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Suika Game
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Suika Game
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Suika Game
Official artwork for the game, showcasing every fruit, except the pear
DeveloperAladdin X[a][b]
PublisherAladdin X
EngineUnity
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Nintendo Switch, popIn Aladdin
ReleasepopIn Aladdin
  • JP: April 2021
Nintendo Switch
  • JP: December 9, 2021
  • WW: October 20, 2023
iOS
  • JP: January 1, 2024
  • WW: March 7, 2024
Android
  • WW: April 11, 2024
GenrePuzzle
ModesSingle-player
Multiplayer

Suika Game[c] (also called Watermelon Game, suika is rōmaji for watermelon, or simply Suika) is a Japanese puzzle video game by Aladdin X, which combines the elements of falling and merging puzzle games. The game was originally developed for the company's digital projectors in April 2021 and due to its initial success, released on the Nintendo eShop in December 2021 in Japan. After gaining popularity, it was made available globally in October 2023. The concept originates from a Chinese browser game titled Merge Big Watermelon that was released in January 2021.

The game involves the player trying to build a high score by dropping fruits into a container without having them overflow out of the container. To earn points the player must combine two of the same fruits, which creates a new fruit in the game's fruit cycle. The game allows players to view other player's ranks through an online leaderboard.

During 2023 Suika Game gained popularity after being played by live streamers, particularly VTubers. The game was received well by critics, praising the simplicity and charm of the game. It achieved over four million downloads by November 2023 and became the most downloaded eShop game on the Nintendo Switch in both 2023 and 2024 in Japan. The game also became prone to unofficial versions being created. Paid DLC was released in February 2024, which added local competitive multiplayer and online functionality was added in May 2024. As of October 2024, the game has achieved over 11 million downloads.

A sequel called Suika Game Planet was announced in September 2025.

Gameplay

[edit]
A view of the container filled with fruit. Featured in the container are the first six fruits in the Circle of Evolution, as well as the titular watermelon.

Suika Game is a puzzle game focusing on stacking objects in a confined space, reminiscent of Tetris.[4] The player, represented as a cloud called Poppy,[5][6] is tasked with dropping a wide range of fruits in a box, aiming for the highest score without having a single fruit cross the line at the top of the box and overflowing out, or else the game would end.[7] In order to keep the fruits from overflowing out of the box, the player must match two types of fruits in order for them to merge into the next biggest fruit in the cycle, increasing the player's score. The bigger the fruits that merge the larger the point bonus is, with the largest merger the player can achieve resulting in the titular watermelon.[8] If two watermelons merge, they poof from the box.[9] Suika Game has no time limit to rush the player with;[10] unlike in games such as Tetris, the fruits are affected by physics causing them to hit off each other and roll away from where they were initially dropped.[11] Sometimes the pressure released by two fruits merging is enough to send a fruit out of the box and end the game.[12][13]

There are 11 fruits in the game and they go in a cycle from smallest to largest: the cherry,[d] the strawberry, the grapes, the dekopon, the persimmon,[e] the apple, the pear, the peach, the pineapple, the melon, and the titular watermelon.[9] However, the fruits that the player can drop into the box are limited to the five smallest in the cycle. The order the player can drop the fruit is completely random, but they can see the fruit that is coming up one turn ahead.[15] For the Chinese "Merge Big Watermelon" browser game version, the order of the fruit is slightly different as the game features different fruits such as kiwis, lemons and tangerines in its cycle.[16]

Suika Game also features an online leader board to compare other players' ranks online, being split between scores from "daily", "monthly" and "overall". This leader board can keep track of the player's own score too.[15] This ability to share and compare points leads both players and livestreamers to create an unofficial challenge that requires them to reach at least 3,000 points in-game.[8][12]

On February 21, 2024, paid DLC introduced local competitive multiplayer modes. Aside from Original, it introduced Time Limit and Attack multiplayer modes.[17] Online multiplayer was released as an update on May 23, 2024.[18]

Development and release

[edit]

