Buying Pokemon Games in Japan: Region Locks & Deals

Buying Pokemon video games in Japan is highly recommended for tourists because the games are cheaper, there is no region locking, and there is a booming second-hand market.

1. THE REGION LOCK RULE (IT'S GONE!)

In the old days (Nintendo DS / 3DS), consoles were region-locked. You couldn't play a Japanese game on an American console. With the Nintendo Switch, region-locking is completely dead!

• You can buy a Japanese physical copy of Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.
• You put it into your US/EU/AU Nintendo Switch.
• When the game boots up, it will ask you what language you want to play in. Choose English, and the entire game will be in English!

2. BUYING NEW VS USED

Buying New (MSRP ~6,500 JPY):

• Buy at Pokemon Centers, Yodobashi Camera, or Bic Camera.
• If you buy physical games at the Pokemon Center upon launch, they usually give you an exclusive pre-order bonus (like an art book or promo card).

Buying Used (Highly Recommended):

• Japanese gamers take meticulous care of their games. A "used" game cartridge and box look completely brand new.
• Where to buy: Book Off, Geo, and Trader (in Akihabara).
• Prices: Older Switch games (like Sword/Shield or Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl) can be found used for 3,000 - 4,000 JPY (50% off!).

3. EXCLUSIVE "MYSTERY GIFT" DISTRIBUTIONS

This is the biggest perk of being in Japan.

• The Pokemon Company constantly runs real-world distribution events in Japan.
• How it works: You physically go to a Pokemon Center, open your Switch, go to "Mystery Gift" -> "Get via Local Communication", and download a rare/shiny Pokemon straight into your game!
• Serial Codes: Sometimes, if you buy merch or movie tickets, the cashier will hand you a piece of paper with a serial code for a Legendary Pokemon.

4. NINTENDO SWITCH ESHOP (JAPAN)

If you create a secondary Japanese Nintendo Account on your Switch, you can access the Japanese eShop.

• Why do this? The Japanese Yen is incredibly weak right now. If your credit card doesn't have foreign transaction fees, buying digital games on the Japanese eShop can save you 20-30% compared to the US eShop!

CONCLUSION

Check out the used game stores (Book Off) to build a massive library of cheap, English-playable Pokemon games!