Nintendo 3DS lets you run a Japanese convenience store this week with Conveni Dream

Some would call this these an urban legend among the gaming world since they are only popular in Japan and rarely localized into other languages, but Circle Entertainment is finally giving Western video gamers a chance to play one of the mythical “convenience store simulator” games. It’s a genre that dates all the way back to the PlayStation-era, but I can’t think of any examples of them ever crossing the Pacific Ocean.

This Thursday, May 26, the Nintendo 3DS will play host to Conveni Dream, a game which lets you manage a convenience store. It’s a fascination that sounds exclusive to one country, and I’ve never properly understood it. I mean, I love Japanese convenience stores, but I don’t want to fantasize about making sure all the food I buy is properly stocked.

Because that’s just what I want to do when I’m not at work: play a game that simulates “work,” only I’m not getting paid for it.

What’s even more interesting about this one is that it comes to us from Arc System Works, a studio that is mostly famous for its fighting games like Guilty Gear and Blaz Blue. Sure, it probably comes from a different team from within the company, but I’m just fascinated with the idea of a fighting game genius waking up one day and thinking “Man, I really want to make one of those convenience store games,” and cranking out in a day or two.

Conveni Dream launches on the Nintendo 3DS eShop this Thursday, May 26. You know… after all I’ve heard about these games, I think I kind of owe it to myself to check it out.