Suika Game was initially developed as a built-in application for the popIn Aladdin, a 3-in-1 ceiling digital projector developed by a branch of Aladdin X called popIn, in April 2021.[7] It was said to be well received amongst customers of the projector.[2] Aladdin X decided that due to the game's popularity on the projector,[19] as well as wanting to spread awareness of their projectors further, they would rework the framework of Suika Game to bring it to the Nintendo eShop on December 9, 2021.[19] Aladdin X have stated there are minor differences between the Nintendo Switch and popIn Aladdin versions of the game, mainly pointing to the weight of the fruits and how points are calculated.[5] During an interview with Nippon TV Aladdin X mentioned the idea of bringing the game to smartphones, however decided against it at the time due wanting the game to have "a better chance of standing out" amongst other apps on the market.[20]

The initial concept for this game originates from a Chinese web browser game developed by marketing company Meadow Science (Chinese: 米兜科技) called "Merge Big Watermelon" (Chinese: 合成大西瓜). The game released in January 2021 and became a large success, with Merge Big Watermelon receiving more than 1.4 billion related search hits on Sina Weibo.[16][21]

The game received little attention after the game's launch onto the eShop until September 2023;[22] in which the game garnered an increase in popularity, with GamesRadar+ comparing the sudden popularity to Among Us in 2020.[4] Cited as one of the main causes of the game going viral was due to coverage by Japanese live streamers streaming the game starting in May 2023,[21] with 2.84 million hours watched monthly and ranking 82nd most watched game on Twitch in September 2023.[4][7] VTubers were particularly noted for the game's success,[13][23] with members of VTuber companies such as Hololive Production cited as bringing millions of viewers to the game.[4] In the west, livestreamers CDawgVA, LilyPichu, Ludwig and QTCinderella were credited to have also helped increase the game's popularity outside of Japan.[24][25] Additionally, Aladdin X believes the success and popularity of the game derives from the game's "cute and friendly art that appeals to a wide audience", as well as the game's simplistic rules.[7][20][26] To celebrate the game reaching 4 million downloads in November 2023, Aladdin X created animated stickers for the Japanese social media software Line.[27][28]

Due to the game's popularity English-speaking news publications, such as Polygon, published articles on how to obtain the game using a Japanese Nintendo Account.[29][23][7] On October 20, 2023, Suika Game was released globally onto the eShop unannounced,[25][30] however the game was initially untranslated from Japanese.[31][32] English-language support was later added in an update released on October 24, 2023.[33] Alongside the translation, the game was given a Halloween theme which changed the game's visuals, such as turning the watermelons into pumpkins, as well as adding Halloween music.[34][35] For the popIn Aladdin version of the game, a "halloween festival" was announced. The festival, which ran from October 28 to November 3, 2023, featured both three different sizes of pumpkins as well as candy that can turn the fruit it lands on to its next stage in the cycle.[36] An official iOS version was released in Japan on January 1, 2024.[37] The official iOS version received the English update on March 7, 2024.[38] An official Android version was released worldwide on April 11, 2024.[39]

Reception

[edit]

Critical reviews

[edit]

Suika Game was often compared by critics to other popular puzzle games, such as Tetris and Puyo Puyo.[11] News publications such as IGN Japan and Automaton Media made the comparison to the indie puzzle game Threes!.[21][43] In Nintendo Life's review of the game, they described the game as "2048 with physics".[40] Julia Lee of Polygon made a similar comment that it was "like a mix of Tetris and 2048 but with adorable fruit". However even with the comparisons, Lee still praised the game claiming that the game has her flipping her emotions more so than other similar puzzle games she has played, although not full sure why. She speculates the game's illustrations, physics and motivations as possible reasons.[12]

One of the main praises of Suika Game was its charm. In his review of the game, TouchArcade's Shaun Musgrave wrote that the game does a lot to work as well as it does and positing that the game is "hard to resist". One of the main aspects he focuses on is the game's overall charm, citing that the game is "absolutely adorable" and the music in the game is catchy. Continuing on, Musgrave adds that the game's physics lead to unexpecting outcomes, making the game more exciting and dangerous for him.[41]

