The most exciting time of gaming is...

[Brats]

However maybe something could be lost within the import community. Now don't read that the wrong way, its not an "elitest" statement. What I am saying is that some of the intensity, and pioneering "spirit" of importing the console could be lost. I can remember when the super famicom was released in Japan. I didn't get one, but I can remember visiting a local games shop as seeing it. It was exciting, and interesting because it wasn't 10 a penny. Same with the PSX, and JPN Saturn launches.

Pioneering spirit? You mean having deep enough pockets surely, there's nothing "pioneering" about being the first to buy a games console. A new games console is extremely exciting and should be rejoiced, but I subscribe to the notion that buying something expensive and finding enjoyment out of the fact that you have something that others don't is nothing but elitist. You can try to wrap it up any way you please, but it is what it is.

As was quickly discussed on irc today, the problem can sit with people who aren't in the same situation. Thats when the term elitest appears as forum members start to discuss their new console and games with enthusiasm. And why shouldn't they? Surely they have the right to discuss them on a forum such as this without being branded elite.

You're like a stuck record and really do not understand where I'm coming from .

If people don't like being branded elitist, then they shouldn't spout elitist comments. You can try and disguise it by saying "I just love my consoles", but if it were just that then no-one would be accusing of anything. Not too difficult to understand .

Brat's idiot's guide to elitism (part 1)

Buying console, enjoying console, being anally retentive about console, spending huge amounts of money on console, paiting console curious shade of pink = not elitist

Enjoying expensive console partly because you have something that other don't = elitist

[Treble]

Only if you perceive yourself as elite already. I'm sure you would like a game series you love on its original format, playable with the proper controllers, on the original system. That's not elitism, it's knowing what you want from games and going direct to the source.

Thats exactly the same as buying a launch console, yet something that you termed as being elitism.

Lol, is it? So six months after SVC Chaos comes out, I can wander into GAME and pick up a copy, can I? On the Neo Geo?

Modern consoles and the games for them can be bought in this country, and most times the machines modded to play foreign titles (with the exception of the recalcitrant Nintendo). Owning a PAL Messiahed PS2 or chipped PAL Xbox is a much more sensible idea than getting an import machine, is it not?

I don't want this to be a PAL vs NTSC debate. All I'm saying is that the PAL option is certainly not less exciting in many cases, and shouldn't be ruled out as an exciting option for many people.

[Papercut]

However maybe something could be lost within the import community. Now don't read that the wrong way, its not an "elitest" statement. What I am saying is that some of the intensity, and pioneering "spirit" of importing the console could be lost. I can remember when the super famicom was released in Japan. I didn't get one, but I can remember visiting a local games shop as seeing it. It was exciting, and interesting because it wasn't 10 a penny. Same with the PSX, and JPN Saturn launches.

Pioneering spirit? You mean having deep enough pockets surely, there's nothing "pioneering" about being the first to buy a games console. A new games console is extremely exciting and should be rejoiced, but I subscribe to the notion that buying something expensive and finding enjoyment out of the fact that you have something that others don't is nothing but elitist. You can try to wrap it up any way you please, but it is what it is.

Hmm, I agree with most of what you've said Brats, but I have to disagree here.

There is a genuine thrill to be had by having a new release as soon as possible if you are excited about it.

Getting something new just to lord it over people who really want that thing but can't afford or obtain it is crappy. Getting something new just because it's new is stupid. Getting something new to flash the cash is also pretty dumb. But those are not the only reasons for buying early.

Getting something new because you are very excited about it, and have high hopes, is great.

Heck, that seems to be what this board is all about. If I'm excited enough about a new release and get it asap, I'll post my thoughts here. If I'm interested in a new release but want to see what people think about it first, I'll wait for people to post their impressions here.

Being able to extoll the virtues of the latest and greatest to similar minded people is enjoyable to all concerned.

Why would so many people pre-order otherwise? The sensible thing to do would be to wait and see. If a new game or console is exciting enough to you, it's worth the gamble to get there first. Hard to deny that, surely?

There is also the illicit thrill of having something months before it is officially available in your region (if it even becomes available in your region) and working out how to get the latest bit of kit to work with your tv, vga monitor, router, controllers, etc. Being an 'early adopter' can be driven by sheer enthusiasm.

Working out how to get a console working in the wrong part of the world is fun, and genuinely 'pioneering'. I'm sure we're all grateful for those early adoptors who worked out how to get rgb out of a pc engine, mega drive, n64, gamecube etc. Those who told us that Japanese maracas will work with American Dreamcasts.

I wouldn't call those people elitist, just enthusiastic gamers.

