Exclusive First Look: Nissan and Kentaro Yoshida Team Up for 8-Bit Formula E Game
Inspired by and tapping into the nostalgia of 90s era arcade racers.
Summary
- Nissan Formula E Team releases NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo, an 8-bit arcade game inspired by Japanese gaming culture
- Illustrated by Kentaro Yoshida, the game lets fans race a Nissan Formula E car through a pixelated Tokyo at 322kph
- Launches ahead of the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix; leaderboard includes Nissan drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato
Nissan Formula E Team has unveiled NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo, an exclusive retro-inspired arcade game created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida. Launched ahead of the team’s home race at the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix, the 8-bit game pays homage to Japan’s vibrant gaming legacy while capturing the spirit of street racing through the capital’s neon-lit skyline.
Playable now on PC and mobile, the pixelated game invites players to take control of a stylized Nissan Formula E car and speed through a virtual Tokyo cityscape at 322kph. From drifting past cherry blossom trees to glimpsing Mount Fuji in the background, the game blends cultural icons with fast-paced action in true arcade fashion.
Yoshida, known for his pastel tones and playful illustrations, spoke about the significance of the project in a conversation with Hypebeast, stating, “I love being able to create work with new people and on new mediums, and being born in Japan made this project extra personal to me… That 8-bit style was the perfect art form to bring to life Japanese culture, like the cherry blossoms — and gamers are going to love navigating the track at 322kph.”
Fans can compete for leaderboard dominance, racing against Nissan Formula E drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato, who are expected to post top scores. A 90s-style video game trailer blends gameplay with real race footage, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of the Nissan Formula E Team, added, “With NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo, we’ve created something that captures the energy we bring to the track while honoring Tokyo’s world-famous gaming culture.”
In addition to the game, fans can expect Yoshida’s artwork to make a surprise appearance during the Tokyo E-Prix weekend.
