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Play-Asia reveals new Mad Catz FightSticks [update]

by JC Fletcher { Jul 15th 2009 at 2:35PM }

[Update: Mad Catz let us know that these sticks are, as the Play-Asia reveal may suggest, being released in Asia, beyond the scope of the company's Street Fighter IV licensing deal.]

The FightSticks released by Mad Catz alongside Street Fighter IV were surprising, to say the least, for Mad Catz products: despite some early technical issues, the Tournament Edition FightStick for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 is by far the highest-quality arcade stick available in North America. The only problem, of course, is that they aren't always available. The sticks were produced in extremely limited numbers and initial shipments sold out quickly.

We're very happy, then, to see new Tournament Edition FightSticks for PS3 and Xbox available for pre-order on import retailer Play-Asia. These sticks don't have any Street Fighter IV artwork, but otherwise they look identical -- and adding your own artwork isn't that complicated. According to Play-Asia, the sticks will be available Q4 for $149.90.

[Thanks, John Doe!]

PixelJunk Monsters may shrink to UMD this June

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 22nd 2009 at 4:30PM }

Import retailer Play-Asia has listed a June release for the upcoming PSP version of PixelJunk Monsters. The handheld version of the popular tower defense game will feature all the content found in the PS3 game ... and then some. Considering the PSP game will be a full UMD release over in Asia, it's going to need a lot of content to justify its non-budget price.

It'll be interesting to see how SCEA decides on distributing the game here in America. echochrome released as a full UMD game in Asia, but released as a PlayStation Network exclusive here. Perhaps a similar solution will be implemented here.

[Via PSPHyper]

Rumor: Japanese retailers leak Space Invaders Extreme 2

by Griffin McElroy { Jan 25th 2009 at 6:00PM }

A recent listing on Play-Asia has fans of tightly arranged, slowly approaching extraterrestrials buzzing with glee. According to the retailer (as well as a handful of other Japanese games dealers), Space Invaders Extreme 2, which hasn't even been confirmed by prospective developer Taito, is set to drop in Japan on March 26, 2009. These listings fire off a few of the title's new features, including new boss formations, enhanced multiplayer modes, and much to the delight of the grandmas among us, a "bingo system".

We're still calling this a rumor until Taito either confirms or denies it, but with several sites showing the same drop date, and with retailers divulging what seems like fairly believable gameplay features, we wouldn't be surprised if the listings are on the level.

How much?! Importers charging several arms and legs for DSi [update]

by Chris Greenhough { Oct 24th 2008 at 2:00PM }

Click to enter our DSi gallery.

When the Nintendo DSi launches on November 1st, it will cost Japanese consumers ¥18,900, or the equivalent of $200 at current exchange rates. Alas, import stores apparently didn't get that memo. Earlier this week, YesAsia was one of the first major importers to open its DSi preorder scheme, demanding an eye-watering price of $299.99 for Nintendo's upgraded handheld. That's a 50% rise on what you'd pay on a Japanese high street.

Since then, others have followed suit, with Play-Asia opening its preorders yesterday at the same price. A quick scan of Google's Shopping channel turned up the following offers (bear in mind the top three will also add shipping costs):

YesAsia.com: $299.99
Play-Asia.com: $299.99
Model-Gadget.com: $272.29
Gadget-Asia.com: $318.30 (free shipping)

Egads! It appears importers, rather than Nintendo, are dictating prices here, and even though the likes of Renchi have yet to start offering preorders, we can assume they will also be pricing the systems at roughly $300. Anybody still tempted?

Update: Renchi has now updated its DSi preorder page: they're offering handhelds for $298, but reserve the right to make price adjustments based on demand. That doesn't sound good.

Gallery: Nintendo DSi

Deal: 25% off imports at Play-Asia

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 12th 2008 at 3:00PM }

Both the PSP and PS3 have incredibly generous region settings, which allow you to play games from all around the world -- no mod chips required. Importing games for both of Sony's platforms is easy, and Play-Asia's sale makes it even easier. Right now, they're providing 25% off all of their in-stock items. Here's our recommendations:

PS3

Battle Fantasia - $42
DualShock 3 (white) - $45

PSP

Deal: 25% off imports at Play-Asia

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 12th 2008 at 3:00PM }

Battle Fantasia - $42
~~DualShock 3 (white)~~ - $45 (out of stock)

PSP

Play-Asia's Summer Sale makes importing cheap ... well, cheaper

by Candace Savino { Jul 11th 2008 at 10:00PM }

Our wallets sighed in relief after finding out about a Play-Asia sale, and then ran away screaming once they realized that we were now tempted to import the entire store. If you import games as well, now's an opportune time at the online retailer, and if you don't, there's no better time to start. Play-Asia is currently having its annual Summer Sale, which started today and ends on July 20th. This means that every in-stock item is 25% off -- beautiful.

Even after just one day of sales, many coveted items have already gone out of stock. There's still a lot to be had, though, so make sure not to put your importing off for too long.

[Via Gemaga]

Archaic Sale Heat: SRPG import for $11

by Eric Caoili { Jul 9th 2008 at 4:15PM }

Now might not be the best time to order a Japanese copy of Archaic Sealed Heat, what with E3 right around the corner and a U.S. localization likely, but Play Asia is doing its best to convince us otherwise! The import online shop is selling copies of the gorgeous Mistwalker-developed title for only $11.90 (plus s/h). The deal lasts until next Monday, too, so they're giving us a lot of time to talk ourselves into it.

As far as SRPGs go, you really can't find anything cheaper! Well, unless you pick up Square Enix's iPod-exclusive Song Summoner for $4.99.

