Which game console should I buy in Japan: Switch 2, PS5, or a handheld PC?
As of October 2026, Nintendo is the easiest to take home: the multilingual Switch 2 (69,980 yen, only from the official My Nintendo Store) or the original Switch / OLED / Lite, all with 100–240V adapters. The Japanese PS5's built-in power supply supports only AC100V, so it isn't recommended for taking home, and the Switch 2 “日本語・国内専用” (Japanese only, Japan only) edition common in stores and the 55,000-yen PS5 “日本語専用” (Japanese only) edition are both locked to Japanese and Japan-region accounts. Handheld PCs (ROG Xbox Ally, Legion Go, Steam Deck, etc.) mostly cost over 100,000 yen, so check the adapter's rating plate and your home country's duty-free allowance before buying.
Step 1: Taking it home or using it in Japan?
| Platform | Japanese power supply | Language / account | Take it home? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch 2 multilingual edition | Adapter 100–240V | No restrictions | Yes |
| Switch 2 日本語・国内専用 edition | Adapter 100–240V | Japanese only, Japan-region account | Works, but with many restrictions |
| Switch / OLED / Lite | Adapter 100–240V | No restrictions | Yes |
| PS5 / PS5 Pro (Japanese model) | Built-in power supply, AC100V | Standard edition unrestricted; 日本語専用 edition locked to Japanese and Japan region | Not recommended |
| Handheld PCs | USB-C adapter (official pages often don't list input voltage) | Windows / SteamOS, not region-locked | Check the adapter's rating plate |
For details, see the two Japanese Switch 2 editions and Will a Japanese PS5 work back home?. Check whether it works in your country in our compatibility table.
Step 2: Choose by how you play
- TV and handheld: Switch 2 or Switch OLED. Switch 2 plays new releases and is compatible with most original Switch games.
- Handheld only, lowest budget: Switch Lite (29,980 yen since May 2026); it can't connect to a TV.
- TV only, best graphics: the PS5 lineup, though it suits people living in Japan long-term better.
- Already have a big Steam library: a handheld PC. ROG Xbox Ally X and MSI Claw A8 are more powerful; Steam Deck OLED has the least-fuss system; Legion Go Gen 2 has a large screen but is heavy.
Step 3: Compare prices and save
- Both Nintendo and Sony raised prices in 2026, and store prices on Kakaku.com for some models (PS5 Pro, Xbox, Steam Deck) are noticeably above the official list price, so compare with the official store price before buying.
- If you meet the conditions, you can shop tax-free (from November 1, 2026, you pay the tax first and get it refunded when you leave Japan); see Japan's new tax-free rules.
- Expensive items (such as the PS5 Pro and most handheld PCs) may exceed your home country's duty-free allowance, so check your own country's customs rules. For mainland China, a single item over 5,000 yuan may be taxed on its full value; see mainland China's 5,000-yuan allowance.
Step 4: Taking it home
- Handheld consoles and handheld PCs have built-in lithium batteries, so carry them on the plane rather than checking them; see lithium battery rules for flights.
- Japanese plugs are Type A with two flat pins; whether they fit depends on your country's outlets. See Do I need a plug adapter?.
- Products bought in Japan are generally only covered by warranty in Japan; see warranties on Japanese appliances. For where to shop, see Where to buy electronics in Tokyo.
Prices, ratings, and compatibility results for specific models are on the game console category page.
Related categories and models
- Nintendo BEE-S-KB6AA Nintendo Switch 2 (Multi-language System) · JP¥69,980
- Nintendo BEE-S-KB6CA Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese-Language System, Japan only) · JP¥54,358
- Nintendo HEG-S-KAAAA Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) · JP¥46,311
- Nintendo HDH-S-GAZAA Nintendo Switch Lite · JP¥27,400
- Sony Interactive Entertainment CFI-2200B01 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Japanese only CFI-2200B01 · JP¥53,878
- ASUS RC73XA ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X · JP¥169,800
- Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB Steam Deck OLED 512GB · JP¥147,000