14 retro and used video game shops across Tokyo, anchored on Akihabara, the Electric Town district where old consoles, carts and arcade cabinets have their densest concentration in the city. This is a curated pick rather than an exhaustive list, running from the definitive multi-floor retro shops to vintage-computer specialists and classic arcades, plus the standout spots worth the trip outside Akihabara.
14
Shops
2
Areas
Akihabara
The Anchor
Famicom to Arcade
Every Era
Akihabara, known as Electric Town (Denki Gai), is where Tokyo keeps its games. What began as a postwar electronics market is now the densest run of retro and used game shops in the city, with old consoles, cartridges and arcade cabinets stacked floor over floor within a few blocks of the station. This guide maps 14 shops, organized around what each one does best rather than a single flat ranking. Eleven sit in Akihabara itself, from Super Potato, the definitive retro shop across several floors, to the used-media chains, the vintage-computer specialist BEEP and the classic arcade HEY. A second group gathers the three standout retro spots elsewhere in the city, the Mandarake branches in Shibuya and Nakano and Super Potato in Ikebukuro, for anyone whose route runs wider than Akihabara. Shop-type tags on every card point to whether a stop is a used-game shop, an arcade, a resale complex or a vintage-computer specialist, so you can plan by what you are actually after, whether that is a Famicom (Family Computer) cartridge or an afternoon at the cabinets.
Best Shops For...
The Definitive Retro Floors
Super Potato
Jump to Super Potato
Games and Anime Resale
Mandarake Complex
Jump to Mandarake Complex
Retro PCs and Doujin Games
BEEP Akihabara
Jump to BEEP Akihabara
Used Games by the Floor
TRADER
Jump to TRADER
A Classic Akihabara Arcade
HEY
Jump to HEY
Standout Spots Beyond Akihabara
Nakano & Ikebukuro
Jump to Nakano & Ikebukuro
Akihabara
Retro GamesArcadesHighest Density
11 locations·Akihabara
Akihabara, known as Electric Town (Denki Gai), is the anchor of this guide and holds eleven of its 14 shops within a few blocks of the station. Super Potato is the definitive retro stop, spread over several floors of consoles and carts with an arcade corner up top, and around it sit the used-game floors of TRADER, the resale complex Mandarake, the vintage-computer specialist BEEP, the classic arcade HEY and the English-friendly Retro Game Camp. The Surugaya game branch and the smaller import and vintage-PC shops fill in the rest. This is the one district no retro game trip skips.
1
Super Potato Akihabara
(スーパーポテト秋葉原店)
4.3(3.78k) reviews
Sotokanda
〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−11−２ 北林ビル ３階～５階
Retro gamesMulti-floorIconic
The best-known retro game shop in Akihabara, spread across several floors of consoles, cartridges and accessories from the Famicom (Family Computer) era onward
Stock covers Japanese systems from the 1980s and 1990s, from the Famicom and Super Famicom to the PC Engine and Sega hardware
A retro arcade corner on an upper floor lets you play classic cabinets between browsing
2
Mandarake Complex
(まんだらけコンプレックス)
4.2(5.70k) reviews
Sotokanda
3-chōme-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Resale complexGames + anime
A multi-floor branch of Mandarake, the used manga, anime and game resale chain, with each floor given over to a different category
Retro games and hardware sit alongside figures, doujin (self-published) works and collector goods
A single tall building that rewards a slow browse from top to bottom
3
TRADER Headquarters
4.2(917) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−2−１ トレーダー本店ビル
Used gamesMulti-floor
The main branch of TRADER, a used-games retailer spread across several floors of one Akihabara building
Stock runs from current-generation titles down to retro consoles and carts, sorted by system
A dependable stop for used software at a range of price points without a specialist markup
4
BEEP
4.5(842) reviews
Kanda Neribeichō
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−9−８ 中栄ビル B1
Retro PCsDoujin gamesHardware
A shop specializing in retro PCs, vintage computers and the software that ran on them
Doujin (self-published) games, hardware parts and electronics sit alongside the game stock
A focused stop for anyone chasing old Japanese home-computer platforms rather than only consoles
5
HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) Taito
4.3(2.24k) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−10−５ 廣瀬本社ビル １階～４階
Retro arcadeMulti-floor
A classic Akihabara arcade spread over several floors, known for its retro cabinets and shooting games (shoot-em-ups)
Rows of arcade machines cover fighting games, rhythm games and older titles
A place to play rather than shop, and a fixture of the Electric Town arcade scene
6
Retro Game Camp
4.3(460) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−14−７ 新末広ビル C
Retro cartsEnglish service
A compact retro shop stocking cartridges, discs and consoles across Japanese and imported systems
English-friendly service makes it an easy first stop for visitors new to buying retro games
Staff can advise on region-locking and which systems play imported carts
7
駿河屋 秋葉原店ゲーム館
3.5(298) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−9−８ 東洋ビル １階
Retro gamesUsed mediaChain
The Akihabara game branch of Surugaya, a large used-media chain covering games, discs and collectibles
Retro and modern titles are shelved by system at chain-standard used prices
A useful stop to cross-check a price you have seen at the specialist shops nearby
8
MAK JAPAN
4.6(64) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−7−２ 佐竹ビル １階
Retro gamesImports
MAK JAPAN offers a curated selection of Japanese goods, focusing on quality and design from local artisans and brands. This casual shopping destination provides an energetic and inspiring mood, presenting items that reflect Japanese craftsmanship. You will find a range of products not typically available in larger retail chains, each chosen for its distinctive aesthetic and utility.
