Nintendo full download games and importing

[kryss]

So I happened across something that set me thinking.

How can importers charge their inflated prices if the items are also available electronically?

What happened was, I saw this:

http://www.play-asia.com/Tobidase_Doubutsu_no_Mori/paOS-13-71-18m-49-jp-70-54q3.html

The PA listing of 3DS Animal Crossing, out on November 8th in Japan - for $59.99, when the retail price is 4800yen. As near as damn it the same price.

The digital download will be the same price and available almost instantly, without the wait for the postman or the delay caused by weather, etc. Yes, there will always be people who want the physical object, but digital is here to stay.

[importaku]

I'd rather pay more for a cart than some digital file that nintendo puts stupid restrictions on. They are the worst when it comes to digital distribution, the main reason why i no longer buy anything of theirs off the estores.

Lose your 3DS and want to get your purchases back, tough **** pay us again.

[noobish hat]

Animal Crossing 3D looks wank anyway.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Animal Crossing 3D looks wank anyway.

While I wouldn't go that far myself, I don't particularly care for the Animal Crossing games - never have.

Would much rather digital download versions of games like Project X Zone - surely that would make localization easier/more viable if there was no need to make physical copies?

[importaku]

No it just means distribution is locked down to one source. Digital only comes with a load of DRM bollocks which has plagued pc gaming. It's already creeping into console gaming too.

[Neon Ignition]

Depends on if you plan on keeping hold of the game as well, physical imports carry resell value which can offset the costs so in many instances it's still worth the import.

[noobish hat]

While I wouldn't go that far myself, I don't particularly care for the Animal Crossing games - never have.

Would much rather digital download versions of games like Project X Zone - surely that would make localization easier/more viable if there was no need to make physical copies?

I'm a huge fan of Animal Crossing on the gamecube, but the Wii, DS, and now the 3DS versions are taking the piss. They make no substantial changes, and a lot of the small changes they do make seriously detract from the perfect GC version. As far as I'm concerned, the series has grown worse with every sequel. Totakeke is now a DJ? Are they ****ing serious? What's next? Are we going to have Animal Crossing Wii U, with KK as a hip hop douche, rapping about bitches and bling? Well done, Nintendo. You've really capitalised on the laid back small village feel of the original. *slow clap*

[importaku]

Have to agree it has gotten worseR with each new version. The e+ version is still my fave out of them all.

[Nu-Eclipse]

No it just means distribution is locked down to one source. Digital only comes with a load of DRM bollocks which has plagued pc gaming. It's already creeping into console gaming too.

Depends on if you plan on keeping hold of the game as well, physical imports carry resell value which can offset the costs so in many instances it's still worth the import.

Normally I wouldn't argue with such points, but surely the fact that the 3DS is region-locked in terms of both hardware and software renders both these points irrelevant, no?

[importaku]

It's even worse now as theres the extra problem of region locking. But yeah i kind of realise that it's a moot point as that alone stops most from importing physical games now that you need matching region hardware now. Now that Nintendo has region locked handhelds too they won't ever go back.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Nintendo has region locked handhelds too they won't ever go back.

I'm inclined to agree with that, and I find that sad considering that they pioneered region-free handheld gaming.