Retro-gaming in Osaka

Recently Osaka retro-gaming culture has taken a big hit with the loss of Retro Games Zarigani, which caught fire and was destroyed in January 2025. This was home to many legendary game cabinets, an iconic venue a stone-throws away from the Tsutenkaku tower in downtown Osaka. Lets hope the owners can salvage enough cabinets, rebuild and re-open.

Retro-gaming shopping

It may be more difficult to find good deals on retro gaming stuff. Local retrogamers are voicing concerns that the stampede of retrogame hunters from the US and Europe have plucked retrogaming stores clean, leaving very little behind. Which means the gold rush of cheap hidden gems and rare games have been mined out. Of course, with retro-gaming having high demand and limited supply, sought-after titles can be pricey.

That said, on items that are plentiful and easy to source, there may still be good prices. However the exchange rate is strongly in the tourist’s favour (e.g. 192¥ to £1 currently).

The chain stores:

  • BOOKOFF is a second-hand book store, but als has retro games and retro consoles too, e.g. PC Engine.
  • Surugaya is a second-hand shop, good for retro-game hunting
  • Super Potato is the most recognised retro-gaming chain store in Japan, this one in Osaka is the original.
  • Mandarake – ???
  • Hard Off, but no shop near central Osaka.

The independent stores:

  • Retro TV Game revival near DenDen Town.
  • K-Books in DenDen Town is an independent book store focusing on anime and manga.

Surugaya chain stores

Surugaya Nipponbashi is the 5-storey main store in the area. On the first floor has a decent selection of retro games and consoles, prices varying from slightly overpriced to very decent and inline with online prices, though there are bargains to be found. Offers tax-free shopping.

Surugaya Nipponbashi Otaroad occupies the building A-too used to be in and covers 2 floors. It used to be a retro-game heaven but now it seems to cater to anime and manga.

Surugaya Umeda Chayamachi (used to be Umeda Loft store) has an excellent selection of retro gaming consoles and handhelds, with a whole section dedicated to used retro games and accessories. On the 7th floor above 5 floors of Junkudo’s Bookstore in the Chaska Chayamachi building. Offers tax-free shopping.

Surugaya Nipponbashi Outlet Store Annex specialises in adult content and video.

BOOKOFF chain stores

Price tags: big price is without taxes, the small one in the right corner is the final price with taxes. Should be tax free if purchases are above ¥5000. Staff still proide plastic shopping bags.

BOOKOFF Namba-naka is a smaller branch spread across 2 floors, recent review saying retro-gaming stuff is better priced here than in the other two branches.

BOOKOFF Shinsaibashi spread over 3 floors has a decent selection of consoles and games, but can be a touch pricey according to recent reviews. There are English books on the third floor. Mixed reports on whether they will do tax-free transactions (on showing foreign passport).

BOOKOFF PLUS Namba Ebisubashi spans 2 floors, predominantly clothing takes up the full 3rd floor. Retro-game items seem to be priced higher than other BOOKOFF’s.

BOOKOFF Keihan Kyobashi is close to Osaka Castle and right next to one of the exits from Kyobashi Station. Spacious, with good prices for retro game and consoles. A full aisle of English books, 3 bays worth. Might be slightly cheaper by being off the tourist beaten trails of Nambu/Dotondori.

Compatibility notes

  • Gameboy Advance games are not region-locked, same with Nintendo DS games.
  • Nintendo Switch isn’t region-locked.
  • Controllers for Nintendo and Sega devices should work internationally, even the Japan-exclusive controllers.