The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch

Koei Tecmo and Gust have officially announced a new video game title titled The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother. According to coverage from Gematsu, the title is slated for release across a wide array of platforms, including the PlayStation 5, PC, the current Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game is described as a mystery experience where players will engage with the series' core themes of deduction and intrigue. Specifically, Rock Paper Shotgun reports that the gameplay involves the protagonist Maomao as she works to chase down another court conspiracy, mirroring the investigative nature of the original source material. Multiple gaming and anime-focused outlets have highlighted the breadth of this announcement. Gematsu and Anime News Network both emphasize that the game is coming to consoles and PC, while Siliconera specifically focuses on Koei Tecmo's involvement in the development process.

The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a particular point of interest for nintendoeverything.com, which explicitly notes the game's availability for both the existing Switch hardware and the newer iteration. Push Square further highlights the emotional response from fans of the light novel series, signaling a high level of anticipation for the project's arrival on the PS5. To understand the context of this release, the coverage refers to the source material as a "lovely anime Sherlock series" and a light novel series. This indicates that the game is a spin-off based on established narratives featuring Maomao, a character known for solving mysteries within an imperial setting. The focus on court conspiracies and mystery elements suggests that the game will likely mirror the episodic investigative structure found in the anime and novels. The partnership between Koei Tecmo and Gust brings established RPG and simulation development experience to the adaptation of the franchise.

Moving forward, the industry will be watching for more concrete details regarding the release date and specific gameplay mechanics. While the platforms have been clearly defined by Gematsu and nintendoeverything.com, coverage does not yet specify the exact launch window for the PS5, PC, or Nintendo hardware. Future reports are expected to clarify how the game utilizes the capabilities of the Switch 2 compared to the original Switch. For now, the focus remains on the official confirmation of the title and the involvement of the development teams at Koei Tecmo and Gust.