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.

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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.

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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'

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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
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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

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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.

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Drop

Drop fruits into the box

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Merge

Same fruits collide

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Goal

Create watermelons

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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

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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

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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

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2021.01

'Merge Big Watermelon' goes viral in China

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2021.04

Debuts as popIn Aladdin built-in game

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2021.12

Releases on Japanese Switch eShop

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2023.09

Streamers & VTubers begin spreading

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2023.10

Global release, surpasses 5M downloads

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2023.11

Wins Japan eShop #1 annual downloads

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2024.02

Multiplayer DLC release

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2024.11

Physical Special Edition release

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2025.09

'Suika Game Planet' sequel announced