Naruto Card Game: Bandai Officially Unveils the Long-Awaited TCG, Worldwide Release in 2027
On June 18, 2026, Bandai Card Games lifted the veil on one of the most anticipated projects in the trading card game world: the NARUTO CARD GAME, a new strategic TCG based on Masashi Kishimoto’s cult manga. The worldwide release is set for 2027.
An announcement that shook the TCG community
The announcement landed like a bombshell in the community. Bandai had built up suspense for several days before the official reveal, and speculation was rampant: Naruto had long been at the top of everyone’s wish list.
It’s fair to say the IP was an obvious choice. After the massive success of the One Piece Card Game, followed by the Gundam Card Game, Naruto stood out as the missing piece in the Bandai Card Games lineup. The manga is part of the legendary anime “Big Three” alongside One Piece and Bleach, and boasts a colossal worldwide fanbase that remains active decades after the first volumes were published.
Masashi Kishimoto himself spoke up for the occasion:
“NARUTO CARD GAME! I’m happy to see the world of NARUTO expand once again. I sincerely hope these cards find their way into your hands and your hearts.”
The fact that the series creator personally commented clearly signals that Bandai is treating this launch as a flagship project, not a secondary spin-off.
A competition-focused game
The NARUTO CARD GAME is presented as a strategic and competitive game aimed at serious TCG players. Bandai has emphasized gameplay depth over pure nostalgia or collector appeal — a positioning similar to the One Piece Card Game, which managed to win over both anime fans and experienced TCG players.
Full details on game mechanics, card designs, and the product roadmap will be revealed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day before Gen Con opens.
Gen Con 2026: the big worldwide launch
The game will make its worldwide debut at Gen Con 2026 (July 30 – August 2, Indianapolis), the largest tabletop and card game festival in the United States. Tutorial sessions will be offered to attendees, giving them an early hands-on look at the game’s mechanics.
Attendees of the sessions will go home with:
- A Chakra Card CP-001 — Gen Con 2026 special edition (exclusive to this event)
- A backpack in the game’s colors
- An official sticker
- A voucher for the official playmat (available when the game launches in 2027)
The Chakra CP-001 Gen Con card is one to watch closely: it is the very first numbered card in the entire game, in a version exclusive to this one-time event. Registration for the tutorial sessions opens on June 21 via the official Gen Con website (entry badge required). Additional tutorial sessions are also planned worldwide following Gen Con.
A return to its roots for Bandai
This isn’t Bandai’s first foray into Naruto trading cards. The original Naruto Collectible Card Game ran from 2006 to 2013 before being discontinued. But the 2026 TCG market is nothing like it was twenty years ago: the rise of grading, the culture of exclusive promos, and the globalization of the hobby have all changed the rules of the game.
For comparison, at the launch of Disney Lorcana in 2023, convention-exclusive promo cards resold for top dollar for months. The momentum building around the Naruto Card Game suggests a similar — or even greater — level of hype.
What about Europe?
There is already another Naruto TCG in circulation: Naruto Mythos, a game produced by a third-party publisher, available in Europe with official tournaments already underway. Its positioning leans more casual/collector than competitive. Bandai’s Naruto Card Game is clearly aiming at a different segment, with global ambitions and an OP TCG-like infrastructure behind it.
Key takeaways
- Official announcement: June 18, 2026
- Publisher: Bandai Card Games
- Universe: Naruto, manga by Masashi Kishimoto
- Game type: Strategic, competitive TCG
- Worldwide premiere: Gen Con 2026, Indianapolis (July 30 – August 2)
- Gameplay & card reveal: July 29, 2026
- Planned worldwide release: 2027
- Official channels: @narutotcg_eng on X · @narutotcg_en on Instagram
Sources: official Bandai Card Games press release (June 18, 2026), ICv2, Resell Calendar