Nihon Falcom used the February 5 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase to lift the curtain on Kyoto Xanadu, a new entry in its Xanadu lineage that melds school-life JRPG beats with side‑scrolling dungeon runs — and it’s coming this summer to Nintendo Switch (both generations), PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
The announcement, in short
Kyoto Xanadu is billed as a “dual dimensional action RPG.” Players spend time in a modern-but‑different Kyoto as students at Hirasaka Academy, then dive into the alternate world known as Xanadu: a multi-layered labyrinth full of monsters, elemental traps and bigger-than-life bosses. Falcom says the game alternates between 2D exploration and 3D combat sequences, and promises mechanics such as “Soul Accel” (a power boost) and “Issen,” a one-hit counter triggered by perfectly timed guards.
The reveal trailer ran during Nintendo’s segment; Falcom later posted an official site that fleshes out the setting, characters and gameplay flow. The title was originally teased as part of a Tokyo Xanadu–related project and missed a hoped-for 2025 window, so this summer release can feel like a small comeback for fans who’ve been waiting.
Who you’ll meet (and who voices them)
The story centers on 17‑year‑old Rei Kamiya (voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi), a kid who awakens with katana‑like Soul Devices after being plunged into Xanadu during a run‑in with Kyoto’s underworld. Falcom introduces a handful of classmates and allies:
- Fuka Rikudo (Coco Hayashi) — a traditional‑mannered naginata wielder from a powerful family.
- Kazuki Nakiri (Ryouta Suzuki) — an axe‑wielding lone wolf with a soft spot for his twin.
- Sena Nakiri (Sayumi Suzushiro) — Kazuki’s twin; mace and shield user, outwardly friendly but guarded.
- Rurui (Aoi Koga) — a mysterious, childlike presence who turns up inside the labyrinth.
- Falcom calls the game a return to the Xanadu family while setting it in an alternate Kyoto that serves as Japan’s capital — a flavorful twist on urban JRPG settings.
- Voice casting includes recognizable names from the scene and Falcom teases more characters and story beats on the official site.
- The mix of 2D platforming and 3D battles evokes the studio’s comfort with hybrid systems: compact, sliceable exploration punctuated by cinematic fights.
Characters unlock as the story progresses and become playable in the game’s 3D battle segments, Falcom says.
How it plays
Kyoto Xanadu splits its gameplay loop between daily life in Kyoto — attending classes to raise stats, building relationships, shopping and exploring the city — and the Hirasaka Xanadu beneath the academy. The labyrinth exploration is primarily 2D, with platforming and elemental puzzle mechanics tied to your equipped Guardians. When the stakes rise, the action shifts to 3D for blistering boss encounters and team-based attacks.
Falcom highlights two signature systems: Soul Accel, which supercharges characters for brief windows, and Issen, a decisive one‑hit counter that requires perfect timing. There’s also an “Action Card” deck used in classes to improve stats and unlock options in the school segments — a nice touch for players who like social‑link style progression.
Why this matters (beyond Falcom fans)
Kyoto Xanadu is notable for landing on both Switch generations as well as PS5 and Steam, showing Falcom’s intent to reach a wide audience. That matters now that Nintendo’s second‑gen hardware is gathering momentum — Nintendo recently adjusted forecasts and third‑party support is clearly growing, which creates more room for mid‑tier JRPGs to shine on the platform. See how Nintendo’s momentum around Switch 2 has been shaping third‑party plans and release schedules in recent industry coverage.Nintendo has raised Switch 2 forecasts as console sales soar and publishers are lining up release plans as part of that push[/news/nintendo-switch-2-games-release-plan].
For players considering platforms, Kyoto Xanadu’s cross‑gen Switch support might make the handheld/TV hybrid the natural choice for on‑the-go dungeon runs, while PS5 and Steam builds should handle the 3D encounters with fewer compromises. If you’re thinking about upgrading a living‑room rig for next‑gen JRPGs, the PlayStation 5 Pro Console is one obvious option for a smoother experience.
Small details fans will appreciate
Kyoto Xanadu doesn’t have a precise day-and-month yet — just a summer 2026 window — but the blend of school‑life mechanics and dual‑style combat gives it a definite identity among this year’s JRPG slate. Kyoto, swords and schoolbooks: Falcom has put a flag in that ground, and this summer we’ll see whether the city’s mysteries live up to the promise.