Watermelon Game, colloquially known as Suika Game, has officially landed on the Nintendo Switch platform, catching the eyes of gamers globally after riding the wave of its viral success.
Emerging from its humble beginnings in December 2021, the Suika Game became a sensation, captivating many with its unique puzzle mechanics that require players to drop and merge fruits of identical types in their quest for high scores. The game’s objective seems simple, yet mastering it can be a tricky endeavor.
Initially, its fame erupted among VTubers in Japan, propelling it to the pinnacle of the eShop download charts in September 2023. But its charm didn’t remain confined to Japan. Recognizable Western streamers, including personalities like Ludwig and LilyPichu, played pivotal roles in popularizing the Watermelon Game across borders.
The game’s initial exclusivity to the Japan eShop meant that international enthusiasts keen on diving into its fruity realm had to set up a Japanese Nintendo account. But in a welcome move, as of October 20th, the gates have opened: Watermelon Game can now be procured from the eShop regardless of your geographical location. Those in the UK can snag it for £2.69, while US-based gamers will find it priced at $2.99.
A slight hiccup is the absence of multi-language settings; the game can only be navigated in Japanese. But considering its puzzle nature, this should hardly pose a problem—even if you’re not fluent in the language.
Many have lauded Watermelon Game for its dual allure: it’s delightful and engrossing. Gameplay revolves around the precise placement of fruits, bearing in mind their intrinsic physics and interactions. Merging identical fruits escalates their evolution: cherries metamorphose into strawberries, which further transform into grapes, culminating in the coveted watermelon. However, players must remain vigilant. The game concludes if any fruit overshadows the confines of the designated box.
It’s a noteworthy period for the Nintendo Switch. Alongside the release of Watermelon Game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has graced the platform, receiving widespread acclaim for its revamped 2D platform escapades. Simultaneously, racing aficionados can revel in F-Zero 99’s latest update, introducing three fresh tracks and the exhilarating King League Grand Prix.
Playing the Watermelon Game on Nintendo Switch
To enjoy the genuine Suika Game on your Nintendo Switch, adhere to the following procedure:
- Register for a new Nintendo account.
- While setting up, choose Japan as your country of residence.
- Complete the sign-up process.
- On your Nintendo Switch, navigate to “Settings”, proceed to “Users”, and then select “Add User”.
- Establish a new user profile and associate it with the Japanese Nintendo account you’ve just created.
- Acquire a 500 yen voucher from a reputable store like Amazon.
- For easier navigation on the store’s site, utilize your browser’s translation feature.
- Once you’ve secured the voucher, look for the code in your email inbox.
- Access the eShop on your Switch, and select “Redeem Code”.
- Comply with the displayed guidelines to claim your 500 yen.
- Revisit the eShop and input “Suika” in the search bar.
- With your 500 yen, finalize the purchase of the authentic Suika Game.
It’s important to mention that the Suika Game’s price tag is actually less than 500 yen—it’s set at 240 yen. Regrettably, there isn’t an alternative to procure a precise 240 yen voucher; 500 yen is the minimum available denomination.
Playing the Watermelon Game on PC
For those keen on experiencing Suika Game without any charges, there’s a version accessible via your web browser on a PC. To delve into this complimentary edition, navigate to suikagame.com and dive right in!
However, it’s essential to note that this free rendition of Suika offers a slightly varied experience compared to its counterpart on the Nintendo Store. The key distinctions include:
- There’s a variation in the physics between the two versions.
- Fruits in the browser-based game maintain a consistently round shape.
- The forthcoming fruit drop remains hidden in the browser variant. To immerse yourself in the authentic Watermelon Game experience, akin to what you’ve observed streamers showcasing on Twitch, it’s recommended to procure and play the Suika Game directly from the Nintendo Switch.
In summation, for those eager to indulge in a refreshing puzzle challenge, Watermelon Game, or Suika Game as many fondly call it, awaits your touch on the Nintendo Switch. Dive in and enjoy!
