EVO Japan 2026 has opened in Tokyo, and exA-Arcadia is once again using the major fighting-game event to showcase upcoming arcade releases. The company traditionally spreads its announcements across the show, so the first day offers an early look rather than a complete list.
For Australian arcade fans, exA-Arcadia is an important modern equivalent to the multi-game arcade platforms that helped define the 1990s. Its EXA Board uses compact game cartridges, allowing operators to run multiple titles on one system and bring new releases to venues outside Japan. It is a useful model for operators considering how new content can fit into an arcade machine collection.
EVO Japan has been a leading Japanese fighting-game event since 2018. It grew from EVO’s earlier US roots and found a natural home in Japan’s long-running arcade culture, filling some of the space once associated with competitions such as Tougeki. In recent years, exA-Arcadia has made its booth a regular destination for new fighting-game announcements.
More games are expected to be announced during the remaining days of EVO Japan 2026.
Previously announced exA-Arcadia titles
AVATAR LEGENDS: The Fighting Game
AVATAR LEGENDS: The Fighting Game was first shown in the United States at Amusement Expo International in March. During EVO Japan, exA-Arcadia began testing it in Tokyo yesterday, giving Japanese visitors their first public opportunity to play the game.
The King of Fighters ’98
SNK also confirmed that The King of Fighters ’98 is returning to arcades through exA-Arcadia. The detail appeared in a Tuesday press release covering SNK’s EVO Japan booth alongside other announcements. Further information about the arcade version, including its features and changes, has not yet been officially released.
Day-one announcements
Information on the newly revealed games is currently limited. At this stage, exA-Arcadia has confirmed the projects but has not provided complete details about modes, revisions or other arcade-specific features. The company’s fast input system is an expected common feature, although the final specifications remain to be confirmed.
Neo Double Dragon
Neo Double Dragon is the latest arcade project based on the 1v1 fighting-game interpretation of the series. That version arrived on the NeoGeo MVS in 1995 from Technos Japan and drew on the game’s 1995 NeoGeo MVS release, which itself was connected to the 1994 film.
Beyond the announcement, details are still scarce; exA-Arcadia’s initial information is collected in this Twitter/X post. The EXA LABEL range has often delivered enhanced versions of existing games, so the finished release may receive substantial presentation or gameplay improvements. Whether the film footage in the attract sequence will be remastered remains unknown.
Umineko Golden Fantasia Cross exAceed
Umineko Golden Fantasia is a tag-team fighter adapted from a visual novel series that emerged in the late 2000s. Its Steam version includes 19 fighters, and the game was also released on Xbox 360. It now appears to be returning in a new Cross exAceed edition for exA-Arcadia.
The arcade version has received considerable promotional attention, including coverage from Dengeki Online. Specific changes from earlier versions have not yet been detailed.
Rising Eclipse: Complete Edition
Rising Eclipse: Complete Edition began as a PC and doujin 2D fighter set in a blighted world. Its dormant Facebook page describes the concept, while the original game was last updated in 2017. exA-Arcadia is now preparing it as a substantially upgraded arcade release.
Early footage shows character artwork positioned along the sides of the screen while the game runs in a 4:3 presentation. The same approach may be used for The King of Fighters ’98 and Neo Double Dragon, although that has not been confirmed.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Them’s Fightin’ Herds began life as an indie My Little Pony fan project before developing into an original fighting game. Its cast retains a colourful, cartoon-inspired appearance while expanding beyond ponies to other animal characters.
The exA-Arcadia edition has been announced, but the differences from the existing game are not known. The publisher has not yet outlined which changes will be implemented.
What happens next?
exA-Arcadia is expected to reveal more games during the next day of EVO Japan 2026. For now, these announcements should be treated as early news rather than confirmed release information. Previous EVO Japan reveals have taken time to reach arcades, and some announced titles have still not shipped.
The presence of early-looking hardware and presentation material suggests that several projects may be some distance from release. Major names such as The King of Fighters ’98 and Neo Double Dragon appear likely to attract attention, but final judgements should wait until the games are complete and available. For more arcade industry coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, or explore options for upright arcades and choosing a home arcade machine.
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