You can buy a Nintendo Switch in Japan from electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, online retailers like Amazon Japan and Rakuten, as well as department stores and specialty shops like Akihabara.
We have provided the locations of the Nintendo switch stores and its prices. Check it out!
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.
Key Takeaways:
- Nintendo Switch can be purchased in Japan from various electronics stores, online retailers, department stores, and specialty shops.
- Popular locations for buying Nintendo Switch in Japan include Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Akihabara, and department stores.
- Prices for Nintendo Switch in Japan vary based on the model and retailer, with the base model priced around 32,978 yen (about $268 USD) and the OLED model around 37,980 yen (about $290 USD).
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!
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 a Nintendo Switch in Japan depends on the model and the retailer. The base model of the Switch costs 32,978 yen (about $268 USD), while the OLED model costs 37,980 yen (about $290 USD). There are also limited edition models that cost more.
For example, the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition costs 38,980 yen (about $297 USD).
Here is a table of the current prices of Nintendo Switch consoles in Japan:
| Nintendo Switch Model | Price (yen) | Price (USD) |
| Nintendo Switch | 32,978 | 268 |
| Nintendo Switch OLED Model | 37,980 | 290 |
| Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition | 38,980 | 297 |
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.
Will a Japanese Switch work in the US?
Yes, a Japanese Switch will work in the US. The Nintendo Switch is region-free, which means that you can play games from any region on the console.
However, you may need to change the language settings on your console to match the language of the region where you are using it.
The only difference between a Japanese Switch and a US Switch is the power adapter. The Japanese Switch uses a two-pronged Type A plug, while the US Switch uses a two-pronged Type B plug.
If you are bringing your Japanese Switch to the US, you will need to purchase a US power adapter.
Can you set a Japanese Switch to English?
Yes, you can set a Japanese Switch to English. To do this, follow these steps:
- Power on your Switch.
- Select System Settings from the main menu.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Language.
- Select English from the list of languages.
- Select Save.
Your Switch will now be set to English. You will need to restart your Switch for the changes to take effect.
How do I change my Switch to Japan?
To change your Switch to Japan, you need to change the region settings on your console. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Go to System Settings on your Switch's home screen.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Region.
- Select Japan from the list of regions.
- Select Next.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Select Restart.
Your Switch will restart and the region will be changed to Japan.
Are switches region locked?
No, the Nintendo Switch is not region locked. This means that you can play games from any region on your Switch, regardless of where you bought your console. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- DLC: DLC (downloadable content) is region-locked, so you will only be able to use DLC that is compatible with the region of your game.
- eShop: The Nintendo eShop is also region-locked, so you will need to create a Nintendo Account for the region of your game in order to purchase games from the eShop.
- Language: Games are not always localized for all regions, so you may need to change the language settings on your Switch to match the language of the game you are playing.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch is a very region-free console. You will be able to play games from any region, but there are a few minor things to keep in mind.
Does changing region on switch do anything?
Yes, changing the region on a Nintendo Switch can affect eShop access, game availability, pricing, language, and online services.
Which region is best for Nintendo Switch?
The "best" region for the Nintendo Switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. Each region has its own advantages and drawbacks:
- Your Home Region: Sticking with your home region ensures that you have access to local customer support, compatible online services, and content that's typically tailored to your language and region.
- Japanese Region: The Japanese eShop often gets games and content earlier than other regions, and it might have exclusive titles not available elsewhere. However, language barriers might be a concern for players who don't understand Japanese.
- North American Region: The North American eShop is also quite robust and offers a wide selection of games. It's in English and generally has similar release timing to the European eShop.
- European Region: The European eShop provides access to a variety of games and content. It might have some regional exclusives, and it's suitable for players in Europe due to language compatibility.
Ultimately, the best region depends on factors such as the games you want to play, language preferences, release timing, and any region-specific promotions or discounts. Keep in mind that changing regions might come with certain limitations and potential complications, so carefully consider your decision before making any changes.
Is an OLED Switch worth it?
Yes, the OLED Switch is worth it if you value the enhanced visual experience provided by the OLED display, which offers better color contrast and deeper blacks compared to the standard Switch's LCD screen. However, if display quality isn't a top priority for you, the standard Switch might still provide a satisfactory gaming experience.
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!
