Similar to Nintendo’s Pokemon games, Yo-kai Watch 2 will be split between two different versions — Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls — for its upcoming stateside launch.
Yo-kai Watch 2 follows up on the storyline introduced in 2015’s Yo-kai Watch for the Nintendo 3DS. Developed by Fantasy Life and Professor Layton series creator Level-5, Yo-kai Watch chronicles the tale of a boy who stumbles across the Yo-kai Watch, a device that allows him to communicate with ghostly creatures who haunt his hometown.
In-game Yo-kai creatures each boast their own specific powers and abilities, and players must befriend as many creatures as possible in order to solve puzzles and progress through the game.
Part of a popular cross-media franchise in Japan, Yo-kai Watch spawned a successful toy line and a Disney XD animated series last year. The series made its mobile debut in March with the launch of Yo-kai Watch Wibble Wobble for iOS and Android mobile devices.
“After being such a massive sensation in Japan, it’s great to see the U.S. start to embrace the mischievous and lovable Yo-kai,” Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Scott Moffitt said. “We’re excited to continue bringing fun Yo-kai experiences stateside this year.”
Toy manufacturer Hasbro will produce a new lineup of Yo-kai Watch products this fall, and Disney XD has renewed the animated series for a second season premiering this summer. Nintendo additionally announced the upcoming release of a collectible card game based on the Yo-Kai Watch universe, but did not disclose target platforms, release details, or a specific launch date.
Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls will hit retail stores and the Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America on September 30.
