the Mask of Passion, a sage voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto, two bosses, and new gifts for two-handed swords and gunblades. Update Ver.2.0 adds post-story exploration with buddies.

Sep 8

Gundam Rogue Orbit Previews Detail Fast Melee Combat and Over-Rise Power

Bandai Namco Entertainment's Gundam Rogue Orbit is shaping up as a melee-first action game, according to hands-on previews published September 8, 2026. The game launches March 5, 2027 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Previewers played roughly 30 to 45 minutes across two missions: Rail Control Battle, a tutorial-style stage against a molten boss called Giant, and Instinct, a solo fight against a dragon-like boss named Drake. Combat centers on three preset mech assemblies: the Assault Sword, a short-range attacker with a grappling-hook Anchor ability; the Whip Sword, which switches between sword and whip modes; and the Sword Lance, a mid-range build that gains power with distance. A shared Tactical Gauge powers both the offensive Tactical Skill and the cancel-any-action Tactical Move dodge. Building the G.U.N.RISE gauge unlocks Over-Rise, a temporary state previewers describe as near-invincible, with auto-dodging and an AP Unit Burst finisher. The game also includes part-breaking boss fights and online co-op for up to three players.

Sep 8

BeXide Announces TGS2026 Lineup With Playable Puzzle and Video Exhibit

BeXide announced on September 8 that it will exhibit at Tokyo Game Show 2026, which runs September 17-21 at Makuhari Messe, and opened a dedicated TGS2026 site. The company's booth in Hall 3-N06 shows two new titles. NAMCO LEGENDARY Mountains, a 3D puzzle game built around Namco arcade characters including Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Xevious, Mappy, and the Tower of Druaga, gets a playable demo of the versus mode added in an August update. Memory of Memorie: A Chill Story, a work-with-me adventure where magic apprentice Memorie studies beside the player during desk work, gets a video exhibit with a photo spot. The booth hands a special uchiwa fan to all visitors, a postcard to those who bought the game or added it to a wishlist, and can badges to X followers who repost a target post. BeXide also sells the Doko Demo Issho calendar 2027 at two other booths for 1,500 yen.

Sep 3

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Trailer Shows Custom Avatars, New Android Race

Bandai Namco Entertainment released a new trailer for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 during Sony's State of Play livestream on September 3. The video, titled "Fight Your Own Way," introduces the game's character creation system and confirms a new Android race among six playable options: Earthling, Saiyan, Namekian, Frieza Race, Majin, and Android. Players will customize a fighter's appearance, inherit techniques from Super Fighters, and choose a fighting style based on the moves of 130 heroes. The game is set in AGE 1000, where a mysterious hero arrives with no memory and meets a new generation of heroes who are university students in West City. The cast includes original characters Brett, Lilica, ROM, and Tap, alongside franchise figures like Bulma and Gamma 1. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is planned for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2027. The project was first teased under the codename "Age 1000" and has been in development for about six to seven years. Bandai Namco announced the joint project with Toei Animation in January.

Sep 3

Digimon Story: Time Stranger DLC Legacy of Heroes Arrives in 2027

Bandai Namco Entertainment unveiled a new trailer for the large DLC "Legacy of Heroes" for "Digimon Story: Time Stranger" during the official "State of Play 2026.9.3" broadcast on September 3, 2026. The DLC is scheduled for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, as announced during the program that introduces new PlayStation-related information. The expansion depicts a world set three years after the events of the main game. The trailer shows a boy adventuring across a vast world, exploring a new map while riding Digimon, and fighting alongside new partners. A completely new narrative unfolds with a new protagonist. The DLC adds approximately 50 new Digimon, with further details scheduled to be revealed at a later date. The beginning of the trailer includes content from the main game, prompting the official Digimon Game account to caution players who have not yet finished the main story. The base game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, and is an RPG where the player becomes an agent of a secret organization adventuring across the human world and the digital world of Ilias.

