17 Facts About Banpresto

Banpresto was a partly-owned subsidiary of toymaker Bandai from 1989 to 2006, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings from 2006 to 2008.

Banpresto was founded by Japanese businessman Yasushi Matsuda as Hoei International in April 1977.

Banpresto focused primarily on producing games with licensed characters, such as Ultraman and Gundam.

Banpresto was negatively impacted by the Japanese recession during the late 1990s, as well as a failed merger between Bandai and Sega in 1997, as it began enduring several financial losses.

In 2006, Banpresto became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entertainment conglomerate Bandai Namco Holdings.

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Banpresto produced several successful video game franchises, including Super Robot Wars, Compati Hero, Sailor Moon, Summon Night, and Another Century's Episode.

Banpresto has been credited for contributing to the rise in popularity of crossover video games and licensed characters for arcades, though the quality of its creative output has been criticized.

Banpresto's business began as a manufacturer of arcade cabinets for other companies, as Japan's coin-operated game industry had seen considerable economic growth throughout the decade.

Banpresto underwent significant changes as a result of Bandai's acquisition of the company.

Banpresto began producing children's rides, using the likenesses of characters such as Anpanman, Super Mario, and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Banpresto found additional success in arcades with the release of Ugougo Luga, a stuffed toy that sold over 2.

Banpresto continued to develop and publish video games for home consoles.

In January 1996, Banpresto assisted in the founding of the Computer Entertainment Software Association, an organization funded by other game companies to allow for firm communications between each other.

Banpresto continued to publish games by external companies, including Gazelle's Air Gallet and Fill-in-Cafe's Panzer Bandit.

Banpresto became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings upon the formation of Namco Bandai Games, however the merge had little effect on the company itself.

Banpresto continued to produce games based on licensed properties, notably Crayon Shin-Chan, as well as selling arcade game equipment and maintaining its video arcade chains.

Banpresto name continued to be used as the name of a Bandai Namco division until 2019, when it was absorbed into the then-recently formed Bandai Spirits division of Bandai, relegating it into a brand of high-end figures based on licensed products.