Japan has welcomed two new arcade games based on major anime and manga properties: One Piece Dawn Strike and Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba: Nichirin Battle Slash. While several Western arcade releases have moved into the coming weeks, these contrasting Japanese launches offer a useful look at where location-based anime gaming is heading.
One Piece Dawn Strike brings punch-bag action to the Grand Line
Bandai Namco first revealed One Piece Dawn Strike during a livestream last August. The game updates the punch-bag format associated with Taito titles such as Sonic Blast Man and Real Puncher, placing players in control of Luffy as he battles a series of powerful One Piece villains.
Its cabinet uses a vertical display and 3D presentation, while the overall design is closely related to the 2011 sequel Sonic Blast Heroes. Players physically strike the bag through three rounds, giving the machine a much more active feel than a conventional screen-based anime game.
The footage below demonstrates the three-round structure, attract sequences and cabinet layout.
The Japanese rollout began in stages during July. Bandai Namco has also created a dedicated official page for national rankings, adding a competitive layer for regular players.
An overseas release has not been confirmed. Previous discussions suggested that the prospects were not especially strong, despite One Piece having substantial recognition outside Japan through its manga, anime and Netflix live-action series. Interest in related arcade entertainment has nevertheless been visible, including reports of increased visitors at selected Round1USA locations following a card-game promotion. For now, a Western launch remains possible but uncertain.
Demon Slayer: Nichirin Battle Slash takes a card-based route
Konami’s Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba: Nichirin Battle Slash offers a very different interpretation of anime arcade play. The title was first spotted at Japan’s Amusement Expo last November, where it attracted considerable attention, and it has undergone periodic location testing since then.
The release also arrives as Konami appears to be strengthening its presence in the children’s card-game market. Alongside this Demon Slayer project, the company has tested a rhythm-game-style title featuring Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty.
Rather than asking players to throw punches, Nichirin Battle Slash is built around card-based play and gacha-style rolls. Its standout physical feature is a purpose-built sword controller, which is used during quick-time events. That combination of cards and motion hardware is an example of the kind of tactile interaction an arcade cabinet can provide.
Unfiltered gameplay footage provides a clearer view of how the card battler and sword controller work together.
The game launched in Japan on 9 July. Early online observations have questioned its performance, with some Round1 venues reportedly showing large groups of unused cabinets. That does not establish the game’s overall results, but it does illustrate the challenge of supporting a sizeable dedicated installation.
A Western version has not been announced. Konami is already managing a busy pipeline of games for the United States, although Demon Slayer’s growing international profile could make an overseas test worthwhile. The franchise has benefited from increased Western anime interest, including cinema screenings of its latest film.
Two very different anime arcade strategies
One Piece Dawn Strike relies on immediate physical impact, while Nichirin Battle Slash combines collectible-card mechanics with a specialised controller. Both show how familiar Japanese entertainment brands can be adapted to distinctive arcade formats.
For more coverage of new releases, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers considering a dedicated machine can also compare arcade cabinets, explore upright arcade designs or use the arcade machine buying guide.
Between the two Japanese launches, which game would you most like to see tested in Australia or elsewhere in the West?
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