Tokyo Game Show 2026 - Preview

I've already settled on my Big Two. 

When the doors open on day one of Tokyo Game Show 2026, I'll head straight for either Stranger Than Heaven or Final Fantasy VII Revelation. On day two, I'll head directly to whichever I didn't play the day prior. 

I always like to decide on my Big Two in advance. Two games that I'm keen on and which are guaranteed to attract longer lines as the days wear on. My Big Two are usually AAA big-hitters housed at the biggest booths, because I like big shiny things, bloated budgets, bright colours and loud sounds. I'm pretty simple like that.

So, I'll head for Sega Atlus and Square Enix. However, after that, I'm lacking a concrete plan. I've had a good look through the exhibitor's TGS websites, and not a great deal jumps out, at least not to me, and I haven't heard of any rumours of yet-to-be-announced titles. Maybe it's just one of those years? But don't worry, half the fun comes from not having a complete plan and being forced to look for something a little different.

I love Tokyo Game Show, even when it doesn't have any games (for me).

TGS runs from 9/17-18 for business and press, and 9/19-21 for the general public. This will be the first time that the show is open for five days instead of the usual four, as TGS celebrates its 30th anniversary. I've attended exactly half of that thirty, because I'm old and I like video games. I first attended in 2006, with 2009 being the first time I attended on the industry days; I've been there most years since. It's quite possible that there will be attending members of the press who weren't even born the first time I went to TGS, and frankly I'm embarrassed for them. Fucking babies.

I'll be there this Thursday and Friday and will keep you updated on my adventures here and over on Bluesky.

As already established, I'll be heading for Sega Atlus when the doors open on day one or two, to get my hands on Stranger Than Heaven. Sega usually has one of the biggest and most popular booths, and this year looks to be no different. You quickly learn to avoid Sega's corner of the exhibition centre, if you need to move quickly from one end of the halls to the other, as it's always congested. Punters tend to congregate there to gawk at Yakuza cuties or Sonic and his mates doing a dance, despite an army of exasperated booth staff holding up signs pleading that you don't loiter. Anyway, Stranger Than Heaven will be the main focus, but Persona 4 Revival will also pull in the crowds, and Crazy Taxi: World Tour will be playable.

Capcom have had a belter, but this year's TGS is shaping up to be quieter than usual. The main draws are a pair of expansions, Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance and Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen, and I can't say I'm dying to revisit either of them. I'm sure Mega Man Dual Overdrive will be a big deal to some people, just not me. I'm a little disappointed to see games from last year making another featured appearance, including some that are already out, including Pragmata and Onimusha. This will likely be the fourth consecutive TGS where I've played Street Fighter 6. Though, to be fair, that's a tradition I'm quite happy to maintain.

I was delighted to learn that Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy VII Revelation, and I'll be interested to see what series merchandise will be revealed. I need to know the shape of the crap I'll be "winning" in the Lawson lottery next year! Final Fantasy Resonance will also be playable, as will Romancing SaGa 3, but that one is none of my business. Somehow there are no new Dragon Quest games? 

Castlevania Belmont's Curse will be playable at Konami, and Bandai Namco is bringing Ace Combat 8. Koei Tecmo is always good for at least one demo that is guaranteed to kick your arse, and this year it'll be Wo Long 2. You get a free t-shirt if you can beat the end-of-demo boss - they've probably only printed off half a dozen, which'll be plenty! Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will be playable again, and the Level 5 website lists a fancy faux-leather mouse mat as a demo giveaway. Hopefully that isn't an AI hallucination, as I do need a replacement for my Age of Empire Rise of Rome mat.

As you know, Nintendo doesn't attend TGS, and while Xbox won't have a physical presence, they will be hosting a TGS stream on 9/17. PlayStation will be present, but the booth will mostly serve as an alternative spot to play demos that are available elsewhere, such as FFVII Revelation and Monster Hunter. The indie area is guaranteed to be lively and confusing in equal measure.

Once I'm sick of lining up to play computer games - around 2 p.m. each day - I'll head for the merchandise hall, as I really need some new ugly t-shirts. If it's got a picture of a Sega Saturn, Katamari, Moogle or some version of MGS Snake on it, I'll be into it. Figuratively and literally.

I'll let you know how it goes.