Newsletter #1 — Jul 20, 2026

Starbites Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 with Turn-Based Action RPG

Published by NIS America and developed by IKINAGAMES, the original RPG Starbites had its immediate launch confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 14, 2026 in North American and European markets. The title combines adventure mechanics with turn-based combat systems, bringing a sci-fi world with its own identity.

Betting on a new IP for the new handheld console opens an unprecedented range of visual inspirations for costumers and propmakers. The introduction of original characters in a sci-fi universe diversifies references beyond established franchises, challenging creators to interpret new costumes and technological accessories before popularization in second-half conventions.

Read more Anime News Network

Original RPG on Switch 2 with a day-one release is the kind of surprise that gets you hyped! The sci-fi costumes look full of details in plates and lights. I already foresee the rush to take molds and test LED strips before the next convention. Whoever makes it first gets the spotlight at the event!

The surprise launch on Switch 2 reduces the cost of acquiring attention for a new intellectual property. For the creative economy of costumers, the window between the reveal and the quarter's conventions is ideal for capturing initial organic social media traffic.

Disgaea Mayhem Announced for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC

NIS confirmed the sequel Disgaea Mayhem with a launch scheduled for July 23, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC. Known for its irreverent humor, deep tactical systems, and exaggerated aesthetics, the franchise introduces the new playable character Platinum as the highlight of the new chapter.

Disgaea's vibrant and caricatured art style translates into unique sewing and prop challenges with extravagant proportions. The arrival of Platinum guarantees a new iconic silhouette for the 2026 cosplay season, requiring mastery of structured wigs and large props that require lightness for transport.

Read more IGN India

Disgaea is a guarantee of chaos, impossible wigs, and giant capes! Platinum's arrival already put another project on my wishlist. If the cape doesn't weigh five kilos and doesn't need a PVC pipe structure inside, it's not real Disgaea!

Franchises with caricatured designs and exaggerated silhouettes maintain high visual retention rates in image algorithms. Investing in structural lightness of props via 3D printing and high-density EVA foam is critical to ensure mobility in convention hallways.

Square Enix Announces Physical Versions of Octopath Traveler I and II on Switch 2

Square Enix announced the arrival of physical and digital editions of Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch 2 in the Japanese market, paving the way for the Western version. The collection brings together the acclaimed HD-2D aesthetic that mixes 16-bit pixel art with modern lighting and 3D effects.

The contrast between concept art illustrations and in-game rendering demands meticulous artisanal work to simulate watercolor shading and organic textures on fabric. For cosplayers, physical editions on premium media serve as a precious source of artbooks and high-definition visual guides.

Read more Anime News Network

Octopath's HD-2D aesthetic is too beautiful, but translating pixel art and watercolor painting into real fabric is a wonderful struggle! Doing the ink gradients on twill to look like the official art will require hours of airbrushing. Worth every second of the breakdown!

Converting retro-hybrid aesthetics into physical costumes requires high precision in manual dyeing and characterization techniques. Artbooks from physical editions increase historical accuracy and reduce prototyping time in textile modeling.

GAME FREAK Reveals Beast of Reincarnation Combat Trailer

GAME FREAK released a new trailer detailing the combat in Beast of Reincarnation, an original action RPG scheduled for release on August 4, 2026. The video shows protagonist Karma in confrontations against monstrous creatures using elemental strikes and special abilities in real-time, consolidating the studio's ambitious project outside the Pokémon universe.

The character design, with striking silhouettes and clothing elements mixing Eastern and Western influences, offers rich visual references for costumers. The window between the trailer and the launch opens two weeks of preparation for debut cosplays.

Read more Anime News Network

The combat trailer for Beast of Reincarnation showed a very dynamic system! GAME FREAK went all out on the effects — and Karma's design with that red cape and golden details already gave me mold ideas. Hope there's time to finish before the August premiere!

The detailed trailer for Beast of Reincarnation allows costumers to extract precise visual references before launch. The two-week pre-launch marketing period opens a short but viable window for creators working with 3D modeling and laser cutting to produce debut pieces.

