Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact Refused Classification in Australia Ahead of 2025 Switch Release

Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact, the highly anticipated fighting game adaptation of the legendary manga and anime series, is scheduled to arrive on Nintendo Switch and multiple platforms in 2025.

Developed by Arc System Works, renowned for their dynamic fighting game catalog, and published by Bushiroad, this title promises to immerse fans in the vibrant world of Hunter x Hunter.

However, the game's expected worldwide launch has encountered a roadblock, as it has been refused classification in Australia, making release in that country currently impossible. According to the Australian Classification Board (ACB), Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact was denied a rating due to in-game depictions that suggest, "sexual violence against characters under the age of 18 by an adult male character." The ACB clarified there was no contextual story element in the game to justify such content, influencing the decision to block its release.

This statement, relayed by Automaton-Media, provides a rare level of detail about the board's rationale for refusing classification. Hunter x Hunter fans familiar with the franchise may intuitively suspect that the character Hisoka—known in both the manga and anime for controversy surrounding his behavior toward the young protagonists, Gon and Killua—could potentially be connected to the content in question.

However, it remains unconfirmed which specific game elements prompted the ACB's decision, or to what extent these themes are depicted in Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact. With the title now refused classification, developer Arc System Works and publisher Bushiroad may need to adjust the game's content or introduce additional narrative context if they hope to meet the ACB's criteria for future approval.

Absent such changes, the fighting game cannot be legally sold or distributed to Australian players once it launches. This is not the first instance of a high-profile fighting game facing barriers in Australia.

In 2011, the notorious Mortal Kombat 9 was similarly banned, only receiving classification after Australia adopted the R18+ rating for games, thereby easing restrictions on mature content. Despite the current setback affecting Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact, the Hunter x Hunter series stands as one of the most celebrated anime and manga franchises globally, with a passionate fanbase and critical acclaim spanning decades.

As anticipation builds for the game's global release on Nintendo Switch and other platforms in 2025, the outcome of any future content changes may determine whether Australian gamers will ultimately get to experience this adaptation firsthand.

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