This location suits solo visitors, groups, and those seeking a unique Tokyo souvenir. It serves as a good entry point for tourists interested in Japanese design. The shop is walk-in friendly, allowing for spontaneous visits. Google reviewers rate it 4.6/5 across 64 reviews, indicating a well-received experience.
9
KVClab.
3.6(7) reviews
Sotokanda
2-chōme-1-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Vintage computers
KVClab. specializes in niche electronic components and DIY kits, offering rare or hard-to-find parts for hobbyists and creators in Akihabara. This shop provides a unique focus on specialized electronics. The mood is energetic and inspiring, catering to those seeking a tourist experience or a deeper dive into the local Akihabara scene. This is a walk-in friendly shopping destination.
Visitors discover a wide range of unique items for their projects. The shop is designed for solo visits, allowing individuals to explore its offerings at their own pace. KVClab. focuses on providing specific components and kits, making it a resource for electronics enthusiasts.
10
BOOKOFF Akihabara Ekimae Store
3.8(2.31k) reviews
Kanda Sakumachō
1-chōme-6-4 Kanda Sakumachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0025, Japan
Used games + mediaBook OffMulti-floor
A large Book Off, the nationwide used-media chain, a short walk from Akihabara Station and a reliable stop for cheap used games
Shelves of secondhand software, from current titles down to older carts and discs, sit alongside used books, CDs and DVDs
Prices are set by condition rather than rarity, so patient digging turns up genuine bargains
11
HARD OFF & HOBBY OFF
3.6(150) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−8−１ Y's ビル
Retro gamesHardware + hobbyHard Off / Hobby Off
A combined Hard Off and Hobby Off, the used-hardware and used-hobby arms of the same chain, long recognized by collectors as a top retro-hunting stop
Hard Off carries used consoles, controllers and electronics while Hobby Off covers figures, models and game software
A junk corner of untested and as-is gear rewards anyone willing to gamble on a cheap find
1
Super Potato Akihabara
(スーパーポテト秋葉原店)
4.3(3.78k) reviews
Sotokanda
〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−11−２ 北林ビル ３階～５階
Retro gamesMulti-floorIconic
The best-known retro game shop in Akihabara, spread across several floors of consoles, cartridges and accessories from the Famicom (Family Computer) era onward
Stock covers Japanese systems from the 1980s and 1990s, from the Famicom and Super Famicom to the PC Engine and Sega hardware
A retro arcade corner on an upper floor lets you play classic cabinets between browsing
3
TRADER Headquarters
4.2(917) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−2−１ トレーダー本店ビル
Used gamesMulti-floor
The main branch of TRADER, a used-games retailer spread across several floors of one Akihabara building
Stock runs from current-generation titles down to retro consoles and carts, sorted by system
A dependable stop for used software at a range of price points without a specialist markup
5
HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) Taito
4.3(2.24k) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−10−５ 廣瀬本社ビル １階～４階
Retro arcadeMulti-floor
A classic Akihabara arcade spread over several floors, known for its retro cabinets and shooting games (shoot-em-ups)
Rows of arcade machines cover fighting games, rhythm games and older titles
A place to play rather than shop, and a fixture of the Electric Town arcade scene
7
駿河屋 秋葉原店ゲーム館
3.5(298) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−9−８ 東洋ビル １階
Retro gamesUsed mediaChain
The Akihabara game branch of Surugaya, a large used-media chain covering games, discs and collectibles
Retro and modern titles are shelved by system at chain-standard used prices
A useful stop to cross-check a price you have seen at the specialist shops nearby
9
KVClab.
