Stripjong - Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns launches for Windows PC through Steam on August 27, 2026 at 12:00 JST / 3:00 UTC, bringing the long-running arcade mahjong series back in full 3D.
VR is one of its headline features, but a headset is not required. Famitsu's pre-release review confirms that the base Desktop Mode retains free camera movement, including during matches and reward scenes, while an Auto Mode lets newcomers hand mahjong play over to the CPU.
> Adult-content notice: Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns is intended for adult users. Steam lists nudity and sexual themes, while the developer states that the game contains undressing scenes but no direct depiction of sexual activity. The official website also states that every character in the game is an adult.
Quick Summary
- English title: Stripjong - Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns
- Japanese title: スーパーリアル麻雀 Venus Returns
- Common abbreviation: Super Real Mahjong VR
- Format: Video game
- Official genre: Two-player strip mahjong game
- Steam genres: Adventure / Casual / Simulation / Strategy
- Developer: ILLUMINATION
- Publisher: ILLUMINATION
- Development support: infiniteloop
- Original franchise: Super Real Mahjong
- Original rights holder: Mighty Craft
- Platform: Windows PC
- Store: Steam
- Release: August 27, 2026
- Launch time: 12:00 JST / 3:00 UTC
- Steam date note: Some storefront views display August 26 because of Pacific Time
- U.S. base-game price: US$29.99
- VR Mode DLC: US$11.99
- VR Mode Bundle: US$35.68
- Launch promotion: 20% off all products
- Sale period: August 27–September 10, 2026
- Desktop Mode: Included with the base game
- VR headset: Not required for the base game
- VR Mode: Separate DLC requiring a SteamVR-compatible headset
- Free camera: Available in Desktop Mode
- Mahjong: Two-player matches
- Auto Mode: Available for players unfamiliar with mahjong
- Heroines: Showko, Mizuki Tohno, Aya Fujiwara, Akira Hayasaka
- Character design: Merry Haruhina
- Episode Part: 35 scenes
- Memory feature: 62 scenes
- Archive / achievement collectibles: Around 130
- Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean
- Voice acting: Japanese only
- Content: Intended for adult users
- Crowdfunding total: ¥33,804,795 from 1,129 supporters
- Original crowdfunding target: ¥2 million
- Final funding: 1,690% of target
Release Trailer, Steam, and Gameplay
Launching August 27 With a 20% Sale
ILLUMINATION will release the game at 12:00 JST on August 27.
The English official site lists the base Desktop Edition at US$29.99, the VR Mode DLC at US$11.99, and the combined bundle at US$35.68, with regional Steam pricing potentially varying.
A 20% launch promotion runs through September 10. The Japanese Steam page may display August 26 because its date field follows Pacific Time, but the official worldwide unlock is August 27 at 3:00 UTC.
VR Is Optional
Despite the heavy VR branding, Desktop Mode is already part of the base game and works on a conventional monitor.
Famitsu confirms that keyboard controls allow players to reposition the camera during matches and unlocked scenes, giving the desktop version a freely adjustable viewpoint without a headset.
The optional VR DLC instead adds stereoscopic viewing and the more natural head-tracked perspective expected from SteamVR.
Auto Mode Makes Mahjong More Accessible
Matches use a two-player mahjong structure, with the player facing one heroine at a time.
The interface highlights options such as pon, chi, kan, and riichi when they become available. Players who do not understand hand construction can activate AUTO, allowing the CPU to play their side automatically.
Running out of points also does not permanently halt progression, as the game provides a continue system rather than requiring a complete restart.
Four Heroines Return in Full 3D
The four featured characters are Showko, Mizuki Tohno, Aya Fujiwara, and Akira Hayasaka.
Showko is voiced by Rena Maeda, Mizuki by Ichika Tachibana, Aya by Chihiro Ishiguro, and Akira by Yuri Yamaoka. Merry Haruhina created the updated character designs.
The story is centered on the mahjong cafe P's CLUB, managed by Showko, while Mizuki, Aya, and Akira carry elements of their earlier series setting into the new game.
There Is More Than Mahjong
The game contains 35 Episode Part scenes, while its Memory feature can eventually store 62 unlocked scenes for replay.
