Bandai is bringing one of anime's biggest names to the card table. The publisher has revealed the Naruto Card Game, a new competitive trading card game based on Masashi Kishimoto's ninja saga, and it will make its world debut at Gen Con 2026 in Indianapolis (30 July to 2 August) ahead of a worldwide launch in 2027.
Run game nights? Backseat Gamer handles RSVPs, waitlists, date polling, and game voting so you can focus on playing.
Start organising for freeThis is Bandai Card Games' first crack at Naruto, and the studio has form. It already runs the hit One Piece Card Game and the long-running Digimon Card Game, both of which have built dedicated tournament scenes in UK game shops. A new heavyweight licence entering that space matters for anyone who plays competitive TCGs, or anyone whose group has been waiting for a Naruto game with real strategic depth rather than a quick licensed cash-in.
Details are deliberately thin for now. Bandai has confirmed the game uses two card types with different backs, one black and one white, and Kishimoto himself drew new art of Naruto and Sasuke each holding one of the two. The proper gameplay reveal, including card designs and a competitive roadmap, is being saved for 29 July, the day before Gen Con opens.
Stop juggling Meetup, WhatsApp, and spreadsheets. One platform for your gaming group's events, RSVPs, and member management.
See how it worksIf you are heading to the show, Gen Con will host the first-ever Naruto Card Game tutorial sessions. Ticket registration opens on 21 June via the official Gen Con site, and players who take part get a gift set with a Gen Con exclusive CP-001 Chakra Card, a backpack, a sticker and a voucher for the official playmat arriving in 2027. Convention admission is required.
Kishimoto sounds pleased. "I'm glad to see the world of NARUTO grow larger once again," he said. "I truly hope these cards find their way to both your hands and your hearts."
A 2027 launch is a long way off, but new TCGs live or die on their local scene. If your group fancies getting in early, start a card game night or find players near you.
Sources: Naruto Card Game Official | Bandai Press Release | CBR
