The first new entry in the Culdcept® series in 10 years Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch Culdcept BEGINS set for release on July 16! Pre-orders for the physical edition begin today
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February 11th 2026, Tokyo - Neos Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masashi Ikeda; hereinafter “the Company”), a subsidiary of Tecmira Holdings, is pleased to announce the worldwide simultaneous release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch software title [Culdcept BEGINS] (hereinafter “the title”) on July 16. Pre-orders will begin sequentially at various retailers.
Additionally, a PC version for the “Steam” platform is planned for release, and its store page has opened today.
This title is the first full-fledged new entry in the popular Culdcept series in a decade. Since its development by Omiya Soft Co., Ltd. (hereafter Omiya Soft) in 1997, the series has expanded across multiple platforms and surpassed cumulative shipments of 1 million units (including download versions). Its unique game system, blending the accessibility of board games with the strategic depth of card games, has captivated a passionate fanbase for over a quarter-century.
The same gameplay experience, but an evolved Culdcept.
This title unfolds an original story depicting the prequel to the series' first installment, “Culdcept”. Under the full supervision of Omiya Soft, all designs—from cards (stone tablets) and maps to the world setting—have been completely revamped. Character and creature designs are by Satoshi Matsuura, renowned for his work on numerous popular titles. His distinctive art vividly brings to life the stage of this game, the continent of Bavrashka, where diverse races coexist and varied cultures and values thrive.
The game features over 400 distinct cards. The diverse combinations of these cards generate infinite strategies that sway the tide of battle. Furthermore, the UI has been thoroughly redesigned for easier grasp of the battle situation and advantage. This design ensures intuitive enjoyment not only for series fans but also for new players.
Play solo or with friends. Diverse modes to suit your playstyle
Alongside the single-player “Story Mode,” the game features a “Versus Mode” where you hone your skills against AI opponents. The “Online Versus” mode lets you battle players worldwide. It includes the ability to create and join custom “Versus Rooms” for specific matches, plus a new “Quick Match” feature for finding opponents more easily. This ensures smooth multiplayer enjoyment for everyone from beginners to veterans.
The comfortable shared experience unique to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now supports “GameShare”* and “Mouse Function.” Using the “GameShare” feature, you can play cooperatively or competitively with up to four players, including Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch users who don't own this game. Additionally, support for mouse function enables more intuitive and smoother gameplay.
The following Physical versions will be available here:
Standard Edition SKUs: $54.99/€49.99
Switch 2 – ESRB
Switch 2 – PEGI
Switch 2 – USK
Standard Edition Components:
Base Game
Booklet
Limited Edition SKUs: $89.99 / €79.99
Switch 2 – ESRB
Switch 2 – PEGI
SteelBook Edition Components:
[Standard Edition]
Folding Box
SteelBook
Soundtrack CD (Jewel Case)
10 x Cards Based on the Creature Stone Tablets
Product Overview
Release Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Digital Only) / Nintendo Switch 2 / Steam*
Available Formats: Physical Edition / Digital Download
Number of Players: 1–4
Genre: Board & Card Game
Supported Languages (Text): Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Rating: CERO (rating pending)
Sales Region: Worldwide
Culdcept Begins Official Website: https://game.neoscorp.jp/culdcept_begins/
Culdcept Begins Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Culdcept_Neos
The release date and pricing for the Steam version have not yet been determined.
For pricing outside Japan, please refer to the official website.
© Omiya Soft. ©Neos Corporation.
Culdcept is a trademark of Omiyasoft Co., Ltd.
Story
The Book of Creation, Culdcept, was created by the goddess Culdra. Those who wield its fragments—mystic tablets known as Culds —are called Cepters.
A young boy named Kamur transfers to the Royal Cept Academy, where Cepters from across the realm gather. Recognized for his exceptional potential, Kamur is selected to join the kingdom’s Royal Cepter Guard Regiment.
In the midst of a fierce conflict that threatens the entire continent, Kamur grows as a Cepter and ultimately undergoes a true awakening.
Game System
A simple set of rules lets players move around the board by rolling dice and expand their territories using cards. Will you collect tolls from rivals, or seize their lands through battle? The intense struggle for dominance keeps every moment thrilling.
Develop your territories and accumulate the required amount of magic power to claim victory! Enjoy a uniquely deep experience that blends the luck of the dice with the strategy of card play, a hallmark of this title.
Cards (Tablets)
There are approximately 400 different cards available in the game. Choose 40 cards from the three categories below to create your own Book (deck) tailored to your preferences and strategy. Discover your favorite combinations and aim to build your ultimate Book.
Creature Cards
- Cards that summon creatures. They can be used to expand your own territories or capture your opponent’s lands. Each creature belongs to one of five attributes and possesses unique abilities.
Item Cards
- Cards that support your creatures in battle. They do more than simply enhance attack or defense—by making use of their special abilities, you can turn the tide even in unfavorable situations.
Spell Cards
- Cards that shape the flow of the game and sometimes corner your opponents. When used skillfully, they can dramatically shift the course of a match and are indispensable for achieving victory.
Neos Corporation will continue to deliver game content enjoyed by users around the world across a wide variety of platforms.
*Software received via GameShare can only be played while Gameshare is active.For details about GameShare, please visit the Nintendo website (https://www.nintendo.com/jp/hardware/switch2/gameshare/index.html).Online play on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch requires a paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.
Press Contact:
Overload PR on behalf of Clear River Games
All copyrights, trademarks, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
About Tecmira Holdings
Company Name: Tecmira Holdings Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Sumitomo Fudosan Kanda Building No. 2, 1-23-1 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Listed Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Standard Market (Stock Code: 3627)
Representative: Masashi Ikeda
Group Business Activities:
Life Design Business
Provides services and solutions utilizing digital technology in areas such as education, health, FinTech, and characters.
AI & Cloud Business
Provides tech solutions utilizing SaaS, AWS, and other services, such as AI chat and cloud address books.
IoT & Device Business
Provides value that combines things and the Internet through the development and manufacture of communication devices and related platforms and apps.
About Neos
Company Name: Neos Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Sumitomo Fudosan Kanda Building No. 2, 1-23-1 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Masafumi Ikeda
Business Description: Information and communications services, software, and content development
About Clear River Games
Clear River Games is a publisher with love for classic retro games. We are a small team in Karlstad, Sweden, founded by the Freemode Group (part of Embracer Group). Our vision is to bring the joy of experiencing vintage retro games and revived classic game franchises to players all over the world. We focus on publishing high-quality classic game franchises, modern retro and pixel art games and indie games that inspire gamers and bring back great memories of the past or discover new great games. With physical editions distributed online and in retail stores, we want to make great and unique games accessible to retro game fans around the world.
