Join me as I explore the first Business Day of TGS 2026, from massive crowds and cosplay to games, technology, anime and merchandise. Read about my firsthand experience exploring the show and the gaming culture that brought everyone together.
I had the opportunity to attend Tokyo Game Show 2026 at Makuhari Messe on September 17, representing Tokyo Room Finder. As the first day of the event, it was a Business Day, giving me the chance to experience TGS alongside industry professionals, media, exhibitors and gaming fans.
The scale of the event was obvious before I even entered the halls. Red Bull promotions, advertisements for upcoming games and huge Tokyo Game Show 2026 signs lined the walkways. Giant maps showed visitors where everything was located, and there were even free Red Bull drinks and cooling areas where people could take a break.
Getting my standard pass was an experience itself. The registration area was packed, with the crowd stretching from around Hall 5 toward Hall 1. Hundreds of people were gathered together waiting to get through registration. It wasn’t really a traditional line as much as a huge group of people several rows deep.
Once I finally made it inside, the atmosphere completely changed. The halls were alive with people enjoying what they love. I saw businesspeople walking around in suits, gamers carrying bags full of merchandise, and visitors dressed in elaborate cosplay.
Everywhere I looked, people were taking pictures, playing games, talking with friends and checking out the latest releases. Even though it was a Business Day, there was still a strong feeling of excitement throughout the venue.
The merchandise area quickly became one of my favorite parts of the show. Official Tokyo Game Show merchandise at the main entrance sold out quickly, although I was able to find official TGS merchandise at other booths later in the day.
There was an incredible variety of products. I saw Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, Katamari Damacy, Final Fantasy, CAPCOM and merchandise from numerous indie games.
I also enjoyed discovering some of the different ways shops operated. At the Final Fantasy merchandise area, for example, I initially waited in line before realizing that I needed to scan a QR code, select the products I wanted and then purchase them at the register. It was a small detail, but it was part of the experience of navigating such a large event.
One of the most enjoyable parts of TGS was never knowing what I would see next.
I came across a giant Crazy Taxi display where visitors could sit inside a recreation of the vehicle and take photos, complete with cosplayers. Nearby, Suzuki had a motorcycle featured in a Street Fighter promotion, along with a stamp rally that could earn participants a Blanka-themed car pillow.
There were huge displays from Bandai Namco, competitive Jujutsu Kaisen gameplay, a large Castlevania statue for photos, and promotional displays for games including Grand Theft Auto VI and Call of Duty. ASUS ROG was showing off gaming laptops and PCs, and I even tried playing Apex Legends on unfamiliar hardware.
There were plenty of surprises outside traditional games too. Secretlab had gaming chairs and adjustable desks, while other exhibitors showed products designed for people who want a more immersive gaming setup.
TGS wasn’t just about the games being released today. I also saw technology that offered a glimpse into where gaming could be heading.
Haptic gloves and full-body suits were being demonstrated, allowing players to experience physical feedback while gaming. I also came across enclosed, soundproof gaming spaces designed to let people play or work without worrying as much about disturbing their neighbors. They even had sound booths for those who enjoy Karaoke at home
These products showed me how the gaming experience is becoming about more than simply sitting in front of a screen. Hardware, sound, physical feedback and the environment around the player are all becoming part of the experience.
Despite the huge crowds in the exhibition halls, the Business Day food area was surprisingly relaxed. I was able to find a place to sit and eat without much trouble compared to public days which seating is much rarer. There were food trucks with plenty of outdoor seating. I was shocked to see Domino’s pizza also had their own truck which I have never seen in Japan.
It was a welcome break after walking around the enormous venue. There were also cooling areas throughout the event, which made it easier to recharge before heading back into the busy halls.
My first day at Tokyo Game Show gave me much more to see than I could fit into a single article. Two experiences in particular deserve a closer look: RYUGU NATION TOTTORI REALM, which I attended as a featured stage event, and Pocketpair’s Palworld, including its trading cards, merchandise and massive Palworld Arena.
I’ll be covering those experiences in much greater detail in my next article.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 ultimately felt like much more than a video game convention. From business suits to full cosplay, from trading cards to experimental technology, I saw people from countless corners of gaming culture come together under one roof. For one day, Makuhari Messe felt like the entire gaming world had come alive.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 was originally planned as a five-day event for its 30th anniversary. Unfortunately, after my visit, organizers announced that the final day, Monday, September 21, would be canceled because of the approaching Typhoon No. 25, also known as Typhoon Dujuan.
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