Best Japanese Video Games to Buy: Switch, Switch 2 & Japan-Only Gems (2026)

Japan is the heartland of video games, and it's a great place to pick up new Switch and Switch 2 hits, Japan-only curiosities, and retro classics. This guide covers what's worth buying, where to find new and second-hand games, and links to order online. Good to know: Modern Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 games are region-free — Japanese copies play on any Switch (menus often include English). PS5 discs are largely region-free too. Retro consoles are region-locked, so check before buying old cartridges. Japan-exclusive titles make memorable souvenirs. Prices are in yen; rough US-dollar figures assume about 150 yen = $1.

Where to buy games in Japan

  • Bic Camera / Yodobashi Camera — huge electronics stores for new games and consoles, with tax-free counters. biccamera.com
  • Super Potato (Akihabara) — the legendary retro game shop for vintage Famicom, Super Famicom and Sega. superpotato.com
  • Suruga-ya / Trader / BEEP (Akihabara) — used new-gen and retro games at hunter-friendly prices.
Prefer to buy at home? Order the picks below online.

Wrap-up

From Switch 2 headliners to quirky Japan-only titles and retro treasures, Japan is the place to buy games. Modern Switch games are region-free so you can play them anywhere — grab souvenirs in Akihabara, and order the rest online from the picks above.