The latest Famitsu "Most Wanted" poll has dropped, and as seasoned observers of the Japanese gaming landscape, we at In Game News have seen this dance before. While the perennial powerhouses continue to assert their dominance, this week's results offer a compelling narrative of a new challenger seizing the spotlight, a beloved JRPG fragmenting the vote across platforms, and a clear signal of what truly moves the needle in the East.
The headline act? Capcom's enigmatic new IP, Pragmata, has clinched the top spot, narrowly besting the highly anticipated Pokémon Pokopia. This isn't just a minor win; it's a statement. For a brand new intellectual property, one that has been shrouded in a fair bit of mystery since its initial reveal, to out-poll the unyielding might of the Pokémon juggernaut, even by a slim margin, speaks volumes about the palpable hype Capcom has managed to cultivate. Remember the last time a fresh IP truly disrupted the established order in Japan? It’s a rare feat, a testament to effective drip-feed marketing and a hunger for innovation.
Let's break down the top contenders:
- Pragmata – 673 votes
- Pokémon Pokopia – 647 votes
- Resident Evil Requiem (PS5) – 557 votes
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (SW2) – 514 votes
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (SW) – 482 votes
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (PS5) – 387 votes
- Persona 4 Revival (PS5) – 323 votes
- Tomodachi Life – 286 votes
- Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave – 265 votes
- Mario Tennis Fever – 254 votes
The Pragmata win, with its 673 votes against Pokopia's 647, is a clutch victory. For a relatively unknown quantity to outperform one of the most bankable franchises on the planet demonstrates a real thirst for fresh experiences, especially from a developer like Capcom known for its strong storytelling and production values. We've seen similar patterns in the past where a dark horse captivated the gaming public, often setting the stage for a new era of development.
Another fascinating data point is the tri-platform appearance of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. This isn't just a beloved JRPG getting a facelift; it's a living snapshot of the impending console battle. The Nintendo Switch 2 version leading the charge at No. 4 with 514 votes, followed closely by the original Switch version, then the PS5 iteration, clearly indicates the Japanese market's deep-seated loyalty to Nintendo hardware, even as "next-gen" looms. This split vote, however, means no single version cracked the top three, effectively diluting its overall impact. Had it been a unified entry, we'd be looking at a much higher aggregate total, showcasing the raw power of the Dragon Quest IP.
Resident Evil Requiem holding strong at third place for PS5 users with 557 votes is no surprise. The Resident Evil franchise has consistently delivered, and its survival horror pedigree ensures a dedicated following. It's a testament to the fact that quality, atmospheric horror remains a key draw.
Below the top tier, we see familiar patterns. The Persona 4 Revival on PS5 further solidifies the current trend of re-releases and remasters for critically acclaimed JRPGs — a smart move by developers to tap into nostalgia while introducing these gems to a new generation. Then there's Tomodachi Life, a quirky Nintendo IP, alongside Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave and Mario Tennis Fever, reinforcing the consistent demand for Nintendo's first-party offerings and their unique approach to gaming. These titles might not battle for the absolute top, but their consistent presence is a core pillar of the Japanese market.
What we're seeing in these numbers isn't just a list of games; it's a forecast. It points to a market that's ready for new experiences from trusted studios, yet remains deeply attached to its established heroes and platform preferences. The Nintendo Switch 2's implied presence on this list is particularly telling, signaling that the next wave of hardware is already very much on players' minds. As veterans, we know these early polls often set the tone for the coming year's major releases, and this one has thrown a few curveballs — and a lot to chew on.