Daily Mobile Gaming News

A cleaner daily brief on mobile game launches, updates, and pre-registration moves worth watching.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour to Shut Down in September

Nintendo has announced the closure of its mobile racing game, Mario Kart Tour, with services set to end on September 29 at 11pm PT (8am on September 30 CEST). In a statement shared on social media, the company expressed gratitude to players for their support throughout the game's run. As part of the shutdown process, sales of the in-game currency, rubies, have already ceased. However, players can still utilize their existing rubies in the Spotlight Shop, Mii Racing Suit Shop, and Coin Rush until the game officially closes. Furthermore, Nintendo has halted all automatic renewals for the Gold Pass subscription and suspended new subscriptions. Players will still be able to enjoy some Gold Pass benefits without the continuous subscription features, and starting August 4, all users can access these benefits for free. Mario Kart Tour had a rocky debut in 2019, facing backlash due to its gacha-style mechanics. According to estimates from AppMagic, the game saw a peak of 14.7 million downloads within 24 hours of its launch on September 26, 2019. It accumulated 54 million downloads in its first week and reached 81.8 million downloads by the end of its first month. To date, Mario Kart Tour has surpassed 274 million downloads and generated approximately $268.4 million in revenue for Nintendo, as reported by AppMagic. Despite a lack of new content in recent times, the game reportedly earned $650,000 for Nintendo in the last 30 days. Nintendo's mobile gaming strategy appears to be waning since its entry into the market in 2016 with Super Mario Run, the first official Mario platformer on non-Nintendo hardware. Nonetheless, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa reaffirmed in February 2025 that the company has not abandoned mobile gaming, highlighting that its apps have been downloaded over 900 million times globally as of September 2024. Nintendo Japan is estimated to have generated around $1.59 billion from its mobile apps, with Fire Emblem Heroes being noted as the company's first mobile title to surpass a billion dollars in revenue. The latest mobile release from Nintendo was Pictonico, a photo-based minigame collection, which launched on iOS and Android in May.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Pokémon Go Celebrates 10 Years of Evolution and Community Impact

Launched on July 6, 2016, Pokémon Go has reached a significant milestone, celebrating its 10th anniversary while maintaining its status as one of the most profitable mobile games. Over the past decade, it has generated more than $9 billion in revenue across the App Store and Google Play, according to AppMagic estimates. Players have collectively walked over 30 billion miles, demonstrating the game's successful encouragement of outdoor activity. As recently as 2025, when Scopely acquired Niantic's flagship game in a deal worth $3.5 billion, approximately 10 million players were still engaging with Pokémon Go weekly. Kim Adams, a key figure at Scopely and part of the Pokémon Go team since 2022, reflected on the game's profound impact, saying, "Early signals for us were pretty clear. It became a global phenomenon." Adams noted that the game's initial success was evident with 21 million players within the first three days of its launch, leading to widespread community engagement. The game has since evolved to include features such as a friends system, trading, PvP battles, and Raid Hours, enhancing its social connections. The phenomenon of Pokémon Go, often seen as a revival of the 90s Pokémania, has successfully attracted both nostalgic fans and new players. It has created a sense of community, with players forming friendships through shared experiences in the game. Adams shared stories of players who met through Pokémon Go, leading to significant social connections, such as attending weddings together. Despite its success, the journey has not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant hurdle, as it halted outdoor exploration and group meetups essential to the game’s concept. Adams recounted how the team pivoted to virtual events and adapted gameplay mechanics to allow players to engage from home. During the lockdown, the game saw its most profitable year, driven by features like expanded Pokémon spawn radii and Remote Raids that allowed global participation. Looking ahead, Pokémon Go continues to thrive under Scopely's stewardship, with a focus on long-term sustainability and player-centric development. Kurlemann emphasized the importance of making games that resonate with players of all ages, underscoring the ongoing ambition to innovate while maintaining the core aspects of the game. As Pokémon Go enters its next decade, it remains committed to evolving its gameplay and fostering its vibrant community.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Love and Deepspace Cancels Bilibili World 2026 Appearance Over Valko Controversy

Infold Games has announced the cancellation of Love and Deepspace's participation at Bilibili World 2026 amid significant backlash over the character Valko. This decision follows the removal of Valko, who was intended to be a new love interest in the game, after players in China expressed strong disapproval. A statement posted on the game's Xiaohongshu account acknowledged the criticism and included an apology to the player community. In light of the cancellation, Infold Games will reimburse fans for any losses associated with Bilibili World, including ticket costs, airfare, and hotel cancellations for those who were set to attend the now-canceled panel. The studio also committed to conducting internal training and continuing to address the controversy while respecting Chinese culture and history. The uproar surrounding Valko began with concerns about his introduction as a new love interest, as players voiced worries regarding the development of existing romance options and a controversial placeholder file associated with the character. This outcry led to the decision to remove Valko prior to his official release and prompted the cancellation of planned interactive activities involving a cosplayer of the character during the Anime Expo panel. A fan petition demanding the reinstatement of Valko has gained traction, amassing over 230,000 signatures with a target of 250,000. In response to the backlash, Infold has stated it will focus on enhancing the stories of the five existing romance options rather than introducing new ones.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse Set for Android Release

