TOKYO — The annual Tokyo Game Show isn't just a place for gamers to try out demos of upcoming games. It's also a place to exchange their hard-earned money for swag.
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Japan's videogame publishers long ago realized the benefits of selling all manner of tchotchkes to gamers. When fans have to wait three years in between versions of Final Fantasy, why not make a little extra money on the side by selling them statuettes of the game's characters? Or sterling silver replicas of the jewelry worn by said characters? Or just a good old-fashioned stuffed Mario doll?
Here are some of the more interesting items that were for sale at this year's Tokyo Game Show, including cool stuff we would have bought if we were slightly crazier, expensive things we couldn't hope to afford and weird things we wouldn't touch with a 10-foot gunblade.
Above: This Lagiacrus Head Ring, made in the shape of Monster Hunter's fearsome sea serpent, will set you back about 25,000 yen ($250). The multiplayer action game is one of Capcom's most popular titles, spawning the usual array of T-shirts and other items as well as this pricey and bizarre jewelry.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
The single most expensive item in Final Fantasy maker Square Enix's main booth is this Static Arts Sephiroth, a foot-tall statuette of the main villain from Final Fantasy VII.
This 1997 game remains the series' most popular entry, and many of the goods at Square Enix's sales counter revolve around it, from jewelry to stuffed toys to these figures, which will set you back 16,800 yen ($168).
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
You can always rely on vendors like Cospa to sell things like dakimakura, 5-foot-tall "hugging pillows" with comely manga girls printed on them.
Which of the rosy-cheeked, scantily clad anime beauties pictured here will you be cuddling up with tonight? Who knows! That's the beauty of the fukubukuro, or "lucky bag": You pay 5,000 yen ($50) for the sack, and open it up to see which of the lovely ladies hides within. What you do with her after that is up to you.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
What looks like a simple T-shirt advertising the upcoming survival-horror game Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is revealed to be an awesome zombie costume when you pull the clothing up over your head. It's a steal at 3,800 yen ($38).
Only downside: If your stomach isn't especially attractive, it may be scarier than the zombie face.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
This awesome Mega Drive tote bag is proof of the rampant nostalgia raging for Sega's defunct game hardware business. While 3,000 yen ($30) might seem a bit pricey for a canvas tote, the raised pocket on the outside that mimics the classic console's cartridge slot makes it worth the extra expense.
The Cospa booth was filled with Sega Saturn shirts and Sega Genesis paraphernalia as well.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
As goes Akihabara, so goes Tokyo Game Show: Japan's electronics district has turned into a touristy spot for people fascinated with otaku culture, and the videogame convention is catering to more traditional types of tourists, too. One example: This Tokyo Game Show-themed sponge cake, suitable for serving to grandma. At only 1,000 yen ($10), stock up!
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
Accessory maker Gametech has set itself apart from the umpteen other companies that produce carrying cases and skins for game hardware by embracing a traditional Japanese aesthetic. Its Wa Sa Bi line brings the beauty of ancient Japan to your gaming experience. The Xbox 360 skin pictured costs 2,800 yen ($28); the Wii skin costs 2,000 yen ($20).
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
Here's something you can't buy at Tokyo Game Show — at least not yet. Stuffed animal maker San-Ei does a brisk business in plush Mario, Sonic, Zelda and Kirby toys, and is adding the popular puzzle game Professor Layton to its lineup in December. Then, you'll be able to buy these stuffed Luke and Layton dolls. Now, you'll just have to stare at them.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
Amazing music has become an integral part of Square Enix videogames, and the company operates a separate booth at Tokyo Game Show to sell soundtrack CDs. This year's big product is the SaGa Series 20th Anniversary Original Soundtrack Premium Box, which collects 10 different game soundtracks spanning 20 CDs and 20 years, from the black-and-white Game Boy to the PlayStation 2. It might sound pricey at 21,000 yen ($210), but you're getting a lot of music for your money.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
Finally, the absolute weirdest thing on display. Want to look just like your favorite videogame character? Costumes are easy to come by. But what if you want to smell like the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII? Well, then you need to purchase some Cloud Strife Eau de Toilette.
This "unisex perfume" comes in an elegant bottle with a metal pendant, and may very well be the first videogame-themed body scent. (Cue Wired.com readers commenting that they once owned Dig Dug aftershave.) Smell like a hero for 6,800 yen ($68).
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
