Gaming

Finally: Japan welcomes Pokémon Go

Published

July 22, 2016

Monch Lopez

Pikachu is home, and by that we mean you can now catch Pokémon’s iconic yellow mouse where it all started.

Pokémon Go is “finally broadcasting” in its native Japan, Niantic Labs, the company responsible for the now-wildly popular mobile game, announced. It was only a matter of time; in fact, the game was supposed to launch in Japan on July 20, but its release was postponed after a leaked email that gave the public a heads up became viral.

Japan is Pokémon Go‘s first stop in Asia, but other countries in the region are likely to follow soon. The game is now available in 36 countries and regions, including the U.S. and most of Europe. Niantic Labs chief executive John Hanke said in an interview he wants to make the title available to 200 more countries.

Japan is also the first location where the hit Pokémon title has a sponsorship deal that will see more than 3,000 McDonald’s Japan restaurants become Pokémon Go gyms, where players can train and battle their pokémon. Fast-food restaurants across the country will also sell Happy Meals with limited-edition Pokémon toys in them.

The partnership will no doubt drive unprecedented foot traffic to McDonald’s locations, though a company representative said stores would “call on players not to become a bother to customers who are eating.” Because the last thing you want to worry about while eating your matcha McFlurry is a kid breaking into your private space and obsessing over a Charizard (read: rare pokémon) on your table.

The warning issued by Japan’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity on Twitter and Line

Fearing the worst, Japanese authorities have taken measures to promote public safety, unsurprisingly, in cartoon form. Players have been asked to use “cool names that are different from real names” and try not to stay under the sun too long.

Pokémon phenomena has its roots in The Land of the Rising Sun, where the original Pokémon video games for the Nintendo Game Boy were released in the late 90s. The franchise has since spawned other video-game titles, trading card games, an animated TV series, animated movies, countless merchandise, and a real-life pokémon training facility in Osaka.

[irp posts=”3841″ name=”Pokémon Go goes live in PH, 14 other countries in Asia, Oceania”]

Gaming

Marvel’s Wolverine gets a release date

September 15, 2026

Published

February 25, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

It’s finally locked in. Marvel’s Wolverine is launching on September 15, 2026, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.

The release date was shared by Insomniac Games and PlayStation across their official social media channels, giving fans a concrete target after years of anticipation.

First announced in 2021, Marvel’s Wolverine is being developed in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment and Marvel Games. The studio is crafting an original story centered on Logan, promising a darker and more brutal tone compared to its Spider-Man titles.

Players can expect savage, close-quarters combat built around Wolverine’s adamantium claws, along with a narrative that explores the character’s violent past. The game is designed exclusively for PS5, leveraging the hardware for cinematic set pieces and fast, ferocious action.

With a firm September 16, 2026 release date now confirmed, the wait for Logan’s next chapter officially has an end in sight.

This is the first major update since the trailer released back in September 2025.

Visceral Combat

Combat looks as savage as fans expect. Wolverine’s adamantium claws slice through foes with fast, fluid techniques. Momentum builds as his berserker rage takes over, turning him into a relentless force on the battlefield.

Dismemberment, brutal takedowns, and close-quarters combat define his style. Wolverine is a reluctant hero, but once the claws come out, there’s no holding back. He doesn’t fight nice. He fights to survive.

The trailer also teased Logan’s wider world. Players will face the elusive Mystique, the monstrous Omega Red, and an army of Reavers. Some characters may help him, others will try to break him.

The footage closes with a prototype of a towering purple robot—an unmistakable nod to the Sentinels. The adventure spans the neon-lit streets of Madripoor, the frozen wilderness of Canada, and the alleys of Tokyo. Each location sets the stage for bloody, destructive action.

Events

Capcom to hold Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta

Cosplays, demos, meet-and-greet, prizes, more

Published

February 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom will hold a special two-day Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta, Indonesia next week.

Throughout the event, there will be a booth open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from February 28 to March 1 at the Mini Atrium (LG) of Gandaria City Mall.

Visitors will have multiple ways to experience the world of survival horror through the latest title. There will be cosplays, demos, lots of exciting prizes, and more themed activities inspired by the iconic video game franchise.

Of course, there will be a playable demo of the game at dedicated kiosks so mallgoers can experience the survival horror up close. Those who complete a session will also receive a sticker set.

On the other hand, the booth will also have a themed fun shooting range inspired by the Resident Evil Requiem universe. Here, visitors will take down zombies to win exclusive prizes, including:

Umbrella Corporation Enamel Pin
Raccoon City Welcome Sign Acrylic Keychain
Resident Evil Requiem Edition Lanyard

Moreover, there will be a recreated corner of Raccoon City which is perfect for taking photos and videos.

Sharing it on social media with the hashtag #RE9LaunchJakarta2026 and taging @capcomsg will also entitle fans to a sticker set.

For those who want to take home more memorabilia, the event will likewise feature these merchandise:

Resident Evil Requiem Physical Standard Edition (PS5)
Resident Evil Requiem Standard Edition with Steelbook Code in Box (PC)
30th Anniversary Tote Bag
30th Anniversary Character Acrylic Stand Collection
30th Anniversary Character Metallic Bookmark
RER Sticker Pack

Stage highlights

The programs on both days will be hosted by Aldo from The Lazy Monday and Yudha (a.k.a. RESILOREID).

Fans who are unable to attend in person can still catch part of the Saturday stage segment via Capcom Asia’s and The Lazy Monday’s official YouTube channels.

Other highlights include a Live Quiz and Cosplay Walk on both days. Specifically, Larissa Rochefort will grace March 1’s festivities with a meet-and-greet session.

Resident Evil Requiem is launching on February 27 on modern consoles and PC.

Gaming

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch

Both games will be available starting February 27.

Published

February 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Millennials, prepare to have your nostalgia get hit right in the feels. Nintendo has officially announced that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch.

This year, the Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Naturally, with Pokémon Day coming up, it’s only right to celebrate the event with something huge. Finally, two of the most prolific titles in the series are coming to a modern console.

Originally released in 2004, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen were remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. At the time, the two titles reimagined the older games for the Game Boy Advance. Additionally, they introduced new post-game content set in the Sevii Islands, where Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys reside in the Kanto region.

Based on the short teaser trailer, the upcoming Switch versions will feature all of both games’ content. It will likely be remastered for the Switch’s larger screen.

To showcase more of the Switch version, Nintendo is hosting a Pokémon Presents on February 27. The brand has not mentioned anything about a potential physical version yet. However, they do promise that both games will be available on the Nintendo eShop as soon as next week’s Pokémon Presents concludes. Each game will cost US$ 19.99.