Celebrating 40 Years of Famitsu: A Special 400-Page Issue Packed with Surprises

Celebrating 40 Years of Famitsu: A Look Back at Gaming History

In 2026, the renowned gaming magazine Famitsu will reach a monumental milestone – its 40th anniversary! To commemorate this occasion, the upcoming issue of "Weekly Famitsu," set to be released on June 4th, promises a massive special edition that reflects on the rich history of gaming over the past four decades. The issue will be over 400 pages long and will include a plethora of special projects.

A Historic Cover Featuring Beloved Characters

This issue will feature a cover that marks a first in Famitsu history. It showcases the characters “Beshikun,” who graced the cover of the first volume of Famitsu, along with “Nekki,” Famitsu's beloved mascot. Their appearance together symbolizes a long-standing friendship between Famitsu and its audience, making it a must-have for fans.

Highlights to Look Forward To

1. Visual Celebrations from Over 80 Game Developers
Fans can expect stunning celebratory visuals and messages from more than 80 game developers who have contributed to Famitsu’s journey. The collective effort will span over 140 pages, showcasing a vibrant array of creativity that embodies the spirit of gaming. Expect to see special contributions from prominent names like:
- SNK Capcom
- Sega
- Nippon Ichi Software
- Marvelous Yostar

2. Contributions from 17 Notable Manga Artists
In a heartfelt tribute, 17 manga artists who have collaborated with Famitsu will provide special illustrations and messages expressing their feelings towards the magazine as it celebrates its 40-year journey. This includes notable names such as:
- Kiyokazu Arai
- Kenta Ueno
- Ami Shibata
- and many more.

3. In-Depth Special Feature on Gaming History
Famitsu has chronicled the evolution of gaming for 40 years, and this special feature will run across 82 pages, meticulously retracing significant milestones from 1986 to 2025. It’s a treasure trove of nostalgia packed with images and data, making it a perfect keepsake for enthusiasts.

4. The Cross Review Game Catalog
Another highlight includes the famous "New Game Cross Review" section, which has been a staple since 1986. In honor of the 40th anniversary, this issue will compile all the titles that scored a perfect 40, providing a retrospective look at iconic games.

5. Exciting Giveaway Campaign
To express gratitude to its readers, Famitsu is launching a thrilling four-issue giveaway campaign. Fans have the chance to win amazing prizes, including:
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
The opportunities for excitement continue throughout June as each unique issue rolls out.

An Enthusiastic Lineup for June

Throughout June, fans can look forward to four consecutive special anniversary issues. Each one will explore different aspects of gaming culture, culminating in nostalgic reflections and new insights.

Upcoming Issues:

- June 25th Issue - Focused on the beloved RPG series "Dragon Quest," which shares its inception year with Famitsu. Expect a feature with Yuji Horii as well as the results of a nationwide gamer survey.
- July 2nd & 9th Combined Issue - Celebrating "PaRappa the Rapper’s" 30th anniversary with more insights from prominent game creators.
- July 9th Special Issue - Includes a unique catalog of every gaming console released to date, illustrated by renowned artists.

Conclusion

The 40th-anniversary issue of "Weekly Famitsu" is not just a magazine but a tribute to the enormous community and industry that has shaped gaming today. As we await its release, it's a great time to reflect on the joy and excitement created by the world of games. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for June 4th! To keep updated, check out the official Famitsu anniversary site or purchase your copy at local bookstores and online platforms.

Additional Information

- Title: Weekly Famitsu No.1950
- Release Date: June 4, 2026
- Special Price: 880 JPY (800 JPY + tax)
- Publisher: KADOKAWA Game Linkage

For further details or to purchase, visit KADOKAWA's official site or check out Amazon.

This is a promising time for both long-time fans and new readers alike. Here's to the next 40 years of gaming bliss!