Where to find a Nintendo 64 in Tokyo? Thanks!

Where can I find a Nintendo 64 in Tokyo?

Your best chance of finding a Nintendo 64 console or games is in Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics and entertainment district. While it is certainly possible to find them elsewhere, such as in large secondhand shops, Akihabara concentrates many specialized stores, making it the most efficient place for your search.

Akihabara is easily accessible by train. Once you arrive, you will find several multi-story buildings and smaller shops dedicated to retro gaming. These stores cater to both local collectors and international visitors, offering a wide range of consoles, cartridges, accessories, and nostalgic merchandise.

One of the most well-known chains for retro games is Super Potato. They have a prominent store in Akihabara that spans several floors, with each level packed with consoles from various eras, including the Nintendo 64. You will find systems, controllers, power adapters, and a vast selection of games. Prices vary significantly based on the item's rarity, condition, and whether it comes in its original packaging. For instance, a pre-owned Nintendo 64 console in good working condition typically costs between ¥8,000 (≈ $54) and ¥15,000 (≈ $101). Individual game cartridges might range from ¥1,000 (≈ $7) for common titles to ¥5,000 (≈ $34) or more for rarer ones. Browsing these stores is an experience in itself, with classic game music playing and display cases filled with vintage treasures.

Another excellent option in Akihabara is the Trader chain, which has several branches in the area. Like Super Potato, these stores often stock a good selection of retro consoles and games, including those for the Nintendo 64. It is worth visiting a few different Trader locations, as their stock can vary.

Beyond these specialized retro game stores, you might also have luck at larger general secondhand electronics shops, such as Hard Off or occasionally their sister chain, BookOff. While BookOff primarily focuses on books, music, and movies, some of its larger branches, especially those combined with Hard Off (which specializes in electronics), may carry older gaming systems. These stores are less specialized than those in Akihabara, so finding a specific item like a Nintendo 64 might be more of a ""treasure hunt,"" but you could potentially find items at a lower price. However, Akihabara remains the most reliable destination for this particular search.

When purchasing a pre-owned console, always inquire about its functionality and return policy, if any. Most reputable stores will test the console before selling it or offer a short warranty. Remember that Japanese Nintendo 64 consoles are part of the NTSC-J region, meaning they are designed for the Japanese market. Games from other regions, like North America (NTSC-U) or Europe (PAL), will generally not work on a Japanese console without modification. Additionally, Japan's standard voltage is 100V, which differs from many other countries. If you plan to use the console outside of Japan, you may need a step-down voltage converter or a compatible universal power supply to prevent damage.

How much should I budget for a Nintendo 64 console and some games?

You should budget approximately ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 (≈ $54 to $101) for a pre-owned Nintendo 64 console in good working order. The price depends on the console's cosmetic condition, whether it includes original packaging, and what accessories are bundled with it (e.g., controllers, power supply, video cables). For games, common titles typically cost between ¥1,000 and ¥3,000 (≈ $7 to $20) each, while more popular or rarer games can range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 (≈ $20 to $68) or even more. If you plan to buy three or four games along with the console, a total budget of ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 (≈ $101 to $203) should be sufficient for a decent setup. Cash is widely accepted, but many stores also take credit cards.

What is the best time to visit these stores, and how much time should I set aside?

The best time to visit the stores in Akihabara is typically during weekday afternoons, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Weekends and national holidays can be very crowded, making it harder to browse comfortably, especially in smaller shops. Most stores open around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM and close around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. To thoroughly explore a few different shops and compare prices and conditions, you should set aside at least two to three hours. If you are a serious collector or want to visit many stores across Akihabara, a full half-day (four to five hours) would be more appropriate. The area is easily walkable, covering a radius of about 500 meters (about one-third of a mile) from the main train station.

Will a Japanese Nintendo 64 work with my TV and power outlets back home?

A Japanese Nintendo 64 is designed for the NTSC-J video standard. If your home country uses a different standard, such as NTSC-U (North America) or PAL (Europe, Australia), you might encounter compatibility issues with older TVs. Modern TVs often have wider compatibility, but it is not guaranteed. More importantly, the power supply requires 100V. If your country uses 120V (like the US and Canada) or 220-240V (like most of Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia), you will absolutely need a step-down voltage converter to safely use the console. Using it without one for 220-240V can immediately damage the console, and even for 120V, it poses a low but not zero risk of long-term damage. Alternatively, you could seek out an original NTSC-U power supply, which is compatible with 120V, but you would still need an adapter for the wall plug itself.

Can I also find controllers and other accessories for the Nintendo 64?

Yes, absolutely. The specialized retro game stores in Akihabara, particularly places like Super Potato and Trader, stock a wide array of Nintendo 64 accessories. You can typically find official Nintendo-brand controllers in various colors, as well as third-party controllers. Prices for controllers vary based on condition, especially the tightness of the joystick, which is a common wear point on Nintendo 64 controllers. You will also find other accessories such as Rumble Paks, Transfer Paks, Jumper Paks (which are essential for the console to work), Expansion Paks (needed for some games and improved graphics), and even original video cables and power supplies. These items are often sold separately from the console, allowing you to customize your purchase based on your needs."