Top 10 Anime Characters Obsessed with Video Games

Anime characters come from a wide range of backgrounds and have diverse personalities. Many characters in anime have a deep passion for video games, with some even having special abilities based on them, making them even more fascinating.

From Sunraku's cunning nature in Shangri-La Frontier to Josuke Higashikata's love for gaming in JoJo's, there are numerous anime characters who share a deep love for video games. This passion is evident in many anime series, some of which are entirely dedicated to the world of gaming and the challenges it brings. Even in popular anime that aren't solely focused on gaming, there are still characters who share this passion.

Josuke Higashikata and nine other anime characters who love playing video games

1. Josuke Higashikata (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Josuke is one of those anime characters who love playing video games (Image via David Production)

Josuke's character is uniquely portrayed in a shonen series, highlighting his love for video games and the fact that he gets to live life as a typical teenager. In the anime world, few characters his age are shown engaging in ordinary activities, making him stand out as a relatable and authentic protagonist. As viewers follow Josuke's part in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Diamond is Unbreakable, they will see him balancing his interest in Stand users with everyday teenage activities, setting him apart from other shonen protagonists and highlighting his passion for video games.

2. Sunraku (Shangri-La Frontier)

Sunraku is one of those anime characters who love video games (Image via C2C)

Sunraku gained recent recognition due to the C2C anime adaptation of the Shangri-La Frontier series, solidifying his presence on this list. Despite his preference for playing numerous lesser-known video games, the appeal of Shangri-La Frontier was irresistible, leading him to give it a try.

His inclusion in this list is attributed to his fondness for both anime and video games, as well as his adeptness in navigating the gaming world. Having honed his skills through various gaming experiences, Sunraku possesses the resilience and capability to overcome challenges within the narrative, establishing himself as a formidable combatant in the realm of Shangri-La Frontier.

3. Genkai (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Another interesting example (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Genkai was a groundbreaking character in Yu Yu Hakusho during the early 90s and also a showcase of author Yoshihiro Togashi's love for video games. Her presence served as a vehicle to highlight this passion, especially during her tournament arc. She was among the first in mainstream manga to embody a love for video games.

In addition, Genkai's introduction arc featured a tournament to choose her successor, along with a focus on examining people's spiritual power using tools that operated like video game machines. Her dedication to video games was evident in the Chapter Black arc and continued as she discussed them with Yusuke at the start of the Three Kings arc.

4. Yukio Hans Vorarlberna (Bleach)

Yukio is one of those anime characters who loves video games (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Yukio may be a minor character in the Bleach series, but he plays a key role in the Fullbringer arc and has a brief appearance in the Thousand-Year Blood War. Despite his limited screen time, he stands out as an anime character who is passionate about video games, a trait that is prominently displayed throughout the Fullbringer arc. His gaming abilities are crucial for Xcution, and as a Fullbringer, he is part of Ginjo Kugo's group, aiding in teaching Ichigo Kurosaki how to develop his own Fullbring. Throughout the arc, he is often seen immersed in video games, but it is eventually revealed that he possesses the ability to transport people to a pocket dimension resembling the games he loves to play.

5. King (One Punch Man)

King loves to play video games (Image via Wit)

Despite deluding the entire One Punch Man universe into believing he is one of the most powerful individuals by accident, King is undoubtedly a lover of video games. Throughout the series, his passion for video games is evident as it is one of the few activities where he is not struggling with crippling fear. He often bonds with Saitama while playing, and despite Saitama's galaxy-level strength, he cannot beat him in a game. Nevertheless, the strongest warrior in the One Punch Man universe had to be included in this list.

6. Subaru Natsuki (Re: Zero)

Another example of anime characters who love video games (Image via White Fox).

The main character of Re: Zero lands on this list for good reason, as his journey begins with laziness and video game obsession. This aspect of his character evolves throughout the series, contributing to his personal growth. Furthermore, unlike other characters on this list, Natsuki's love for video games is viewed as a hindrance that he must overcome, not because of the games themselves, but because of his lack of purpose and motivation.

7. Konata Izumi (Lucky Star)

Konata Izumi may not look the part, but she is a highly skilled gamer as demonstrated in numerous episodes of the Lucky Star anime. Not only does she love playing video games, but she excels at them as well. It's worth noting that she has a diverse range of gaming interests, but she particularly favors RPGs as her favorite genre.

8. Kirito (Sword Art Online)

One of the most popular isekai gamers (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Kirito is a popular choice for fans of anime characters who love video games. Known for his role as the Black Swordsman in a virtual reality video game, he progresses through different levels and becomes a formidable entity in his own right. However, Kirito's character is divisive, with some feeling that he is too powerful and faces little struggle as the story progresses. This anime series is also credited with popularizing the isekai genre, a fact that can be either positive or negative depending on individual taste.

9. Yugi/Atem (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

A duo of anime characters who love video games (Image via Gallop)

The inclusion of the original Yu-Gi-Oh characters in a list of anime characters who love video games may seem unusual. However, the series initially took a different approach to the concept of the "King of the Games," with the main cast engaging in a variety of games beyond just card games. As such, Yugi and Atem demonstrated their skill and knowledge in playing video games, making them fitting additions to this list based on their early portrayal in the series.

10. Amanuma (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Amanuma is one of the most tragic characters in the Yu Yu Hakusho series. His love for video games is exploited by Shinobu Sensui, who recruits him to join his team. Amanuma, feeling lonely due to the lack of love from his parents and friends, becomes part of a dangerous game without realizing the stakes involved.

Final thoughts

Here are just ten examples of anime characters who have a passion for video games, and there are countless more out there. These particular characters stand out due to their significance in their respective series and the widespread appeal of the franchises they are a part of.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of anime, I am thrilled to see an article that highlights the top 10 anime characters obsessed with video games. It's fascinating to explore the diverse personalities and backgrounds of these characters and how their passion for gaming shapes their journeys. From Josuke Higashikata's love for gaming in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure to Sunraku's cunning nature in Shangri-La Frontier, each character brings a unique perspective to the world of anime and gaming.

The article also sheds light on the groundbreaking character of Genkai from Yu Yu Hakusho, who showcased author Yoshihiro Togashi's love for video games during the early 90s. Genkai's dedication to gaming was evident in her tournament arc and her discussions with Yusuke, making her one of the first mainstream manga characters to embody this passion. Yukio from Bleach, though a minor character, also stands out for his gaming abilities and his role in teaching Ichigo Kurosaki how to develop his Fullbring. These characters add depth and relatability to the anime world, connecting with fans who share their passion for video games.