The Apothecary Diaries’ First Console Game Gets Official Release Date as Pre-Orders Open

Koei Tecmo has officially confirmed the release date for The Apothecary Diaries’ first console game, revealing new gameplay footage and additional details about its original mystery adventure.

“The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother” will allow fans to investigate palace conspiracies as Maomao, Jinshi and even Maomao the cat, with a completely new story developed from an original concept by series author Natsu Hyūga.

Originally created as a light novel series, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young apothecary whose extensive knowledge of medicine and poisons draws her into the complicated politics and mysteries of the imperial court.

The franchise has since expanded through manga adaptations and a hugely successful television anime, with its third season currently airing and an original theatrical movie scheduled to premiere in Japan this December.

Koei Tecmo first revealed the console game during September’s Nintendo Direct, confirming that its Gust development team was working with TOHO on an original story built around Maomao’s investigative abilities.

The story begins shortly after Maomao starts working as a servant in the Rear Palace, where a series of unexplained incidents known as the “Five Mysteries” has begun spreading fear among its residents.

These include reports of a faceless eunuch, a warehouse that cries during the night and clothing that mysteriously turns red overnight, prompting Jinshi to ask Maomao to investigate.

As the story progresses, a separate series of incidents known as the “Five Curses” emerges, drawing Maomao into a wider conspiracy surrounding a mysterious masked figure claiming to be the Emperor’s younger brother.

The latest gameplay footage shows how players will investigate these incidents, including sections where they can take control of Jinshi and Maomao the cat.

Jinshi can use his position within the imperial court to question individuals who would otherwise refuse to speak with Maomao, allowing players to gather testimony and solve mysteries from a different perspective.

Maomao the cat can explore rooftops and other areas inaccessible to humans, listen in on secret conversations and retrieve evidence for Maomao to examine.

The main investigation mechanics involve exploring locations, questioning witnesses and collecting clues, with players gradually piecing together the evidence to uncover the truth behind each mystery.

Maomao’s knowledge of medicine also plays an important role, allowing players to gather ingredients and prepare remedies that can help other characters or provide additional evidence during investigations.

The Quack Doctor and Luomen, Maomao’s adoptive father and teacher, can assist with medicine-making, with the difficulty of the associated minigames changing depending on who is helping.

Players can also complete requests for other characters and deliver items, including medicines, to build their trust and unlock additional conversations and side stories.

Completing optional objectives in each chapter earns Completion Stamps, which can be collected to unlock special illustrations.

Koei Tecmo has also introduced two more original characters connected to the game’s mystery, joining the previously revealed traveling performer Guanyu.

Yanxi, voiced by Yumi Uchiyama, is a high-ranking official within the Rear Palace’s Bureau of Court Etiquette who offers private fortune-telling and advice to the consorts.

Chenhan, voiced by Takahiro Miyamoto, is a gentle older man who regularly visits the Verdigris House but struggles to defend himself when confronted with accusations.

The game will feature Japanese voice acting with English text support, allowing international fans to experience the original performances with translated dialogue.

Several special editions have also been announced, offering additional merchandise and in-game extras alongside the standard release.

The physical “Premium Box” includes an original art book, B3 cloth poster and pill case, while the larger “Special Premium Box” adds a book cover inspired by Maomao’s outfit, a Japanese-style investigation notebook and a medication notebook case.

A separate “Digital Deluxe Edition” includes additional costumes for Maomao and Jinshi, along with fantasy-inspired outfits for Maomao and accessories for her feline counterpart.

Players who purchase qualifying early copies will also receive an Apothecary’s Starter Kit and accessory pack, containing useful medicine-making materials and cosmetic items, with a separate bonus available for digital pre-orders.

“The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother” is officially scheduled for a worldwide release on March 18, 2027, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC through Steam.

Japanese pre-orders for physical copies opened on October 21, 2026, with digital pre-orders beginning on October 22 through the PlayStation Store and Steam.

The standard Japanese edition is priced at ¥8,580 (approximately $54 / £41), while the “Premium Box” costs ¥15,510 (approximately $98 / £73) and the Japan-exclusive “Special Premium Box” is priced at ¥25,960 (approximately $164 / £123).

The “Digital Deluxe Edition” is priced at ¥10,010 (approximately $63 / £47), with an upgrade pack also available separately for ¥1,430 (approximately $9 / £7).

For North American and European players, physical editions will be available for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter supplied as a Game-Key Card rather than a traditional game cartridge.

Official US and European retail prices have yet to be announced.

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