Wow! Look at all those consoles! A boxed Famicom R.O.B for about $50! Sweet!
The “hard” part of the name is due to the fact that Japanese people omit the “ware” part in “hardware” and “software.” “Off” in Japanese English means “discount” or “sale.” So, Hard Off is a place to find discount hardware (and a lot more).
The “Off” brand of recycle shops in Japan are massive stores where you can find pretty much anything (like pawn shops and thrift stores in the States) but, because of their size, and the fact that purchases can require a car to transport them, they are mostly found in rural and suburban areas. I did, however, manage to get my 37” TV home through a combination of carrying it, the train and a taxi. That was a workout!
Since I live way out in BFE east Tokyo, I’m lucky to have two Hard Offs within biking distance, which is perfect for the purchases I make-usually video games, occasionally a new console and other odds and ends like chopsticks, coffee cups and things that fit nicely into a backpack.
Here are my Hard Off pros and cons:
Pros:
Great selection of used games at somewhat reasonable prices. Pricing is based on condition, so if a few scratches on a console doesn’t bother you or you want to go junk bin diving for an AV cord, you’ll save a lot.
The amount of old hardware and accessories in general, especially in the junk bins, is a sight to see in it’s own right.
The games are well-organized by system and sometimes by rarity so you can browse more quickly.
Cons:
Pricing is also based on demand. These guys know to charge ¥4200 for a Japanese Goldeneye cart for N64. You probably won’t find any steals.
The in-store musical jingle plays on a loop and makes you want to run out of the store screaming after about 15 minutes. If I worked at a Hard Off I would have to be deaf.
They are usually located a long walk from train stations in outlying areas of Tokyo proper, so accessibility can be a problem.
Overall, I really enjoy the Off brand stores and haven’t been disappointed with any of my purchases. I got a 3-person tent at Off House for ¥2500 and a Saturn console in a junk bin for ¥525 that works great!