Sep 3

Gundam Rogue Orbit Launches March 5, 2027 on PS5, Xbox, and PC

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced during the September 3, 2026 State of Play broadcast that Gundam Rogue Orbit, a new action game in the Gundam franchise, will launch on March 5, 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The trailer shown at the event previewed the game's story, characters, and gameplay. Players take on the role of pilot RE-X, who controls the high-mobility Gundam Helix. The cast also includes Sofia, April, the captain of the Stellarvane, Big Paul, a leader of sand pirates, and Elaine, a knight commander and Mobile Suit pilot. The story centers on survival against an unknown enemy, with fast-paced battles against enemy hordes and bosses. The trailer also highlighted extensive customization options, including the ability to change the Gundam Helix's torso, backpack, and head, as well as exterior painting. Producer Yuya Tomiyama detailed the game's features, noting unique skills, weapon types, Tactical Skills, and part swapping that alters gameplay.

Sep 1

Girls und Panzer das Finale Film 5 Trailer Sets October 9 Opening

Bandai Namco Filmworks posted the second trailer and key visual for the fifth film in the six-part Girls und Panzer das Finale series. The film follows Ooarai's semi-final win in the Winter Continuous Track Cup and heads to the finals against St. Gloriana Girls' College, led by Darjeeling, with Alice now on the roster after transferring to face Miho again. It opens in Japan on October 9, screening in Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos, 4DX, and MX4D, the series' first Dolby Cinema engagement.

Sep 1

Code Vein II DLC Mask of Idris Screenshots and Ver.2.0 Details Revealed

Bandai Namco Entertainment revealed new screenshots for the paid expansion DLC Mask of Idris for Code Vein II, along with details on the free update Ver.2.0, both scheduled for release on September 9. The DLC is set in the Abandoned World and features a new buddy character, with an alternate color version of all 14 characters unlocked after clearing the DLC story. The Ver.2.0 update introduces the Age of Harmony, a post-ending mode set after the ending A Miracle Called Fate, where players can explore the world with a favorite buddy and complete short episodes for each character to obtain new blood codes. Players can transition to this mode from a special vestige in Mag Mell using save data that has reached the ending. The update also adds the Trial of Memories, a consecutive battle mode against previously fought bosses and enemies, with over 90 new customization parts as rewards. Yadviga, a buddy character who wields a greatsword, becomes summonable after clearing her episode. A Story-Focused Mode strengthens the player character for easier battles, and a Character Shader option lets players switch between Original and Legacy appearances, the latter closer to the original Code Vein. Photo Mode gains over 30 new poses and 20 new frames, and the Jukebox returns with tracks from Code Vein, Code Vein II, and the God Eater series.

Sep 1

Ace Combat 8 Trailer Reveals Largest Online Mode in Series History

Bandai Namco Entertainment released the online mode trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve on September 1. The mode is positioned as the game's end content and the largest online mode in series history. Players take the role of mercenary pilots gathering at an air base lobby where up to 100 players can connect at once. The main missions are CooP Assault, a PvE mode in which two teams of four cooperate on missions and compete for high scores, and CooP Warfare, a PvPvE mode in which two teams of four fight each other alongside NPC units. CooP Warfare includes a threat level system: surviving without being shot down raises your threat, which increases score gained from kills but also the score given to opponents when you are shot down. Reaching three stars marks a player as an ace aircraft. Special missions include Emergency Sortie, where eight players face the series' signature giant weapons, and Scramble, a four-player fight against NPC rival units. The game launches October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Aug 31

The Blood of Dawnwalker Reveals Skill Trees for Swordplay, Magic, and Vampire Powers

Bandai Namco Entertainment published new details on August 31, 2026 about the skill and ability system in The Blood of Dawnwalker, the open-world dark fantasy action RPG set in 14th century Europe that launches September 3, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The protagonist Coen lives as a human by day and a vampire by night. Skills are divided into three trees: swordplay, magic, and bloodsucking. Swordplay emphasizes precision and timing, with branches that specialize in durability or combo attacks. Magic is usable during the day and includes attack and defense spells, crowd control, damage over time, and buffs and debuffs. Vampire abilities awaken at night and grow stronger as Coen accepts the curse and deepens his mutation, at a cost. Experience comes from defeating enemies, completing quests, discovering hidden places, and beating bosses. Leveling grants skill points, and a single type of point is usable across all three trees, so points earned by day can be spent on night abilities. Learning new abilities requires time in addition to skill points, and each tree has its own unlock method: guide books for swordplay, magic books for magic, and drinking blood to raise the mutation level for vampire powers.