Pocketpair Publishing and Frontside 180 Studio have announced that their 2D roguelike action game, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, will soon be available on Android. While a specific release date has yet to be disclosed, players can currently pre-register for the game on Google Play. Never Grave initially launched on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This title combines elements of Metroidvania and roguelite gameplay, allowing players to progress using a unique cursed hat. Players can wield various forms of magic or even possess their enemies to reach deeper levels of the game's dungeons. The game includes a village-building aspect, where players can return with loot, clear debris, and construct new facilities to enhance their capabilities for future battles. Never Grave supports up to four-player multiplayer, enabling friends to join forces and explore dungeons together. The game features authentic 2D action, where players must identify enemy attacks and leverage magic, alongside environmental advantages. Dungeons are procedurally generated, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough, while also incorporating obstacles and puzzles. Key features include a possession system that allows players to take on the abilities of enemies, creating diverse gameplay opportunities. The game showcases traditional Japanese hand-drawn animations and richly painted backgrounds, contributing to its immersive aesthetic. Players will encounter intense boss battles that require more than just memorizing patterns to succeed. With the ability to explore ever-changing terrain and the promise of cooperative multiplayer, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse aims to offer a compelling gaming experience.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Tokyo Game Show 2026 Exhibitors List Revealed

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association has unveiled the exhibitors list and main visual for the Tokyo Game Show 2026, scheduled to take place from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. This year’s main visual is crafted by Warashi, marking its second consecutive year in this role. Currently, the event has attracted 759 exhibitors, comprising 484 from Japan and 275 from international origins, which collectively occupy a total of 3,946 booths. Notably, exhibitors hail from 51 countries and regions, exceeding the 46 seen in 2025. Attendees can expect a wide variety of game genres and several highly anticipated new releases across platforms, including home consoles, smartphones, and PCs. The event will showcase prominent e-sports titles alongside advanced augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, as well as innovative indie games. Beyond games, the exhibition will also feature gaming hardware and furniture designed for optimal play environments, along with cutting-edge business solutions. The Tokyo Game Show 2026 aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer interactions, allowing participants to engage with the latest trends in the gaming industry. The confirmed exhibitors list includes major players such as Capcom, Koei Tecmo, LEVEL-5, SEGA/ATLAS, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Square Enix, among many others.

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⚡ QUICK BITE Wed, Jul 8, 2026 • taptap.io

Riot Games is set to offer early access for VALORANT Mobile on both Android and iOS platforms. This upcoming mobile version of the popular first-person shooter will feature a new story theme that integrates characters with diverse skill sets. Notably, well-known leaker PlayerIGN has hinted that the announcement for VALORANT Mobile could occur at E3 2021, scheduled for mid-June. As anticipation builds, players can expect more detailed information about the game's release throughout 2021. Original source ↗

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⚡ QUICK BITE Tue, Jul 7, 2026 • taptap.io

Tower of Fantasy, the shared open-world MMORPG developed by Hotta Studio and published by Perfect World Games, is now available globally on PC and mobile platforms. This anime-infused sci-fi adventure is set hundreds of years in the future on the distant planet Aida, where humanity has migrated due to dwindling resources on Earth. Players will immerse themselves in a post-apocalyptic world characterized by an anime-inspired art style, freeform character development, and dynamic combat. The narrative unfolds as mankind discovers an energy source called 'Omnium' from the comet Mara, leading to the construction of the Omnium Tower. However, the energy's radiation caused a catastrophic disaster on Aida. The game offers a vast alien landscape filled with stunning vistas and towering futuristic structures for players to explore. Character customization is a key feature, allowing players to wield unique weapons that cater to various gameplay styles while uncovering each character's backstory. Players can team up with friends to embark on adventures in this shared world, engaging in epic battles against a variety of foes. Combat is designed to be fluid, enabling players to switch between weapons and styles, crafting a personal fighting approach. For more information about Tower of Fantasy, players can visit the official channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Discord. Original source ↗

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Astrolabe Games to Publish OMEGA PHENEX COMMENCED PROJECT SIX

