History of Suika Game
The Evolution Journey from 2021 to Present
Overview
Suika Game was developed by Japan's Aladdin X, debuting in 2021 as a built-in game for the popIn Aladdin projector. It launched on the Japanese Switch eShop in December 2021 and achieved worldwide viral success in October 2023.
Origins (January - April 2021)
The core concept of Suika Game originated from the Chinese web game 'Merge Big Watermelon' (合成大西瓜), created by Midou Technology in January 2021, which quickly became a viral hit.
To showcase their 3-in-1 ceiling projector popIn Aladdin, Aladdin X adapted this game concept and began offering it as a built-in application in April 2021.
Nintendo Switch Launch (December 2021)
Following the positive reception of the projector version, Aladdin X decided to port the game to Nintendo eShop. The Switch and projector versions have slight differences in fruit weight and scoring systems, optimized for each platform.
December 9, 2021
First released on Japanese eShop as 'Watermelon Game/Suika Game'
Viral Phenomenon (September 2023~)
Starting September 2023, influenced by Japanese streamers, VTubers, and social media, sales surged 'over 50,000 times' and rocketed to the top of the charts.
Download Milestones
- • October 5, 2023: 1 million downloads
- • October 16, 2023: 2 million downloads
- • October 30, 2023: 3 million downloads
- • November 14, 2023: 4 million downloads
- • December 14, 2023: 5 million downloads
Sales Records
- • 3.66 million worldwide (November 2023)
- • 3.27 million in Japan
- • 390,000 overseas
- • #1 on Japan eShop 2023 & 2024
Global Release (October 2023)
The Switch version officially released in Europe, America, Australia and other regions. Initially available only in Japanese, later updates added English, Korean, Chinese and other languages.
October 20, 2023
Nintendo official page shows support for up to 2 players
Pricing
Japan
¥240
United States
$2.99
Europe
€2.99
Gameplay
Built on 'drop → collide → merge' mechanics, using physics puzzles and chain reactions to merge identical fruits into larger ones. The ultimate goal is to create watermelons and achieve high scores.
Drop
Drop fruits into the box
Merge
Same fruits collide
Goal
Create watermelons
Physical Edition Release (November 2024)
With sustained popularity, Japan released a Switch physical 'Special Edition' to meet the needs of collectors and cartridge users.
November 2024 Release
First physical cartridge edition with limited production
Multiplayer DLC (February 2024)
The 'Multiplayer Mode' DLC was released, expanding competitive and interactive gameplay options.
February 21, 2024
Enables versus mode and co-op play for up to 2 players
Sequel Announcement (2025)
Aladdin X announced the sequel 'Suika Game Planet', planned for Switch and Switch 2, introducing new elements including local 4-player co-op.
Suika Game Planet
- •New planetary stage settings
- •Local 4-player co-op support
- •New fruits and special items
- •Switch 2 exclusive enhancements
Timeline
2021.01
'Merge Big Watermelon' goes viral in China
2021.04
Debuts as popIn Aladdin built-in game
2021.12
Releases on Japanese Switch eShop
2023.09
Streamers & VTubers begin spreading
2023.10
Global release, surpasses 5M downloads
2023.11
Wins Japan eShop #1 annual downloads
2024.02
Multiplayer DLC release
2024.11
Physical Special Edition release
2025.09
'Suika Game Planet' sequel announced