Overview
Japan is a strong source for:
Retro-game buying is highly condition-sensitive.
- Famicom and Super Famicom
- Game Boy
- Game Boy Advance
- PC Engine
- PlayStation
- Sega hardware
- cartridges
- boxed games
- accessories
Region compatibility
Check:
Some systems are region-free.
Others are not.
Do not generalize across every retro platform.
- console region
- cartridge/disc region
- video standard where relevant
- power requirements
- language
Language
A Japanese game may work on overseas hardware while still being entirely in Japanese.
For RPGs and text-heavy games, language can be a bigger issue than region compatibility.
Cartridge condition
Check:
Older games may have exhausted internal batteries.
- label condition
- shell cracks
- corrosion
- connector wear
- save-battery behavior
Disc condition
For CD/DVD-based games, check:
Original cases and inserts may matter to collectors.
- scratches
- resurfacing
- disc rot
- cracks around the hub
Console condition
Look for:
A seller saying 通電確認 may only mean power was confirmed.
- power-on confirmation
- video output
- controller ports
- disc drive
- cartridge slot
- sound
- buttons
- battery leakage
Complete-in-box items
Collector value may depend on:
A complete package and a loose cartridge are different products.
- box
- manual
- inserts
- warranty card
- trays
- original bags
Power supplies
Japan commonly uses 100V.
For older consoles, confirm:
- power adapter specification
- plug
- voltage
- whether an aftermarket adapter is safer for your destination
JPS warehouse options
- 60 days free storage
- basic receiving check included
- item photos ¥500/item
- free consolidation
- packing from ¥500
Shipping
Remove disposable batteries where appropriate.
Protect:
JPS charges actual carrier rates with no shipping markup.
- screens
- optical drives
- cartridge slots
- collector boxes