Overview - GameCenter CX

Overview

Shinya Arino, a member of comedy duo Yoiko, plays Japan's most popular video games and records his progress as he works through a time limit, usually lasting up to one day. He is supported by his Assistant Directors and Staff, both via moral support and actual gameplay. He also gets the chance to interview game designers and to play arcade games occasionally.

Seasons

• Name: Specials

  Episode: 50

  Date first aired: 2004-05-30

• Name: Season 1

  Episode: 11

  The CX in the title comes from JOCX, the call sign of Fuji TV. Arino's Challenge began as a short segment in Season 1. Interviews made up most of each episode. ADs (Assistant Directors) introduced in Season 1: Naoki Yamada (M1 only) and Shinichiro Tojima (M5 onward). ADs typically "graduate" from the show after a season or two, but old favorites often return in new roles or on special occasions.

  Date first aired: 2003-11-04

• Name: Season 2

  Episode: 10

  Game Center CX was retooled thoroughly for Season 2. After a few months away, the show was relaunched in its new format. The「」quote brackets around the CX in the title were removed. Arino's Challenge was greatly expanded, becoming the main focus of each episode. TamaGe (trips) and Game Collection segments became regular features. Interviews continued through this season. Episode numbering started over in Season 2, and this official system has remained in place throughout subsequent seasons. AD introduced in Season 2: Hiroshi Sasano (#1, during the closing segment)

  Date first aired: 2004-10-20

• Name: Season 3

  Episode: 10

  Date first aired: 2005-04-13

• Name: Season 4

  Episode: 10

  Date first aired: 2005-10-19

• Name: Season 5

  Episode: 6

  Date first aired: 2006-06-07

• Name: Season 6

  Episode: 8

  Date first aired: 2006-11-01

• Name: Season 7

  Episode: 10

  Date first aired: 2007-05-02

• Name: Season 8

  Episode: 9

  Date first aired: 2007-10-24