Sofmap Akiba is divided into five buildings: #1 Subculture & Mobile, #2 PC, #3 Apple & Mac, #4 Amusement, and #5 Secondhand. The #2 PC building mainly focuses on gaming-related products.

B1F handles second-hand goods, 1F is all about gaming PCs, and 2F handles parts and is home to the “game studio.” The most attractive feature of Sofmap Akiba #2 PC is that everything can be tried.

You’ll also find the e-Sports Studio Akiba on the second floor, where regular e-Sports events are streamed online – it’s Japan’s first shop linked to a gaming studio. There’s also a shop selling merchandise of various e-Sports teams next to the studio, so go here if you want to pick up a related goodie or two.

The first floor features the Gaming Zone, where various gaming devices can be tried first-hand. Many people visiting from abroad are to be happy about that in particular, as such an experience doesn’t seem to be common outside of Japan. Of course, the rich lineup of products is also attractive.

Other shops usually have a smaller selection. You can get your hands on goods – such as an Alienware US keyboard – that usually take about one month to arrive when ordered directly from the company. That’s especially great for people who are only in Japan for a short while!

As for gaming, Sofmap Akiba is the only store that has pretty much everything of all genres!

RAZER is one of the most prominent brands for gaming devices. Typing is wonderfully quiet, and the key response is fast. It’s recommended for people who stay up late into the night, as you won’t have to worry about noise.

Logicool is another famous brand – you will most likely know it as Logitech. It’s the same company, but Logitech took on the name Logicool to avoid legal conflicts with a similarly named brand. Many people prefer mechanical keyboards, and it is said that the sound of a keystroke is more pleasant.

This type of gaming keyboard has a different keystroke sound and actuation point depending on the color of the switches (red, blue, green, and so on). At Sofmap, you can actually test these differences to get an idea of what they feel like first-hand.

This is a must-have for people who enjoy mechanical design. The mouse moves very smoothly, and the response time can be adjusted to your own preference.

This mouse is easy to carry around because it is wireless. It also comes with a wireless charging system, so you won’t have to worry about batteries either. The size is pleasantly palm-filling, so if you’re looking for a gaming mouse, try this one first.

From first-time buyers of gaming mouses to pros, this one is easy to use, and its size also fits a broad range of people – it’s a mouse designed for everyone and thus enjoys great popularity.

Usually, the majority of gaming laptops are 15.6 inches big, but this model’s screen is 17”. The screen is large and easy to use, and the performance is good, and still, this model is reasonably priced. Many non-Japanese people seem to like PCs with a large screen, so this one is particularly popular.

While this is a gaming laptop, it still comes with Microsoft® Word and Excel installed and is a recommendation for those who also want to use it for work.

Dell’s famous high-end gaming PC brand Alienware. It enjoys a large following of fans since long ago. Sofmap Akiba also sells this model with a US keyboard, so it is popular with people from outside of Japan even while being in a higher price category.

Omen by HP is another gaming pc brand just as famous as Alienware. The screen is just as large, but the model is cheaper, and many people seem to prefer it. A lot of PCs are made of plastic, but the body of this one uses a mixed material. Featuring carbon on the front. The texture is also quite fancy.

This gaming laptop is outstandingly light and thus easy to transport. “Few shops deal with Razer PCs, so it’s great to be able to see the real thing,” says the staff. Apart from gaming purposes, this model is also popular among musicians outside of Japan who emphasize the specs.

“In this day and age, you can buy everything on the internet. However, it’s not only about buying but also about actually trying out something and using it, having a space to enjoy gaming, and these kinds of first-hand experiences.” This is what makes Sofmap Akiba so fun and unique!

“The experience of trying and touching something, thoroughly checking by yourself, and finally buying what suits you the most,” is a precious experience in this digital age. Sofmap Akiba is committed to enabling this experience in a fun and thorough way.

Stop by Sofmap Akiba as you travel around Japan to find a gem and make it your new favorite! This first-hand shopping experience as it can be enjoyed at Sofmap Akiba, is only available in Japan!

Got excited about Sofmap yet? To make your shopping experience so much more convenient, we have a special little present for you! Here’s a discount coupon valid until August 30, 2024!

Simply take a screenshot of it and show it to the staff to net a sweet extra deal! Now, all that’s left to say is happy shopping and a wonderful time in Japan!

*This article was originally published in October 2018. Coupon codes were updated in May 2023.