Navinosuke – The Yo-kai Buster Revives a Lost Pixel Art RPG for Nintendo Switch
A long-lost gem from the early 2000s is getting a fresh lease of life, as KOHACHI STUDIO brings Navinosuke – The Yo-kai Buster – to the Nintendo Switch.
Originally developed over two decades ago but never officially released to the public, the game has now been completely updated, featuring enhanced visuals and a modernized user interface tailored for today’s players.
KOHACHI STUDIO first announced the game's revival in June 2025, re-igniting excitement among fans of pixel art RPGs, particularly those who enjoy Pokémon-like collection mechanics and strategic gameplay.
Despite the initial announcement being somewhat eclipsed by a major Nintendo hardware release in mid-2025, renewed online discussion has spotlighted Navinosuke’s journey from obscurity to impending release. Set in a fictionalized version of ancient Japan, Navinosuke puts players in the role of a mechanical onmyoji—a spiritual medium—tasked with uncovering the source of supernatural disturbances throughout the land.
As you explore, you’ll encounter over 150 distinct Yo-Kai, supernatural entities from Japanese folklore.
Some will choose to befriend you and join your party, while others must be overcome in battle.
The game’s core combat revolves around a unique turn-based battle system, bolstered by a support card mechanic that introduces additional layers of strategy to each encounter.
Fans of monster collection titles like Pokémon will find familiar ground, as recruiting new Yo-Kai allies to assemble a diverse party lies at the heart of the gameplay experience. One of Navinosuke’s standout features is its meticulously crafted pixel art, merging nostalgic aesthetics with modern polish.
The game is also designed with global players in mind, offering multilingual support in both Japanese and English upon launch.
Whether you’re revisiting the RPGs of the early 2000s or discovering this 'lost' title for the first time, Navinosuke promises a deep, strategic, and visually captivating adventure. Currently scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch in early 2026, Navinosuke – The Yo-kai Buster will be available on the Nintendo eShop.
Stay tuned for more updates as KOHACHI STUDIO prepares to reintroduce this unique Japanese fantasy RPG to a global audience.
Originally developed over two decades ago but never officially released to the public, the game has now been completely updated, featuring enhanced visuals and a modernized user interface tailored for today’s players.
KOHACHI STUDIO first announced the game's revival in June 2025, re-igniting excitement among fans of pixel art RPGs, particularly those who enjoy Pokémon-like collection mechanics and strategic gameplay.
Despite the initial announcement being somewhat eclipsed by a major Nintendo hardware release in mid-2025, renewed online discussion has spotlighted Navinosuke’s journey from obscurity to impending release. Set in a fictionalized version of ancient Japan, Navinosuke puts players in the role of a mechanical onmyoji—a spiritual medium—tasked with uncovering the source of supernatural disturbances throughout the land.
As you explore, you’ll encounter over 150 distinct Yo-Kai, supernatural entities from Japanese folklore.
Some will choose to befriend you and join your party, while others must be overcome in battle.
The game’s core combat revolves around a unique turn-based battle system, bolstered by a support card mechanic that introduces additional layers of strategy to each encounter.
Fans of monster collection titles like Pokémon will find familiar ground, as recruiting new Yo-Kai allies to assemble a diverse party lies at the heart of the gameplay experience. One of Navinosuke’s standout features is its meticulously crafted pixel art, merging nostalgic aesthetics with modern polish.
The game is also designed with global players in mind, offering multilingual support in both Japanese and English upon launch.
Whether you’re revisiting the RPGs of the early 2000s or discovering this 'lost' title for the first time, Navinosuke promises a deep, strategic, and visually captivating adventure. Currently scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch in early 2026, Navinosuke – The Yo-kai Buster will be available on the Nintendo eShop.
Stay tuned for more updates as KOHACHI STUDIO prepares to reintroduce this unique Japanese fantasy RPG to a global audience.
