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Shougi 2 (Japan)

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Game Boy Color Board Game Japan 5 (0) 13

Shougi 2 (Japan)

Getting to Know Shougi 2 (Japan)

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 26, 2026

Shougi 2 is a digital version of the classic Japanese board game shogi, released exclusively for the Game Boy Color in Japan. It builds on the original Shougi release for the original Game Boy, offering an updated interface and likely improved AI for the handheld. Because it never left Japan, the entire game is in Japanese, but the core rules of shogi are consistent worldwide.

As a shogi simulation, the player takes on the role of one side and competes against a computer opponent or possibly another player. The game presents a standard 9x9 board with pieces that move according to traditional shogi rules, including the unique drop mechanic where captured pieces can be redeployed. The interface is straightforward: you select a piece by highlighting it with the D-pad and confirm moves with the A button. The computer opponent responds after each of your turns.

For shogi enthusiasts, Shougi 2 is worth checking out as a portable version of the game that still holds up today. It doesn't rewrite the rules or add flashy extras, but it provides a solid, no-frills shogi experience on a classic handheld. Compared to other Game Boy Color strategy titles, it's niche and best suited for players who already know the game or are willing to learn it despite the language barrier.

How to Play Shougi 2 (Japan) Online

Getting Started When you launch Shougi 2, you will first see a title screen and a menu in Japanese. The options typically include starting a new game, loading a saved game, and maybe adjusting settings. Use the D-pad to move between choices and press the A button (X key) to select. If you do not read Japanese, look for the option that leads to the game board; it is usually the first or most prominent one. The core loop is straightforward: on your turn, use the D-pad to move a cursor over your pieces. Press the A button to pick up a piece, then move to a valid square and press A to drop it. To capture an opponent's piece, move your piece onto their square. The captured piece is added to your hand and can be dropped onto empty squares on later turns. Familiarize yourself with the basic movement of each piece (pawn, rook, bishop, etc.) before diving into a match. Since the menus are entirely in Japanese, it helps to memorize a few common character sequences: はじめる (hajimeru) means start, ロード (roodo) means load, and つづき (tsuzuki) means continue. If you get stuck, try pressing the B button (S key) to back out of a menu or cancel a move. The game expects you to know shogi rules, so brushing up on the game ahead of time is recommended.

Shougi 2 (Japan) Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button (jump / confirm)
S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
Enter: Start / Pause
V: Select

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shougi 2 considered easy to pick up or challenging?

Shougi 2 is a faithful simulation of traditional Japanese chess, which is inherently complex. The computer AI can be deceptively strong, offering a solid challenge even for experienced players. Beginners will need to learn the movement and drop rules before finding it accessible.

Is Shougi 2 exclusive to Game Boy Color or did it appear on other systems?

This version was developed specifically for the Game Boy Color and never appeared on other platforms. There was an earlier Shougi game for the original Game Boy, but Shougi 2 is a separate title exclusive to the color handheld.

In what year was Shougi 2 originally released?

The exact release year is not widely documented in English sources. It likely came out during the late 1990s alongside other Game Boy Color shogi titles, but a precise date is not available from the verified reference.