Want to try your hand at Japanese Nintendo Switch? Find out where to buy a Nintendo Switch in Japan right here! Check out the best places to buy Nintendo switch in Japan – both online and offline options have been listed down for you!
Nintendo Switch is a fun gadget to own. And if you are wondering where to buy a Nintendo Switch in Japan, you have come to the right place! The reason you may find it difficult to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch in Japan is because of the high demands for it.
Where to buy Nintendo Switch in Japan?
Amazon Japan has a huge collection of Nintendo Switch consoles for you to choose from. Amazon Japan is definitely the best place to Nintendo Switch online. You can even find Nintendo Switch consoles and game bundles on Amazon Japan. The platform also offers discounted prices regularly. So if you’re in Japan and want to buy Nintendo Switch console and games online – your best option is Amazon Japan.
Check out the Nintendo Switch consoles on Amazon Japan
Related: Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games
Where to Buy Nintendo Switch In Japan?
In Japan, there are several places where you can buy a Nintendo Switch. Electronic retail stores like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki are well-known for their extensive selection of electronics and gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. These retailers have multiple branches across the country, making it convenient to find a nearby store.
Additionally, dedicated game stores like GEO, Tsutaya, and Sofmap also stock the Nintendo Switch and offer a variety of games and accessories. It’s worth checking their locations or websites for availability and pricing. Online platforms such as Amazon Japan and Rakuten are also reliable options for purchasing a Nintendo Switch in Japan.
Nintendo Switch On Amazon Japan
Another online store where you can get a Nintendo Switch is Amazon Japan. It is one of the biggest retailers in Japan, which is not really a big surprise. Usually, Nintendo Switch consoles bundled with games are readily available on the website.
You can also keep checking to see if standalone Nintendo Switch becomes available. Using Amazon Japan has its own set of benefits. Unlike My Nintendo Store that only ships within Japan, Amazon Japan ships the Nintendo Switch console and games worldwide. So, even if you are not living in Japan, you can easily order one from Amazon Japan.
Check out the Nintendo Switch Lite on Amazon Japan!
Click below to check out all Nintendo Switch in Amazon Japan here!
Related: Check out these camera brands from Japan every photographer loves!
Nintendo Switch On My Nintendo eShop
The first online place where you can look for a Nintendo Switch is My Nintendo Store, which is Nintendo’s online store. The store sells directly to customers and is well-known for offering customizable Nintendo Switch sets.
You can check the website to know the next round of pre-orders. They do mention the date and time when they start accepting pre-orders on their homepage. These pre-orders usually last from 30 minutes to an hour.
Also, please note that My Nintendo Store only offers domestic shipping within Japan.
Buying Nintendo Switch In Japan In Brick-and-mortar Stores
Many of you living in Japan or traveling to Japan will opt for offline stores. We do love going to physical shops and checking out the product before we purchase them, don’t we?
It can be quite exhausting to find a Nintendo Switch in a brick and mortar building. Why? That’s because retailers operate differently when it comes to the way they distribute their Nintendo Switch.
Also, different places may have a varying stock of Nintendo switch depending on the prefecture they are located in. So, if you’re looking for physical stores where you can get a Nintendo Switch? Check out the following stores:
Nintendo Switch At Yodobashi Camera Store
Yodobashi Camera is one of the largest retail chains of electronics in Japan. If you are hunting for a Nintendo Switch, this is probably your best bet of finding it. At the biggest stores of this chain, restocks of Nintendo Switch usually come in the form of hundreds of consoles. The biggest Yodobashi stores are Yodobashi Akiba and Yodobashi Umeda. Going to these stores will definitely pay off.
Also, another benefit of visiting a Yodobashi store is that as a tourist, you can claim back your tax by simply presenting your passport at the cashier.
Nintendo Switch At Pokemon Center
The Pokemon Center is yet another place where you will have some chances of getting a Nintendo Switch. This center occasionally receives restocks of Nintendo Switch, as well as Switch accessories.
Since not many people are aware that Pokemon Center sells Nintendo Switch, your chances of finding one here are pretty high. Again, the Nintendo Switch is sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Unlike Yodobashi stores, you cannot claim back your tax here if you are a tourist.
Nintendo Switch At Bic Camera and Sofmap
If every other attempt of yours fails at getting a Nintendo Switch, you can turn to Bic Camera and Sofmap. Both of these companies operate under the same management. These stores get a sizable restock of Nintendo Switch and are completely tax-free.
However, the only downside of these stores is that you have to participate in a lottery to get a chance to buy. At big locations, these lotteries can attract over a thousand interested people, which makes the chances of winning extremely low.
If you are in Japan only for a short while as a tourist, it is advisable not to waste your time at these lotteries. Well, unless you have some time to kill.