Another aspect of the game that critics praised was the way the game handled strategy. Japanese website ITmedia wrote that the game was perfect for both children and adults to understand, adding that they believed that the game was "super simple yet deep". They explained that whilst the controls were simple the physics could cause unexpected outcomes, allowing the game to have a welcoming premise but also have a steep difficulty curve.[44] Mitch Vogel of Nintendo Life mentions in his review that when playing over time the player will learn to optimise placement, making it harder for players to resist replaying. Vogel also mentions that one thrilling aspect of the game is when accurate placements can lead to a chain reaction combo.[40]

Sales

[edit]

In the span of a month starting in early September to October 5, 2023, Aladdin X announced that Suika Game had been downloaded 1 million times on the eShop.[22][45][46] A few days later on October 16, the game had been downloaded 2 million times in Japan.[47] By October 30, 2023, the game had been downloaded 3 million times.[48][49] Aladdin X had also announced that the game had been downloaded 50,000 times more than before its popularity increased.[7][20] By November 7 it had been reported that Suika Game has been downloaded 3.66 million times, splitting between 3.27 million downloads domestically and 0.39 million downloads internationally.[50] As of November 14, 2023, Suika Game has been downloaded 4 million times; and as of December 14, the total number of downloads of Suika Game worldwide reached 5 million.[51][52] In June 2024, the game was announced to have crossed 10 million downloads.[53] As of October 2024, the game has achieved 11 million downloads. This makes the game one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch overall.[54]

Suika Game was the most downloaded game on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan in 2023, beating out The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, as well as other inexpensive titles such as Vampire Survivors and Overcooked 2.[55][9][56][57] The game retained the title of most downloaded game on the eShop in Japan in 2024, beating games such The Exit 8.[58] In December 2024, Apple Inc. announced that the game was the iPhone's and iPad's most downloaded and 2nd most downloaded paid games of the year on Japan's App Store respectively. In the free games category for both platforms, unofficial versions of the games were the most downloaded.[59]

Unofficial versions

[edit]

Due to the success of Suika Game, it caused many unofficial versions of the game to appear online. One of the most notable versions is a free web browser version with the same name; with websites such as Polygon, Rock Paper Shotgun and VG247 considering it a great alternative for people who weren't able to make a Japanese Nintendo account, or don't have a Nintendo Switch, although noting that the physics and presentation aren't the same as the Switch version of the game.[29][24][60] Outside of the browser version, Aladdin X warned customers that there were many smartphone games trying to imitate Suika Game with some even using art from the official versions.[43][61] One particular imitation managed to reach number one on the Japanese App Store in the free games' "casual" section, prompting Aladdin X to request Apple to take the imitation off the service.[1]

On October 30, 2023, Automaton Media reported that the amount of clones on the App Store had become an increasing problem. They specifically pointed out that more than half of the top five games on the "free download" rankings for both iPad and iPhone in Japan were fake versions of Suika Game, mentioning that some of the fake versions were made by the same individual developer. Additionally, it was pointed out that the BGM for the game was being sold on online music sites.[49]

Outside of the fake versions of the game, many fan games and parodies also arose in the wake of the game's success. Some fan games are simple retextures, such as one that replaced the fruit with the VTuber talents of Hololive.[62] "Hokkaido Game", a fan game that replaced the fruits with the prefectures of Japan, received particular attention due to the shape of the prefectures changing the collision between two drops.[63][64][65] Other fan games added new features; such as "Whale Game Online", which added 2-player multiplayer on top of swapping the fruits for sea creatures.[66][67] One of the most unique games based on Suika Game is "Watermelon Mori", a 3D puzzle game unlike the 2D original. Although the aim of the game is similar, the player must instead use a cannon to shoot fruit onto a plate, with the difficulty coming from the physics of the fruit rolling around. Other fan games have since also opted for the 3D style gameplay.[68]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Result Ref.
2023 The Vtuber Awards Stream Game of The Year Won [69]
2024 Japan Game Awards Movement Award Won [70]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Suika Game