Aug 31

Gunpla Reissue Conference 2026 Summer Picks Four Kits for Lottery Sale

The official Gunpla fan community Builders Note announced four kits for reissue based on voting in the Gunpla Reissue Conference 2026 Summer. A lottery sale runs from August 31 to September 14, 2026, with winners announced September 18. The kits are RE/100 Nightingale and Dijeh, plus RG Johnny Ridden's Zaku II and Force Impulse Gundam SpecII.

Aug 31

Aniplex Takes Over Fate/Extra Record Publishing as Kazuya Niino Leaves Studio BB

Aniplex announced on August 31 that it will now publish Fate/Extra Record, the remake of the 2010 PlayStation Portable game Fate/Extra. The announcement came with a new official website and X account, and the game will also launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in addition to its previously announced platforms. The transfer follows Bandai Namco Entertainment's withdrawal from publishing in March, after the game was delayed from a 2025 release to spring 2026. Development is now handled by Meteorize, with Arco Wada returning as character designer. The same day, Kazuya Niino, who served as studio director of Type-Moon studio BB and as director and planner on Fate/Extra Record, announced he is leaving the studio for personal reasons and has stepped down from the game. He stated he has already left the development site and will remove his name from the staff credits, citing health concerns and a planned break from game development. Niino added that the development team is working toward release and that he is confident the game will reach fans in good form.

Aug 31

Blue Archive Hina and Chinatsu Sitting Figures Land as Banpresto Prizes

Banpresto is releasing Blue Archive sitting figures of the Gehenna Discipline Committee's Hina and Chinatsu. Hina appears sequentially from September 8, 2026, and Chinatsu from September 10, 2026. Each crane game prize measures about 11 cm and comes in a chibi-style flat seated pose. Ako and Iori are scheduled for the following month.

Aug 30

Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra Shifts to Third-Person View in Year-End Renewal

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 30 that Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra will undergo a renewal in Season 8 at the end of this year. The update changes the camera from top-down to third-person view, simplifies the victory condition to collecting more Dragon Balls within the time limit, and reworks the role system.

Aug 28

Hololive English -Justice- Pop-Up Store City Groove Heads to Five US Cities

Bandai Namco Amusement America and hololive English -Justice- will launch the POP-UP STORE -City Groove in September 2026. The limited-time event visits five US cities through March 2027, offering exclusive merchandise, a mini game, and photo opportunities. Each stop features newly illustrated city-pop inspired artwork created for the event.

Aug 28

Maebashi Witches Compilation Film Trailer Previews October Opening

Bandai Namco Filmworks released the main trailer and key visual for the Maebashi Witches compilation film, Gekijōban Maebashi Witches: Majo Minarai no Emoemories. The film opens in Japan on October 23, with director Junichi Yamamoto, scriptwriter Erika Yoshida, and composer Yuri Habuka returning. The group also announced a solo concert for January 2027.

Aug 28

New Ghost in the Shell Anime Casts Chikahiro Kobayashi as Lee

Bandai Namco Filmworks announced that Chikahiro Kobayashi plays Lee in the eighth episode of the new Ghost in the Shell television anime from Science SARU. The staff also shared the episode's end card, illustrated by animator and director Shingo Natsume. The series premiered on July 7 on the new Ka-Anival!! programming block from Kansai TV and Fuji TV.

Aug 28

Koki Ino Takes Over Kanon Himeno Role in The Idolmaster SideM

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 28, 2026 that voice actor Koki Ino will succeed Ayumu Murase as the voice of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM. Murase's graduation from the role was announced on August 18, following amicable discussions between both parties about the character's future. Ino expressed his intention to cherish what has been built so far while giving his best in the role. A special live stream to welcome Ino is scheduled for September 1 at 19:00 JST on YouTube and Niconico Live. The stream will feature Shugo Nakamura as Teru Tendo, Sho Kano as Yukihiro Kamiya, Shogo Yano as Nao Okamura, Keisuke Furuhata as Shiro Tachibana, and Ino as Kanon Himeno. During the program, staff will announce Kanon Himeno's future voice schedule and share details about the event 315 Production presents FANTASIC BATTLE FES ~Wanna step in~. The announcement notes that existing audio in 315 Production episodes will not be replaced for now, though some audio may be replaced in future operations. Ino will appear in the upcoming FES performances and related content announced after August 28.

