Japan in the World of Gaming: From Nintendo to PlayStation – Play Them Right in Their Homeland!
Hello, true gamers! Japan is the birthplace of modern video games, from the 1978 arcade hit Space Invaders to masterpieces like Super Mario and Final Fantasy. Nintendo launched the console era with the Famicom (NES) in 1983, followed by the revolutionary Game Boy. Sony made a dramatic entrance in 1994 with the first PlayStation — born from the “heartbreak” of a failed collaboration with Nintendo — bringing 3D gaming into households. Today, Nintendo’s Switch and Sony’s PS5 still dominate. So, come to Japan and feel both the nostalgia and the latest innovations!
Step Into Nintendo’s Living World
Start at Nintendo Tokyo in Shibuya PARCO — the six-floor flagship store filled with exclusive merchandise from Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon. Grab a timed-entry ticket via the app, try out Switch demos, and buy rare plushies. Right next door you’ll find Pokémon Center Shibuya and Capcom Store to complete your collection.
Don’t miss Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, Osaka! Enter through a giant green pipe, ride Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (a thrilling AR race), Yoshi’s Adventure, and the new Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster in Donkey Kong Country (opened 2024). Use a Power-Up Band to collect virtual coins — it truly feels like being inside the game! USJ tickets start at ¥8,000; book entry slots via the app.
Visit the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto (a former hanafuda factory) — play classic consoles from Game & Watch all the way to the Switch!
PlayStation and Sony’s Giant Arcades
Sony’s showroom in Ginza offers PS5 demos, VR experiences, and cutting-edge gadgets. But the real highlight is the arcades! In Akihabara, the gamer’s “Electric Town,” Taito Station and GiGO/SEGA buildings are packed with crane games, rhythm games, and fighting titles like Street Fighter. Spend ¥100 per play and win PS or Nintendo merchandise.
At Super Potato, the legendary retro shop, you can buy original NES cartridges and play classic arcade cabinets.
Head to Sega Joypolis in Odaiba: an indoor amusement park with VR rides and exclusive Sonic arcade attractions.
Pokémon Centers Everywhere
There are more than 20 Pokémon Centers: the largest is in Ikebukuro Sunshine City, plus Tokyo DX near Tokyo Station. Buy exclusive figures, try Scarlet/Violet demos, and dine at the Pokémon Café (reservations required). A must for Pokéfans!
Practical Tips for a Gamer’s Raid in Japan
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn; avoid Golden Week. Donkey Kong’s new SNW expansion is still hot in 2025.
Transport: JR Pass ¥50,000/7 days covers the Tokyo–Osaka Shinkansen (2.5 hours).
Daily budget: Around ¥15,000 — arcades ¥2,000, ramen ¥1,000, merch ¥5,000+.
Useful apps: USJ app (for SNW tickets), Hyperdia (train schedules), Google Translate.
Japan isn’t just about playing games — it’s a life-level-up! From holding original controllers in Akihabara to flying through Mario Kart in Osaka, the memories are priceless. Grab your JR Pass, pack an empty suitcase for loot — Japan is waiting for you to spawn!
