Watermelon Game, or Suika Game in Japanese, is a simple yet addictive puzzle game that has become a viral sensation among streamers and gamers around the world. The game was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in December 2021 by popIn, a company that produces projectors and smart devices. The game costs only 240 yen (less than $2/£2) and can be purchased from the Japanese eShop with a Japanese Nintendo account.
The game’s premise is to stack fruits, such as watermelons, melons, pineapples, and others, in a box without letting them overflow. Fruits of the same kind can be merged into larger fruits, which increase the score. The largest fruit in the game is the watermelon, which has a cute face and makes a satisfying sound when it appears. The goal is to get the highest score possible before the game ends.
How did Watermelon Game become popular?
Watermelon Game started gaining popularity in Japan earlier this year, when some influencers and VTubers (virtual YouTubers) began playing it on their channels. The game’s cute graphics, simple rules, and addictive gameplay appealed to a wide audience, who enjoyed watching the streamers’ reactions and strategies. The game also sparked memes and fan art on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
The game’s popularity soon spread overseas, as more streamers and gamers discovered it through word of mouth or online tutorials. The game’s official Twitter account @suikagame has gained over 100,000 followers since September 2021, and the game has been consistently ranking No. 1 on the Japanese eShop charts every day. The game has also been featured on various gaming websites and news outlets, such as Nintendo Life, Polygon, Distractify, and Forbes.
Why is Watermelon Game so addictive?
Watermelon Game is one of those games that are easy to learn but hard to master. The game requires quick thinking, strategic planning, and luck to achieve high scores. The game also has a random element, as different fruits appear at different times and locations on the screen. The game’s physics and scoring system are not exactly the same as the free online version that can be played on a web browser, which adds to the challenge and appeal of the Switch version.
The game also has a charming aesthetic, with colorful fruits and adorable expressions. The game’s sound effects and music are also catchy and relaxing, creating a pleasant atmosphere for playing. The game’s simplicity and accessibility make it suitable for anyone, regardless of age or gaming experience. The game can be played solo or with friends, either online or locally.
The game’s addictive nature also stems from its social aspect, as players can share their scores and screenshots with others online or watch other players’ streams and videos. The game’s community is friendly and supportive, encouraging each other to improve their skills and have fun. The game also inspires creativity and humor among its fans, who create memes, fan art, cosplay, merchandise, and even songs based on the game.
What are some tips and tricks for playing Watermelon Game?
Watermelon Game may seem simple at first glance, but it actually requires some strategy and skill to achieve high scores. Here are some tips and tricks for playing Watermelon Game:
- Try to keep the box as empty as possible by merging fruits quickly and efficiently.
- Avoid placing fruits near the edges or corners of the box, as they may block other fruits from merging or falling.
- Try to create watermelons as often as possible, as they are worth more points than other fruits.
- Use the pause button to plan your moves ahead or check your score.
- Watch other players’ streams or videos to learn from their techniques and mistakes.
- Practice regularly and have fun!
Where can I get Watermelon Game?
Watermelon Game is currently only available for the Nintendo Switch in Japan. To get the game, you will need a Japanese Nintendo account and an eShop card for this region. You can follow these steps to get Watermelon Game:
- Create a new Nintendo account on this website and select Japan for “country/region of residence”.
- Log in to your new account on your Switch console and access the eShop.
- Search for “Suika Game” or “Watermelon Game” in Japanese (スイカゲーム) or use this link to find the game page.
- Purchase an eShop card for Japan from [this website] or any other online retailer that sells them.
- Redeem your eShop card code on your Switch console and buy the game for 240 yen.
- Enjoy playing Watermelon Game!
