Indie publisher tinyBuild and developer Mandragora have announced that ReStory, their nostalgic electronics repair simulation game set in early 2000s Japan, will officially launch on Steam later this summer. Ahead of its release, players can get their hands on an expanded demo available now as part of Steam Next Fest.
Since first being revealed in late 2025, ReStory has steadily built a dedicated audience, attracting more than 300,000 participants to its playtest while surpassing 400,000 wishlists on Steam. The game’s blend of hands-on restoration mechanics, cozy atmosphere, and branching storytelling has resonated with players looking for a more relaxed simulation experience.
Set against the backdrop of Y2K-era Japan, ReStory places players in charge of their own neighborhood electronics repair shop. From aging video game consoles and handheld gaming devices to flip phones, cameras, and household appliances, players will spend their days bringing worn-out technology back to life while building relationships with a diverse cast of customers.
The newly released Steam Next Fest demo offers a deeper look at the game’s pre-release content and introduces several new features that weren’t available during earlier playtests. Among the additions is the Patento BS, a retro-inspired handheld gaming device that pays homage to one of gaming’s most recognizable portable systems while maintaining its own unique identity.
Another major addition is the airbrush drawing tool, which expands the game’s customization options by allowing players to personalize repaired devices with custom artwork and designs. The feature has already inspired a wave of creativity from the community, with player-created designs showcased in the latest trailer.
At its core, ReStory is about more than simply fixing broken electronics. Every customer who walks through the shop door brings their own personal story. As players accept repair jobs and interact with clients, they’ll make decisions that influence unique branching narratives. Some stories may involve uncovering hidden secrets stored on an old phone once owned by a former gangster, while others explore more personal moments, such as helping a shy student navigate a budding romance.
These narrative choices add an extra layer of replayability, encouraging players to revisit the game and explore different outcomes. The developers have emphasized that player decisions can significantly impact how stories unfold and ultimately influence the game’s ending.
The repair process itself features a surprisingly deep restoration system. Players will use a variety of tools to clean, diagnose, repair, and restore electronics to working condition. Locating replacement parts also plays an important role, with players browsing a nostalgic Y2K-style internet marketplace to track down the components needed for each repair job.
The game’s setting serves as one of its biggest draws. ReStory captures the atmosphere of urban Japan during the early 2000s, blending retro technology, cozy neighborhoods, and a slower-paced lifestyle into an experience designed to be both relaxing and rewarding. The result is a simulator that celebrates a generation of technology many players grew up with while offering an engaging business-management and storytelling experience.
Key features include a large selection of authentic-inspired 2000s electronics to repair, detailed cleaning and restoration mechanics, a retro-themed web browser for sourcing spare parts, branching customer storylines, replayable narrative choices, and a laid-back Japanese setting filled with charm and nostalgia.
With its combination of satisfying repair gameplay, meaningful customer interactions, and nostalgic presentation, ReStory is shaping up to be one of the more unique simulation titles arriving on Steam this year.
Players interested in stepping into the role of a neighborhood repair technician can download the Steam Next Fest demo now and experience a slice of the game’s relaxing restoration-focused gameplay ahead of its full launch later this summer.