FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Otakaraou Retro is an online retro game store that opened in September 2026 as a sister store of otakaraou.com, which has specialized in Japanese retro games since July 2006. We ship directly from Japan to collectors worldwide.

About Our Products

Q: Are the games tested and working?
A: Yes. All items are fully tested and confirmed to work on authentic original consoles before shipping.

Q: Are items cleaned before shipping?
A: Yes. We thoroughly clean all cartridge contacts using our unique methods to ensure smooth startup.

Q: Do you sell original/authentic items only?
A: Yes. We sell only genuine Japanese retro games and consoles. No reproductions or counterfeits.

Q: What condition are the items in?
A: Most items are used (pre-owned). Condition is described in each product listing. Please check the product page for details.

Q: What does the "Battery: Yes / No" indication on the product page mean?
A: The "Battery: Yes / No" label indicates whether the cartridge contains a built-in backup battery for save data — it does not indicate the remaining battery life or whether save data is present. We do not check remaining battery life or existing save data.

As an optional service, we offer battery replacement for cartridges with built-in save batteries. The fee is ¥500 per cartridge, and the item will be shipped after the battery is replaced. As of September 2026, we have completed over 38,000 battery replacements and the service is used by many customers. Please contact us if you are interested.

About the Battery Replacement Option

Q: What is the Battery Replacement option on the product page?
A: Retro game cartridges such as Famicom, Super Famicom, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64 contain an internal backup battery to save game data. As these cartridges are decades old, the battery may be running low, which can cause save data to be lost or saving to stop working. Our battery replacement service replaces the internal battery with a brand-new, voltage-tested battery before shipping — for just ¥500 per cartridge.

For full details including compatible systems, battery types used, and important notes, please see: Battery Replacement Service — Detailed Information

About Using Clone / Third-Party Consoles

Q: Can I use retro game cartridges with clone (third-party) consoles?
A: While many clone consoles can run retro game cartridges, we cannot guarantee compatibility or operation when used with third-party hardware. The following issues have been reported with clone consoles:

  • Audio glitches or sound not playing correctly
  • The game freezing or stopping after playing up to a certain point
  • Save data not being retained even after battery replacement
  • Various other unexpected issues depending on the console model

All of our products are tested on authentic original hardware only. We are unable to provide operation guarantees or accept returns for issues that occur when using clone or third-party consoles. Please order at your own discretion.

Shipping

Q: Which countries do you ship to?
A: We currently ship to the following countries from Japan:

  • Asia: China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines
  • Oceania: Australia
  • North America: Canada, Mexico
  • South America: Chile
  • Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
  • Europe: Switzerland

We are planning to expand our shipping destinations to more countries in the future. Stay tuned!

Please check the shipping options at checkout for availability in your country.

Q: I live in a country not listed above. Can I still order?
A: Yes! Customers in countries not listed above can order through our main store otakaraou.com using Buyee, a trusted international forwarding service. Buyee allows customers from around the world to purchase items from Japan easily and securely.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: International shipping typically takes 7–14 business days depending on your location and the shipping method selected.

Q: Do you provide tracking numbers?
A: Yes. All orders come with a tracking number so you can monitor your shipment.

Q: Who is responsible for customs duties and taxes?
A: Customs duties and import taxes are the buyer's responsibility. Please check your country's import regulations before ordering.

Taxes & Customs — Important Notice

When your order arrives in your country, customs duties or import taxes may be charged by your local customs authority. Please be aware of the following:

  • Any customs duties or import taxes that arise upon delivery are the sole responsibility of the customer.
  • We do not collect customs duties or import taxes in advance at the time of purchase. No customs fees are included in our product prices or shipping charges.
  • The amount of duty varies by country and item. We recommend checking your country's customs regulations before placing an order.
  • We are unable to falsify customs declaration forms or mark shipments as "gifts" to avoid customs charges.

We appreciate your understanding, and thank you for shopping with us.

Payment

Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept major credit cards and other payment methods available at checkout.

Q: Is checkout secure?
A: Yes. Our store uses Shopify's secure checkout, which is PCI DSS compliant.

Returns

Q: What is your return policy?
A: If you experience any issue with the item when used on authentic original hardware, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order. Please note that if the return is due to a mistake in your order, all shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Q: What if the item arrives damaged?
A: Please contact your shipping carrier first. Then, please contact us with photos of the damaged item and packaging so we can assist you further.

Contact

Q: How can I contact you?
A: Please use the Contact Us page. We aim to respond within 1–2 business days.