Konami Develops First Demon Slayer Arcade Game | Credit: Konami
Konami Develops First Demon Slayer Arcade Game
Japanese publisher deploys hit anime property with card-ejection system and specialized controller
Highlights
- Konami is creating “Demon Slayer: Nichirin Battle Slash,” the franchise’s first arcade game, debuting at Tokyo Amusement Expo 2025.
- The game features collectible card dispensers and a Nichirin sword-shaped controller, blending physical and digital gameplay.
- The release aligns with the success of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1", expanding Demon Slayer’s reach into arcade entertainment markets.
Japanese publisher Konami Arcade Games said it is developing the first arcade title based on the popular anime franchise Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, combining collectible card dispensers with a sword-shaped controller.
The game, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Nichirin Battle Slash," will be showcased at Tokyo's Amusement Expo 2025 on Nov. 14-15 before its official rollout, according to a company press release.
Koyoharu Gotōge's Demon Slayer franchise has sold 220 million manga copies and generated more than $500 million at the global box office. While the property has spawned console and PC adaptations, the Konami title marks its first dedicated arcade game.
Card-Action Format Targets Japanese Arcade Market
The game uses physical collectible cards dispensed from the machine and a Nichirin Sword controller to trigger in-game moves, a format that aligns with "card-action" arcade games popular in Japan.
Konami has a track record in IP-based arcade games, including its Bemani rhythm-game division and arcade cards based on properties such as "Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game". The company is positioning the Demon Slayer title as a significant push into IP-driven arcade markets in Japan and internationally.
The timing coincides with renewed interest in the franchise following the July 2025 release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, which became the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
The move underscores major anime franchises' value in physical-location entertainment beyond consoles and streaming services. With collectible cards and specialized hardware, Konami aims to establish recurring revenue streams from the Demon Slayer property rather than relying on one-time consumer purchases.
Author
Kamalikaa Biswas is a content writer at Outlook Respawn specializing in pop culture. She holds a Master's in English Literature from University of Delhi and leverages her media industry experience to deliver insightful content on the latest youth culture trends.
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