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Suika Game is a Japanese puzzle video game developed by Aladdin X in which players drop various fruits into a confined box, merging identical ones upon contact to evolve them into larger varieties, ultimately aiming to create watermelons while avoiding overflow that ends the game. Originally created in April 2021 as a built-in application for Aladdin X's popIn Aladdin ceiling projector—a multifunctional home device combining projection, audio, and smart features—the game was designed to entertain users during setup or downtime. It was developed as an adaptation of the merging mechanics from the Chinese browser game Merge Big Watermelon (2021), similar to those in 2048, with Tetris-style falling puzzles, but emphasizes physics-based stacking and strategic placement to maximize scores based on merged fruit sizes. The game gained widespread popularity after its port to the eShop, first releasing in on December 9, 2021, and worldwide on October 20, 2023, where it became a viral sensation among streamers and casual players for its simple yet addictive . By late 2023, it had exceeded five million downloads on the , with total downloads across platforms surpassing 11 million as of October 2024. Mobile versions for and Android, developed by Aladdin X, were released in 2024, further boosting its accessibility. Its success has inspired numerous unofficial clones and prompted Aladdin X to announce Suika Game Planet, an expanded title for and Switch 2 launching in winter 2025.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

Suika Game is a physics-based puzzle where players drop various fruits from the top of a confined rectangular box, aiming to merge identical fruits upon contact to create larger ones. The merging follows a fixed 11-tier sequence: two cherries combine to form a , two form a , two form a , two form a , two form an apple, two apples form a , two form a , two form a , two form a , and two form a . Only the five smallest fruits (cherry, , , , and ) are available for dropping, with the sequence of drops randomized but previewed for the next one; larger fruits are solely created through merges. The scoring system rewards merges with base points that increase with each tier in the sequence, rising exponentially for advanced ones; creating a yields substantial points, especially during chain reactions triggered by a single drop, where multiple merges occur simultaneously, amplifying the total score through multipliers. Efficient use of space to facilitate these chains further boosts scores by preventing clutter. The primary objective is to maximize the overall score by strategically creating high-value fruits, particularly watermelons, while avoiding overflow of the box. Fruits exhibit realistic physics, bouncing and rolling upon landing due to simulations powered by the Unity engine, which influences positioning and merge opportunities as dropped items interact with existing ones in the box. The game ends if any fruit stacks exceed the top boundary of the box, resulting in a with the final score recorded. The fruit cycle is strictly linear across 11 tiers, with the as the pinnacle; attempting to merge two watermelons causes them to disappear without forming a new type, emphasizing strategic placement over endless progression.

Game Modes

Suika Game's single-player mode consists of an endless puzzle experience where players drop fruits into a confined box, merging identical types to create larger fruits and achieve escalating scores until the box overflows. This core variant includes online leaderboards that rank players globally on daily, monthly, and all-time bases, fostering competition by allowing score comparisons across these periods. In February 2024, developer Aladdin X released the Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack-Offline as paid , introducing local two-player support on a single console. Players share the same box, taking turns to drop fruits in a competitive format, with options for cooperation or rivalry depending on the chosen ruleset. This DLC adds three variant sub-modes beyond the standard play: , which restricts matches to five minutes and awards victory to the highest scorer; Attack, where players aim to force an opponent's box to overflow by sending evolved fruits after every fifth drop; and Item, incorporating strategic use of special evolved fruit items to influence outcomes. The online counterpart, Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack-Online, launched in May 2024 and requires a subscription for access. It enables two-player matches over the internet with global matchmaking, supporting real-time head-to-head sessions using the same sub-modes as the local version—Original for direct score competition, , Attack, and Item. Players can engage in synchronous play, competing against others worldwide without the need for local proximity. The game eschews traditional leveling systems, instead emphasizing progression through accumulating high scores that contribute to leaderboard rankings and personal bests. While core achievements are tied to score milestones, additional cosmetic fruit skins are available via separate paid DLC packs, such as seasonal themes including summer holiday, Halloween, spring, and additional 2025 packs like Fruit Parlor and Neon City, enhancing visual customization without altering gameplay mechanics.