3.6(7) reviews
Sotokanda
2-chōme-1-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Vintage computers
KVClab. specializes in niche electronic components and DIY kits, offering rare or hard-to-find parts for hobbyists and creators in Akihabara. This shop provides a unique focus on specialized electronics. The mood is energetic and inspiring, catering to those seeking a tourist experience or a deeper dive into the local Akihabara scene. This is a walk-in friendly shopping destination.
Visitors discover a wide range of unique items for their projects. The shop is designed for solo visits, allowing individuals to explore its offerings at their own pace. KVClab. focuses on providing specific components and kits, making it a resource for electronics enthusiasts.
11
HARD OFF & HOBBY OFF
3.6(150) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−8−１ Y's ビル
Retro gamesHardware + hobbyHard Off / Hobby Off
A combined Hard Off and Hobby Off, the used-hardware and used-hobby arms of the same chain, long recognized by collectors as a top retro-hunting stop
Hard Off carries used consoles, controllers and electronics while Hobby Off covers figures, models and game software
A junk corner of untested and as-is gear rewards anyone willing to gamble on a cheap find
2
Mandarake Complex
(まんだらけコンプレックス)
4.2(5.70k) reviews
Sotokanda
3-chōme-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Resale complexGames + anime
A multi-floor branch of Mandarake, the used manga, anime and game resale chain, with each floor given over to a different category
Retro games and hardware sit alongside figures, doujin (self-published) works and collector goods
A single tall building that rewards a slow browse from top to bottom
4
BEEP
4.5(842) reviews
Kanda Neribeichō
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−9−８ 中栄ビル B1
Retro PCsDoujin gamesHardware
A shop specializing in retro PCs, vintage computers and the software that ran on them
Doujin (self-published) games, hardware parts and electronics sit alongside the game stock
A focused stop for anyone chasing old Japanese home-computer platforms rather than only consoles
6
Retro Game Camp
4.3(460) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−14−７ 新末広ビル C
Retro cartsEnglish service
A compact retro shop stocking cartridges, discs and consoles across Japanese and imported systems
English-friendly service makes it an easy first stop for visitors new to buying retro games
Staff can advise on region-locking and which systems play imported carts
8
MAK JAPAN
4.6(64) reviews
Sotokanda
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−7−２ 佐竹ビル １階
Retro gamesImports
MAK JAPAN offers a curated selection of Japanese goods, focusing on quality and design from local artisans and brands. This casual shopping destination provides an energetic and inspiring mood, presenting items that reflect Japanese craftsmanship. You will find a range of products not typically available in larger retail chains, each chosen for its distinctive aesthetic and utility.
This location suits solo visitors, groups, and those seeking a unique Tokyo souvenir. It serves as a good entry point for tourists interested in Japanese design. The shop is walk-in friendly, allowing for spontaneous visits. Google reviewers rate it 4.6/5 across 64 reviews, indicating a well-received experience.
10
BOOKOFF Akihabara Ekimae Store
3.8(2.31k) reviews
Kanda Sakumachō
1-chōme-6-4 Kanda Sakumachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0025, Japan
Used games + mediaBook OffMulti-floor
A large Book Off, the nationwide used-media chain, a short walk from Akihabara Station and a reliable stop for cheap used games
Shelves of secondhand software, from current titles down to older carts and discs, sit alongside used books, CDs and DVDs
Prices are set by condition rather than rarity, so patient digging turns up genuine bargains
See It In Action
Beyond Akihabara
ResaleRetro GamesWider City
3 locations·Shibuya / Nakano / Ikebukuro
Akihabara holds the density, but three retro spots elsewhere in the city stand on their own. Mandarake runs a large branch in Shibuya and its original home inside Nakano Broadway, both deep in used games alongside manga, anime and collector goods, while Super Potato keeps a Game Yokocho (game alley) floor in Ikebukuro that carries the same retro stock as the Akihabara flagship. These are the stops to fold in when your route runs wider than Electric Town.
