Tokyo Game Show 2011 retrospective

Sony gave most of its stand over to the forthcoming Vita handheld, and judging by the chaotic queues, it went down well with attendees. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

The Tokyo Game Show has a whole hall dedicated to game merchandise. T-shirts, action figures and, of course, cuddly Marios are all available. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Visitors to the Konami stand could admire a collection of Metal Gear Solid models before trying the latest versions of the game. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

A huge dragon figure dominated the Capcom stand, where the RPG adventure, Dragon's Dogma, was a huge draw all weekend. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

A Capcom film crew records its own report from the show floor. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Gamers wander between the two main halls housing the event, with Sega's vast stand visible through the doorway. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Monster Hunter Tri G for the 3DS was a key attraction. Gamers queued for hours to play the latest in the multi-million selling series. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Smartphone games had their own dedicated section on the showfloor this year. Popular brands such as Street Fighter, Monster Hunter and Space Invaders all had iOS or Android titles on display. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

This small display traced the history of games from the seventies to the modern era. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

A Tokyo Game Show steward awaits the inevitable onslaught as the event opens its doors. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

This year, the event featured the wonderful tagline, "GAME-dancing your heart". Fans could buy official bags and T-shirts featuring the phrase. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Card trading games remain popular in Japan and were in ample supply in the merchandise hall. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Dedicated gamers buy and customise genuine arcade controllers for their consoles. This stand at the show was selling colourful components such as fire buttons. Photograph: Ellliot Smith/Guardian

This papercraft Sonic model is a typical meeting of classic Japanese artistry with modern game culture. Several other game characters were available to buy and assemble. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

The smartphone and educational games sections featured a variety of unusual and interesting applications. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

A steward directs incoming visitors to the show. There were also staff with megaphones on every stand, enticing gamers in with promotional gifts such as T-shirts, cuddly toys and posters. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian

Unlike the E3 event in Los Angeles, children are allowed at the Tokyo Game Show. The family corner no doubt provided a respite from the huge crowds in the main halls. Photograph: Elliot Smith/Guardian