Development and Release

Development

Suika Game was developed by , a Japanese focused on home entertainment products such as . Founded as a startup, the company created the game as a built-in mini-game for its popIn smart app, which integrates lighting, projection, and audio features, with the initial release occurring in April 2021. The concept emphasized relaxing and addictive designed for brief sessions, aiming to promote family interaction and entertainment within the projector's ecosystem. The game's core idea drew direct inspiration from the Chinese browser game Synthetic Big Watermelon (released in January 2021), adapting its fruit-merging progression into a physics-driven dropping mechanic where fruits fall into a container and combine upon contact. Aladdin X, operating as a small team outside traditional game development, iterated on this foundation to emphasize tactile satisfaction from the realistic bouncing and merging animations over strategic depth. Key design decisions included limiting the progression to 11 distinct fruits—starting from cherries and advancing through strawberries, grapes, , persimmons, apples, pears, peaches, pineapples, melons, and culminating in watermelons—to maintain simplicity and focus on emergent chaos from physics interactions. This choice prioritized intuitive, satisfying merges that encourage repeated play without overwhelming rules, achieved through careful balancing of fruit sizes, weights, and collision responses during development.

Release History

Suika Game was initially released in April 2021 as a free built-in application for the popIn series of smart projectors developed by Aladdin X, exclusively in . The game made its console debut on the via the Japanese eShop on December 9, 2021, initially available only in Japanese. An unannounced global release followed on October 20, 2023, for the eShop in regions including , , and , though the initial version remained untranslated. support, along with Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, was added via an update on October 23, 2023. Mobile versions launched in 2024, starting with the release in on January 1, 2024, via the . A worldwide version followed on March 6, 2024, supporting English and other languages. The official Android version became available globally on on April 11, 2024. A variant titled Suika Game+ was released on on July 3, 2025. Post-launch updates have primarily focused on content expansions rather than core changes. The Nintendo Switch version received a Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack DLC on February 21, 2024, introducing local multiplayer features for $2.25 USD. A separate Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack-Online DLC, adding online multiplayer support, was released on May 22, 2024, for $0.99 USD. Additional updates in 2024 included balance tweaks to fruit physics and seasonal paid DLCs such as the Halloween Party pack on October 24, 2024. In 2025, further expansions added Item Mode to multiplayer (May 2025), along with paid skin DLCs including Spring Skin (April 2025) and Summer DLC (June 2025), with no major overhauls to core gameplay mechanics as of November 2025. The game employs a paid model across platforms: $2.99 USD for the base and mobile versions, with paid DLC updates for the Switch and in-app purchases for cosmetic skins on mobile.

Reception

Critical Reception

Suika Game has been met with generally positive critical reception, particularly for its addictive simplicity and satisfying "just one more try" loop that keeps players engaged in pursuit of higher scores. The version earned an average score of around 7.5/10 from outlets tracked on , reflecting its appeal as a low-cost, bite-sized puzzler. Critics frequently praised the game's charming fruit animations, where merging produce creates delightful visual and audio feedback, alongside the strategic depth in managing limited space through precise drops and physics interactions. Its relaxing pace belies a challenging core, drawing comparisons to Tetris for the tension of dropping elements into a confined area and to 2048 for the merging progression toward larger fruits like watermelons. However, some reviews noted drawbacks, such as the repetitive nature of after prolonged sessions and the base game's limited content, with no additional modes or extensive unlockables to extend longevity. Early versions also faced occasional criticisms for physics inconsistencies, where fruit bounces could lead to unpredictable outcomes frustrating strategic intent. In a 2023 Nintendo Life review, the game was called a "competent and addictive little puzzler" that excels in executing a straightforward concept, earning a 7/10 for its value despite minimal depth. The 2024 mobile release, Suika Game-Aladdin X, received acclaim from TouchArcade as a "Game of the Week" for preserving the core fun in a portable format, though unofficial mobile clones often introduce intrusive ads that detract from the experience. Reception evolved from initial niche appeal in following its 2021 launch to widespread global recognition in 2023, fueled by viral streaming sessions that highlighted its communal value and prompted a wave of international reviews.

