Wahlap is bringing a substantial selection of new and returning arcade games to GTI Asia China Expo 2025. The lineup includes original racing and shooting titles, new Chinese partnerships with Konami, and several games previously shown at AAA 2025.
For Australian operators and collectors, the showcase offers an early look at arcade hardware and software that could influence international distribution over the coming trade-show season. Anyone comparing cabinets for a venue or home collection can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide.
Storm Racer 2
Wahlap and Hong Kong studio 3MindWave are continuing their Storm racing partnership with Storm Racer 2. The sequel updates the series with more advanced Unreal Engine visuals and a new motion-cabinet design, bringing the driving games into a more modern presentation.
The most obvious hardware change is the use of 85-inch vertical screens. The game combines the established Storm Racer format with newer racing-game ideas, while 3MindWave’s visual influence recalls elements associated with Apex Rebels. The official Chinese trailer also shows similarities to the presentation style of Asphalt 9.
Wahlap has confirmed that Storm Racer 2 is intended for international release, although its overseas distribution partners have not yet been announced.
Storm Rider X
A second 3MindWave collaboration expands the Storm Rider series with Storm Rider X. Like Storm Racer 2, it uses vertical screens, but the ride-on vehicles take a different direction: the previous motion bases have been removed and replaced by new lightcycle-style bikes.
The sci-fi-influenced design is a clear departure from the earlier motorcycle presentation. Some translated promotional material appears to suggest four-player online play, but that feature has not been fully confirmed and may reflect a translation issue.
The game is nevertheless expected to build on the preceding Storm Rider release. Wahlap has supplied an official Chinese trailer, while international distribution is planned but not yet assigned to a confirmed partner.
Phantom Vanguard: Modern Combat
Wahlap, Taiwan’s IGS and Gameloft are collaborating again on an arcade adaptation of a mobile game property. Their earlier partnership produced the Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade, Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR and Asphalt Moto Blitz DX lines. The new result is Phantom Vanguard: Modern Combat, based on the Modern Combat first-person shooter series.
This is not a free-roaming arcade FPS. Instead, it is an on-rails lightgun game with a distinctive control system. Two vertical screens are used together, while the patented “gun combo” arrangement allows players to switch between tethered operation and fixed-position play. In some sections the guns remain handheld; in others, players secure them into paired yoke-style holsters.
The English trailer demonstrates how the system works and outlines the game’s other features. Its military science-fiction setting may remind players of games such as Raizing Storm, but the dual-screen format and interchangeable gun positions give it a different mechanical identity.
Phantom Vanguard: Modern Combat is also intended for Western release, though a distributor has not been named.
Jubeat
Wahlap is also partnering with Konami to introduce revised Jubeat cabinets in China. Konami previously displayed new cabinet concepts for Jubeat and Pop’n Music at JAEPO 2020, but those plans disappeared during the COVID period. Five years later, the updated Jubeat design is being shown at GTI before any other territory.
The new cabinets retain the basic form of the 2020 designs while incorporating visible changes. The collaboration also marks a notable return for Wahlap and Konami in China, where Konami has often worked with UNIS in recent years.
Konami has increasingly used overseas markets to introduce arcade products, including Contra Burst and Dance Dance Revolution Stomp Arrows in the United States. At present, the revised Jubeat release is described as China-only, although a strong reception could create opportunities for wider distribution later.
Bombergirl
Konami and Wahlap are bringing another Japanese arcade property to China with Bombergirl. The character-driven take on the Bomberman concept launched in Japan in 2018 and developed into a surprise success, receiving the Rainbow update in 2022 and a PC version the previous year.
The Chinese edition is expected to make several adjustments. Its more suggestive character presentation may be toned down to meet local censorship requirements, while a new card-based feature and WeChat online functions replace Japan’s e-Amusement service. The cabinet design also differs from the Japanese version.
These changes mean the core game should remain recognisable while being adapted for the Chinese market. A preview of the alternate cabinet design has also circulated online.
Additional Wahlap titles
The GTI stand will include more than the four headline announcements. Wahlap will again show its officially licensed Chinese versions of Taiko no Tatsujin, Initial D The Arcade, Maimai DX and Chunithm, with the latest Chinese Chunithm update scheduled to launch at the event.
Recent AAA 2025 titles returning to the display include Alpha Ops VR Strike, Cyberhoop Basketball and Monster Eye 3 Unite, which has also been seen testing in the United States. Card-based attractions include Wahlap’s version of Raw Thrills’ Marvel Contest of Champions and the original Kingdoms Fantasy battler.
Redemption and electromechanical games will be represented by the Ultraman “Wa Game” range, alongside original coin pushers including Jaws and Rocket X.
Potential international distribution
The overseas release plans for Wahlap’s three major original video games remain unsettled. The company has traditionally used exclusive distribution agreements with established arcade manufacturers and distributors rather than relying solely on direct sales. Previous partnerships have included LAI Games, Sega and Amusement Source International.
Based on those earlier arrangements, Storm Racer 2 and Storm Rider X could be candidates for Sega Amusements, while LAI Games may be a possible home for Phantom Vanguard: Modern Combat. Those possibilities are not confirmed, and the responsible partners may become clearer during the next round of industry exhibitions.
Racing enthusiasts can explore RETROCADE’s range of racing arcade machines, while operators planning a broader venue may find the wider arcade machines collection useful for comparison.
GTI Asia China Expo 2025 is set to provide an important first look at Wahlap’s next wave of arcade releases, from large-format racing cabinets and lightgun systems to rhythm, card and redemption games. The key question for international audiences is which of these Chinese debuts will eventually receive confirmed distribution beyond the region.
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