A new manga reader service is set to debut on the Nintendo Switch in Japan on March 13, 2025. This marks the first dedicated manga reader application for the console in the region.
A New Way to Experience Manga on Switch
The announcement was made by Tatsuki Waki, an editor for Shogakukan’s Monthly Coro Coro Comic magazine, via their X (formerly Twitter) account. While details remain scarce, Waki has confirmed that the service will allow users to read manga on their Nintendo Switch.
Utilizing the Switch’s Features
Based on the shared image, the manga reader will likely utilize the Switch’s vertical orientation, allowing users to hold the device like a physical manga volume. The face buttons, such as X and Y, will reportedly be used for zooming, requiring users to keep their Joy-Cons attached or nearby.
Shogakukan Behind the New Service
The manga reader is being launched by Shogakukan, a major Japanese publishing house known for its popular manga magazines and titles. This suggests that the service will offer a selection of manga from Shogakukan’s extensive library. The initial announcement featured an image from Fūta Kimura’s Unmei no Makimodo Shi – All Great Achievements Require Time manga, published in Monthly Coro Coro Comic, hinting at the type of content that may be available.
Is a Western Release on the Horizon?
Currently, there is no confirmation regarding a release outside of Japan. It remains to be seen whether Western audiences will gain access to this dedicated manga reader or Shogakukan’s manga collection on the Switch.
Existing Options for Manga and Comics on Switch
While this marks the first dedicated manga reader service in Japan, the Nintendo Switch already offers several options for reading manga and comics:
- InkyPen: This subscription-based app offers a wide selection of comics and manga, including titles from Kodansha USA Publishing.
- izneo: This app provides access to thousands of digital comic books, graphic novels, manga, and webtoons.
- Crunchyroll: While primarily known for anime streaming, Crunchyroll also offers a selection of manga for its subscribers.
InkyPen: A Closer Look
InkyPen is a subscription-based service that launched on the Nintendo Switch in December 2018. Developed by a Norwegian company, it offers an “all-you-can-read” model for a monthly fee.
Manga Selection on InkyPen
InkyPen has partnered with publishers like Kodansha to bring a substantial manga library to the Switch. Users can find popular series such as Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
How InkyPen Works
The InkyPen app is free to download from the Nintendo eShop. Users can then subscribe to access the full catalog of comics and manga. InkyPen also offers parental control restrictions, allowing users to share age-appropriate content with younger audiences.
izneo: A Digital Comic Library
izneo is another app available on the Nintendo Switch that offers a vast collection of digital comics, graphic novels, manga, and webtoons. It boasts competitive prices and offers both free and paid content.
Key Features of izneo
- Extensive catalog: izneo covers a wide range of genres, including adventure, romance, thriller, heroic fantasy, and science fiction.
- HD comics on multiple screens: Users can access their comics on various devices, including the Nintendo Switch, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.
- Customizable reading experience: izneo offers a unique player that allows users to customize their reading experience, including a panel-by-panel mode called eazycomics.
The Appeal of Manga on Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch’s portability and versatility make it an appealing platform for reading manga. The console’s handheld mode allows users to enjoy their favorite series on the go, while the ability to dock the Switch and read on a larger screen provides a more immersive experience.
Reading Manga Vertically
The upcoming Shogakukan manga reader appears to be designed with vertical reading in mind, mimicking the traditional way of reading manga volumes. This design choice caters to manga enthusiasts who appreciate the authentic reading experience.
Other Entertainment Apps on Nintendo Switch
Besides manga and comic book readers, the Nintendo Switch also offers a variety of other entertainment apps, including:
- YouTube: Watch videos from your favorite creators on the big screen or in handheld mode.
- Hulu: Stream movies and TV shows with a Hulu subscription.
- Crunchyroll: Stream anime and read manga with a Crunchyroll subscription.
- Funimation: Another popular anime streaming service with a vast library of titles.
The Switch as an Entertainment Hub
With its growing library of entertainment apps, the Nintendo Switch is evolving into more than just a gaming console. It offers users a convenient way to access various forms of digital entertainment, from streaming movies and TV shows to reading comics and manga.
The Future of Manga on Switch
The launch of Shogakukan’s manga reader service marks a significant step forward for manga accessibility on the Nintendo Switch in Japan. It will be interesting to see how this new service is received and whether it will pave the way for more dedicated manga apps on the platform, both in Japan and internationally.
Will More Publishers Join In?
The success of Shogakukan’s venture could encourage other manga publishers to launch their own dedicated reading apps on the Switch, potentially leading to a wider variety of manga content available on the console.
Potential for Subscription Bundles
In the future, we may see subscription bundles that combine access to multiple manga reading services or other entertainment apps on the Switch. This could provide users with even more value and convenience.
More Gaming News
In related news for Nintendo Switch users, Nintendo has confirmed timings for the Switch 2 Direct in April. Also, a demo for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is now available on the eShop.