Aug 28

MeetToMatch Business Matching Event Returns for Tokyo Game Show 2026

MeetToMatch will hold its sixth annual Tokyo Edition from September 17 to 20, 2026, during the Tokyo Game Show 2026 period. The event connects Japanese game companies with overseas counterparts through pre-arranged business meetings. Japan-based companies can participate free of charge, with registration available on the dedicated website. Last year, 571 companies from 45 countries took part, including 120 Japanese firms, and 93% of meetings involving Japanese companies were with overseas partners. So far in 2026, 361 companies have registered on the platform, among them Bandai Namco Entertainment, Sega, Kodansha, Shochiku, Colopl, Drecom, G-mode, Kotobuki Solution, Crunchyroll K.K., 505 Games Japan, Active Gaming Media, Toylogic, and Chorus Worldwide. Meetings can be held at Makuhari Messe booths, public spots, rented rooms, restaurants, or online via Zoom, Google Meet, or a proprietary time-zone-adjusting system. Shochiku's Hiroaki Ishige noted that the most common contact he receives at conferences is from people who found him through MeetToMatch. The service is independent of Tokyo Game Show and not an official TGS offering.

Aug 27

Namco Legendary Mountains Adds Two Versus Modes in Ver1.2.0

BeXide released Ver1.2.0 for the 3D puzzle game NAMCO LEGENDARY Mountains on August 25, 2026, adding two versus modes: Score Attack and Voxel Race. In both modes, dropping voxels does not cause a game over, and players can practice alone if no opponent is available. Score Attack awards the win to the player with the most points within a time limit, while Voxel Race tasks players with creating the largest voxel faster than their opponent, with the ability to restart while keeping the largest voxel. The update also enables online play with others via Steam's Remote Play Together and Nintendo Switch 2's Share Play, even if the other player does not own the game. To mark the update, a 20% off sale runs until September 6, dropping the price from 2,480 yen to 1,984 yen on Steam, Switch 2, and Switch. Switch owners can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for 330 yen. Additional campaigns include a Collection Room Design Contest on X with daily gacha points, and a follow-and-repost campaign offering Steam download codes to 10 winners. The versus modes will be playable at gamescom 2026 and Tokyo Game Show 2026.

Aug 27

ABSOLUTE ACT Strike Freedom Gundam Debuts at TOKYO Toy Show 2026

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.

Aug 23

Code Vein II's 'Mask of Idris' DLC Debuts on September 9

Bandai Namco Entertainment America announced the 'Mask of Idris' DLC for Code Vein II will debut on September 9, and began streaming a teaser trailer the same day. The sequel launched on January 30 (January 29 in Japan) for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game follows a Revenant Hunter guided by Lou, who can travel into the past to rewrite fate.

Aug 22

Gundam EXVS.2 Infinite Boost Adds Ashtaron Hermit Crab and Black Knight Squad Carla

Bandai Namco Entertainment will add two new units to Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 Infinite Boost. Gundam Ashtaron Hermit Crab from After War Gundam X arrives September 1 as a cost 2500 all-rounder. Black Knight Squad Carla from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM joins September 16 as a cost 3000 all-rounder. The September 1 patch also adjusts 10 existing units and refines the Gundam F91 model. A championship tournament is planned for GUNDAM-Con2027.

Aug 18

Kohei Ikeda Joins SNK's VS Studio After Leaving Bandai Namco

Kohei Ikeda, the game director known for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, announced on August 18 that he has joined VS Studio SNK. Ikeda, also known by the nickname Nakatsu, left Bandai Namco Studios in June after 20 years at the company. He began his career at Enterbrain before moving to Bandai Namco, where he worked on numerous titles, especially the Tekken series, serving as game director and development producer for Tekken 8. VS Studio SNK is a development studio established in May with support from SNK. Its CEO is Katsuhiro Harada, who worked on the Tekken series with Ikeda and left Bandai Namco Studios in 2025. Yuichi Yonemori, another Tekken series veteran, is also part of the studio as CCO. In an X post, Ikeda said working on game development again with his two former bosses feels nostalgic and full of excitement from creating something new, and that he is very fulfilled. The game currently in development at VS Studio SNK has not been announced yet.

