40th Anniversary Festival: Disassembled PS5s and Sakura Wars Art on Display
The Famitsu 40th Anniversary Festival has officially opened at Bellscalle Akihabara in Tokyo. Celebrating four decades of the legendary gaming magazine, the event offers fans a deep dive into gaming history through unique exhibits, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to play upcoming titles.
The festival, held on November 7, 2026, serves as a massive celebration of Famitsu's 40-year legacy. The venue is packed with various activities, ranging from stage events and merchandise sales to interactive corners where visitors can experience the life of a Famitsu editor.
Rare Exhibits: From Disassembled Hardware to Original Art
One of the most significant draws for tech enthusiasts is the hardware exhibition. The event features non-sale, disassembled specimens of various PlayStation consoles, including a detailed look at the internal structure of the PlayStation 5 and the DualSense wireless controller. This level of hardware transparency is a rare sight even at major gaming conventions.
Art lovers can also enjoy a special exhibition of original illustrations from Sakura Wars, specifically the artwork featured on the cover of Weekly Famitsu No. 1965. The display showcases the detailed work of Hidenori Matsubara.
Beyond hardware and art, the exhibition includes a collection of over 100 commemorative visuals provided by various game manufacturers, alongside panels documenting the 40-year history of the magazine and the evolution of the gaming industry.
Hands-on Experiences and Interactive Booths
The festival leans heavily into nostalgia and industry culture. A dedicated photo spot allows visitors to recreate the 'Isuneri'—a traditional (if somewhat grueling) practice where exhausted editors would sleep on rows of chairs in the office during late-night shifts. While the magazine notes that modern working conditions are much healthier, the booth offers a humorous nod to the past.
For those interested in the editorial process, workshops are available to test proofreading skills. Participants can choose between beginner and advanced levels, working on original articles featuring titles like Momotaro Dentetsu 2 and Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2. Once completed, visitors can take their reviewed articles home.
Hands-on Demos and High Demand
The playable demo area has seen massive crowds. Despite being a lottery-based system, many titles saw high demand due to the chance to play unreleased games and receive exclusive novelties. Notable titles available for testing include:
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