Video Game Importers

Want to play games that your friends can only dream of? Then hit up some of these excellent video game importers!

Video Game Importers

What exactly are video game importers? In a nutshell, they are companies that make a business of bringing video games from one region of the world to another. The most common shipping route is from somewhere in Asia -- typically Hong Kong or Japan -- to somewhere in North America, but there are several video game importers that also ship games to the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. In fact, because many games arrive much later in Europe than in North America, you will find several titles being sent from the United States to Germany, France, Spain, and other neighboring countries.

Issues with Video Game Importers

Before you jump into the world of import video games, however, there are several issues that you may need to consider.

The first and most important thing to think about before buying from video game importers is compatibility. Depending on the video game system, titles being sold in Japan may not work in consoles sold in the United States. This is true with the Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii for sure. These compatibility issues are largely because of the difference in television format. Europe uses the PAL standard, for example, whereas North American TVs are based on the NTSC standard. The flip side of this is that portable video game systems are less prone to compatibility issues: All Nintendo DS games will work regardless of where the system was purchased.

Secondly, you should think about how "import friendly" any given game may be. For example, simple puzzle video games are usually easy to understand, regardless of what language is used. You just have to figure out what each of the menu items are, and then you can proceed and have as much fan as you'd like. By contrast, if you order a title from a video game importer that consists of a lot of text -- adventure-based RPG games immediately come to mind -- you may have a very difficult time understanding the story if you can't read the original language.

Third, titles ordered from video game importers are typically more expensive than the original retail price. This is because video game importers have to make money, so they tack on a premium for their troubles. In addition to this, you must personally consider shipping costs, as well as possible duties, fees, and import taxes. A game that would normally cost you $40 may end up costing over $100, so check and double-check the price before ordering.

These are three of the main issues that arise when buying games from video game importers, but there are obviously more. Use your best judgment to decide whether importing a particular title is "worth it" to you.

Where to Buy Import Video Games

If you live in a major metropolitan area like Vancouver or Los Angeles, especially if there is a significant Asian population, there's a good chance that you can find local video game importers who bring in loads of new titles in bulk. This way, you can ask questions and have a look at the actual game before deciding if you want to buy it. Bear in mind that most of these places charge rather hefty premiums, so you are paying for the convenience factor.

Alternatively, you can check out some of the most popular online video game importers. Here are three of the best known:

• HKToyz.com: Currently undergoing a transition to a new name (KidSamurai), HKToyz has a huge selection of titles for the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, and DS Lite. You can also order a variety of special edition consoles that are not normally available in North America, including the Ice Blue Nintendo DS Lite. The prices are very competitive (actually close to retail) and shipping is expedient.

• Play-Asia.com: The website may be a little complicated and a little overwhelming at first, overflowing with all things Japan, but if you dig your way through all the moving pictures and text, you'll find a huge collection of video games and video game accessories. Play-Asia is perhaps the best known video game importer today.

• Renchi.com: Although not as well known as the above two video game importers, Renchi has an easy to navigate site with a formidable selection. There is a slight Nintendo bias here, with loads of items for the Wii and DS Lite, but that could just be an indication of where sales are going.

Another option that you have is eBay, though you have to be aware that many pirated and illegal games are sold on the popular auction site by shady video game importers. Caveat emptor.