Buying something like Japanese Tekki for ?230 on import is elitism if you're reasons for buying it are elitist. If you're genuinely excited about Tekki, then its not elitism, but enthusiasm.

Now, if you can afford Tekki for ?230 on import but many people can not, does that mean you shouldn't buy it out of sympathy? Of course not. Those who cannot afford to buy Tekki will no doubt still be interested in people's opinions about the game, no matter how jealous they may be

Blanket statements like 'buying a Japanese PS2 at launch is elitist' are meaningless in my opinion.

[JRMacumber]

Blanket statements like 'buying a Japanese PS2 at launch is elitist' are meaningless in my opinion.

Considering that no one has said that, I think we're okay.

[2 Point]

....when you pick up a console at japanese launch.

Just talking briefly about purchasing consoles at the Japanese launch, and it got me thinking that it is the most exciting time to be into gaming. The anticipation of the launch far exceeds any excitement for the UK launch as its brand new, unventured ground.

Previous launches without the internet were expensive - psx 600, sat 650, ps2 - 680, however now with the ability to order from overseas its no longer the case. The reduced cost means that it will be open to more people, and therefore more will take advantage. Does this mean that it will become less exciting for the true early adopter who has always done it, now that the club is less exclusive?

How do others feel? Can the excitement, and anticipation of getting your JPN launch console be surpassed? thoughts please.

1. For me it's not has never will be the most exciting time, I prefer my games to be English based so will wait for the US launch of the next console. The fact that 1 out of the 3 consoles was launched first in the US seems to have been lost. The PAL market is at the bottom of the pecking order, but those that waited for PAL consoles may have been more excited, due to the increased lead time before launch.

2. "True early adopter", yeah, whatever. That is irrelevent, when I have the console in my hands it's new, it matters not whether anyone else has it. Exclusivity means jack to me, in fact the more people with it the more fun it is, sharing is a virtue. A fool and his money...........

3. The excitement is all about the games, which probably explains why I still have my consoles.........

I think (note IMO) this thread was carefully worded to spark 'debate', bordering on trolling, the clear delineation between JPN and UK launches being compared when it is clear that the market/culture is very different. The exclusive tense and the big fish, little pond syndrome that surrounds the thread is very 2001.

[Corrupt Rose]

Buying a Japanese PS2 at Launch is elitest.

There you go, JRM.




- Corrupt Rose

[JRMacumber]

Buying a Japanese PS2 at Launch is elitest.

There you go, JRM.




- Corrupt Rose

Wonderful. Papercut, have at him.

[Corrupt Rose]

But just for the record, I think there's a fine line between rubbing people's faces in something, and genuinely being excited, and wanting to tell the world about your new favourite (and most probably quite expensive) item.

I'd imagine it's even harder to tell the difference over a forum.



- Corrupt Rose

[marcus]

Money doesnt really come into it for me, in fact it shouldnt even come into it at all as who is to say what is expensive to one person may not be so to another, its really irrellellavant, one person may pay ?500 for a console which to some may seem obscene and that the person is a fool, but so long as the person spending the money gets their value out of it in their eyes I dont see the problem. I never once regretted buying my PS2 at launch for ?500, whilst the initial outlay may of harmed by bank balance somewhat the enjoyment I got from the PS2 at that time was far more important that something material like hard cash to me.

I enjoy buying launch consoles as I enjoy being a part of the whole console-launch thing, sharing thoughts on it with others on forums (particularly with the PS2 launch), having friends come over to check out the new hardware which for many will be the first time they have seen the console in the flesh also are just a few of the factors.

I find it a shame that early adopters are sometimes branded "elitest" (Im not sure what point of this thread that term was mentioned, but its here nonetheless) and whilst that doesnt bother me I think its a shame that people perceive others to be this way simply because they enjoy buying into new hardware as soon as its available for whatever reason(s).

There are of course those who enjoy "boasting" to others about what they own, and fair enough thats trivial and pointless, but in terms of this forum at least (far) more often than not I see people just being enthusiastic about their hobby, as opposed to these "elitest" gamers we so often hear about. Thankfully.

[2 Point]

But just for the record, I think there's a fine line between rubbing people's faces in something, and genuinely being excited, and wanting to tell the world about your new favourite (and most probably quite expensive) item.

I'd imagine it's even harder to tell the difference over a forum.



- Corrupt Rose

I would agree, yet it is easy to spot when said persons decry the excitement and enjoyment of 'late adopters' by claiming their excitement is in some way superior.

[Corrupt Rose]

I would agree, yet it is easy to spot when said persons decry the excitement and enjoyment of 'late adopters' by claiming their excitement is in some way superior.

