Akihabara, bustling district in Tokyo, is widely celebrated as a heaven for all things related to electronics, anime, and video games. It is home to numerous shops and establishments catering to enthusiasts and collectors of retro gaming hardware and software. So here is our list of the best shops to find game merch in Tokyo !!
Beep
Our favorite ! Established in 1986, Beep has grown to become an iconic brand for enthusiasts seeking classic video game hardware and software. The store’s name, a reference to the iconic “beep” sound that accompanied the boot-up of many early video game consoles, instantly resonates with those who have fond memories of the 8-bit and 16-bit era. Nestled amidst the neon-lit streets of Akihabara, Beep stores have successfully preserved and propagated the nostalgia of gaming’s past. The range of titles available in Beep stores is staggering, covering a wide spectrum of gaming history and especially computers and arcade !! Actually you can find rare, imported titles that were never released outside of Japan, and especially old pcb’s. The best place for arcade and gaming merch lovers !
Adress : 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−9−8 中栄ビル B1
Twitter : https://twitter.com/BEEP_akihabara
Website : https://www.akihabara-beep.com/
Retro Game Camp Akihabara
One of the smallest retro game store and one of the cheapest in the area (which has +20% prices versus any other retrogaming area in Japan ;)). It has two floors filled with incredible items especially for pc engine lovers on the 1st floor. Lot of merch also, like figurines and prints. Also staff is super helping so we really recommend it for any retro game fan visiting Akihabara !
Adress : 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−9−8 中栄ビル B1
Twitter : https://twitter.com/BEEP_akihabara
Website : https://www.retrogamecamp.com/
Trader Tokyo
Super cool retro game store, with still affordable prices for the area, Trader is known for having the best selection of retro Playstation games. Also they have an enormous “junk” section (not under warranty and not tested items) where you can find anything : controllers, manuals, cables.. Prices are on the rise like every stores in Akihabara but maybe you will find something to enjoy here ! They also have a second store specialized on dvds and figurines a few meters away from this one where you can find a lot of merch.
Adress : 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−14−10
Opening hours : Everyday 11 am – 8.00 pm
Super Potato
Probably the most famous retrogaming store in the world, Super Potato occupies the last three floors of a small building in the heart of Akihabara. A must for the otaku pilgrimage in the area, the store is often crowded. On the first two floors, you will find almost all the consoles released since the 1970s, with the Family Computer or Famicom (Japanese version of the NES) in the spotlight, as well as endless piles of game cartridges and a few t-shirts.
Often criticized because of its prohibitive prices, the store remains one the biggest attraction of the area. If you want a less croudy place, prefer their other location in Ikebuburo, Tokyo where prices are a little bit lower. Note that Osaka has also 3 Super Potato stores In Nipponbashi, Suminoe, Showacho. Actually the chain was born in Osaka, Kansai.
In addition to games and consoles, Super Potato also has a selection of video game-related merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and keychains. There’s also a small arcade area where visitors can play classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
Super Potato’s popularity has led to the opening of additional locations throughout Tokyo, each with its own unique selection of games and merchandise. However, the original Super Potato store remains the most popular, and it’s not uncommon to see a line of customers waiting to get in.
Visiting Super Potato is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into Japan’s video game history and culture. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Super Potato is a must-visit destination for any video game enthusiast. If you prefer to stay at home, check out their ebay !
Adress :
Super Potato Akihabara : 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−11−2 ３階～５階 北林ビル
Super Potato Ikebukuro : 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−23−13 第一岡村ビル
Super Potato Nagoya : : 3 Chome-11-30 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Super Potato Osaka NipponBashi : 〒556-0005 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nipponbashi, 3 Chome−8−18 平田ビル １階
Super Potato Osaka Suminoe :〒559-0006 Osaka, Suminoe Ward, Hamaguchinishi, 3 Chome−1−8 ペガサス２番館住之江
Super Potato Osaka Showacho : 〒545-0021 Osaka, Abeno Ward, Hannancho, 2 Chome−20−3 昭和フラッツ 1F
Opening hours : every day 11.00 am – 8pm
Mandarake Complex
One of the top sellers of used anime and manga collectibles in the world, Mandarake was established in Tokyo in 1980 by mangaka Furukawa Ekizo (古川益蔵). It was a small, 7 m2 bookshop in Nakano, Tokyo that focused on the sale of used manga at the time. Mandarake Complex, an eight-story store in Akihabara, opened in April 2008 adds video games on the 7th and 8th floors. They have a huge selection of new and old games. Not for arcades fans but cool visit though.
Adress : 3 Chome-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Open Hours : 12-20.00 every day
(update) Friends has just closed :(
No store front, just a little sign on the street, we are talking about one of the most hidden retro game stores in Tokyo ! However this famous retro game store has the specificity of having a great selection of new / sealed retro game items. So incredible game presentation, staff with typical Japanese attention to details, top quality products but prices can hurt a little :) A must see though !
This article was written by Ted.
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