Are there less import players now?

[chipsgravy]

I remember when I joined up to these boards it was almost frowned upon to own a UK pal console. Slower speeds, borders, and long wait times were the reason that most of us imported. However now I get the impression that the majority of NTSC-UKers are playing on UK machines. I can understand why if thats the case. Lots of region free games. Most games either HD or 60hz. Long localisation delays almost a thing of the past. I know I still cannot bring myself to buy a UK console. Which is silly really.

Am I right or are most of us here still playing on imported hardware?

[Roddie]

There definitely seem to be more people here on PAL consoles these days, but there are still good amount with NTSC ones. Think, like myself, a lot of us have a mix of regions. I've got a PAL and a JPN Wii, and just a PAL PS3 since the games are region-free for it.

[JP]

I used to generally buy UK consoles and chip them myself.

I don't think that there is the same divide that there used to be though. The newer consoles output in multiple formats and I use HD now so that's not an issue anyway.

I no longer have the patience to be messing around with different power leads and stuff and it can now be quicker to buy UK games than to ship them over here.

It's a pain for the 360 & Wii if you have to wait for games over here but most of my PS3 games are either US or JP due to it being region free.

I will get my Wii chipped but I'm still waiting for a definitive chip for PAL users at the moment.

[Lyris]

Are there less import players now?

I think so, but don't understand why. Europe is treated slightly better now, but I don't understand why people would ever pass up dealing with Nintendo of America over Nintendo of Europe, or cheap US$ prices.

[DeathAdder]

I've been thinking the same thing, especially when looking at the sales threads. Most games sold on the home consoles now seem to be PAL

[spagmasterswift]

Interesting thread, set a poll up!

I only import Wii and DS games now...

[fishbowlhead]

microsoft did well with the xbox and 360 when it came to release date so didnt bother with import xbox consoles.

chiped ps2 was invaluable on the other hand for geting games early and games that never made it to pal land.

ps3 is multi regoin so no point in chipping or importing a console.

[Rossco]

Yeah should do a poll to see what people spend the majority of their money on!

I'm only importing for Wii just now, 360 is PAL and dont have a PS3 but would import when/if I get one!

[importaku]

Its those evil Pal gamers infiltrating the ranks (lol im kidding honest )

Think the 360 has done a lot to show the virtues of pal gaming, if i ever get a domestic console it will probably be a 360 & coming from me thats a huge compliment.

As for nintendo it's buisness as usual, i only ever buy jpn stuff so its pretty much normal for me so its not a hassle.

[Lyris]

ps3 is multi regoin so no point in chipping or importing a console.

Unless you're using it for Blu-ray movies that is... funny how we solve one problem and then they go and invent another

[MattyD]

Interesting thread, set a poll up!

I only import Wii and DS games now...

Rather tellingly, that's all I import as well. Nintendo are the only company still lagging behind in the dark ages as far as release delays and 50/60hz issues go. Importing with the other machines is barely necessary unless it's to save a few quid over the UK prices with cheap Asian versions as they're generally either region free or released within days of other versions anyway.

[Fuddle]

i got a pal 360 as microsoft seem to be pretty good. and will be getting a pal ps3, partly due to region free games and it being a pain to actually get a jpn console sent to the uk.

wii is american, and ds/psp are a combination of whatever is out first/cheapest... which is hardly ever a uk version.

[John Beaulieu]

Nintendo Europe are normally way behind other territories in releasing games - hence why more people will import Wii and DS titles ... Sony isn't that much better

MS normally release their bigger titles within a week or so in all territories - so the only reason to purchase them on import is to save money

[JohnMcL7]

Interesting topic, I've always had PAL consoles although I have been thinking about a US Wii as VG+ seem to have a reasonable package at 175 with Metroid plus postage and presumably VAT.

John

[Kubrick]

360 is the only console I buy PAL games for.

The PSP/PS3 might also be region-free but I'll never buy a PAL game for them. I refuse to give SCEE any money on principle due to their bully-boy tactics against importers.