Nintendo Hates Importers

[.Automatisch]

"We in no way condone the importing of games into territories other than where they are supposed to be sold.
As in the past, if deemed necessary we will issue cease and desist letters to retailers whom we know are selling imported games not intended for sale within the EEA. Nintendo rigorously protects its worldwide trademarks and in doing so ensures fair play in the market for all retailers."

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/pokemon/nintendo-hates-importers-wants-to-collect-them-all-223754.php

So are they going to attack Play-Asia like Sony Europe did to Lik-Sang? We'll just have to wait and see... Hopefully some of you realize that ALL three companies aren't too big on the idea [at least Sony lets you].... Nintendo is no "nicer" than MS or Sony in this regard.

[BigLouMan20]

Boo! I wanted to buy Jump SuperStar when I have the money.

[Conan-san]

Its all an ilaberate plot to ensure Brittian is always kicked in the balls

and besides this, this is the japanese version of Pokemon DS we're talking about, something with so much text in it anyway.

[Mog]

This seems to be pointed more towards Europeans importing. Europe has been getting and giving the shaft recently towards games and game developers.

Also, no company likes importing. It's taking money out of the pockets of domestic distributors after they've paid some huge sum of cash for the right to release it in their territory.

[.Automatisch]

This seems to be pointed more towards Europeans importing. Europe has been getting and giving the shaft recently towards games and game developers.

Also, no company likes importing. It's taking money out of the pockets of domestic distributors after they've paid some huge sum of cash for the right to release it in their territory.

Obviously, but some people here believe that Sony was evil in them shutting down Lik-Sang, when in fact I'm sure Nintendo has contemplated the same thing. At any rate, we all know why the EU gets screwed by these companies, but it's hard to say what else they could do about the situation. I plan to move to the UK when I graduate, and I truly hope within the next few years something gets done about all this nonsense, since it really sucks to be a console gamer over there in this regard. At least with PC games you don't usually have much of an issue...

[Conan-san]

snake;2383039']Obviously, but some people here believe that Sony was evil in them shutting down Lik-Sang, when in fact I'm sure Nintendo has contemplated the same thing. At any rate, we all know why the EU gets screwed by these companies, but it's hard to say what else they could do about the situation. I plan to move to the UK when I graduate, and I truly hope within the next few years something gets done about all this nonsense, since it really sucks to be a console gamer over there in this regard. At least with PC games you don't usually have much of an issue...The inporting nonsence or the urination on the brittish populace nonsence?

[Mog]

snake;2383039']Obviously, but some people here believe that Sony was evil in them shutting down Lik-Sang, when in fact I'm sure Nintendo has contemplated the same thing. At any rate, we all know why the EU gets screwed by these companies, but it's hard to say what else they could do about the situation. I plan to move to the UK when I graduate, and I truly hope within the next few years something gets done about all this nonsense, since it really sucks to be a console gamer over there in this regard. At least with PC games you don't usually have much of an issue...
Well, Lik-Sang was already having problems with money from previous lawsuits and didn't have the money needed to fight any court battles so they pretty much folded under pressure. Play-Asia and NCSX could actually fight back, and that's why I doubt they would be targeted.

Also, I'm pretty sure this will be a Europe only thing. The reason being that, to my knowledge, European places add a pretty big import tax on all of their products which jack up the price quite a bit. Almost to the point that importing from Japan or even America would actually be cheaper than to buy it domestically. Thus Europe gets really picky about importing. I remember they came down hard on the music industry a few years ago for pretty much the same reason.

[.Automatisch]

Well, Lik-Sang was already having problems with money from previous lawsuits and didn't have the money needed to fight any court battles so they pretty much folded under pressure. Play-Asia and NCSX could actually fight back, and that's why I doubt they would be targeted.

Also, I'm pretty sure this will be a Europe only thing. The reason being that, to my knowledge, European places add a pretty big import tax on all of their products which jack up the price quite a bit. Almost to the point that importing from Japan or even America would actually be cheaper than to buy it domestically. Thus Europe gets really picky about importing. I remember they came down hard on the music industry a few years ago for pretty much the same reason.

VAT is one reason Europeans don't import commonly, yes. But you also have to deal with ridiculous shipping prices too. Clearly the European games market would crash if anyone could just import US games at the time of their release, as opposed to waiting 3+ months sometimes for even the biggest games of the year. It sucks, but as of now there really isn't an easy solution to the problem.

[.Automatisch]

The inporting nonsence or the urination on the brittish populace nonsence?

Nonsense as in having to buy games so much later than when they get released in the US/Canada.

[Mog]

snake;2383059']VAT is one reason Europeans don't import commonly, yes. But you also have to deal with ridiculous shipping prices too. Clearly the European games market would crash if anyone could just import US games at the time of their release, as opposed to waiting 3+ months sometimes for even the biggest games of the year. It sucks, but as of now there really isn't an easy solution to the problem.
What is the VAT for video games in Europe anyway? 17%?

I also forgot about shipping. I'm so used to the cheap $3.60 Play-Asia Air Economy shipping that I forgot that the EU probably charges more for similar shipping. Then again, I have no knowledge at all of European shipping rates.

