Following up on last night’s news about Special Stages in Sonic Mania, SEGA has prepared new music that can now be listened to on YouTube. “Dimension Heist”, the theme being used in these levels, is included in the video below.

More: Headcannon, PagodaWest Games, SEGA, Sonic Mania, Tantalus

Hey! Pikmin launched in Japan on July 13. Through July 16, the game sold around 65,000 copies. Dengeki has since reported that it sold through 45 percent of its initial shipment.

That might seem a bit low, but Hey! Pikmin isn’t a core Pikmin game. The series as a whole has also never been a massive seller. The first Pikmin and Pikmin 3 sold just over 100,000 copies in their first weeks, while Pikmin 2 debuted at a little over 150,000 units.

In other news, overall Japanese hardware sales were at 132,000 units between July 10 and July 16, which means 56,000 units more than last week (173.73 percent ratio). This is not only due to the New 2DS XL debuting at 43,000 units, but also existing consoles like Switch selling more. It’s been about two and a half months since overall hardware sales exceeded 100,000 units, the last time being in the first week of May.

Source 1, Source 2

More: Dengeki, Hey! Pikmin, Media Create, sales

In Japan, Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star has received a limited edition on Switch. It features a copy of the game, an Aruko Wada-designed special box, and a Nero Travel Pouch. The full contents are unboxed in the video below.

More: Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star, marvelous, unboxing, XSEED Games

Famitsu published a lengthy Splatoon 2 feature this week. Among the coverage was an interview with four of the game’s developers. Art director Seita Inoue, lead programmer Shintaro Sato, director Yusuke Amano, and producer Hisashi Nogami participated in the talk.

The developers weighed in on Splatoon 2’s improvements and adjustments from the first game, the new Salmon Run mode, the story, and future updates. Among the things discussed were Nintendo’s approach to Salmon Run, how Nintendo considered announcing a Splatoon sequel during the first game’s final Splatfest, a tease of more new weapon categories, and more. The developers were even asked if Marina is an Octoling.

You can find a comprehensive summary of important points from Famitsu’s interview below. 

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More: Hisashi Nogami, Seita Inoue, Shintaro Sato, Splatoon 2, top, Yusuke Amano

Although Layton’s Mystery Journey isn’t coming to 3DS in overseas territories until October, it’s already out in Japan. You can see what the game looks like on Nintendo’s handheld below along with more mobile footage in English.

More: Layton's Mystery Journey, Level-5

The first Legendary Pokemon have finally arrived in Pokemon GO. Lugia and Articuno have been pushed out, both of which can be found in Raid Battles. Check out some footage of the Pokemon below.

More: Niantic, Pokemon GO

Miitomo has been updated with more content. Users will find returning stages with more items.

“Swords and sorcery! Miitomo RPG” is the returning theme. The stages provide the following:

– Villager outfit
– Hero tee
– Wandering swordsman outfit
– Battle-scarred sword
– Dancer’s set (top)
– Dancer’s pants (set)
– Noble knight’s armor
– Queen’s sword
– Mage’s hood
– Mage’s robe
– Evil king tee
– Mage’s staff

The returning stage will be available until July 25 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET.

More: Miitomo

The Inkbrush was added in as Splatoon’s first new weapon a few hours ago. Take a look at some footage showing it in action below.

More: Splatoon 2

With a new Pokemon game comes new merchandise, and Takara Tomy will be producing new figures for the two games later this year. Pokeshopper has the scoop on what’s to come.

Apparently, new secrets will be revealed this November, which is a month after the first Silvally figurine releases. A listing notes that a new form will exist in November, though it’s unclear if it pertains to a new Ultra Beast, or references Lycanroc, Togedemaru or Mimikyu.

Here’s the current lineup of figurines:

– Silvally M Figure – 1,200 yen October release
– Necrozma L Figure – 1,500 yen November release
– Three secrets (Reference form change)
– December – Nihilego, Tapu Bulu

Source

More: Pokemon Ultra Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun

Switch is a hit thus far, and the system is selling extremely well. Sadly, that success and the lack of stock is leading to some unfortunate situations in Japan. One issue concerns fraud, which is even being reported by major TV outlets.

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