Update: BAKERU is no longer an upcoming Western release. Good-Feel’s 3D action game launched digitally on Nintendo Switch and Steam on September 3, 2024, and a physical Switch edition followed in North America and Europe on February 25, 2025. It is a new game with clear Goemon connections, not an official Goemon sequel.
When did BAKERU come out in the West?
BAKERU launched digitally in North America and Europe on September 3, 2024, for Nintendo Switch and Steam. Spike Chunsoft later listed a physical Nintendo Switch edition for North America and Europe, released February 25, 2025. Both release dates have passed. Spike Chunsoft’s 2024 release announcement documents the digital launch, while its official BAKERU page lists the platforms and physical edition.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch | $52.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Puyo Puyo Tetris - Nintendo Switch | $18.98 | Buy on Amazon |
The physical release is for Switch; the publisher lists digital availability on Switch and Steam. Its retailer links do not establish present-day stock, so check a local retailer or storefront for current availability.
Is BAKERU the new Goemon?
Not officially. BAKERU is a separate new intellectual property developed by Good-Feel and published by Spike Chunsoft; it does not carry the Goemon name. AUTOMATON WEST’s September 4, 2024 interview with producer Etsunobu Ebisu and director Tadanori Tsukawaki frames it as a new IP from the creators of the Goemon series. Calling it a “spiritual successor” is a useful comparison, not a claim that it is a numbered sequel or a Goemon-branded release.
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- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
The Goemon connection is most useful as a signal of the kind of action-adventure lineage readers may recognize, rather than a guarantee that the games are identical. Tsukawaki described the setting’s inspiration this way: “The concept for the worldview of BAKERU is based on Japanese fairy tales and legends.” He also recalled the childhood anime Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi as an influence in the interview. Read the AUTOMATON WEST interview.
What kind of game is BAKERU?
BAKERU is a single-player 3D action game starring a tanuki hero who travels through Japan, fights enemies with a drum, and transforms using Henge licenses. Those licenses let him take forms associated with heroes such as Kintaro and Momotaro. The official announcement describes a journey across Japan’s 47 prefectures; the game page separately describes more than 50 stages in a setting called “Fairy Tale Japan,” a blend of modern Japan and old period dramas. The prefecture count and stage count describe different things.
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- Explore each stage and then find even more secrets by making your way through the stage backwards on the flip side
- Overcome varied enemies and obstacles, like Zombie Guys, Skelesaurus, Ukiki, and Monty Mole as you seek out hidden collectables; ESRB Content: Mild Cartoon Violence; Genre: Action, Platformer
- Pass a Joy Con controller to a friend for 2 player cooperative exploration
- Clad Yoshi in collectable, protective, handicraft costumes as he makes his way through each stage
Combat and platforming are not the only activities. The game also has racing and aerial-combat stages, plus battles involving giant robots. Its mix of transformations, folklore-inspired characters, and changing stage formats gives the Goemon comparison context without making BAKERU part of that franchise.
What changed in the Western and Steam versions?
Spike Chunsoft says the Western, Asian, and Steam editions added Hurricane and Spinning Top attacks, as well as Lantern Boss. The Steam listing additionally names a Hurricane + Spinning Top combo. These additions are part of the released editions rather than a future update announcement. Spike Chunsoft’s game page and the Steam listing describe the edition features.
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- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Which platform or format should you choose?
| Option | What is established | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Switch digital | Listed by Spike Chunsoft; the Western digital release was September 3, 2024. | Regional eShop availability and current price. |
| Switch physical | Listed for North America and Europe, released February 25, 2025. | Regional listing, stock, and price; publisher retailer links do not confirm current inventory. |
| Steam | Listed as a single-player PC release, with the named edition features and PC settings on its store page. | Current regional price, system requirements, and settings on the live listing. |
The publisher lists Japanese voice acting and text in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Check the platform’s regional store page if you need to confirm a particular language option before purchase.
Steam reviews are a dated, changing signal rather than a settled critical verdict: 94% of 385 Steam user reviews were positive when checked on October 8, 2026. The Steam page also lists a separate Soundtrack Edition; prices and discounts vary by region and can change. See the current Steam listing.
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- Ferocious Competition - At the heart of Puyo Puyo Tetris is the fighting spirit of players competing against each other to be most clever, cunning, and quick-witted one to set up devastating attacks on opponents. It's the classic easy-to-learn puzzles mashed up into a multiplayer battle like no other!
- Adventure Mode - The game also has a single player mode with ten unique acts, eatch with ten stages. They feature different characters from the Puyo Puyo or Tetris universes and have unique challenges to learn and master game mechanics that players must overcome!
- Arcade Modes - Online play has Puzzle League, which tracks players' ratings, players can save replays to upload and share, and more.
- There's also an in-game shop players can use their points to unlock different Puyo and Tetrimino skins, background music, stages, and more.
Where does the Goemon series stand?
BAKERU’s connection is creative lineage, not franchise continuity. For readers looking specifically for Goemon games, Konami’s Japanese-language official page lists a 13-title collection released July 2, 2026, with downloads for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam and physical editions listed for Switch and PS5. That page does not establish Western availability; check regional storefronts before relying on those formats or dates. Konami’s Goemon collection page.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
