Taiko no Tatsujin Will Appear in Arcades in North America

For the first time since the game came out in Japan, Taiko no Tatsujin machines will appear in arcades in North America. You’ll be able to play the game from November 2024. [Thanks, PR Times!]

The newest songs available in Japan will be in the machines via online updates. As well, you’ll be able to use a Bandai Namco Passport (essentially a user ID card) to record your play record. In a comment from John Mackenzie, who is a representative for Bandai Namco Amusement America Inc., the company is very excited to bring the game over to North America due to its “great play value.” Haruo Iwayaguchi of the Japanese branch notes that due to its simplicity, Taiko no Tatsujin is very popular in arcades amid players of all ages.

Bandai Namco first released Taiko no Tatsujin in 2001. The arcade machine simulates a taiko drum in which players need to hit with drum sticks depending on the notes. Though the machines never made it to North America, North American users were able to play the game through console or mobile apps like Pop Tap Beat. Countries other than Japan that have the machines in its arcades include China and Australia.

Taiko no Tatsujin will appear in arcades in North America from November 2024.