Retro Game Guidebooks, Magazines etc in Japan

[cicada88]

I am gearing up for a trip to Tokyo in the 6 to 12 months. Something I've been more interested recently is old magazines and strategy guides (for Famicom, Super Famicom, & Game Boy mainly).

eBay prices seem pretty outrageous for these type of items, and I have a feeling they can be had super cheap in Japan.

I know my way around the city pretty well, although I'm not super knowledgeable about Akihabara. What are the best shops for selection and or low prices for this type of thing? Any information, tips, would be greatly appreciated.

[rancor]

I have a feeling they can be had super cheap in Japan.

Prepare to be shocked.

[ACSeraph]

For selection Super Potato is probably king in Akiba, but it's not really cheap. I've actually had pretty good luck finding guides at the typical chain stores like Book-Off. The selection is hit or miss, but the prices are great, usually the retro guides are only 100 yen.

[cicada88]

I have a feeling they can be had super cheap in Japan.

Prepare to be shocked.

Ugh, hope it's not that bad. I mean most of them are like $25 minimum on eBay, and many are $50-100ish.

For selection Super Potato is probably king in Akiba, but it's not really cheap. I've actually had pretty good luck finding guides at the typical chain stores like Book-Off. The selection is hit or miss, but the prices are great, usually the retro guides are only 100 yen.

Yeah, I had a feeling this would be the type of shop to look in. There's quite a few that I want so hopefully I can at least dig up something for reasonable prices.

[ACSeraph]

It depends a lot on what it is and how old, you generally won't find guides for obscure games in Book-Off, but something like original SFC era FF guides and things like that can be procured pretty easily for next to nothing. As for super potato the prices depend entirely on the rarity of the guide, it's probly cheaper than ebay, but it's still gonna run 1500-2000 on average.

[dcharlie]

The double book (relatively expensive) FC/Disk System guide is pretty awesome - it might be snaggable at 10k but maybe a bit more but it's worth it.

[cicada88]

The double book (relatively expensive) FC/Disk System guide is pretty awesome - it might be snaggable at 10k but maybe a bit more but it's worth it.

Sounds cool...do you have a picture of the cover?

[BrianC]

Slightly OT, but how similar is the Book Off in Japan to the one in NYC? I know the one in NYC sells import games. Limited selection, but nice prices.

[cicada88]

Slightly OT, but how similar is the Book Off in Japan to the one in NYC? I know the one in NYC sells import games. Limited selection, but nice prices.

I haven't been to the Book Off in NYC, but it's a big chain in Japan with stores in many areas around Tokyo (and outside I presume). They definitely have game sections and usually at least a glass cabinet or 2 with used portable game hardware, hardware accessories etc.

Looking at the pictures of the NYC store online it seems very similar in concept at a glance.