[.Automatisch]

What is the VAT for video games in Europe anyway? 17%?

I also forgot about shipping. I'm so used to the cheap $3.60 Play-Asia Air Economy shipping that I forgot that the EU probably charges more for similar shipping. Then again, I have no knowledge at all of European shipping rates.

Yeah, the standard is about 17.5% in the UK... It varies elsewhere. Shipping can be rape on imports, which is one of the main reasons people just wait.

[Conekiller]

As long as I can import the Wii One Piece game, I'll be happy.

[.Automatisch]

As long as I can import the Wii One Piece game, I'll be happy.

I hope that we can play imports on the Wii too...

[Conan-san]

snake;2383062']Nonsense as in having to buy games so much later than when they get released in the US/Canada. In all concideration, the time you wait and the time I wait is like a drop into the ocean.

Your time is only for the translation, ours is because we're stuck with a bunch of other tonged people (and it's lazy activity, Ocorana of time had a month turn-a-round it can be done and quite frankly, should be done).

The UK could easly work on a one-language/60 htz single area like China but nope, we're stuck to Eurosuckassland.

Besides that, Do you realy want to play pokemon in japanese? Cause that's what everyone is forgeting here, Nintendo is saying no to import Pokemon D/P. To be frank, I don't think they give the honest damn about Jump anything.

[.Automatisch]

Besides that, Do you realy want to play pokemon in japanese? Cause that's what everyone is forgeting here, Nintendo is saying no to import Pokemon D/P. To be frank, I don't think they give the honest damn about Jump anything.

I'm studying Japanese, so it's benficial in a way... But I have Diamond, and I mean if you've played Pokemon games, you can get by pretty easily without having to rely on a FAQ for most parts.

[Wussycat]

If they don't want their games imported, then what was the point of making the DS region-free?

[Conan-san]

If they don't want their games imported, then what was the point of making the DS region-free?No, they don't want Pokemon DP imported.
Which makes sense because Playing a Japanese RPG with zero Japanese experience is usually very dumb and paying the odds for it is even more so.

If you know Japanese, then good luck, hope it works out for you.

Honestly, if you were to go out and get Jump Superstars, Rockman of the Stars or even Oendan I honestly would not think that Nintendo would go nuts.

If this shows up again in April when Europeans (read: Britons) try to import Pokemon DP's English version and who's only reason for not getting it at the same time as the Americans is the other European languages that "have" to be translated before hand hold up the process, that's when I would be concerned.

[.Automatisch]

The main reason I posted it is to show people that ALL companies hate the idea, regardless of who is "good" or "evil". Even years ago, Nintendo changed their carts for each region to disallow compatibility, so it is nothing new. This is merely an affirmation of this is all. I was hoping the Wii was going to be region-free out of the box, but hopefully someone can fix that like with the Freeloader sometime soon.

[.Automatisch]

No, they don't want Pokemon DP imported.
Which makes sense because Playing a Japanese RPG with zero Japanese experience is usually very dumb and paying the odds for it is even more so.


To be honest, one can speculate on many reasons why this is so with Nintendo handhelds. The main reason is that there's likely not a whole lot of importing to begin with on a massive scale... While there are a lot of gamers on forums and such that bought JUS! or the Naruto games for DS, that would only be a few thousand at most.

[Conan-san]

The difference is, Nintendo are using common sense (Separating JP games from non JP gamers ((J -> U/E) and giving far warning) where Sony are just being pains in the asses, as par the norm (Bend over Europe, take that lik sang! "This is waiting!" ((US -> E)) )

Sure, no company likes it, but there's ways of going about not liking things so you don't come off a bully.
Talking before action ensures that said "bully" scenario does not happen.

[.Automatisch]

The difference is, Nintendo are using common sense (Separating JP games from non JP gamers ((J -> U/E) and giving far warning) where Sony are just being pains in the asses, as par the norm (Bend over Europe, take that lik sang! "This is waiting!" ((US -> E)) )

Sure, no company likes it, but there's ways of going about not liking things so you don't come off a bully.
Talking before action ensures that said "bully" scenario does not happen.

I obviously don't agree with what happened to Lik-Sang, but it's quite possible that someone else might have stepped in and done something too. I can understand being pissed at Sony due to their delayed PSP and PS3 launches, and how it can take a long time for SCEE to approve a game for sale in the EU... Hell, I'd be annoyed at Sony too. I think MS is the only company that actually tries in the EU lately, as they have strived to make releases available soon after their respective hardware and software launches in the US.

[William C. Maune]

snake;2383919']I think MS is the only company that actually tries in the EU lately, as they have strived to make releases available soon after their respective hardware and software launches in the US.

Nintendo's European Wii launch seems to be pretty decent. I think they even got some Virtual Console games before us. As for Sony, they shouldn't have promised Europe a simultaneous launch and that was their main flaw. Hopefully when they actually have systems available for a Euro launch they'll be able to do it right.