Affinity can also be raised with items purchased in the shop, opening additional short character episodes.
These systems give Venus Returns a character-focused progression layer alongside its repeated mahjong matches.
Around 130 Collectibles Preserve Series History
The achievement collection also acts as a digital archive of Super Real Mahjong history.
Roughly 130 items can be unlocked through conditions or purchased with points earned from matches. The collection includes P's CLUB cards, arcade instruction cards, package artwork, and scarce mini-book materials from older releases.
That archival angle links the new title directly to a franchise that was active across Japanese arcades from the late 1980s into the early 2000s.
Crowdfunding Expanded the Project
Venus Returns originally entered CAMPFIRE crowdfunding with a target of only ¥2 million.
The campaign ultimately raised ¥33,804,795 from 1,129 supporters, reaching 1,690% of its goal. Stretch targets enabled additions including fully voiced conversation events and other content beyond the original scope.
The finished project is therefore positioned not simply as a recreation of an older game, but as an officially licensed continuation combining arcade nostalgia with modern 3D and VR technology.
Why This Matters
1) VR is an option rather than a barrier
Players without a headset still receive Desktop Mode, free-camera functionality, mahjong, story content, and the archive systems.
2) Auto Mode lowers the mahjong learning curve
Players interested in the franchise but unfamiliar with mahjong can use CPU assistance instead of being locked out by the rules.
3) The archive preserves difficult-to-find materials
Around 130 collectibles bring historical Super Real Mahjong merchandise and arcade materials into a single modern release.
Game Information
Additional confirmed information currently includes:
- the worldwide Steam unlock is August 27, 2026 at 3:00 UTC
- the official Japanese time is 12:00 JST
- Steam may show August 26 due to storefront timezone handling
- Windows PC is the only announced platform
- no console versions have been announced
- the base game does not require a VR headset
- the VR Mode DLC requires ownership of the base game
- tested VR devices include Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, and PICO 4 Ultra
- Desktop Mode supports free camera movement
- the camera can also be moved during mahjong matches
- Auto Mode allows the CPU to play on the player's behalf
- Steam lists Single-player, Achievements, Steam Cloud, Remote Play Together, controller support, and Family Sharing
- Japanese is the only full-audio language
- interface and subtitles support Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean
- minimum Desktop Mode requirements include Windows 10/11 64-bit, Core i3-10100 / Ryzen 3 3100, 8 GB RAM, Iris Xe / GTX 750 Ti / RX 560 4GB, and 8 GB storage
- recommended Desktop Mode requirements include Core i5-10400 / Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM, RTX 2060 / RX 6600, and 8 GB storage
- VR Mode has a separate and more demanding requirement set
- the official site states that every character is an adult
- the developer states that there is no direct depiction of sexual activity
- official information is available through the Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns Website
- the game is listed on Steam
- the Release Date Trailer is available through ILLUMINATION Official YouTube
- official updates are available through Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns on X
- the original crowdfunding campaign remains available through CAMPFIRE
Closing
Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns brings its classic arcade formula into full 3D while making VR an optional upgrade rather than a requirement. Standard PC players still receive the mahjong systems, free camera, Auto Mode, character scenes, and historical archive content.
The game launches August 27 with a two-week 20% promotion. The next question is how longtime fans and new players respond to its mix of traditional mahjong, modern 3D presentation, and optional VR.
- Famitsu — Pre-Release Review, Desktop Free Camera, Auto Mode, Character Overview, Memories, and Archive Features
- ILLUMINATION — Official August 27 Release Date, Japanese Prices, Launch Sale, Features, and Product Information
- Official Website — Characters, Voice Cast, Desktop/VR Information, Timezone Note, Languages, and Adult Character Notice
- Steam — Official Store Page, Gameplay, Languages, Features, Mature Content, and System Requirements
- YouTube — Official Super Real Mahjong Venus Returns Release Date Trailer
- ILLUMINATION — Final Crowdfunding Result, Supporter Count, Funding Total, and Stretch Goals
- CAMPFIRE — Original Crowdfunding Campaign and Final ¥33,804,795 Funding Record