12
Mandarake Shibuya
4.4(2.84k) reviews
Udagawachō
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawachō, 31−２ 渋谷BEAM B2F
Resale complexGames + anime
A large Shibuya branch of Mandarake, the used manga, anime and game resale chain, set below the Shibuya BEAM building
Retro games and hardware share the floor with figures, doujin (self-published) works and collector goods
A convenient resale stop for anyone already shopping central Shibuya
13
Mandarake Nakano
4.3(2.10k) reviews
Nakano
5-chōme-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Resale complexNakano Broadway
The original home of Mandarake, tucked inside the Nakano Broadway complex across several units
Deep used stock of retro games, hardware and collectibles alongside vintage manga and figures
Worth pairing with the rest of Nakano Broadway, a warren of secondhand and collector shops
14
Super Potato Ikebukuro Game Yokocho
4.2(471) reviews
Higashiikebukuro
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1-chōme−23−１３ 第一岡村ビル ２F
Retro gamesGame Yokocho
A Super Potato floor in Ikebukuro branded as a Game Yokocho (game alley), carrying the chain's retro stock
Consoles, cartridges and accessories from the Famicom era onward, shelved by system
A handy retro stop for anyone in Ikebukuro rather than making the trip to Akihabara
12
Mandarake Shibuya
4.4(2.84k) reviews
Udagawachō
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawachō, 31−２ 渋谷BEAM B2F
Resale complexGames + anime
A large Shibuya branch of Mandarake, the used manga, anime and game resale chain, set below the Shibuya BEAM building
Retro games and hardware share the floor with figures, doujin (self-published) works and collector goods
A convenient resale stop for anyone already shopping central Shibuya
14
Super Potato Ikebukuro Game Yokocho
4.2(471) reviews
Higashiikebukuro
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1-chōme−23−１３ 第一岡村ビル ２F
Retro gamesGame Yokocho
A Super Potato floor in Ikebukuro branded as a Game Yokocho (game alley), carrying the chain's retro stock
Consoles, cartridges and accessories from the Famicom era onward, shelved by system
A handy retro stop for anyone in Ikebukuro rather than making the trip to Akihabara
13
Mandarake Nakano
4.3(2.10k) reviews
Nakano
5-chōme-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Resale complexNakano Broadway
The original home of Mandarake, tucked inside the Nakano Broadway complex across several units
Deep used stock of retro games, hardware and collectibles alongside vintage manga and figures
Worth pairing with the rest of Nakano Broadway, a warren of secondhand and collector shops
Many Japanese consoles are region-locked, which means a Japanese cartridge or disc may not run on a system bought in another country, and vice versa. Japanese hardware is also built for Japanese mains power (100 volts), so an older console may need a voltage adapter to run safely at home. Ask the shop which systems accept imported games, and if you want a plug-and-play setup, buy the Japanese console and its games together.
Inspect Condition and What Is Included
Used retro stock is usually graded and priced by condition, and a cartridge or disc sold loose costs less than a complete copy with its box and manual. Check whether a listing is boxed or unboxed before comparing prices between shops, look over discs and labels for wear, and remember that battery-backed cartridges from the 1990s may no longer hold a save.
Carry Cash for the Smaller Shops
The larger chains and complexes generally take cards, but several of the smaller retro and import shops are cash-first or set a card minimum. Keep some yen on hand so a small purchase does not become a problem, and note that many independent shops close earlier than a mall and can shut one day a week.
The Suburban Off Stores Hold the Deals
The Book Off, Hard Off and Hobby Off chains run stores across the country, and the branches further from central Tokyo often hold the better finds. Turnover is slower and collector traffic thins out beyond the center, so retro stock lingers longer and prices stay lower than in Akihabara. If your route runs into the suburbs, a roadside Off store is worth the detour, and the untested junk corners at Hard Off reward patient digging.
Tax-Free Shopping (Rules Change Nov 2026)
Tax-free availability varies by shop, so confirm participation and carry your passport. Through October 31, 2026, eligible visitors get the exemption at the register when spending at least 5,000 yen before tax at one store on the same day. From November 1, 2026, eligible visitors pay the tax-inclusive price first, customs confirms at departure that the goods are leaving Japan, and the retailer or its refund provider then returns the consumption-tax equivalent, with the method varying by store. The larger chains are the most likely to handle it smoothly.
Visit on a Weekday
Akihabara draws heavy weekend crowds, and the narrow shop floors and arcade aisles get tight. Weekday afternoons are the calmest time to browse a stacked retro shelf or find a free cabinet, and staff at the smaller shops have more room to help. A few shops also keep shorter or shifted hours early in the week, so check before a special trip.