We kind of want to buy Crazy Climber Wii now

by JC Fletcher { Apr 9th 2008 at 6:00PM }

At full price, the Wii remake of the fossilized arcade game Crazy Climber was a ridiculous proposition. But at $18.90, it's ... a ridiculous proposition that we're actually considering, which, we suppose, makes us ridiculous. Maybe even crazy.

But that's the situation Play-Asia has put us, and no doubt others faced with similar, uncomfortable feelings of casual Crazy Climber interest, into with their weekly deal. For this week only, Nihon Bussan's Crazy Climber Wii is marked down from $60 to $18.90. Of course, you'll need a Freeloader or a Japanese Wii in order to play this, so it's a bit less of an impulse purchase than it would seem.

Rumor: Freeloader not compatible with Mario Kart Wii

by Candace Savino { Apr 8th 2008 at 5:00PM }

If you tried importing the Japanese version of Mario Kart Wii to Europe or the U.S. in order to get your copy early, you may have received this message from Play-Asia: "We received the first small delivery today for testing and unfortunately we have to inform you, that the game is not compatible with the Datel Freeloader (US and PAL Version)."

However, we've heard from NWF reader Nils that this isn't true, and an imported copy of Mario Kart has worked just fine on his Wii (we're still waiting to hear back on what version he imported). Still, we're sure Play-Asia wouldn't make such things up, since this will only lead to the site losing sales. So, at this point, just be cautious with your imports, and let's hope that Datel's Freeloader isn't outdated already.

We'll update the post if we find or hear more accounts from Mario Kart Wii importers, so be sure to tip us if you've tried it first hand.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

[Via Go Nintendo]

Get cheap Freeloader fodder at Play-Asia

by JC Fletcher { Mar 27th 2008 at 4:00PM }

Play-Asia has just started their "Easter Egg" sale, which is actually a sale on video games (though Play-Asia may sell you an egg if you ask). Most of the things they sell (released more than 30 days ago) are 20% off. The Freeloader isn't included, but lots of import games to play using the Freeloader are. It may be a little harder to find excellent deals on the Wii, as opposed to something like the DS which is bursting with deals, but we've found a few interesting items in our brief browse.

Shikigami no Shiro III - $35.92
Mario Strikers Charged - $19.92
Miburi & Teburi - $39.92
Crazy Climber Wii - $31.92
Oneechanbara Revolution - $ 47.92
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (US version) - $39.92
And, why not, Fishing Rod Advance - $3.19

It's definitely worth looking around yourself. Play-Asia's selection is vast.

Import your games for cheap during Play-Asia's Easter Egg Sale

by Candace Savino { Mar 27th 2008 at 12:45PM }

If you're keen on importing games, it seems like there's no better time than now. Play-Asia is having an "Easter Egg Sale," which means that all in-stock items that weren't released in the past thirty days are 20% off. The sale ends on March 31st, but you might not even want to wait that long, as items are going out of stock quickly. Some games that might be worth picking up:

Ouendan 2 -- $24 (it's been on sale before, but $24 is the cheapest we've seen it)
Taiko no Tatsujin - $39 (you've gotta love the cute little Taiko drum)
Arkanoid DS w/ Paddle Controller - $39 (yes, this is being localized for Europe and likely NA, but it's not too bad of a deal if you're impatient)
Paddle Controller - $16 (or, you can just get this -- currently only available in pink)
Archaic Sealed Heat - $16 (not the most import friendly, but you should be able to get by on a tactics title -- especially for this price)
Power Pro Kun Professional Baseball - $23 (one of the best baseball options for the DS)
Choushoujuu Mecha MG - $16 (mmm, mechas)
Daigasso! Band Brothers - $39 (another good rhythm game, with lots of instruments included)

Feel free to add any of your own import recommendations in the comments below.

[Via CAG]

Get a small Game Boy for a smallish price

by JC Fletcher { Mar 11th 2008 at 2:15PM }

The Game Boy Micro is pretty much obsolete, outpaced by the DS and DS Lite in functionality. But the DS has yet to catch up in the "being ridiculously tiny" department, and lacks the important "being in the Nintendo Famicom controller color scheme" feature that one edition of the Micro offers.

Play-Asia is offering the Japanese Famicom edition of the Game Boy Micro for $60 this week, marked down from their usual price of $100. This may be just the thing if you want to be able to play It's Mr. Pants, but your actual pants are too tight for a DS Lite.

Exchange twin Hamiltons for Twin Age

by Eric Caoili { Mar 4th 2008 at 1:30PM }

Playing import games can be an expensive hobby, but online shops like Play Asia provide some relief for your wallet, hosting frequent sales for Japan-only titles normally priced at $50+. This latest deal is for Summon Night: Twin Age (or Twin Edge, depending on where you look), an ARPG from Banpresto that makes ample use of the DS's touchscreen for moving and attacking with your characters.

GameFAQs has a helpful guide for would-be importers, and there's also a neat demo that appears on the official site if you navigate to one of its sub-pages. Play-Asia will have Twin Age available for you to grab for $19.90 while stocks last.

Gallery: Summon Night: Twin Age

Shin Sangoku Musou: Fighter's Deal

by JC Fletcher { Feb 27th 2008 at 1:30PM }

Looking for a cheap new DS game? Does it have to be good? If not, we'd like to direct you to Play-Asia's latest weekly special, the Japanese version of Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle. The importer has marked the game down to $9.90, with five days left as of this post.

The concept of the game is what makes it both somewhat of a failure in general and bizarrely compelling enough to make us curious: it starts with the extremely action-oriented Dynasty Warriors series, and adds an extra layer of, uh, card collecting to the button-mashing combat. The 3D graphics weren't terribly impressive, but who knows? If you love Dynasty Warriors, this may be a diamond in the (very) rough.