Japanese gamers have spoken, and their preferences for the upcoming gaming cycle reveal a strong regional bias that diverges from Western hype. Famitsu released its annual most anticipated games ranking on September 8, 2026, based on votes cast during the previous week. This survey highlights which titles are driving consumer excitement in Japan, offering a clear window into regional market trends.
Japanese RPGs and Switch 2 titles lead anticipation survey
The ranking is dominated by Japanese role-playing games and titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. Pokemon Winds/Waves took the top spot with 569 votes, reflecting the enduring strength of the franchise in its home market. Persona 6 followed in second place with 477 votes, while Zelda: Ocarina of Time secured third place with 445 votes.
The dominance of these specific franchises underscores the cultural weight of RPGs and Nintendo properties in Japan. These three titles collectively garnered over 1,400 votes, establishing a clear tier of anticipation that separates them from the rest of the field. The high vote counts for established IPs suggest that players are prioritizing proven franchises over new intellectual property.
Grand Theft Auto VI ranked sixth with 244 votes, missing the top three despite its global marketing campaign. This placement indicates that while the title remains popular, it does not command the same level of immediate anticipation in Japan as domestic RPGs. The gap between the top three and sixth place highlights the distinct priorities of the Japanese gaming audience.
Source: IXBT