Commercial Performance

Suika Game achieved significant commercial success following its viral popularity in late 2023. By November 2023, the game had surpassed 4 million downloads worldwide across its version and early mobile ports. This milestone was reached shortly after its international release on the Switch eShop in October 2023, building on its initial Japanese launch in 2021. The game's downloads continued to grow rapidly, exceeding 10 million across Switch, , and Android platforms by June 2024. By October 2024, the total had climbed to over 11 million downloads. On the , Suika Game became the best-selling eShop title in for both 2023 and 2024, topping annual download charts and outperforming major releases. Sales on the platform exceeded 1 million units in alone by late 2023, with global Switch downloads contributing substantially to the overall figures. The official iOS and Android versions, released in January and April 2024 respectively as paid apps priced at $2.99, also performed strongly, topping paid app charts in and achieving high rankings in select global regions such as the and parts of shortly after launch. The game's revenue model, combining one-time purchases for official versions with optional paid DLC, capitalized on its addictiveness to drive sustained income. The version alone generated nearly $2 million in revenue during its first three months of availability in early 2024. While unofficial free web and mobile clones fueled initial virality through ad-supported play, the official releases benefited from this exposure, converting casual players to paid downloads on consoles and app stores. DLC expansions, including a multiplayer mode in February 2024 and special skins in July 2024, further boosted engagement and revenue. Suika Game's commercial surge was initially propelled by its popularity among streamers and content creators in 2023, which amplified awareness and led to explosive download growth. This momentum carried into 2024, supported by the mobile launches and DLC updates, which expanded accessibility and maintained its position at the top of digital sales charts in key markets. In July 2025, Suika Game+ launched on , providing an ad-free experience and further sustaining the game's popularity among subscribers.

Accolades

Suika Game received significant recognition for its innovative gameplay and viral appeal shortly after its release. In 2023, it won the "Stream Game of the Year" award at The VTuber Awards, highlighting its popularity among virtual YouTubers and streaming communities due to its engaging, shareable mechanics. This underscored the game's role in fostering interactive streaming content, as evidenced by its frequent playthroughs by prominent s. The following year, at the held during , Suika Game was awarded the inaugural "Movement Award" by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA), recognizing its innovative puzzle mechanics and status as a cultural phenomenon that revitalized interest in simple, addictive indie titles. Beyond formal awards, the game earned additional honors through its commercial prominence on platforms. It was featured as the top download on the in for both 2023 and , reflecting its sustained player engagement. The 2023 VTuber Awards win notably boosted the game's visibility, encouraging developer Aladdin X to expand its reach with official and Android releases in early 2024, as well as the introduction of paid DLC packs including a multiplayer mode in February 2024. The 2024 Japan Game Awards recognition further affirmed its influence, supporting additional content such as special skins in July 2024.

Legacy

Clones and Unofficial Versions

Following the viral success of Suika Game in late 2023, numerous unauthorized clones proliferated on mobile app stores, particularly the , where dozens of imitators copied the core merging mechanics without permission from developer Aladdin X. Examples include titles like "Suika Game – Puzzle Challenge 3D" and "Suika Game 3D," which ranked highly in free game charts despite stealing assets such as and visuals. These bootlegs often altered minor elements, like fruit sizes or field dimensions, to evade detection while infringing on copyrights. Aladdin X responded to the influx by publicly addressing the issue through developer Yanase, highlighting the theft of game assets and the challenge of competing with top-ranked fakes on app stores. The studio emphasized official versions on social channels and pursued registration to strengthen legal protections. No major lawsuits emerged from these incidents, though the clones diluted the Suika Game brand by confusing consumers and siphoning visibility from the original. Following the official mobile releases outside in 2024, clones were overshadowed, though some, such as "My Suika – Kyo's Fruit Merge," persisted on app stores as of November 2025. While these unauthorized versions frustrated Aladdin X by complicating enforcement without a pre-existing , they inadvertently boosted global awareness of the merging puzzle genre.

