You may not have known this, but over in Japan there's been a new type of monster-capturing game that's been sweeping the entire nation, even giving the juggernaut that is Pokemon a run for its money. That game is Yo-Kai Watch, and thanks to Nintendo it's getting the chance to become a worldwide phenomenon, making its way to 3DS handhelds in the West this fall.

Nintendo describes the game as the story of "a boy who gets a special watch that lets him befriend and help mischievous Yo-kai and later summon them to fight other Yo-kai." Sounds an awful lot like Pokemon but with some new wristwear, right? Nintendo would be crazy not to give this game a worldwide stage, and that time apparently is coming soon.

“With sales of more than 7 million units in Japan, YO-KAI WATCH is coming to the U.S., where a new audience will be able to experience this irresistible franchise for the first time,” said Nintendo of America EVP of Sales and Marketing, Scott Moffitt. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid, parent, fan or fan-in-the-making: Everyone will be won over by this charming game.”

To give some perspective on just how popular Yo-Kai Watch is, the franchise has sold over $1 billion in merchandise not including the games, music or publishing rights. That number is based solely on the sales of toys, apparel, and other items, and that's insanity. Can you imagine how much higher that number could climb once American players are given a taste? Better start taking bets on which Yo-Kai Watch will become a Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon right now.

We'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Yo-Kai Watch on the Nintendo 3DS when it hits Western shores this fall.

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