Japan’s arcade scene has opened March with three notable developments: the first Japanese tests for Biohazard RE:2 Arcade, location testing for Cotton Rock With You, and the Japanese release of Sega’s compact horse-racing spin-off, StarHorse Party.
Biohazard RE:2 Arcade heads to Japanese tests
The biggest story is Bandai Namco’s lightgun shooter, which is among the most anticipated arcade releases of 2026. The game was previously tested in the UK and United States under the name Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot, before its Japanese version was formally presented at Tokyo Game Show 2025.
Capcom has now confirmed that Japanese location tests will take place during spring through one of Capcom’s Spotlight streams. Bandai Namco has also published further details in a press release, as well as an official website with an English-language option.
The test venues and precise dates have not yet been announced. Promotional information suggests the sessions could begin soon, although a Bandai Namco post indicates late March. The latest trailer is particularly useful because it shows the three stages that were absent from the earlier Western test builds, which contained only two.
Visually, Biohazard RE:2 Arcade continues to look exceptionally polished and could become one of the standout arcade games of the year. The earlier tests did raise concerns about difficulty, with incoming damage sometimes reducing a full health bar to roughly 20 or 10 per cent. It remains to be seen whether that balance has been adjusted for Japan, or whether further changes will follow player feedback.
An appearance at Amusement Expo 2026 would be welcome, but it should not be assumed. Bandai Namco has previously taken time to bring some of its games to Western trade shows; GoldStorm Pirates, for example, was tested in 2023 but did not appear at a Western show until IAAPA 2024.
Cotton Rock With You reaches APM3 testing
Cotton Rock With You has taken a longer path to arcades than first expected. Success announced the sequel to Cotton Rock ’n’ Roll at Tokyo Game Show 2023, with home and arcade releases planned for 2024 across exA-Arcadia and Sega’s APM3 service in Japan. After no release news emerged during 2024, the project returned at Tokyo Game Show 2025 under its current title.
Arcade testing began at the end of February on APM3 cabinets at the announced test locations, including Taito HEY in Akihabara and Mikado.
The arcade edition will not be released for exA-Arcadia, leaving Japan’s APM3 platform as its sole arcade destination. Home versions are still expected alongside the arcade release, so the game is unlikely to include the exclusive content or technical enhancements often associated with an exA conversion. Gameplay footage from the early tests is available below.
Although this title is not coming to exA-Arcadia, the platform has other projects in development. Further announcements are expected as coverage of Amusement Expo 2026 continues. For readers interested in bringing arcade gaming home, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the main cabinet considerations.
StarHorse Party takes Sega’s racing series in a smaller direction
The third update concerns a game that has already launched in Japan rather than one still awaiting testing. Sega’s horse-racing arcade games have a long history in the country, from Derby Owners Club onwards. In recent years, the StarHorse medal series has represented that tradition with large, multi-player installations.
StarHorse Party changes that formula substantially. Instead of the enormous layouts associated with recent entries, Sega has created a smaller arrangement with three player stations positioned back-to-back. A double-sided central monitor and a large LED display complete the cabinet.
The game has also been simplified for a more casual and family-friendly audience, with prominently stylised horses. Sega’s announcement includes additional modes, including a quiz format presented by a performer resembling Takenobu Mitsuyoshi. The series remains closely tied to Japan, but this lighter approach gives StarHorse a different arcade identity.
Three very different Japanese arcade developments
Biohazard RE:2 Arcade is the internationally interesting release, particularly once its Japanese test dates and venues are confirmed. Cotton Rock With You is proceeding through a Japan-only APM3 release, while StarHorse Party shows Sega experimenting with a more compact and accessible format.
For more coverage of arcade hardware, games and industry news, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog or browse the latest arcade machines.
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