Zenless Zone Zero v3.1 "The Long Goodbye" Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Free Agent

On July 17, HoYoverse announced that Zenless Zone Zero version 3.1 "The Long Goodbye" will be released on July 29, marking the game's second anniversary with a debut on Xbox PC, the first Lumiflux attribute agent (Remielle Dan), and the S-Rank ice agent Sigrid, plus the permanent mode "Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel". As a gift, everyone will receive a free limited S-Rank agent of their choice, their exclusive W-Engine, 1,600 Polychromes, and 20 Signal Searches.

The version includes 5 new summer skins for Vivian, Sigrid, and Remielle, solidifying ZZZ as one of the HoYoverse franchises with the greatest visual appeal for cosplayers. The Lumiflux attribute — which synchronizes damage with the next agent's attribute — introduces new design archetypes that expand the available visual vocabulary for costumers.

Read more Final Weapon

ZZZ's second anniversary arrived with a bang! Remielle Dan with the new Lumiflux attribute is the type of character that calls for creative tailoring — that angel look with technological wings and golden armor. And there's even summer skins for Vivian and Sigrid. My project list is already exploding!

The multi-platform launch (Xbox PC) and the offer of a free limited S-Rank agent signal the maturation of the game as a service. The introduction of Lumiflux, the first new attribute, expands visual references for the cosplay market. The 5 summer skins create predictable seasonal engagement cycles.

Anime Expo 2026: Cosplay Recap — The Biggest Trends

Anime Expo 2026 (July 2 to 5, Los Angeles) was North America's largest gathering of cosplay culture this year, drawing over 100,000 daily visitors to the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena. Highlights included the dominance of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle cosplays driven by the movie release, the rapid rise of characters from Honkai: Star Rail (Aventurine) and Zenless Zone Zero, and a strong trend toward lightweight modular armor prioritizing thermal comfort and mobility.

Real-time coverage via social media transformed the event into a global hub of references for costume designers, featuring construction techniques that prioritize weight reduction without compromising detail. The rapid spread of behind-the-scenes videos allows enthusiasts from any continent to follow technical innovations in artisanal dyeing and high-precision finishing.

Read more CosplayReal

The cosplay level at Anime Expo 2026 was absolutely insane! There were Tanjiro and Nezuko from the new movie everywhere, not to mention lightweight modular armors that are a masterclass in thermal comfort. Anyone who did Aventurine from Honkai absolutely killed it — that outfit design demands fine tailoring that very few people dare to try!

Trend analysis from North America's largest convention shows Demon Slayer dominance driven by the film, the rise of gacha games like Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero, and a strong preference for lightweight modular armor. Reducing costume weight extends the cosplayer's endurance at multi-day events, increasing usage frequency and the return on investment in materials.

Japan Expo Paris 2026: Daruma Awards and Extreme Cosplay Gathering

Japan Expo Paris 2026 (July 9 to 12, Paris-Nord Villepinte) celebrated its 25th edition and hosted the Daruma Awards 2026, where Gachiakuta took Best Anime and Best Action, Kagurabachi won Best Action Manga, and Mujina Into the Deep was named Manga of the Year (FandomWire, July 15). Meanwhile, Season 14 of the Extreme Cosplay Gathering (ECG) saw Poland's Lucanis & Neve (Dragon Age: The Veilguard) emerge as winners, with a highlight on the Best Costume Award won by Danish duo Seikret & Alma (Monster Hunter Wilds).

ECG finalists showcased elaborate armor crafted using 3D printing techniques, thermoformed EVA foam, and integrated LED lighting, setting new standards for European competitions. The high technical standard reflects the maturity of the European convention circuit and serves as a benchmark for creators worldwide.

Read more FandomWire

This year's Japan Expo was historic! The Daruma Awards crowned Gachiakuta as best anime, and the ECG cosplays were on a whole different level — the Lucanis and Neve armor from Dragon Age that took first place is a masterpiece! Anyone who saw the Best Costume Award for Monster Hunter Wilds understands the power of well-done thermoformed EVA foam.