The lottery for Nintendo Switch usually takes place every Saturday or Sunday between 8 AM and 10 AM. The winners are announced at 11 AM. If you have won the lottery, you have until 3 PM on the same day to purchase your set of Nintendo Switch.
So where to buy Nintendo Switch in Japan?
The best place to buy Nintendo Switch in Japan is Yodobashi. Yodobashi is one of the largest electronic retail chain which makes this store your best bet when it comes to buying a Nintendo in Japan. Since, it is one of the largest electronic store in Japan, this store restocks their products often. So it’s likely that hundreds of Nintendo consoles are regularly restocked at large Yodobashi retail stores in Japan.
Other than that, you always have the option of placing your order online on Amazon.com! Click here to check out the best selling Nintendo Switch Console on Amazon!
Should I buy Nintendo Switch online or from a physical store in Japan?
Buy Nintendo Switch from a physical, brick and mortar store in Japan if you’re in Japan for a short visit. Stores in Japan like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera, among others sell Nintendo Switch. If you’re in Japan for a longer time, you can order Nintendo Switch online from Amazon Japan!
What is the price of Nintendo Switch In Japan?
The price of Nintendo Switch in Japan is JPY29,980 at BIC Camera And Yodobashi Camera stores in Japan, excluding tax.
The Nintendo Switch in Japan is probably the cheapest you can get. You would actually be paying less for the Nintendo Switch in Japan than in your home country.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a Switch in Japan?
When it comes to finding the cheapest place to buy a Nintendo Switch in Japan, online retailers often provide attractive deals. Websites such as Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping frequently offer discounted prices and bundle options, allowing you to save money on your purchase. It’s worth comparing prices on these platforms and checking for any ongoing promotions or sales.
Additionally, keep an eye on flyers and advertisements from electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki, as they sometimes offer special discounts or limited-time deals on gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.
Is Nintendo Switch expensive in Japan?
When compared to other countries Nintendo Switch may be cheaper in Japan. This is because Japan is the home country of Nintendo, and local retailers may have better access to the consoles and can potentially offer more competitive prices.
However, it’s important to consider exchange rates, shipping costs, and any potential import duties if you’re considering purchasing a Nintendo Switch from Japan and having it shipped to another country. It’s recommended to research and compare prices in both local and international markets to determine the most cost-effective option.
How to order from Nintendo Japan in the US?
Ordering directly from Nintendo Japan to the US can be a bit challenging, as the official Nintendo Japan website typically caters to the domestic market. However, there are alternative methods you can consider. Here’s a snippet to guide you:
- Use a Japanese Buying Service: Utilize a service that purchases items from Japan on your behalf.
- Online Marketplaces: Check platforms like Amazon Japan, Rakuten, or Yahoo Shopping for sellers who offer international shipping.
- Import Retailers: Explore online import shops specializing in Japanese products.
- Local Import Stores: Look for local stores that import and sell Japanese goods.
- Consider shipping costs, import duties, and compatibility with US settings when ordering from Japan.
Will a Nintendo Switch from Japan work in the US?
Nintendo Switch from Japan will also work in the US without any problems as no regional locks are associated with Nintendo Switch. You will have absolutely no problems with playing games in a region different from your console.
However, please note that DLC may be locked if you purchase the physical DLC card from a country different from yours. But this problem can be solved by making a DLC account of the same region as your DLC card. Once it is installed, you can play it in all accounts, regardless of the region.
Can a Japanese Nintendo Switch be in English?
Yes, a Japanese Nintendo Switch can be set to display the system’s language in English. The Nintendo Switch supports multiple languages, including English, and you can easily change the language settings within the console’s system settings. By selecting English as the preferred language, the system menus, in-game text, and other system features will be displayed in English. However, it’s worth noting that some games may still have Japanese audio or text, depending on the region or language options provided by the game developers.
What is the difference between Japanese and American switches?
The main differences between Japanese and American Nintendo Switch consoles are region coding and game availability. Japanese Switch consoles are region-locked to Japan (Region 2), while American Switch consoles are for the North American region (Region 1). This means games from one region may not work on consoles from the other region. Additionally, game releases may have different dates between Japan and the United States.
Do you need a Japanese Switch to play Japanese Switch games?
No, you don’t need a Japanese Switch to play Japanese Switch games. Physical Japanese game cartridges can be played on any Switch console worldwide. For digital games, creating a Japanese Nintendo eShop account allows you to access the Japanese eShop and download Japanese games to a non-Japanese Switch console. This way, you can enjoy Japanese games without a specific Japanese console.
All that’s left to do is get a Nintendo Switch home!
With this, I hope all your concerns have evaporated and you are now satisfied that you can get home a Nintendo Switch from Japan. All that’s left for you to do is check out both the online and offline places where you can get a Switch. Check what suits your convenience and get home a Nintendo Switch today!
Also Read:
Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.