Yokai Buster: Navinosuke Set for Early 2026 Release on Nintendo Switch

Kohachi Studio, the indie game development company established in 2023 by former SNK and Irem creative talent, has officially revealed its latest project, Yokai Buster: Navinosuke, slated for a global release on Nintendo Switch in early 2026.

This announcement comes alongside news of their other anticipated run 'n gun title, Black Finger Jet. Yokai Buster: Navinosuke revives a lost Game Boy Advance game originally developed two decades ago but never published.

The project is spearheaded by celebrated artist Akio Oyabu, known for his acclaimed work on iconic franchises such as Metal Slug and R-Type.

This marks a significant return for both Oyabu and the project's veteran team, aiming to bring a long-conceived vision to a modern gaming audience via Nintendo Switch and potentially the eShop. In officially released materials, the story of Yokai Buster: Navinosuke follows a courageous onmyoji, a practitioner of Japanese spiritual arts, who must defend the mythical land of Zipangu against an onslaught of malevolent yokai.

Players will gather an array of yokai spirits—referred to as Shikigami—to build a team and engage in strategic, turn-based battles against supernatural foes.

Early previews showcase a traditional top-down exploration style, reminiscent of classic RPGs, combined with robust turn-based combat mechanics. “We are excited to finally bring a game concept we've cherished for years to a worldwide audience,” said a representative from Kohachi Studio, echoing sentiments shared with Japanese games media. The development team has confirmed that Yokai Buster: Navinosuke will include full support for both Japanese and English languages at launch, extending its accessibility to international fans.

A bilingual trailer and a range of gameplay screenshots have been made available, offering glimpses of yokai such as Zenko (Kitsune), Gashadokuro, and Tengu—all of which possess unique attributes and combat skills within the game.

Character details and their corresponding lore can also be found on the game’s official website. With Akio Oyabu’s artistic direction, the game aims to appeal to fans of legendary franchises like Metal Slug and R-Type while establishing its own identity rooted in Japanese folklore.

The 2026 release of Yokai Buster: Navinosuke for Nintendo Switch not only marks a milestone for Kohachi Studio but rekindles interest in classic game design, enriched with modern storytelling and accessibility. For further updates regarding Yokai Buster: Navinosuke’s development, release details, and added features, follow Kohachi Studio via official channels and keep an eye on future Nintendo Direct showcases and eShop announcements.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Game Boy Game Boy Advance Switch Metal Slug Yokai Buster: Navinosuke Kohachi Studio Akio Oyabu R-Type