Bandai Namco Files Trademark for 'Once Upon a Katamari' in Europe: Possible New Katamari Game for Nintendo Switch?

Bandai Namco Files Trademark for 'Once Upon a Katamari' in Europe: Possible New Katamari Game for Nintendo Switch? Bandai Namco, a leading Japanese game developer and publisher known for its diverse catalog of popular franchises, has recently fueled new excitement among Nintendo Switch fans by filing a trademark for 'Once Upon a Katamari' in Europe.

This trademark filing, which occurred toward the end of February 2025, has reignited hopes within the gaming community for a fresh entry in the beloved Katamari series—famous for its unique, whimsical gameplay that has captivated players for over two decades. The Katamari series made its debut in 2004 with "Katamari Damacy" on PlayStation 2, quickly earning a cult following thanks to its innovative mechanics.

Since then, the franchise has expanded across multiple platforms, including the highly acclaimed remaster "Katamari Damacy REROLL," which released for Nintendo Switch, other consoles, and PC.

The Switch version in particular has introduced a new generation to Katamari's joyful, unconventional world, seeing a strong response on the eShop and positive reviews from both gamers and critics alike. Verified records indicate that Bandai Namco has a track record of trademarking its intellectual properties before making official announcements, especially during the Nintendo Switch era.

With this pattern in mind, the new 'Once Upon a Katamari' trademark is raising expectations for potential developments—though, as of yet, no official game or announcement has been revealed by the publisher. Notably, this isn’t the only recent legal move by the company; alongside the Katamari filing, Bandai Namco has also registered a trademark for 'Gekishin Squadra' in both Europe and the United States in February 2025.

According to coverage by Gematsu, while the term "Gekishin" might recall classic titles like Dragon Ball Z II: Gekishin Freeza (released for Famicom in 1991), the phrase itself is not exclusive to the Dragon Ball franchise.

As such, the nature of this new title remains undetermined. For newcomers eager to explore Katamari’s signature style, a playable demo of "Katamari Damacy REROLL" is readily available for download from the Nintendo Switch eShop, offering a welcoming entry point to the series.

Bandai Namco’s focus on bringing both new and remastered content to modern platforms has been a consistent highlight for Nintendo Direct presentations and official announcements.

As of now, Bandai Namco has not issued an official statement regarding the status or plans for 'Once Upon a Katamari' or 'Gekishin Squadra.' Fans and industry watchers will be monitoring upcoming events and releases closely for further updates.

Stay tuned to our site for the latest news on Bandai Namco, the Katamari franchise, and new Nintendo Switch game developments.

Nintendo Europe Bandai Namco Switch Namco Once Upon a Katamari Katamari series Bandai Nintendo Switch