Cultural Impact

Suika Game experienced a significant surge in popularity during 2023, largely driven by its adoption among live streamers, particularly Japanese s from agencies like , who shared engaging gameplay sessions that highlighted the game's addictive "just one more try" loop. These streams amassed millions of views, with s praising its simple yet compelling mechanics, leading to the game ranking 82nd among the most-watched titles on Twitch in September 2023 and accumulating 2.84 million hours of viewership that month. The phenomenon extended to Western platforms, where high-profile Twitch and creators such as Ludwig, , and further amplified its reach through marathon sessions and collaborative play, earning it the Stream Game of the Year award at the 2023 Awards. The game's meme culture emerged prominently from these streams, with the "Watermelon Game" nickname inspiring widespread social media challenges focused on achieving high scores or reacting to frustrating fruit overflows that spill out of the box. Viral clips capturing dramatic near-misses or triumphant watermelon formations circulated on platforms like and , often featuring VTubers' exaggerated reactions, which contributed to its comparison with past viral hits like in terms of community-driven hype. This organic sharing fostered a sense of shared and achievement, turning gameplay mishaps into relatable humor that resonated across gaming communities. On a broader scale, Suika Game influenced casual gaming trends by emphasizing short, relaxing sessions amid busy lifestyles, as noted in Japanese media coverage such as a Nippon TV feature on its developer. Its success highlighted the appeal of low-stakes puzzle games in promoting , inspiring similar merge-based titles and reinforcing the role of indie developers in shaping accessible entertainment. The international release in October 2023, complete with English localization, accelerated its adoption in the West, where it topped charts and integrated into lighthearted competitive events at conventions, such as the Suika Game FruitSmash tournament at SMASH! 2025. By 2025, Suika Game maintained its status as a go-to relaxation , supported by a dedicated fan community producing artwork and custom variants, alongside official merchandise releases like plush toys and apparel launched in in . This enduring appeal underscores its transition from a niche eShop title to a cultural touchstone for casual gamers seeking uncomplicated diversion.

Franchise Expansions

Following the success of the original Suika Game, developer released paid (DLC) expansions in 2024 to enhance multiplayer functionality and replayability. The Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack, launched on February 21, 2024, for , introduced local two-player battles with four modes: Original, Time Limit, Attack, and Item, allowing players to compete by dropping fruits into a shared box and aiming to create larger fruits without overflowing the space. Later that year, an online multiplayer update arrived on May 23, 2024, as part of a paid DLC season pass, enabling remote matches and further extending the game's social appeal. Additionally, the Summer Skins DLC, released on July 3, 2024, added thematic visual packs such as Display, Summer Holiday, Sunset Beach, and Sunflower Farm to customize the game's appearance during seasonal play. To broaden accessibility beyond consoles, Aladdin X ported Suika Game to mobile platforms in 2024. The version debuted in January 2024 via the , followed by the Android release on April 11, 2024, on , both preserving the core fruit-merging mechanics while optimizing for touch controls and shorter sessions on smartphones and tablets. These ports, priced affordably at around $2-3 USD, introduced the game to a wider audience without requiring additional hardware, though they lack some console-exclusive features like certain DLC integrations. On September 12, 2025, during a presentation, Aladdin X announced Suika Game Planet, the official sequel to the franchise, expanding the puzzle mechanics into a space-themed adventure. The game introduces cosmic elements such as space-themed fruits and planetary exploration, where players merge objects in 360-degree rotating boxes to evolve them while navigating procedurally generated "Viewros" environments. It incorporates co-op puzzle modes, including local four-player support on 2 via GameShare, building on the original's merging system with added strategic depth from multi-angle drops and environmental challenges. Suika Game Planet is a timed console exclusive for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with a confirmed digital release on December 12, 2025, at 240 yen (approximately $1.60 USD). Looking ahead, early details suggest potential for in Suika Game Planet, though specifics remain TBD as of November 2025, aiming to connect console and mobile players. No additional spin-offs or expansions beyond these have been announced by Aladdin X to date.

