The quirky and beloved RPG, The New Denpa Men, is making a triumphant return to mobile devices. Originally a fan-favorite on the Nintendo 3DS, this unique creature-collecting game later found its way to the Nintendo Switch. Now, it's gearing up for another mobile release, sparking speculation about a potential global launch.
Given Nintendo's recent focus on expanding its mobile gaming portfolio, it's no surprise to see previously Switch-exclusive titles migrating to smartphones. However, The New Denpa Men's return to mobile was unexpected. According to Gematsu, a reliable source for Japanese game releases, The New Denpa Men is slated to hit iOS and Android on March 10th. This new version will reportedly retain the innovative use of AR, a feature that was a hallmark of the original 3DS game.
For those unfamiliar, The Denpa Men series began as an early 3DS title, where players used the console's camera to capture the titular Denpa Men—creatures that supposedly dwell in radio waves—from the real world. These creatures would then be used to battle enemies in dungeon settings. The franchise, while not as mainstream as Mario or Zelda, has carved out a niche for itself on various Nintendo platforms over the years.
The developer, Genius Sonority, is no stranger to mobile gaming, having previously released the original version of New Denpa Men on mobile before its Switch rerelease. This upcoming mobile version is essentially a rerelease of a game that was remastered for the Switch, which might sound a bit convoluted but is exciting news for fans.
While the original New Denpa Men was exclusive to Japan, the Switch version enjoyed a global release. This precedent raises hopes for a worldwide launch of the new mobile version. As we await further details, it's worth noting that our list of the top 25 best Nintendo Switch RPGs continues to be updated. With the anticipated arrival of the Switch Two, the future of Nintendo's portable gaming landscape remains an exciting prospect to watch.