The Japanese gaming market has spoken, and the results might surprise Western audiences. According to the latest reader poll from Weekly Famitsu, one of Japan’s most influential gaming publications, PlayStation 5 exclusives are experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, outpacing even the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 lineup for the second consecutive week.
Between November 12th and 18th, Famitsu surveyed its readership to determine which upcoming releases have captured the imagination of Japanese gamers. The findings offer a fascinating glimpse into a market that often marches to the beat of its own drum, with preferences that frequently diverge from Western trends.
The complete top 10 breakdown
Here’s what Japanese gamers are most excited about right now:
1. Pragmata – PlayStation 5
2. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined – Nintendo Switch 2
3. Resident Evil Requiem – PlayStation 5
4. Persona 4 Revival – PlayStation 5
5. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined – Nintendo Switch
6. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined – PlayStation 5
7. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5
8. Pokemon Pokopia – Nintendo Switch 2
9. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Nintendo Switch 2
10. Onimusha: Way of the Sword – PlayStation 5
What immediately stands out is the platform distribution. Six out of ten spots belong to PlayStation 5 titles, while Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined appears three times across different platforms, showcasing the enduring power of Square Enix’s beloved franchise in its home territory.
Pragmata continues its reign at number one
Claiming the top spot is Capcom’s enigmatic Pragmata, a project that has kept fans guessing since its cryptic reveal trailer. The game’s futuristic setting, mysterious narrative, and striking visual style have maintained audience interest despite multiple delays and extended periods of radio silence from the developer.
Capcom recently confirmed that Pragmata will finally launch sometime in 2026, though a specific release date remains elusive. The continued enthusiasm for this title demonstrates Japanese gamers’ willingness to wait for projects that capture their imagination, even when concrete information remains scarce.
Dragon Quest 7 gets a fresh coat of paint
Securing second place is Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined for Nintendo Switch 2, a reimagining of the classic PlayStation RPG that originally launched in 2000. This modernized version promises to breathe new life into the timeless adventure with charming diorama-style graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and a more streamlined narrative experience.
The game follows a group of brave companions on an emotional journey filled with triumph and heartbreak. Its appearance across three different platforms in the top ten (Switch 2, original Switch, and PlayStation 5) underscores the franchise’s incredible staying power in Japan. Fans won’t have to wait long either, as Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is scheduled to release on February 5th, 2025.
Resident Evil Requiem brings fresh horror
Rounding out the top three is Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s latest entry in the legendary survival horror franchise. This new installment follows a group of survivors trapped in an isolated facility harboring failed experiments, mutated creatures, and dark secrets that connect to previous outbreak incidents across the series.
The game promises escalating tension with each discovery, building toward revelations that could reshape the future direction of the Resident Evil universe. Horror fans can mark their calendars for February 27th, when Requiem is set to terrify players worldwide.
What this means for the gaming landscape
The poll results highlight several interesting trends. First, the strong showing for PlayStation 5 exclusives suggests that Sony’s platform is gaining serious momentum in Japan, a region historically dominated by Nintendo’s handheld and hybrid systems. Second, the anticipation for Nintendo Switch 2 titles indicates that gamers are already looking forward to the next generation of Nintendo hardware, even before an official announcement.
The diversity of genres represented—from futuristic sci-fi and classic RPGs to survival horror and action adventures—demonstrates the breadth of Japanese gaming tastes. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling role-playing epics, pulse-pounding horror experiences, or mysterious sci-fi adventures, there’s something on this list to get excited about.
As we move deeper into December and approach 2025, the gaming calendar is packed with promising releases. The Japanese market’s enthusiasm for these titles serves as an early indicator of what could become global phenomena, though Western audiences may gravitate toward different experiences.
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