Is Nintendo cheaper in Japan?
Mostly yes. On Nov 13, 2026, all of the Nintendo products we track cost less in Japan, by a median of 22%, at ¥159.97 to the dollar. The widest gap is the Nintendo Joy-Con 2 pair: 38% less.
Nintendo: today's prices
| Product | Japan ¥ | Japan in USD | US USD | Japan vs US | Tax-free | Even at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consoles | ||||||
| Switch 2 (Japanese-Language System) | ¥59,980 | $375 | $500 | −25% | −32% | ¥120.0 |
| Switch 2 (Multi-Language System) | ¥69,980 | $437 | $500 | −13% | −20% | ¥140.0 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 games | ||||||
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park | ¥8,578 | $53.62 | $79.99 | −33% | −39% | ¥107.2 |
| Star Fox (Nintendo Switch 2) | ¥6,480 | $40.51 | $59.99 | −32% | −39% | ¥108.0 |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | ¥7,128 | $44.56 | $64.99 | −31% | −38% | ¥109.7 |
| Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | ¥7,980 | $49.89 | $69.99 | −29% | −35% | ¥114.0 |
| Splatoon Raiders | ¥7,480 | $46.76 | $59.99 | −22% | −29% | ¥124.7 |
| Mario Kart World | ¥9,980 | $62.39 | $79.99 | −22% | −29% | ¥124.8 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | ¥8,980 | $56.14 | $69.99 | −20% | −27% | ¥128.3 |
| Kirby Air Riders | ¥8,980 | $56.14 | $69.99 | −20% | −27% | ¥128.3 |
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | ¥8,980 | $56.14 | $69.99 | −20% | −27% | ¥128.3 |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | ¥8,980 | $56.14 | $69.99 | −20% | −27% | ¥128.3 |
| Mario Tennis Fever | ¥8,980 | $56.14 | $69.99 | −20% | −27% | ¥128.3 |
| Controllers | ||||||
| Joy-Con 2 pair | ¥9,980 | $62.39 | $99.99 | −38% | −43% | ¥99.8 |
| Switch 2 Pro Controller | ¥9,980 | $62.39 | $89.99 | −31% | −37% | ¥110.9 |
Japan prices include 10% consumption tax; US prices are before sales tax. Tax-free: the Japan price without consumption tax, as most visitors pay when taking goods home. Even at: the yen rate at which both prices match.
Questions
Is Nintendo cheaper in Japan than in the US?
Mostly yes. On Nov 13, 2026, all of the Nintendo products we track cost less in Japan, by a median of 22%, at ¥159.97 to the dollar. The widest gap is the Nintendo Joy-Con 2 pair: 38% less.
How much more do visitors save with Japan's tax refund?
Japanese prices include 10% consumption tax. A visitor who takes the goods home gets that back, so the median gap widens from −22% to about −29%. Since November 1, 2026 the tax is paid in the store and refunded after customs checks the goods when you leave Japan.
Which Nintendo product has the biggest price gap?
The Nintendo Joy-Con 2 pair: ¥9,980 in Japan (about $62.39) against $99.99 in the US, 38% less.
Is there anything to watch out for?
Yes: the Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese-Language System) sold in Japan only works with Japanese accounts, so check before you buy. Compare the exact model number, and remember that most warranties only cover the country of purchase. US travelers can bring back up to $800 of goods duty-free.