Ultra-Fast Competitive Puzzle Game SHIKA-Q Launches Today, April 9, 2026 Confirmed for Exhibition at EVO Japan 2026 Side Event

AGNI-FLARE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; CEO: Takeshi Inaba) is pleased to announce that its ultra-fast competitive puzzle game SHIKA-Q is now available worldwide as a digital download title for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PlayStation®5 as of today, April 9, 2026.

In addition, the title will be featured at multiple major events, including a side event at EVO Japan 2026, participation in INDIE Live Expo 2026, and the launch of official esports initiatives such as the SHIKA-Q World Link Tournament and a public audition for official commentators.

The Steam version is currently in development, with the release date yet to be announced.

■Event & Tournament Information

INDIE Live Expo 2026

SHIKA-Q will be showcased at INDIE Live Expo 2026, an international indie game presentation event. The broadcast will take place on April 25, 2026, and will be streamed simultaneously across platforms including YouTube, Twitch, NicoNico Live, bilibili, and Steam.

Official Website: https://indie.live-expo.games/

EVO Japan 2026 Side Event

SHIKA-Q World Link Tournament

An official offline tournament, SHIKA-Q World Link Tournament, will be held as a side event at EVO Japan 2026.

Format: Single Elimination

Entry: First-come, first-served

Registration Opens: April 9, 2026

Entry Deadline: May 2, 2026, 20:00 JST

Check-in Starts: May 3, 2026, 11:00 JST

Event Date: May 3, 2026, 10:00–17:00 JST

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Exhibition Halls 1–3, Tokyo, Japan

Details & Registration:

https://tonamel.com/competition/QtspD

This event will be held in Japan. While participants from overseas are welcome, please note that this is an offline tournament and attendance in person on the day of the event is required.

About EVO Japan 2026

EVO Japan is the official Japanese edition of the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), one of the world’s premier fighting game tournaments. It features an open tournament format and attracts players from around the globe, combining high-level competition with a strong community presence.

Dates: May 1–3, 2026

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 1–3

SHIKA-Q Official Commentator Audition & Exhibition Match

AGNI-FLARE will host a public audition to select an official commentator for SHIKA-Q tournaments.

Up to four candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in a live-streamed web interview. The selected finalist will serve as an official commentator for one year. An exhibition match will also be held during the broadcast.

Registration Opens: April 9, 2026

Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, 20:00 JST

Broadcast Date: April 29, 2026

YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@SHIKA-QOFFICIAL-z4m

Application Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW_TDtuqrC3WiQWvPE5MMmH9Yu_VZZalgUok3aTi9EcSVwNQ/viewform

Please note that this audition is currently open to Japanese-speaking participants. We are considering opportunities for other language groups in the future, but for this round, Japanese proficiency is required.

■Product Overview

Title: SHIKA-Q

Genre: Ultra-Fast Competitive Puzzle Game

Players: 1–2 (Online Multiplayer Supported)

Distribution: Digital Download Only

Rating: CERO A

Platforms: Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Steam (TBD)

Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch

The title will be available in most regions supported by each platform, excluding China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

■Release Schedule

Nintendo Switch™: April 9, 2026 (00:00 JST)

PlayStation®4 / PlayStation®5: April 9, 2026 (00:00 JST)

Steam: TBA

Release timing may vary depending on region and platform.

■Release Date

Nintendo Switch™: April 9, 2026 (00:00 JST)

Nintendo eShop: https://www.nintendo.com/it-it/Giochi/Giochi-scaricabili-per-Nintendo-Switch/SHIKA-Q-3060714.html

PlayStation®4 / PlayStation®5: April 9, 2026 (00:00 JST)

PlayStation Store:

https://store.playstation.com/zh-hant-tw/product/JP5593-CUSA57057_00-0120180967376671

https://store.playstation.com/zh-hant-tw/product/JP5593-PPSA31366_00-0109554914688688

Steam: To be announced

Release timing may vary depending on region and platform.

■Editions

Nintendo Switch

Available in the following editions:

– Standard Edition

– Nexus Edition (Base Game + Nexus Battle Pass)

– Premium Edition (Base Game + Premium Battle Pass)

– Deluxe Edition (Base Game + Battle Pass Set)

Additional content:

– Nexus Battle Pass

– Premium Battle Pass

– Battle Pass Set

PlayStation®4 / PlayStation®5

Available as:

– Base Game

– Deluxe Edition

– Individual Battle Passes

Note: Nexus and Premium Editions are not available on PlayStation platforms.

Prices may vary by region and platform. Please refer to each store for details.

PlayStation® Early Purchase Offer

Discount: 20% off for PlayStation®Plus members until April 30, 2026 (23:59 local time)

Bonus Items: Customers who purchase during the early period will receive four in-game cosmetic items:

Player Icons ×2: “Mark of the Pioneer[Blue]”, “Mark of the Pioneer[Red]”

Battle BGM ×1: “Wind Racer”

Achievement Badge ×1: “Founding Challenger”

These items are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay balance.

About SHIKA-Q

SHIKA-Q is an ultra-fast competitive puzzle game played on a 10×10 board, where players connect “Links” to outmaneuver opponents in real time.

Combat elements such as attacks, interference, recovery, and special abilities occur simultaneously, creating a strategic experience comparable to fighting games. Its real-time board transformation system demands both rapid decision-making and sharp reflexes.

The game features a single-player challenge mode, competitive multiplayer, online rankings, and a battle pass system, with ongoing plans for esports expansion.

Links

Official Website: https://shika-q.com

X (Twitter): https://x.com/sikaq_info

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4083790/SHIKAQ/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SHIKA-QOFFICIAL-z4m

Discord: https://discord.gg/wnZAxBqd4W

Ultra-Fast Competitive Puzzle Game SHIKA-Q Launches Today, April 9, 2026 Confirmed for Exhibition at EVO Japan 2026 Side Event

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