SNK Relocates Headquarters After 35 Years: A New Era for the Neo Geo Creator in Shin-Osaka

SNK Relocates Headquarters After 35 Years: A New Era for the Neo Geo Creator in Shin-Osaka SNK, the renowned Japanese video game developer behind legendary franchises such as King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown, is set to move its headquarters from the Esaka area to Yodogawa-ku in Shin-Osaka.

This marks the first time in 35 years that SNK has relocated its main offices, signifying a historic turning point for the company known for its enduring influence on the arcade and home console gaming landscape. Founded in 1978 as Shin Nihon Kikaku Corporation, SNK first established its offices in Esaka, Osaka in 1988.

This strategic move came just before the launch of the iconic Neo Geo system—an event that would shape both the company’s legacy and the global arcade scene.

Though SNK had already gained recognition with arcade classics such as Ikari Warriors, Vanguard, and Athena, the move to Esaka signaled the start of its most prolific period.

From these headquarters, SNK launched some of its most memorable properties, including the legendary King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown, and Art of Fighting series. The Esaka office bore witness to SNK’s innovative hardware milestones.

These included the Neo Geo AES, a high-end home console renowned for its arcade-perfect ports; the Neo Geo CD system; the Neo Geo Pocket and Neo Geo Pocket Color handhelds; and the Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade hardware.

Each of these products solidified SNK’s reputation for marrying technical excellence with compelling game design, earning the company a loyal global fanbase and cementing its position as an industry leader. In an official statement, SNK representatives expressed gratitude for the memories and achievements made during their Esaka tenure while looking forward to the opportunities presented by the new headquarters.

According to SNK, the company will officially complete its move to Yodogawa-ku, Osaka on March 20, 2023.

The relocation to Shin-Osaka is set to provide SNK with modernized facilities and expanded space to continue its tradition of innovation in the gaming sector. As SNK enters this new phase, its legacy remains deeply intertwined with the development of the arcade and home console market, and its move to Shin-Osaka represents both a physical and symbolic step forward.

For long-standing fans and industry observers alike, SNK’s relocation is a testament to its enduring success and commitment to shaping the future of Japanese video game development.

SNK Osaka Neo Geo Shin Nihon Kikaku Esaka Shin-Osaka Yodogawa-ku King of Fighters Fatal Fury Samurai Shodown Art of Fighting Neo Geo AES Neo Geo CD Neo Geo Pocket Hyper Neo Geo 64