Ask a collector of classic video games where their dream thrift trip would be, and a surprising number will say Japan. The country is famous for tidy, well-stocked secondhand shops where retro consoles, cartridges and boxed games line the shelves in tall rows. A recent tour from @RetroMoments took viewers inside one of those shops, a Hard Off, and showed just how deep the stock can go.
The host introduces himself as Adam of Retro Moments and explains that he is heading to Hard Off, a name familiar to fans of Japanese secondhand shopping. With him is a friend, Marty, and Adam asks him the question that drives any good shop-along: what are you looking for this time around?
The answer is not hard to find. Mario is everywhere. As they walk, the video points out that the store has all the Mario games on the shelves, a sight that makes any longtime Nintendo fan smile. Further along, the creator picks out Majora’s Mask for the 3DS. He reads out a price of 49,000 and points out that the box is faded, a detail that collectors will understand immediately, since condition and packaging play a big part in how secondhand games are priced. By the end, he is sounding like a happy fan, telling viewers that it feels amazing and that he loves this game.
What Hard Off is, and why gamers love it
Hard Off is a chain of secondhand shops in Japan, known for selling used electronics, audio gear, musical instruments, and, in many locations, a good deal of video games. The shops tend to be organized in a way that rewards browsing, and the selection can include consoles and games that were never widely sold elsewhere. For visitors, they offer a front-row seat to a different market: games released in Japan may carry different box art, different packaging and sometimes different content than versions released abroad.
Collectors also appreciate that stores like these grade items by condition. Boxes, manuals and discs or cartridges are often checked and priced accordingly, so a faded box, as Adam notes, can make a difference to the price tag even on a popular game.
Why the 3DS is having a moment
Nintendo’s 3DS handheld is no longer sold new, and that has changed how people see the games. Titles that were once easy to find in any big-box store are now sought after by players and collectors who want physical copies. Because the system is region-locked, the version you buy matters. A Japanese cartridge will generally need a Japanese console, while a cartridge from your own region will play on your own system. That is one of the most important things to know before you buy games overseas. If you are not sure, ask the shop, check the label on the cartridge, or look up compatibility before you spend money.
Tips for shopping secondhand game stores
Whether you are in Tokyo or at the thrift shop around the corner, a few habits will serve you well:
- Know the format. Cartridges, discs, and boxed editions each have different value profiles, so know what you are holding.
- Check the contents. A boxed game should come with its case, manual and inserts, and loose cartridges should be clean and free of corrosion on the contacts.
- Do your homework on price. Look at recent sold listings, not asking prices, to understand what a game is worth in your market.
- Watch for reproductions. Fake cartridges exist for some classic titles, so check labels, weight and printing quality, and shop from trusted sellers.
- Think about the exchange rate if you are traveling. Prices in another currency can sound wild until you convert them.
A hobby for every generation
One of the best things about a video like this is how it connects generations. Many grandparents have watched their kids and grandkids play Mario for decades, and some have joined in themselves. A trip through a secondhand game store is a chance to see the history of a favorite hobby, from the early cartridges to the latest handheld systems.
Planning a retro game trip abroad
If a shop like this is on your bucket list, a little planning helps. Research store locations ahead of time, since many chains have several branches and stock varies from one to the next. Leave room in your suitcase, and wrap cartridges and boxes carefully so they are not crushed on the flight. Keep your receipts in case you are asked about purchases at customs, and check the rules for bringing secondhand electronics home. Above all, bring a friend like Marty. A second opinion on a price, a box or a game you are not sure about is worth its weight in gold on a vacation shopping spree.
And be prepared to be tempted. When a whole wall is covered in games you remember from your own youth, restraint becomes a real challenge. A short list and a firm budget are the best souvenirs you can pack.
If you cannot visit Japan any time soon, you can still enjoy the experience at home. Local thrift shops, pawn shops, game stores and flea markets often have a shelf of used games, and they make a wonderful gift for a young relative. Even a faded box and a few scuffs can hide a perfectly working game and a lot of fun. Credit to @RetroMoments for taking us along.
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