Players can overcome challenges and help various characters solve everyday problems with the help of Yo-kai friends. These eccentric Yo-kai resemble anything from inanimate objects to mythical creatures.

Yo-kai are not ghosts, monsters or creatures. Yo-kai are, quite simply, Yo-kai. They cannot be seen by the human eye, but they are everywhere. Whether born from the soul of a deceased human, or an everyday object discovering its higher purpose, their personalities are distinctly humanlike.

After the 2013 launch in Japan, the Nintendo 3DS game became a top seller and was well-received by both critics and players. Along with the anime and manga, the Yo-Kai Watch phenomenon evoked wide-spread popularity and demand for the brand among children.

“With sales of more than 7 million units in Japan, Yo-Kai Watch is coming to the U.S., where a new audience will be able to experience this irresistible franchise for the first time,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid, parent, fan or fan-in-the-making: Everyone will be won over by this charming game.”