Important Importables: Deciding which version of a PSP game to import

Ever shopped at your favorite import site, let’s say Play-Asia, and come across more than one version of a game? For example, if you look up Dissidia: Final Fantasy at that site, you’ll come up with two different versions of the same game. One for Japan, one for Asia.

If you changed your mind, and decided you wanted Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon, you’d see listings for not only Japanese and Asian versions, but for a Korean version as well.

Aside from the obvious price difference (Asian versions of games tend to be cheaper), you’re probably wondering what else differs among versions. Important Importables has you covered, as this week offers a general look at what each version does and doesn’t provide. While this guide is geared towards PSP releases (since I haven’t personally imported PS3 or Xbox 360 games), it may apply to other consoles with Asia or Korean versions of games.

Japanese Version

1. These are Region 2 games. Bear in mind, if you have a region-free console like a PSP or DS, you don’t need to worry about this.
2. Japanese version games typically cost more than ones from Asia or Korea. The price difference is usually between $4 and $10.
3. The instruction book and box text will be in Japanese.
4. The game will be in Japanese. Occasionally a second language option will be available, but this is rare and a game will state if it has an additional language option.
5. Japanese version games with downloadable content will require you to use the Japanese version of the store. So, say you bought Prinny: Ore ga Shujinkou de Iinsuka? online. You can’t buy the DLC levels from the US PlayStation Store.

Asia Version

1. These are Region 3 games. Again, this is a non-issue with region-free consoles and handhelds.
2. The Asian versions of games are always less expensive. For example, at Play-Asia the new Bokukou Monogatari is $54.90 for the Japanese version and $48.90 for the Asia version.
3. The instruction manual and box text will be in Chinese.
4. Asia versions of games will almost always come with an Operations Sheet – a special pamphlet in English that explains how to play the game. For example, Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable and the Idolm@ster SP games all come with said pamphlet.
5. The game will be in Japanese. Occasionally, the Asia version of a game will have an additional language option that wasn’t included in the Japanese version – most likely English.
6. In the case of PSP games with DLC, users will have to use a Hong Kong, Taiwan or Singapore account at the applicable PlayStation Store to purchase and use downloadable content.
7. Asia versions of games may not be part of special preorder deals.

Korean Version

1. These are Region 3 games.
2. The price for Korean version games varies, but they tend to cost as much as the Asian versions. Sometimes, the Korean version of games are even cheaper than the Asian versions.
3. The instruction manual and box text will be in Korean.
4. Occasionally, Korean versions of games will come with an English Operations Sheet like Asia versions, but it isn’t a guaranteed addition. For example, Audition Portable came with one, but Pump It Up Portable didn’t.
5. The game’s language depends on the game. If it is an original Korean game, by a Korean company and developer, it will be in Korean. If it is an import of a Japanese game, it will likely be in Japanese. On top of that, many Korean games also have an English language option (DJ Max Portable, Audition Portable, Pump it Up Portable, etc.). Before you buy a Korean version game, check to see what language it offers.
6. Some games are only available in Korean versions, like DJ Max Portable: Black Square and Clazziquai, Audition Portable and Glorace: Phantastic Carnival.

It comes down to this – if you’re going to get a PSP game and you’re not worried about downloadable content, go with the Asia version of a game. It’s the same as the Japanese version, it should be out at the same time and it will be less expensive.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Japan has many different adaptations of Journey to the West, and next week Important Importables will look at some of the video game adaptations.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables talked about Battle Royale.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]