That is of course the fatal chink in my arguementitive armour. People who act like that, though, are generally putting their actions (in this case 'early adoption') high up on a pedistal because of a lack of other viable pastimes, and thus need to lord it over what they do know.

I'm fairly convinced that Pathological Elitism is just indicative of a fear of the world at large.

You don't see too much of it, though, and if I do, I don't comment on it. I made the mistake of wading into that sort of debate too early after joining this forum.


- Corrupt Rose

[Brats]

Hmm, I agree with most of what you've said Brats, but I have to disagree here.

There is a genuine thrill to be had by having a new release as soon as possible if you are excited about it.

Getting something new just to lord it over people who really want that thing but can't afford or obtain it is crappy. Getting something new just because it's new is stupid. Getting something new to flash the cash is also pretty dumb. But those are not the only reasons for buying early.

Getting something new because you are very excited about it, and have high hopes, is great.

Heck, that seems to be what this board is all about. If I'm excited enough about a new release and get it asap, I'll post my thoughts here. If I'm interested in a new release but want to see what people think about it first, I'll wait for people to post their impressions here.

Being able to extoll the virtues of the latest and greatest to similar minded people is enjoyable to all concerned.

Why would so many people pre-order otherwise? The sensible thing to do would be to wait and see. If a new game or console is exciting enough to you, it's worth the gamble to get there first. Hard to deny that, surely?

There is also the illicit thrill of having something months before it is officially available in your region (if it even becomes available in your region) and working out how to get the latest bit of kit to work with your tv, vga monitor, router, controllers, etc. Being an 'early adopter' can be driven by sheer enthusiasm.

Working out how to get a console working in the wrong part of the world is fun, and genuinely 'pioneering'. I'm sure we're all grateful for those early adoptors who worked out how to get rgb out of a pc engine, mega drive, n64, gamecube etc. Those who told us that Japanese maracas will work with American Dreamcasts.

I wouldn't call those people elitist, just enthusiastic gamers.

Buying something like Japanese Tekki for ?230 on import is elitism if you're reasons for buying it are elitist. If you're genuinely excited about Tekki, then its not elitism, but enthusiasm.

Now, if you can afford Tekki for ?230 on import but many people can not, does that mean you shouldn't buy it out of sympathy? Of course not. Those who cannot afford to buy Tekki will no doubt still be interested in people's opinions about the game, no matter how jealous they may be

Blanket statements like 'buying a Japanese PS2 at launch is elitist' are meaningless in my opinion.

I totally agree with what you say and I think we're coming from exactly the same point of view. Your third and fourth paragraphs sum up where I'm coming from very succinctly. If I buy something new, hell I'll excited, I'll post on these boards and get wrapped up in the fervour as much as anyone else. What I won't do though is get enjoyment from the fact that I'm one of a lucky few.

I have already said that there is something very exciting about getting a launch console for the reasons you explain. Where I disagree with comments implied elsewhere in this thread is that as more people are able to own launch consoles that the feeling of excitement will lesson because of the lack of exclusivity. It's a thinly veiled attempt to say "importing was more exciting when only the hardcore could do it, not just Mr Joe Average".

It's a bit like the sad sacks who always wibble on about Ibiza not being as good as it was. **** Off I say, Ibiza is arguably better now than it ever was (if you know the right places to go), it's just that some elitist twats like to hark on about how it was better "back in '89" just like no doubt some twats will say importing was better "back in the days of the PS2".

Enjoy the product, not the status that the product brings.

I find it a shame that early adopters are sometimes branded "elitest" (Im not sure what point of this thread that term was mentioned, but its here nonetheless) and whilst that doesnt bother me I think its a shame that people perceive others to be this way simply because they enjoy buying into new hardware as soon as its available for whatever reason(s).

No, no, no, no, no, no, NO!

People are not being labelled elitist for being early adopters. People are being labelled elitist for a feeling of superiority over those less fortunate than them. Funny enough, it's the elitest people who seem unable to spot this huge difference.

[marcus]

In that case so am I elitest?

[Brats]

About the pioneering comment, I can see what is meant by those early adopters who pioneer modfications and check to see if different peripherals works together and so on. What I fail to see is how if there are more early adopters how this will be dimished?

I think "pioneering" is a little strong as a word though. Adventurous might be more appropriate, but only to a very select few people. How many people here besides people like Saur can honestly say that they have made a difference to others gamers lives by being an early adopter?

Some of the comments on here imply that all early adopters are pioneers, whereas in reality very few are. The rest of us are just bystanders and whether you own a launch console or not makes not own jot of difference.

[Brats]

In that case so am I elitest?

If you gain satisfaction from owning something that others do not, then yes you are. If you just enjoy the console for what it is, then no.