Region Lock Information

Not every console will play every game that we sell.

For example, if you have a UK model PlayStation 2, it won't boot games published for the Japanese region unless you have a modchip or softmod device installed.

This is a really quick reference list that will tell you if your console will play games released in the NTSC-J (Japan) region. It is not exhaustive, but it should cover most of the bases.

Note that this is only provided as a guide and you really should use some Google-fu and double-check to make sure that the game you're buying will work on the system you're buying it for.

You should also be aware that a lot of Japanese games do NOT have an English language option. If you're not able to read Japanese, you should get your Google on before making a purchase.

Atari Jaguar

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Atari Lynx

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Microsoft Xbox

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Some specific titles are region-free. We suggest you do a bit of digging to confirm compatibility.

Microsoft Xbox 360

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Some specific titles are region-free. We suggest you do a bit of digging to confirm compatibility.

Microsoft Xbox One/Series

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Neo Geo Pocket / Color

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Nintendo 64

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need modification or an adapter in order to play NTSC-J games.

NES

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need an adapter in order to play NTSC-J Famicom games.

SNES

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need modification or an adapter in order to play NTSC-J Super Famicom games.

Nintendo 2DS/3DS

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J 3DS games.

However, standard DS games from Japan will work on a 2DS or 3DS as DS carts are region free.

Nintendo DS

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Nintendo Game Boy/Color/Advance

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Nintendo Gamecube

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Nintendo Switch

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Nintendo Wii/Wii U

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

PlayStation / PSOne

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

PlayStation 2

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

PlayStation 3

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

PlayStation 4

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

PlayStation 5

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Sega Dreamcast

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Sega Game Gear

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Sega Master System

Sort of unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of games from around the world. But NTSC-J games are a different shape, so you need an adapter to get them to fit. Even then, they may not run.

Sega Mega CD / Sega CD

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Sega Mega Drive/Genesis

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need modification or an adapter in order to play NTSC-J Sega Mega Drive games.

Sega Saturn

Locked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles need to be modded in order to play NTSC-J games.

Note that Japanese Sega Saturn consoles are region-free (mostly!)

Sony PSP

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.

Note that UMD movie discs are region-locked.

Sony PS Vita

Unlocked. PAL and NTSC-U consoles will play the vast majority of NTSC-J games without modification.