GTI Asia China Expo 2026 is approaching, with Wahlap preparing a broad selection of new and returning arcade releases for the Chinese trade show. The company has published previews in both English and Chinese, with some details appearing only in the latter.
The event begins on 10 September 2026. Here are the main games and amusement products expected on Wahlap’s booth.
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Ignition
The headline attraction is likely to be Bandai Namco’s Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Ignition. This GTI appearance marks the title’s first showing outside Japan, where it had still not launched at the time of the preview.
Announced in early 2025, the racing game has been among the most anticipated new arcade releases. Its arrival in China through Wahlap was confirmed almost a year ago, making GTI Asia China Expo 2026 an important public showcase. Further international news may also emerge during the upcoming special live event scheduled for Friday.
For Australian operators and racing-game fans, the title is one to watch alongside the broader selection of arcade racing simulators.
Battle Through The Heavens
Wahlap will also introduce a new card-battling arcade game based on Battle Through The Heavens, a major Chinese animated television property that has been running since 2018. The game is being developed with Taiwanese arcade specialist IGS.
Its inclusion reflects the continuing importance of card-based amusement games in the Chinese market. Wahlap will also bring back the card version of Raw Thrills and Play Mechanix’s NBA Superstars. At present, a Western release for Battle Through The Heavens appears unlikely.
Pokémon Spot
A further addition to the lineup is Pokémon Spot, a new amusement product that was not included in Wahlap’s initial Chinese preview. The company has released limited information, although the name suggests a game built around finding or identifying objects.
Unlike earlier Pokémon arcade releases from Japan involving Bandai Namco and Marvelous, this project appears to have been produced by Wahlap in partnership with The Pokémon Company. As with many Pokémon amusement products, an Asian release is currently the most likely outcome.
Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade and Moto Blitz DX Plus
Several returning products will join the new releases, including the vertical-screen Plus editions of Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade and Moto Blitz DX. LAI Games is carrying both updated versions in Western markets, with Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade Plus already shipping.
Both games are also scheduled to appear at IAAPA Expo Europe shortly after GTI, before attracting further attention at the main IAAPA event in November. Their compact vertical format may be particularly relevant for venues planning a varied arcade machine selection.
Redemption and Other Returning Games
Wahlap’s booth will extend beyond video games into redemption and family entertainment. One new product is a video redemption game based on the children’s Miraculous cartoon franchise. Developed with IGS, it appears to combine hack-and-slash play with a spinner-based feature.
Amusement Source International’s logo is visible on the cabinet, indicating that the company is expected to distribute the game in the United States. The title is also planned for IAAPA Expo Europe.
Returning games include Demon Hunter 1892 and two active kid-tainment products based on Eggy Party. Wahlap’s preview also confirms that Adrenaline Amusements’ Disney Speedstorm Arcade will make its Chinese debut at the show.
It remains possible that Disney Speedstorm Arcade will use a redesigned cabinet, as happened with NFS Heat Takedown, but no promotional material has confirmed a cabinet change.
What to Watch at GTI Asia China Expo 2026
Wahlap’s preview gives Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Ignition the clearest position as its flagship release, while Battle Through The Heavens and Pokémon Spot show the variety of locally focused licensed amusement products on display.
The returning racing, redemption and family titles should provide a useful snapshot of current arcade trends across China and international distribution markets. Follow RETROCADE’s arcade news and arcade videos for further coverage from the show.
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