Ever wonder if those retro video game lucky bags are actually lucky? It's a question that sparks curiosity, especially when you consider the treasure hunt for vintage games. Surprisingly, the best deals aren't always found in the bustling heart of Tokyo's Akihabara. Instead, they might be tucked away in the less-traveled suburbs, where the demand for entertainment is high, and the second-hand shops are overflowing with hidden gems. Let's dive into the world of Guruguru Daiteikoku, a chain known for its incredible retro game selection, to find out if these lucky bags live up to their name.
Our Japanese-language reporter, Takuya Inaba, ventured to a Guruguru Daiteikoku branch in Hachioji, drawn by their unique retro game fukubukuro, or lucky bags. These bags, much like the New Year's lucky bags, promise a collection of items worth more than the purchase price. But here's where it gets controversial: Guruguru Daiteikoku includes a disclaimer, stating that buyers should only purchase the bags if they're okay with the mystery contents, potential visual damage, and the absence of instruction manuals.
When Takuya arrived, he discovered high demand, but four themed bags remained. Each bag was labeled with the number of games, the system they were for, and a mysterious kanji character representing its theme. He bought one of each, starting with the "Love" (愛) bag, costing a mere ¥550 (about $3.60) and containing eight PSP games.
Opening the "Love" bag, Takuya found himself unfamiliar with all the titles. This wasn't a surprise. For a time, handheld systems in Japan often featured female-focused romance games in their later years. The PSP, in particular, saw a surge in rekijo (history girl) games, where historical figures and romantic narratives were popular.
Next up was the "Conquer" (射) bag, with ten PlayStation 3 games for ¥1,100. True to its name, it was packed with seven games from Koei Tecmo's Warriors/Muso franchise, including Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors titles. Developer Capcom also contributed with Sengoku Basara games, offering ample opportunities to build armies and conquer enemies.
Then came the "Ari" (有) bag. While the meaning of "ari" (have/exist) is vague, the contents were anything but. It contained five Nintendo DS games for ¥880. Included were classics like Mario Kart DS, Yoshi’s Island, and Final Fantasy III. The bag also featured puzzle game Puyopuyo 7 and video board game Momotaro Densetsu DS Tokyo & Japan, both with huge fanbases in Japan. The "ari" here suggests that these games are high-quality options, ensuring solid fun.
Finally, the "Gather" (集) bag, with six Wii games for ¥1,100. This bag was perfect for group gatherings, featuring titles like Wii Party and Mario Party 8, which are easy for anyone to enjoy. PokéPark 2 offered both single-player and multiplayer mini-games. Pokémon Battle Revolution allowed for light-hearted competition, while Mario Galaxy's teamwork mechanic was also included. The bag also contained the 25th Anniversary Super Mario Collection Special Pack, including the original Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 2 & 3.
And this is the part most people miss: Takuya walked away with a total of 29 games for just ¥3,630 (about $23.75). That's approximately ¥125.2 per game, or the cost of a vending machine tea! When he checked online, he found the same games sold individually for around ¥18,320, nearly six times what he paid.
So, were these lucky bags truly lucky? Absolutely! What do you think? Would you take a chance on a retro game lucky bag? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