[.Automatisch]

Nintendo's European Wii launch seems to be pretty decent. I think they even got some Virtual Console games before us. As for Sony, they shouldn't have promised Europe a simultaneous launch and that was their main flaw. Hopefully when they actually have systems available for a Euro launch they'll be able to do it right.

Yeah, the Wii was a decent launch, but the 360 has been in full force in Europe. Making it so big titles like Gears are available only a mere week or two after the US release is definitely pushing the envelope for worldwide launches... Hell, I played coop with some guy from S. Korea the week it came out... To me, that's doing a great job.

[James]

The difference is, Nintendo are using common sense (Separating JP games from non JP gamers ((J -> U/E) and giving far warning) where Sony are just being pains in the asses, as par the norm (Bend over Europe, take that lik sang! "This is waiting!" ((US -> E)) )

Sure, no company likes it, but there's ways of going about not liking things so you don't come off a bully.
Talking before action ensures that said "bully" scenario does not happen.

They didn't need to "talk" as they were in the legal right to do what they did. It wasn't bully tactics since there was a breach of property rights. If you intend to make money in a grey area of international law, don't be surprised when you get kicked by someone in a black or white suit.

It's all just boring economics depending on market forces, infrastructure and of course money money money. Nintendo doesn't make choices to please gamers unless it makes them money in the long term. Same with Sony. Painting one as a "bully" and one that is down with it's wallet homies seems a little tabloid.

[Ickis]

Strange, Nintendo seemed like the "nice" company of the gaming industry that wanted to support all of its fans but now I'm not sure. I still never understood what was so wrong about modding a console to be region-free or whatever.

[James]

Strange, Nintendo seemed like the "nice" company of the gaming industry that wanted to support all of its fans but now I'm not sure.

There is no such thing as a nice company. The only nice company is one with an well financed PR department. No memos go around Nintendo or Sony saying "remember, be nice to our customers - if they want to mod and import, that's super with us! The exec does the same and he likes the idea that all his customers do as he does!". The only reason companies turn a blind eye because in whatever way their analysts have decided, it's more profitable to do so. It makes them more money, be it because of the costs of implementing change, the PR issue... whatever the reason it's because it benefits them - they don't care whether it benefits you positively - unless you are likely to return the favour and send them more money.

Companies are there to make money. That's why they are there. We need to escape this idea of "nice companies" and "bad companies", especially when we're talking about international ones, with so many head honchos, to try and give them a singular characteristic is crazy.


I still never understood what was so wrong about modding a console to be region-free or whatever.

Of course, it's not necessary per se. CDs aren't regionalised, but the markets been geared in this way and currently it suits these giants - especially their regional outputs - why do they want their region saving a few bucks/pounds/whatever by buying from a cheaper region? No company likes imports, it's just whether it's worth their time doing anything about it.

[Tash]

Strange, Nintendo seemed like the "nice" company of the gaming industry that wanted to support all of its fans but now I'm not sure. I still never understood what was so wrong about modding a console to be region-free or whatever.
Because, it screws up the statistics. For example, if 10000 people imported KH2 before it came to America, then the Japanese sale statistics would think that the game sold better in Japan than it did.

[Sigma]

Guess I better import Jump Ultimate SuperStars soon. :shrug:

[HellCat]

*hides his copies of SD Gundam Force and Gundam SEED Battle Assault*

[Mynd Hed]

Of course, it's not necessary per se. CDs aren't regionalised, but the markets been geared in this way and currently it suits these giants - especially their regional outputs - why do they want their region saving a few bucks/pounds/whatever by buying from a cheaper region? No company likes imports, it's just whether it's worth their time doing anything about it.

Are that many people doing it to save money, though? Because everyone I've known who's imported has done it (often at a significant premium from the normal price of the product) because the product is not yet (and/or may not ever be) available in their region.

[Conan-san]

Are that many people doing it to save money, though? Because everyone I've known who's imported has done it (often at a significant premium from the normal price of the product) because the product is not yet (and/or may not ever) be available in their region. I know as a fact that I got my Nadesico set for £21 when the RRP for the whole thing is in the fiftys.

[James]

Are that many people doing it to save money, though? Because everyone I've known who's imported has done it (often at a significant premium from the normal price of the product) because the product is not yet (and/or may not ever be) available in their region.

I was referring to imports of DVDs/CDs than games, which on a purchase from the US to the UK is often cheaper even with postage attached. Lately the UK entertainment industry seems to be pushing for better deals, so it's not AS good a deal, and with play.com operating in Jersey (and thereby working within territory as not to be custom taxed, but not actually imposed UK VAT), the temptation isn't as great. Also, the customs in the UK are more stringent.

But yes, from a UK perspective many people imported because the costs in the UK are very different to other countries.

However you interpret it, a regional arm of an international body will want to keep its pieces on its own board, than have those pieces reaching out to other markets. It's how you control and manipulate your market - by having a nice easy leash on it. So yes, when your corp is regionalised, you will want to keep those gates as tight as you can, without having to spend too much. Countries as a market prefer it all to be kept internally too - market competition is kept internal, regulated against itself rather than cheap international competition and of course - taxed!