Can I Play Japanese Switch Games on My US Switch?
The short answer is – absolutely yes! As a proud Switch owner myself, I can definitively say Japanese Nintendo Switch game cards and consoles are fully compatible with US Switch hardware. Read on as I dive deeper into the joys of region-free gaming!
Nintendo Switch is Region-Free
Let‘s start with some background first. Historically, Nintendo console gaming has been restricted by region locking, preventing games produced for a specific region (Japan, North America, Europe) being playable elsewhere.
Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch finally broke this restrictive practice as the first region-free Nintendo console ever produced!
According to official Nintendo support documentation:
"With the exception of software distributed in China, Nintendo Switch game cards are not region locked."
This confirmation from Nintendo themselves gives the green light for US gamers to import and play Japanese Switch titles with no problems. Let the games begin!
Global Hardware Uniformity
Unlike software lockout, Nintendo Switch hardware including the console and Joy-Con controllers are identical globally.
My friend imported an exclusive Super Mario Odyssey Switch bundle from Japan and can use the red-and-blue Joy-Cons flawlessly on his US Switch with no issues. The same goes vice versa – my gray Joy-Cons work perfectly when visiting Japan and playing on a friend‘s Switch over there.
Quora user Game Console Expert further backs up the console hardware consistency:
"There are no differences between Nintendo Switches or their constituent parts between Japan and North America. The hardware is the same."
So feel confident knowing Japanese or American Switch consoles and controllers are cross-compatible. This also applies to docking stations, AC adapters, and other accessories.
Step-By-Step: Buying Japan eShop Games
While the Japanese Switch eShop has exclusive digital titles not available on the US store, purchasing is straightforward by following these instructions:
- Create a separate Nintendo Account profile set to Japan as your country/region
- Link this new account to your existing user profile on your US Nintendo Switch
- When browsing the Switch eShop, choose your Japanese account when prompted
- Purchase and play Japan-only eShop games on your US Switch!
It‘s that easy. I personally have bought several Japan-exclusive indies like Downwell and played them without issues on my Minnesota-purchased Switch Lite.
Average Cost of Importing Switch Games
For gamers seeking physical Japanese Switch game imports, prices vary by title popularity, condition, and more. Here is a general overview:
| Switch Game Type | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Common used titles | $15 – $25 |
| Rare/new titles | $30 – $60 |
| Special/limited editions | $70+ |
Of course exchange rates, shipping fees, eBay bidding wars, etc can drive costs up or down. But expect prices mostly on par with their Western counterparts depending on availability.
I just won an auction for Crayon Shin-Chan on eBay for $40 total – an acceptable premium considering it was never released outside Japan!
Online Multiplayer Works Internationally
One concern gamers may have is: Can I play online against others if using an imported title?
Yes! The Nintendo Switch is not constrained by regional servers. For example I have played Splatoon 2 (European version) against my friend in New York using voice chat perfectly fine.
As long as both players have an internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership, online battles, co-op quests, and other multiplayer components function cross-region out of the box.
Changing Language Settings
Some Japanese Switch games automatically default to Japanese text and audio. But nearly all allow changing language options to English within the game menus itself.
If you want to change the system-wide default, navigate to:
- System Settings
- Select System
- Choose Language
From there you can pick English or several other languages supported on the Switch. This will make menus and games boot up in that language first.
Here is a comparison of language options across Switch models sold in various regions:
| Switch Version | Language Options |
|---|---|
| Japan | • Japanese • English • Spanish • French |
| USA | • English • Spanish • French |
| Europe | • English • Japanese • Spanish • French • German • Italian |
As shown above, even Japanese Switch consoles support multiple languages out of the box. But US and European models have fewer options, so downloading updates online is recommended to add any missing translations.
In Conclusion…
I hope this deep dive has addressed any concerns about playing Japanese Nintendo Switch imports on your US console. To summarize:
- Nintendo Switch is 100% region-free for software
- Hardware and Joy-Cons work identically worldwide
- Creating a Japan Nintendo Account easily unlocks the Japanese eShop
- Online multiplayer works seamlessly across regions
- Language barriers are overcome by in-game and system options
So import away and expand your gaming library today! Having played many Japanese exclusives on my own US Switch, I can assure you the systems were clearly designed for interoperability between regions.
Let me know if you have any other questions down in the comments! I‘m always happy to chat Switch, both US and Japanese releases!
