SNK Restores SWC 2026 Slots for KOF XV, Samurai Shodown

For fighting game fans in the UK and beyond, SNK has restored the SNK World Championship 2026 qualifier slots for The King of Fighters XV and Samurai Shodown after community feedback. The change matters for players already building their run through the series, and for anyone following SNK’s competitive scene from RetroShell’s news coverage.

SNK had first cut the KOF XV slots from 32 to 16, and Samurai Shodown from 16 to 8. That announcement landed after the SWC 2026 series had already begun, which left many players concerned about plans they had already made for the circuit.

In an official statement shared on SNK’s social channels, and reported by EventHubs, the company said it had listened to feedback and decided to return the slots to their previous numbers. KOF XV will now have 32 slots, while Samurai Shodown will have 16 slots for SWC 2026.

SNK also said that tiebreaker rules will be updated and shared later. The company said its aim is to give the best competitive experience for players and fans, which should help keep the path to the finals clearer for those still in qualification.

The move also shows SNK is still paying attention to its older competitive staples, even as newer releases like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves join the mix. For a scene built on loyalty, practice, and long memories, that kind of response carries weight.

For the source material, see the SNK Corporation press page and EventHubs’ report.