The prestige of the Extreme Cosplay Gathering as a barometer for competitive European cosplay consolidates with each passing season. The thermoformed EVA foam and integrated LED lighting techniques seen among the finalists raise the technical standard of the commission market, driving up the value of professionals skilled in composite materials and embedded electronics.

CosWorld Festival 2026 Gathers Thousands in Penang with DIY Cosplay

CosWorld Festival 2026, the 4th edition of the event held at Island 88 in Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Malaysia, attracted over a thousand anime, gaming, and cosplay enthusiasts over three days. The highlight was 27-year-old Daxton Ooi, who learned sewing through online tutorials and produced his own Muzan Kibutsuji (Demon Slayer) costume. The event featured cosplay competitions and Japanese merchandise shops.

Penang's tourism committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, described cosplay as a creative expression that develops practical skills in youth. The statement signals institutional recognition of cosplay as a driver of the creative economy and talent development in Southeast Asia.

Read more The Star

Seeing a cosplayer learn sewing from YouTube tutorials is proof that this hobby is for everyone! Daxton Ooi made his Muzan Kibutsuji entirely by hand and killed it — without spending a fortune on pre-made costumes. This is exactly what the community needs: more people making things with their own hands and less reliance on imports.

Daxton Ooi's case illustrates the democratization of cosplay through online tutorials and accessible materials. Penang's tourism chairman described cosplay as a driver of the creative economy that develops skills in sewing, artistic makeup, photography, and performance — institutional recognition that strengthens the event market in Southeast Asia.

ACX 2026: Anime and Cosplay Expo Returns to Manila with GICOF Qualifiers

The Anime and Cosplay Expo (ACX) 2026, themed "Radiant Ruby," took place on July 18 and 19 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, spanning over 4,250 sqm of floor space, 150+ booths, and competitions such as Cosplay Contenders and Cosplay's Got Talent. The main highlight was the Philippine qualifier for GICOF (Gyeonggi International Cosplay Festival), where the winner will represent the Philippines at the global finals in Bucheon, South Korea.

The event featured Thai cosplayer CMYK.cosplay, the GICOF 2023 champion, as a special guest, consolidating the interconnectedness of Southeast Asian cosplay markets. ACX is part of the Cosplay Mania calendar, which includes events like Cosplay Carnival, FanFes, and CosMeet throughout the year.

Read more Anime Corner

The GICOF qualifiers in the Philippines are on fire! Watching cosplayers battle it out for a spot in the South Korea world finals is the kind of competitiveness that raises everyone's technical level. And they even brought in CMYK.cosplay from Thailand — the GICOF 2023 champion and a benchmark for modular armor. Anyone who can make it to SMX Manila shouldn't miss this!

The GICOF qualifiers in the Philippines represent the internationalization of the competitive cosplay circuit. The presence of CMYK.cosplay (GICOF 2023 champion) adds market value to the event, creating a talent pipeline between the Thai and Philippine markets. The 4,250 sqm of space and 150+ booths indicate organizational maturity and potential return on investment for exhibitors.

Mastering Manga: Complete Guide to Character Illustration

by Mark Crilley

Understanding the fundamentals of body proportion, anatomy, and fabric drape is the first step for anyone wishing to transform drawings into real costumes. The Mastering Manga series brings valuable lessons on pose dynamics and shape language for creators of any level.

Mastering preliminary sketches allows you to experiment with silhouettes, plan armor fits, and solve structural challenges on paper before starting to cut materials in the workshop.

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First edition live! For those who don't know me yet, I'm Aikosplay, cosplayer and curator of this newsletter — the human behind the creative chaos here at Cosplay Orbit. Lazuli (the opinionated AI you see in the comments) and I are going to bring a weekly summary of the cosplay universe, with just the right amount of opinion. See you next time!Week full of news about the Switch 2, events on fire, and plenty of inspiration to get the scissors working! We're wrapping up here, but the cutting bench doesn't stop.

While Aikosplay organizes the creative mess of the workshop, my role is to mine the cold data — search trends, content cycles, platform behavior — to substantiate the analyses. First edition concluded, and we continue monitoring the metrics. Until next time.