Top 8 Video Game Stores in Tokyo
From a retro video game store we went to a much more modern one such as the official nintendo store.
Main brand of consoles and video games in Japan and around the world, has many small franchises in other japanese cities, but none as large and impressive as the one in the capital.
This collectibles store opened last year 2019, you will find it in the Shibuya Parco Mall in the bustling Shibuya neighborhood.
It is specialized in the sale of the latest Nintendo consoles such as the Nintendo Switch or the New Nintendo 2DS.
Although you can also find old japanese consoles and get hold of games that were only put on sale in Japan.
In the large space of the store they have dolls exhibited with the iconic characters of the brand, and many merchandising items that you can take as a souvenir.
Some of the parts are very cheap and are an ideal souvenir to give away to a friend or family member who is a fan of the Nintendo universe.
Along with the new Nintendo store you will also find the pokemon center store, another of the favorite shopping destinations for tourists.
Take the opportunity to go through both places and take a little detail from two of the best video game stores in
Gamers Main Store Akihabara
Gamers is another of the best video game stores in Tokyo that you cannot miss.
The main headquarters are in the Akihabara neighborhood, with a mammoth mall in that in addition to old and modern games and consoles, they also have a manga, anime and dolls section for collectors.
Although its name suggests that it is a store only for 'gamers' who love video games, the truth is that little by little it has undergone a transformation to become a meeting place to play cards or to go to a comic book firm.
They usually hold many events that attract fans and otakus from all over Japan up to this meeting point that they all have in common.
However, when it comes to buying Japanese video games, it is one of the cheapest stores to invest in. new or second hand games.
And if what you are looking for are recommendations, an employee will be happy to help you, because they are all experts on the subject.
Be that as it may, you have to stop by this store and walk through its endless floors and corridors.
Entering it is like traveling to another world, especially if you coincide with the visit of some famous mangaka or a card tournament, which is when there is usually more atmosphere.
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Book off
Another of the reference places to buy retro video games in Japan are the Hard Off company stores.
Is about thrift shopping They are divided by types of products, in which they have any used object that you can imagine, in perfect condition and at super cheap prices.
If you are looking for games and consoles, you have to go to the Hobby Off or Book Off stores.
The latter are the ones that are dedicated expressly to books, manga comics, sale of DVD's and movies, and usually have a large section of video games.
You can find them in separate premises, or directly in the same building where each floor is destined for a different theme.
Throughout the Japanese capital there are second-hand stores of this type, especially in commercial neighborhoods such as Shibuya, Akihabara or Harajuku.
The availability of products varies in each one, so if you find more than one on your way, take the opportunity to browse. You can find authentic jewels at a price!
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Retro Game Camp
Returning to the Akihabara neighborhood, other stores where to buy games in Japan that you will love is Retro Game Camp.
Without losing its traditional style, this large shopping center is usually less frequented by tourists, so you will practically only find Japanese shopping and browsing the novelties in its infinite shelves and showcases.
The stock of items from Japan This store is possibly the largest in the country.
Specialist in import of games from other countriesIn addition to the physical store, they usually sell a lot on their website, and they even allow you to place orders to pick them up in person.
It has the latest market news, compatible games for consoles from anywhere in the world, and they are also the pioneers in the sale of new models that have not yet been released outside of Japan.
Of course they also have used or second-hand video games. They stand out for their lower prices than other shops in the Akiba neighborhood, with used items but in perfect condition.
Controllers of old consoles, discontinued games, spare parts to repair your damaged console, and everything you can imagine in the same place and with the best service.
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TRADER Headquarters
You can get a slight idea of the importance it has in Japan in the video game sector as you walk through any commercial street and you come across countless stores dedicated to video games. sale of game consoles and cartridges.
A good example of this is Trader's stores, a chain or franchise that does not stop growing and that already has several stores in the most popular neighborhoods of the capital.
If you have the opportunity to find any of these open stores, do not miss it. You will easily locate them thanks to their large yellow posters with big blue letters.
Already at the entrance door you will see the many offers and discounts that they keep inside, with unbeatable prices. You will also find games from other regions such as PAL or NTSC.
Without a doubt it is one of the best recommended video game stores. Not only do they have a very good variety in all types of consoles, but they are also the cheapest in the country.
The largest and most complete is that of the Chiyoda neighborhood, known as Trader # 4, with several plants very well divided according to the type of articles you are looking for.
On the one hand there are the most recent consoles, such as the PS5, Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch, and also other older consoles such as Nintendo DS, PS Vita, Gamecube ...
One floor higher is the retro video game store with consoles from your childhood and some that you haven't even heard of. They also have comics, DVDs, and merchandise, priced so cheaply you'll want to take it all with you.
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Sofmap
This store is a benchmark in the Japanese capital to buy somewhat more recent games.
If you have been looking for a specific console game for a long time like PS2, PS3, Game Cube, Nintendo Wii, Game Boy or Nintendo DS, and even PC, here you have the best value for money.
It is one of the best video game stores, but it doesn't focus on overly old releases or retro consoles.
For this reason, their prices are lower and it is easier to find what you are looking for or find the best inspiration for expand your collection.
Also located in Akihabara, you will find it easily because at the door of the store there is usually a lot of bustle.
Crowded with billboards and many deals, It is normal to see some of the workers microphone in hand encouraging customers to go inside.
Wherever you see it, the store occupies several floors and endless long aisles with millions of second hand items.
Not sure where to start looking? Do not hesitate to ask for help from the dependents, who are video game and console experts and they will give you the best advice and recommendations.
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Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba
Although there are many more video game stores in the capital, concentrated mainly in the Akihabara neighborhood, the last one we want to highly recommend is Yodobashi-Akiba.
It doesn't matter if you don't even like video games. You have to go through this big mall considered the largest temple for gamers in the world and the largest electronics store.
Occupying an entire city block, this gigantic building has a total of 9 floors with different zones full of all the games and consoles ever and to be.
In fact, it is the main place where the biggest launches in Japan, gathering hundreds of thousands of fans every time a new console or game comes out.
On the different floors you will find games divided by console type, computer games, and second-hand items in very good condition.
Although the prices are not the lowest in the city, the shopping experience that it offers to customers is far superior to that of other video game stores.
You will find cafes, restaurants where to eat the best japanese food and western, areas to rest, and even a coffee neko, for spend a full day shopping for video games without having to leave the building.
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Location of video game stores
Don't miss our interactive map with all the locations of the stores mentioned:
What is the best video game store in Tokyo?
As video game lovers, having such a large number of stores of this type is for us a real luxury.
Nevertheless, we could not keep just one of these. Depending on the type of shopping you want to make, we recommend visiting one or the other.
If what you want is to get exclusive with the latest release that has gone on sale and that has not yet arrived in your country, Yodobashi or Super Potato are the most famous video game stores for it.
Where to buy retro video games? We love to visit book off stores, or stop by the gamers store. They always have different things, so you do not know what surprise you will find every time you enter one of them.
If you also like this theme and want visit video game stores During your trip to Japan, visit the Akihabara neighborhood and take these places and shopping centers as a reference.
Now that you know where to buy video games in Tokyo, you will surely come home with more than one jewel at an incredible price. Don't miss out on these other blog recommendations either:
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