Astrolabe Games has announced its partnership with Surume Game Koubou to publish OMEGA PHENEX COMMENCED PROJECT SIX, a high-speed 3D mecha action game. While specific consoles for the launch are yet to be disclosed, the game will also be available on PC via Steam. As of now, a release date has not been provided. Developed over eight years and powered by Unreal Engine 5, OMEGA PHENEX showcases a high level of dedication and craftsmanship. Its unique approach to mecha action has already garnered attention from players and fans. Astrolabe Games aims to collaborate closely with the developers and engage with the growing community around the game. Currently, an Open Beta Test is live on Steam, allowing players to experience the dynamic mecha action gameplay in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. In OMEGA PHENEX, players control Icarus, a nimble mecha designed for high-speed combat across both sea and sky. The gameplay emphasizes speed and mobility, as players navigate through intense battles with significant enemy forces and formidable rivals. The combat system is tailored to deliver exhilarating mech action while remaining accessible to a wide audience. With unrestricted turning speed and a boost gauge, players can engage in aerial combat seamlessly. The design of enemy fire enhances the sense of speed, making it exciting without being overly punishing. The aim controls are aligned with familiar first-person and third-person shooter mechanics, making it easier for players who are new to the genre. OMEGA PHENEX also features a diverse arsenal, allowing players to equip their mecha with various weapons that cater to different combat styles. Options range from auto-lock missile barrages to powerful melee attacks, enabling players to adapt their strategies based on mission requirements and enemy types. The customization system is extensive, affecting both the appearance and performance of the mecha. Players can modify parts, paint schemes, and fine-tune attributes through the game’s Tune system, which allows for personalized adjustments in durability, mobility, and weapon efficacy. The game comprises over 30 missions with varying objectives, including extermination, exploration, boss battles, and escort missions. Additionally, players can engage in Arena Mode for one-on-one combat. A new trailer has been released, showcasing the game's features.

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Sponge Break: New Co-op Rafting Adventure Game Announced for PC

Publisher Balor Games and developer Goose Byte have unveiled Sponge Break, a cooperative rafting adventure designed for one to four players, set to launch on PC via Steam. While a specific release date remains unannounced, players can currently sign up for playtests. Sponge Break places players in the roles of sponges attempting to escape the oppressive environment of a kitchen sink, navigating treacherous rapids on a raft constructed with little more than hope. The game emphasizes chaotic drop-in cooperative gameplay, allowing players to join or leave the action seamlessly. It also features full solo support, ensuring that players can enjoy the adventure alone if they prefer. The game includes proximity voice chat, enabling players to communicate in real-time, with sponges that lip-sync to their voices, adding an entertaining layer to teamwork. The physics-driven raft mechanics mean that a single misstep can result in disaster, flipping the raft, scattering equipment, inflicting damage, and potentially foiling the escape attempt. Players will need to collaborate to steer their raft through perilous environments while solving puzzles, avoiding hazards, and engaging in battles against enemies, including beavers. Sponge Break offers over 100 unlockable cosmetic options for players to customize their sponge characters, including various eyes, mouths, hats, and even inflatable buoys. Additionally, players can utilize a plunger that acts as a grappling hook to interact with their surroundings and access a shared raft stash for collected loot. The journey will take players through diverse biomes such as sewers and rivers, with safehouses available between levels for repairs, restocking, and regrouping before setting off again. An announcement trailer is available for viewing, along with the first screenshots of the game.

AI + Mobile Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Meta Soft Launches Pocket, an AI-Driven App for Game Creation

Meta has introduced a new application named Pocket, which allows users to create and share short-form interactive apps and games utilizing AI prompts. This software emerged from Meta's acquisition of Gizmo earlier this year, incorporating many similar features. Pocket functions as a TikTok-inspired platform where users can develop brief “experiences” through text, photos, touch, and sound, generating a dynamic feed of “gizmos.” The app, which has not been officially announced, was spotted by mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared screenshots of its Play Store page. Reports indicate that Pocket has been soft-launched in Brazil, despite the original Gizmo app remaining available for download. Currently, Pocket holds an impressive 4.9 rating based on over 13,000 user reviews. Meta acquired the Gizmo team in March 2026, although financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. A 2025 SEC filing, reported by Business Insider, revealed that the New York-based startup raised approximately $5.48 million from investors. Throughout its history on Apple and Google stores, the Gizmo app achieved nearly 700,000 installs, with 55 percent of these coming from the US. The concept of a ‘TikTok for games’ has seen various attempts in the past, including initiatives from Supercell-backed HypeHype, US startup Smirk, and more recently, Minit. In 2023, TikTok also experimented with playable in-feed games but later confirmed that it was a test that has since been discontinued.