GTI Asia China Expo 2026 has offered an early look at arcade releases and regional developments expected through late 2026 and into early 2027. Chinese amusement exhibitions often reveal games before their wider international presentation, although overseas availability depends on distribution agreements.
This opening report focuses on Wahlap and Bandai Namco, whose displays were dominated by the latest Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune project. The coverage also includes new Chinese-market games, racing titles and several products with possible international relevance. A producer involved with the racing game has also posted some event photographs.
What is GTI Asia China Expo?
GTI Asia China Expo is one of China’s two major annual amusement trade shows. The other is the slightly larger Asia Amusement & Attractions Expo, held each May. GTI takes place each September at the Pazhou Complex of Guangzhou’s China Import and Export Fair and is the largest event in the organiser’s series.
Information from attendees indicates that this year’s exhibition was approximately half the size of May’s AAA Expo, while still representing a substantial show floor. There were fewer major reveals, and travel problems may have affected some visitors travelling from the United Kingdom.
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Wahlap’s large-scale showcase
Wahlap again occupied an expansive, energetic booth, reflecting the company’s characteristically ambitious approach to Chinese trade shows. Its presentation included new announcements, returning products and several machines aimed specifically at the local market.
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Ignition
The headline attraction was Bandai Namco’s next major Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune instalment. In addition to its eventual Japanese launch, the game has been confirmed for an Asia-wide release, including Wahlap’s Chinese distribution.
Wahlap presented the game with considerable emphasis, including a Toyota GR YARIS as a display vehicle. Members of the development team, including producer Kazuhiro Maeda, also appeared alongside senior Wahlap staff.
There is still no confirmation of a Western release. The Chinese test build already shows regional differences, including the Storm Racer 2 steering wheel and a QR-code scanner instead of the Amusement IC card reader commonly used by online arcade games in China. The build had not yet been translated, and any further changes for other regions remain unknown.
Battle Through The Heavens
Battle Through The Heavens represents the growing Chinese interest in arcade card battlers. The game appears to combine hack-and-slash action with card vending, using an Asian entertainment property that is much better known in its home market than in Australia or other Western territories.
Wahlap and IGS have increasingly explored this format, following examples such as the card feature added to NBA Superstars and the arrival of Minecraft Dungeons Arcade. This particular title is unlikely to receive a Western release, although its cabinet could theoretically be adapted for another game. A similar overseas release, UNIS’s Picture Fantasy, demonstrates that some trading-card arcade products do travel internationally.
Pokémon Spot
Wahlap’s most unexpected announcement was Pokémon Spot, a simple touchscreen experience built around a mobile-phone connection. Players use the linked app to identify Pokémon appearing in a wilderness setting before the timer expires.
The units resemble large interactive kiosks more than conventional arcade cabinets. Wahlap placed them in a dedicated area beside Pokémon statues and standees, separate from the main booth. Event photographs show the dedicated Pokémon display area.
Unlike Wahlap’s earlier Pokémon products, this is an original Wahlap project rather than a Japanese import. Several videos have appeared on BiliBili, while its lack of an official English presence makes an overseas release uncertain.
Disney Speedstorm Arcade
Adrenaline Amusements’ Disney Speedstorm Arcade made its Chinese debut at the show. The cabinet design differs from the version previously seen, although it is not clear whether this represents the shipping Western model or a region-specific configuration.
Adrenaline’s website still displays an older render, and arcade cabinets can change between prototype and production. Wahlap previously sold a different cabinet design for NFS Heat Takedown, so regional adjustments remain possible.
Driving titles such as these sit alongside the broader selection of racing simulators available to arcade operators and collectors.
Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade and Moto Blitz DX Plus
Wahlap and IGS returned with updated versions of Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade and Moto Blitz DX Plus. Their key feature is the previously announced cross-title competition, allowing cars and motorcycles from the two racers to face each other.
Both products are shipping internationally through LAI Games, with Moto Blitz DX Plus arriving slightly ahead of schedule. Wahlap was also expected to display them at IAAPA Expo Europe shortly after this event.
Other Wahlap displays
Additional Wahlap products included returning appearances from Demon Hunter 1892, Monster Eye 3, Phantom Vanguard and Storm Racer 2. Demon Hunter 1892 may receive an international release, while Storm Racer 2 was announced for a United Kingdom debut through Sega Amusements at IAAPA Expo Europe.
The booth also featured the new Miraculous video redemption game from Wahlap and IGS. Its Amusement Source International branding suggests that company may be involved in distribution. The display included promotion for Wahlap’s WEC 2026 championships, rhythm games and the Chinese edition of NBA Superstars.
Bandai Namco puts Wangan first
Bandai Namco’s booth stood directly opposite Wahlap’s and gave almost all of its space to Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Ignition. Unlike some previous Chinese exhibitions, the company did not appear to place other major games alongside it.
Resident Evil 2: Arcade was not shown at this event, despite testing in other regions. The game is nevertheless expected to appear in Western markets before the end of 2026.
What the show tells us
GTI Asia China Expo 2026 highlighted two contrasting sides of the modern arcade market: globally recognised racing brands preparing for broader distribution, and locally focused card, touchscreen and redemption games built around Asian entertainment properties.
For Australian operators and collectors assessing future releases, distribution remains the deciding factor. Cabinet design, payment systems, language support and online infrastructure may all change between the Chinese presentation and any international version. Readers comparing options for a home or commercial setup can also consult RETROCADE’s Arcade Machine Buying Guide and browse the available arcade machines.
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