Long-lost RPG to be finally released on Switch in early 2026, more than 20 years later than planned

In what was a game meant to be released onto the Game Boy Advance back in the 2000s era, Navinosuke: The Yo-kai Buster is set to be released on the Switch in early 2026. 

The title is going to be a 2D pixel art RPG that is based in a fictionalised version of ancient Japan. 

You will be playing as Navinosuke, a trainee onmyoji – someone in ancient Japanese culture who controls spirits that are known as Yo-kai.

Through the story, you will meet more than 150 Yo-kai that range from being close allies to being your immortal enemies. As you progress, you rely on your newfound allies and are required to be strategic with your teambuilding and tactics.

Why was Navinosuke: The Yo-kai Buster delayed for so long?

When the game was originally meant to be released, it was really ambitious for its time, as it was supposed to run by pairing a GPS unit with the console.

This was designed to implore the player to physically move to succeed in the game, much like Pokemon Go.

One of the game’s original developers noted in an X post that “if development had continued as originally envisioned, we could have made a game that turned walking into gameplay 15 years before Pokémon GO.” (translated quote)

However, that idea got scrapped, meaning that the core mechanic of the game was no longer there. Couple that with other issues, and it has meant that the game has been dormant for two decades.

But, due to the efforts from all at Kolachi Studios, we are finally going to be able to get our hands on a game that was set to be released before the Nintendo Wii, nevermind the Switch.