Danganronpa 2x2 New Character Revealed: Sakutaro Higashi Joins Slayhem Mode

Danganronpa 2x2 just got its biggest pre-launch surprise yet: a brand-new character. On September 23, 2026, Spike Chunsoft officially announced Sakutaro Higashi, the Danganronpa 2x2 new character making his debut in the game's brand-new Slayhem mode — and his Ultimate talent is being kept completely under wraps.

Why does this matter? A genuinely new face in a remake-adjacent release is huge news for a franchise that has historically stayed close to its established casts. Here's everything we know so far about Sakutaro Higashi, his star-studded voice cast, and what his arrival means for Danganronpa 2x2.

Who Is Sakutaro Higashi?

According to the official Spike Chunsoft announcement, Sakutaro Higashi is one of the high school students who gets dragged into the killing game and Class Trials in Slayhem mode, Danganronpa 2x2's entirely new scenario.

What we know — and don't know — breaks down like this:

That "Ultimate ???" listing is classic Danganronpa. The franchise has always teased talents before release, and hiding Higashi's talent is a deliberate hook to drive speculation until launch day.

A Voice Cast Worth Talking About

One of the most exciting parts of this reveal is who's behind the character.

Natsuki Hanae, one of Japan's most recognizable voice actors, handles the Japanese performance. In his announcement message, Hanae shared that this is his first time participating in the Danganronpa series — and he called it a huge honor. He noted that the recording sessions were incredibly fun, particularly reading the script and learning about the culprits, the tricks, and everything else the story has in store. (Presumably, he's had to keep those spoilers locked down ever since.)

Griffin Burns voices Higashi in English, also making his Danganronpa debut. In his introduction video, Burns expressed excitement about joining 2x2 and urged fans to look forward to meeting the mysterious new character when the game launches on January 14, 2027.

Both actors confirmed the same key detail: Higashi's Ultimate talent won't be revealed before release. You'll have to play the game to find out.

What Is Slayhem Mode?

Higashi's debut isn't happening in a remaster of the 2012 story — it's tied to Danganronpa 2x2's biggest structural change. The game lets players experience Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair in two distinct modes, both available from the start:

This is significant. It means Higashi isn't a cosmetic cameo — he exists only within an entirely rewritten narrative. If you want to meet the Danganronpa 2x2 new character, you'll need to dive into Slayhem mode specifically.

For context on how the series works: Monokuma, the self-proclaimed headmaster, traps ultra-talented high schoolers in a deadly game where students must investigate murders and expose culprits in high-speed, action-driven Class Trials. Since Trigger Happy Havoc launched on the PSP in 2010, the franchise has shipped more than 10 million copies worldwide across three mainline entries and two spin-offs.

Why a New Character Matters for Fans

Adding an original character to a scenario that rewrites Goodbye Despair's storyline has some big implications:

• A genuinely new mystery. New character, new Ultimate talent, new storyline — Slayhem mode can't simply follow the beats fans have memorized over 14 years.
• Avoidable spoilers are nearly impossible to predict. Since the plot is completely different, existing knowledge of Goodbye Despair won't fully protect you from twists.
• Recruitment appeal. Star voice talent on both sides of the Pacific signals that Spike Chunsoft is treating Slayhem mode as a headline feature, not a bonus.
• Theory-crafting fuel. The Danganronpa community lives for talent speculation, and "Ultimate ???" is an open invitation.

Release Info, Editions, and Pre-Orders

Danganronpa 2x2 launches January 14, 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Pre-orders are live through major retailers now, so if you're planning to experience Slayhem mode day one, it's worth locking in your copy early.

Theories: What Could Higashi's Talent Be?

With the talent officially hidden, community reports and player speculation are already swirling. While nothing is confirmed, here's how fans typically approach these teasers:

Remember: these are community theories, not confirmed facts. The only official word is that you'll need to play the game to discover his talent.

Final Thoughts

The reveal of Sakutaro Higashi gives Danganronpa 2x2 a genuine reason to be excited beyond the enhanced visuals of the original scenario. A fully new character, voiced by two debut Danganronpa performers, existing exclusively in a storyline nobody has experienced before? That's a compelling hook for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Mark your calendars for January 14, 2027 — and start those talent theories now.

FAQ

Who is the new character in Danganronpa 2x2? The Danganronpa 2x2 new character is Sakutaro Higashi, a high school student debuting in Slayhem mode. His Ultimate talent is listed as "Ultimate ???" and will only be revealed in-game.

Who voices Sakutaro Higashi? Natsuki Hanae voices him in Japanese and Griffin Burns voices him in English. Both actors are making their first appearance in the Danganronpa series.

Do I need to play Slayhem mode to meet Higashi? Yes. Higashi appears exclusively in Slayhem mode, the new scenario with a completely different storyline. Original mode retells the 2012 story and doesn't feature him.

When does Danganronpa 2x2 release? The game launches January 14, 2027, on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-orders for the standard and Psycho Tropical Vacation Package editions are open now.