CRITICAL REFLEX and developer Denkiworks announced during Nintendo's Indie World Showcase on October 28, 2026 that TANUKI: Pon's Summer launches on November 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game will also be available on Game Pass on launch day. The PlayStation 5, Switch 2 and PlayStation 4 versions are newly announced and were revealed alongside the date.
Players control Pon, a tanuki working part-time as a mail carrier who must restore the Great Tanuki Shrine before the end-of-summer festival. There is roughly one in-game month to earn enough money and items by delivering letters and packages, making friends and taking part in island activities. The colorful look and relaxed pace place it among cozy games, but with a clear goal and deadline.
BMX, deliveries and island life
The bicycle is the main way to get around: Pon rides across the island, hits ramps, grinds rails and chains tricks, with more than 100 BMX challenges spread across the map. Deliveries vary in size, weight and shape, so each package needs a plan to reach its destination. Building bonds with residents unlocks activities such as baseball, fishing, sumo, bug catching and sushi making, and the rewards feed into the shrine's restoration.
The island draws inspiration from regions of Japan such as Kyoto, Aomori, Sapporo and Beppu, each with its own quests and objectives. There are also special crossover hats inspired by other indie games, including Hollow Knight: Silksong, PEAK and Shovel Knight, as cosmetic items. The Steam demo covers the first 2 to 3 hours, equivalent to the first three days, and progress carries over to the full game.
Price, upgrade and Game Pass
Pre-orders are open at US$ 19.99 on Xbox and the Nintendo eShop. Players who buy the Nintendo Switch version can play the Switch 2 version at no extra charge, and vice versa. On Game Pass, the game will be free to download for subscribers on PC and consoles from November 10, according to the publisher's announcement.
What is officially announced: the global November 10 date, the platforms and the Game Pass launch. Regional pricing beyond the US$ 19.99 figure has not been detailed in the announcement yet.
Image credit: official TANUKI: Pon's Summer artwork published by Denkiworks and CRITICAL REFLEX.
Transparency note: this article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on cross-checking public sources on the internet, including the publisher's announcement and coverage of the reveal at Nintendo's Indie World Showcase. Please check the original sources listed below to confirm details, dates and platforms.
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Sources
- Gematsu: TANUKI: Pon’s Summer adds PS5, Switch 2, and PS4 versions, launches November 10
- Saving Content: comunicado da CRITICAL REFLEX e da Denkiworks sobre a data de TANUKI: Pon’s Summer
- Comunicado da Nintendo sobre o Indie World Showcase de 28 de outubro de 2026 (via Business Wire)
- Trailer oficial com a data de lançamento de TANUKI: Pon’s Summer