References

  1. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/suika-game-switch/
  2. https://suikagame.com/
  3. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/12/25/tech/suika-game-aladdin-x/
  4. https://suikagame.fun/en/wiki/history
  5. https://suikagame.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_fruits
  6. https://www.thegamer.com/suika-watermelon-game-beginners-guide-tips-tricks/
  7. https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/405265/how-does-scoring-work-in-suika-game
  8. https://suikagame.fandom.com/wiki/Suika_Game
  9. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/suika-game-multi-player-mode-expansion-pack-70070000020969-switch/
  10. https://www.polygon.com/24079080/suika-game-multiplayer-mode-paid-dlc
  11. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/suika-game-multi-player-mode-expansion-pack-online-70050000047503-switch/
  12. https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-multiplayer-mode-expansion-dlc-lets-2-players-play/
  13. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/07/switch-eshop-hit-suika-game-adds-four-new-dlc-skins-heres-a-look
  14. https://apps.apple.com/is/app/suika-game-aladdin-x/id6469114836
  15. https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/following-its-release-on-ios-suika-game-is-now-available-on-android-302112861.html
  16. https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/suika-game-what-is-the-japanese-home-projector-app-that-became-a-viral-sensation-in-gaming-world/articleshow/106271544.cms
  17. https://carillonregina.com/watermelon-game-frenzy/
  18. https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20231005-22096/
  19. https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-brings-watermelons-to-ios-devices/
  20. https://www.ign.com/wikis/suika-game-the-watermelon-game/
  21. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/suika-game-watermelon-game-update-adds-english-language-support
  22. https://www.reddit.com/r/iosgaming/comments/1c19f62/suika_game_ios_version_is_out_for_299_usd/
  23. https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleArcade/comments/1lq785x/july_3rd_2025_new_game_suika_game/
  24. https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/suika-game-switch-all-the-updates/
  25. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/suika-game-aladdin-x/id6469114836
  26. https://toucharcade.com/2024/04/11/suika-game-android-download-now-available-worldwide-price-google-play/
  27. https://opencritic.com/game/15713/suika-game/reviews
  28. https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/suika-game
  29. https://waytoomany.games/2023/10/24/review-suika-game/
  30. https://seafoamgaming.com/2023/10/31/suika-game-switch-eshop-review/
  31. https://toucharcade.com/2024/03/29/toucharcade-game-of-the-week-suika-game/
  32. https://www.shacknews.com/article/137892/suika-game-nintendo-switch-4-million
  33. https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-surpassed-10-million-downloads/
  34. https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-soundtrack-appears-on-streaming-platforms/
  35. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/12/nintendo-reveals-most-downloaded-switch-eshop-games-in-2023-japan
  36. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/12/nintendo-reveals-japans-top-30-most-downloaded-switch-eshop-games-of-2024
  37. https://www.thefamicast.com/2023/10/japan-only-watermelon-game-hits-1.html
  38. https://apps.apple.com/jp/story/id1778540703?l=en-US
  39. https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-ios-grossed-almost-2-million-in-its-first-3-months/
  40. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/random-switch-exclusive-watermelon-game-goes-viral-eshop-downloads-skyrocket
  41. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-arcade-welcomes-nine-new-games/
  42. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-million-downloads-and-counting-suika-game-releases-special-skins-expansion-pack-for-nintendo-switch-users-302189632.html
  43. https://www.thevtuberawards.com/winners/2023
  44. https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2024/pdf/en/press/20240926_2.pdf
  45. https://game8.co/articles/latest/tokyo-game-show-japan-game-awards-2024-winners-announced
  46. https://gamerant.com/nintendo-eshop-most-downloaded-game-2023-suika-game/
  47. https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20231101-22756/
  48. https://www.polygon.com/24120086/suika-game-apple-iphone-ios-release-date/
  49. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-suika-kyos-fruit-merge/id6470134069
  50. https://www.gamesradar.com/watermelon-game-is-the-switchs-latest-viral-sensation-and-its-booming-in-popularity-two-years-after-its-launch/
  51. https://gamerant.com/suika-game-watermelon-streaming-vtubers-twitch-nintendo-eshop-accessible-difficulty-good/
  52. https://2025.smash.org.au/whats-on/competitions/gaming-competitions/suika-game-tournament
  53. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/03/the-switch-eshop-sensation-suika-game-is-getting-official-merchandise
  54. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/viral-switch-sensation-suika-game-gets-online-multiplayer-update-this-week
  55. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aladdinx.suikagame&hl=en_US
  56. https://toucharcade.com/2024/04/03/suika-game-android-release-date-preregistration-google-play-page-aladdin-x-watermelon-iphone-switch/
  57. https://www.gematsu.com/2025/09/suika-game-planet-announced-for-switch-2-switch
  58. https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/9-12-2025/
  59. https://nintendoeverything.com/suika-game-planet-announced-for-nintendo-switch-2-switch/
  60. https://saiganak.com/review/suikagame-planet-pre-experience/
  61. https://game8.co/articles/games/suika-game-planet
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