News

Amazon Japan Begins International Video Game Sales

I hope DHL isn't carrying anything at all for them.

March 9, 2016 1:45 PM

Some games are sold in Japan with an almost entirely English language script, but may not see Western shores for months, if ever. But to actually get one of those games shipped to the West can be an exercise in frustration. Luckily, all that may be a thing of the past soon.

Amazon Japan is starting to offer international sales on certain video game products. All you need is to make a new Amazon.co.jp account (even if you have an Amazon.com account) and save a credit card, and the World (well, at least Japan) is your oyster.

Unfortunately, not all video game products will be available for international purchase. For example, some of Nintendo's special edition 3DS will be sold, while some will remain Japan-exclusive. This leaves a bit of a guessing game on whether you'll be able to snag that item you want or not.

For PlayStation, PS Vita, and Xbox One owners, this is great news as physical media is region-free. However, Nintendo products are locked to their region of purchase, so importers will have to remain aware of just what equipment they need.

Brittany Vincent

Senior Editor

Fueled by horror, rainbow-sugar-pixel-rushes, and video games, Brittany is a Senior Editor at Shacknews who thrives on surrealism and ultraviolence. Follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake and check out her portfolio for more. Like a fabulous shooter once said, get psyched!

Filed Under

From The Chatty

Refresh Go To Thread

Shacknews

 reply
March 9, 2016 1:45 PM

Brittany Vincent posted a new article, Amazon Japan Begins International Video Game Sales
- aasyranth
  
   reply
  March 9, 2016 1:53 PM
  
  So far, it seems that this applies to console games that are shipped and sold by Amazon JP. Items that are only fulfilled by Amazon can't be shipped abroad, and PC games aren't a part of the new deal, either.
- EnhancedInterrogator
  
   reply
  March 9, 2016 4:07 PM
  
  I'm glad they recognized the demand that is there. Would of been nicer if they started this 10 or 15 years ago.
  - one random winner
    
     reply
    March 9, 2016 4:20 PM
    
    Was Amazon around 15 years ago?
    - megreedy
      
       reply
      March 9, 2016 5:17 PM
      
      "in 1999, Time magazine named Bezos the Person of the Year, recognizing the company's (amazon) success in popularizing online shopping."
      
      says wiki...
      
      so i'd say, yes; 15 years is almost exactly how long it's been around.
      
      ( i didn't know, but you question made me go look .. heh)
    - EnhancedInterrogator
      
       reply
      March 9, 2016 6:09 PM
      
      Apparently, but I guess my point is that this would have been more beneficial before digital games really took off. Especially with the 360, PS3, and DS, which were all region-free.