ILLUMINATION and Infinite Loop have announced that the arcade version of “Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns,” titled “Super Real Mahjong AC,” is scheduled to launch in the winter of 2026.
"Super Real Mahjong" Returns to Arcades for the First Time in About 28 Years
This title is a two-player strip mahjong game based on *Super Real Mahjong: Venus Returns*, which was released for PC (Steam) in August 2026.The “AC” in the title stands for “Arcade Comeback,” marking the series’ return to arcades for the first time in approximately 28 years since *Super Real Mahjong VS* launched in 1999.
The four heroines featured are Mizuki Tono, Aya Fujiwara, Akira Hayasaka, and Shoko, the series’ original heroine. While the core elements—including characters, mahjong, reward scenes, and voice acting—are carried over from the Steam version, some adjustments have been made to ensure a fast-paced, arcade-friendly experience.
Additionally, to comply with modern arcade content standards, certain undressing scenes will generally be obscured by a “mysterious light.” The specific content displayed may vary depending on the settings of the individual arcade location.
The impetus for the arcade release reportedly came from a single message sent by Eric, the developer of the arcade game board “exA-Arcadia,” asking, “Why don’t you release an arcade version?”
Buoyed by the game’s success—the Steam version topped the domestic sales charts for five consecutive days and reached as high as No. 8 globally—a path to operation became clear regarding the content standards, which had been the biggest hurdle. This was achieved through Mr. Eric’s repeated verification of and consultation on the industry’s voluntary standards.While the game uses the same system board as exA-Arcadia, it will be released under “Hawt Pink Club,” an adult-oriented arcade game brand that operates and distributes titles differently from standard exA-Arcadia titles.
Standard exA-Arcadia is a commercial arcade game platform launched in 2019; its key feature is that, on cabinets equipped with the system board, new titles can be launched simply by swapping out the game cartridge.
A, B, C… N! That classic “Mahjong Control Panel” is making a comeback in the Reiwa era
The classic “Mahjong control panel”—featuring a row of buttons for “Riichi,” “Pon,” “Chi,” and “Ron”—will also make a comeback in this title.
Since there are now very few manufacturers producing Mahjong control panels, exA-Arcadia has manufactured a new one specifically for *Super Real Mahjong AC*. You can play exactly as you did back in the day—sitting in front of the cabinet and discarding tiles using the buttons. However, depending on the arcade location, gameplay may sometimes involve using a joystick in combination with the buttons.
Installation locations have not yet been decided… Crowdfunding campaign launched to “bring it to you”
That said, no arcades have yet confirmed plans to install “Super Real Mahjong AC.” This is because, for arcade games, the decision to install the game must be made by the individual arcades that own compatible cabinets.
According to statistics from the National Police Agency, the number of arcades has decreased from 26,573 in 1986 to 4,184 by the end of 2025—roughly one-sixth of its peak. The pool of potential locations is even more limited when considering establishments authorized to offer titles containing adult content.
Therefore, to deliver as many units of this title as possible to arcades nationwide, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched on CAMPFIRE. The project page went live on November 6 at 12:00 PM, and the campaign will begin accepting contributions on November 12 at 9:00 PM.
Project Name: An Arcade Revival After About 28 Years. We Want to Bring “Super Real Mahjong AC” to Your Town!
Funding Period: November 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM – December 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Fundraising Goal: 1 million yen (All-In format)
Project Page:
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/991284 *Support is limited to residents of Japan
From Sapporo and Tokyo to the Whole Country! The “Super Real Mahjong AC Caravan” Experience Event
Funds raised through crowdfunding will also be used to host the “Super Real Mahjong AC Caravan,” a series of hands-on events touring arcades and other venues nationwide.
Events are scheduled to begin around February 2027 and will be held sequentially. At each venue, in addition to hands-on gameplay, there will be talk shows featuring the development staff, sales of related merchandise, exhibitions related to the series, and the unveiling of development materials. Participation is limited to those 18 years of age or older, and backers will receive priority access to purchase tickets.
If the goal of 1 million yen is reached, events will be held in Sapporo—where the developers ILLUMINATION and Infinite Loop, as well as the rights holder Mighty Craft, are based—and in Tokyo. The number of host cities will expand depending on the amount of funding raised.
Event Locations Based on Contribution Amount
1 million yen: Sapporo and Tokyo
3 million yen: + Kansai
5 million yen: + Chubu/Hokuriku
7 million yen: + Kyushu
9 million yen: + Chugoku/Shikoku
11 million yen: + Tohoku
Even if the fundraising goal is not met, the promotional tours in Sapporo and Tokyo will still take place, though on a scaled-down basis. Voice actor appearances are yet to be determined.
Featuring actual cel art! Luxurious rewards, including vintage items
Rewards range widely, from a 1,000-yen thank-you email to a P’s CLUB membership card, a Shoko “Tenho” T-shirt, acrylic stands of the heroines, desk mats, and mini plush toys.The “10-Piece In-Store Acrylic Stand Set” (50,000 yen), featuring acrylic stands based on instruction cards from throughout the series’ history, will also be available.
Furthermore, with the cooperation of the rights holder, Mighty Craft, reward tiers featuring vintage items from the era—such as original postcards (150,000 yen, limited to 20 people) and actual cel art used in the production (200,000 yen, limited to one person per type, 5 types total)—are also available.
Please note that the software kit, system board, and complete cabinet for this title are not included in the rewards.
We are also currently seeking stores and facilities to host this game.
For stores that have already installed the exA-Arcadia system board, the game will run simply by inserting the cartridge. We also accept inquiries via the contact form from stores that have not yet installed the system and from facilities other than arcades. Information on compatible cabinets is available on the official website.
Comment from Producer Kentaro Matsui
I’m a young man who first encountered *Super Real Mahjong* at an arcade, became utterly captivated by its charm, and am now serving as its producer. If I had told my younger self a few years ago, “I’m going to make this in VR,” he probably wouldn’t have believed me, and if I’d said, “I’m also releasing an arcade version,” I think he would have laughed at me.
But now, that’s about to become a reality. However, simply completing the game isn’t enough. After all, if there’s nowhere to put it, people won’t be able to play it. So now, we’re shifting our focus from “creating” to “delivering.” We’re going to bring Super Real Mahjong to as many towns as possible.
Kentaro Matsui, Chairman and CEO of Infinite Loop Co., Ltd. / Producer of this title
“Super Real Mahjong AC” is scheduled to launch in winter 2026 for the exA-Arcadia system board. The game it’s based on, “Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns,” is currently available for PC (Steam) (please note that the linked content is intended for adults).
