The gaming festival Tokyo Game Show 2026 was held for four days from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In this article, we report on the booth for Google's official app store, Google Play, which distributes digital content such as apps, games, and e-books!
Google Play Booth Report! Playing Google Play TGS GAME STAGE, a Collaboration with 5 Popular Games
We arrived at the Google Play booth, which featured four main attractions:
- Giant Game Attraction: Google Play TGS GAME STAGE
- Android Device Touch & Try Area
- Google Play Games on PC
- Diamond Lounge
Visitors with Platinum status or higher in Google Play Points could experience Google Play TGS GAME STAGE.
Only Diamond members and above could access the Diamond Lounge, while all other areas were open to everyone.
At the booth's game attraction, attendees could play Google Play TGS GAME STAGE, a special eight-player competitive edition created specifically for this year's TGS.
Characters collaborating with the following games appear:
- MONSTER STRIKE
- Gakuen Idolmaster
- Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!
- Arknights: Endfield
- Blue Archive
Music from the games blared at high volume, ratcheting up the excitement!
The game is controlled using an analog stick and a single button as players compete for first place.
While it looks simple at first glance, it was surprisingly challenging...
We finished in 6th place out of eight players.
Despite the simple controls, the mind games with other players were much fiercer than expected.
Heading deeper past the Google Play TGS GAME STAGE area reveals the Diamond Lounge, reserved exclusively for Diamond members.
We were granted special access to tour the lounge.
The lounge featured comfortable sofas, gaming chairs, and even massage chairs.
Even amidst the crowded venue, guests can relax and take a break in comfort.
Hands-On with New Android Smartphones
New Android smartphones were also on display at the booth.
This time, we tested Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8.
We launched Gakuen Idolmaster to try it out, and the device felt perfectly sized whether folded or unfolded, making producer work feel smoother than ever.
The crease was barely noticeable when unfolded, allowing for a smooth rhythm game experience.
Competition in the foldable smartphone market will likely heat up even further among manufacturers, making it an exciting space to watch.
Trying Out Google Play Games on PC
Google Play actually offers a PC version as well.
This time, we played Arknights: Endfield.
The controls felt just as responsive as a native Windows release, offering a completely seamless gameplay experience.
By trying out all three attractions—Google Play TGS GAME STAGE, the Android device Touch & Try area, and Google Play Games on PC—attendees can get a limited-edition clear file.
Other giveaways included exclusive bottled water and an exclusive shopping bag.
The Google Play booth offered thrilling game attractions and fantastic perks, reminding us of the enduring appeal of mobile gaming.
That concludes our Google Play booth report!