Aug 10

Patlabor REBOOT Streams for One Day on YouTube Starting August 11

Bandai Namco Filmworks will stream the anime Mobile Police Patlabor REBOOT on its official YouTube channel for 24 hours starting at 9 PM on August 11. The short film, directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura and produced by Studio Khara, will also be available on U-NEXT from noon on August 14.

Aug 10

Unicorn Gundam Statue Finale Show Screens for 10 Days From August 22

Bandai Namco Filmworks will run a special video, "UNICORN GUNDAM Statue - BEYOND POSSIBILITY -", at the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba from August 22 to August 31, the statue's final day of display. The 10-day finale event also includes related exhibitions, campaigns, and a scheduled lineup of nightly projections.

Aug 8

Battle Spirits Anime Marathon Streams All 413 Episodes Live

Bandai Namco Pictures will stream all 413 episodes of the Battle Spirits anime series nonstop on YouTube from August 8 at 9 p.m. through around August 15. The live-only broadcast, with no archive, covers the franchise from Shounen Toppa Bashin to the latest web series Mirage, ahead of the fall premiere of Battle Spirits [Re] Zekkai no Sora.

Aug 6

THE IDOLM@STER TOURS Launches Second Stage Series With Tour Mode on August 6

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced a major update to the arcade game THE IDOLM@STER TOURS, launching the new series Second Stage on August 6, 2026. The update adds Tour Mode, a new gameplay mode focused on touring with an idol, plus the game's first original song, a new UR card rarity, and over 90 newly drawn cards.

Aug 6

Nyanja Town Cat Facility at NAMJATOWN to Close September 30

Bandai Namco Experience announced that Nyanja Town, the cat interaction facility inside the indoor theme park NAMJATOWN, will close on September 30. Operations end with the contract expiration, and the cats will move to P2 Pet World Torias Kuyama Store in Fukuoka Prefecture, managed by P2 and Associates.

Aug 6

Bandai Namco Brings Ace Combat 8 and More to Tokyo Game Show 2026

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 5 that it will exhibit at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe. The company's main booth in Hall 5 will feature playable demos of several upcoming titles, including the latest entry in the Ace Combat series, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, which makes its first appearance at a domestic game event. Also on offer are demos for DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 3, scheduled for release within 2027, and the smartphone game BLEACH Mirrors High, which includes new characters designed by Tite Kubo. The demo for ACE COMBAT 8 requires a numbered ticket distributed at the booth on public days, September 19 to 21. Additional exhibits include ONE PIECE: Ocean's Delicious Restaurant, a simulation game where players manage a sea restaurant, and Tales of Eternia Remastered, which has a reservation campaign for original goods. The Family Game Park at TKP Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hall will host demos for Once Upon a Katamari and Tamagotchi's Petit Petit Omisecchi Omachido~sama! Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. New merchandise for several titles will be sold in advance at the ASOBI STORE satellite location in Hall 11.

Aug 4

Gundam Hathaway's Flash: The Witch of Kirke Hits Prime Video August 31

Bandai Namco Filmworks will distribute the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway's Flash: The Witch of Kirke on Amazon Prime Video in Japan. Rental and purchase distribution starts August 17, and unlimited streaming begins August 31. The film is the second chapter of the Hathaway's Flash trilogy, following the 2021 first film. It is set in U.C. 0105, 12 years after Char's rebellion, and follows Hathaway Noah, leader of the anti-Earth Federation movement Mafty, as he prepares to attack the Adelaide conference. The story also centers on Kenneth Sleg of the Federation Forces, who plans to annihilate Mafty, and Gigi Andalusia, a girl with mysterious powers who departs for Hong Kong. The film was released in Japanese theaters on January 30 and has earned 2.7 billion yen at the box office, surpassing its predecessor. Kensho Ono voices Hathaway, Reina Ueda voices Gigi, and Junichi Suwabe voices Kenneth. Shukou Murase directs, Yasuyuki Muto writes the screenplay, and Hiroyuki Sawano composes the music. The opening theme is SZA's 'Snooze' and the ending theme is Guns N' Roses' 'Sweet Child O' Mine'. Prime Video also offers the first Hathaway's Flash film and Char's Counterattack.