Revival of Navinosuke
Navinosuke – Buster Yo-kai, Long Lost PokemonThe RPG-inspired title is finally coming to Nintendo Switch. Originally developed in the early 2000s, the game spent more than two decades in obscurity without ever receiving an official release. Now revived and updated for modern players, it will release on Switch in early 2026.
Navinosuke first came back into the spotlight for developer KOHACHI STUDIO in June 2025, when the team announced plans to revive and release the project. Recent attention online has renewed interest in the game, which may have previously been overlooked due to big news about Nintendo hardware dominating conversations at the time.
The film takes place in a fictional version of ancient Japan. Navinosuke follows a young Yo-kai hunter as he investigates strange disturbances spreading across the land. The cause of these events are Yo-kai, supernatural creatures ranging from mischievous to dangerous. Throughout the journey, players encounter over 150 different Yo-kai. Some of them they can befriend and recruit, while others they will have to defeat in battle.
Combat uses a classic turn-based system, complemented by support card mechanics that add an extra layer of strategy. Many Yo-kai can join the player as allies, assisting during battles in ways reminiscent of familiar monster-collecting RPGs. Building a strong and diverse team is key to navigating difficult battles.
With detailed pixel art and deep roots in early 2000s game design, Navinosuke stands out as an exciting revival. The combination of folklore, collection-based gameplay, and carefully modernized systems makes this project worth checking out as its long-awaited release approaches.
