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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)
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.
_cg_oct22_kjgfdhd_thumbnail.jpg "Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars")
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
10-25-2008 @ 2:24PM
Jacksons said...
Huh? I think you're doing it wrong.
10-24-2008 @ 7:54PM
Nitroactive said...
For anyone who is looking to import, don't. Like Raytia said, it's region locked. That doesn't just apply to DSiware but also to stardard games as well. If you import a DSi you won't be able to play North American games on it and vice-versa.
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10-24-2008 @ 8:27PM
flameofdoom666 said...
Incorrect. DSiWare is only region locked.
10-24-2008 @ 8:29PM
chibi_wings said...
just wow. i wasn't going to import it anyway, but those prices are ridiculous. Either your filthy rich or just plain crazy to buy one at that price!
I'm still on the fence, so I'm in no hurry to get one. Come April, I will decide.
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10-24-2008 @ 11:39PM
milan said...
I bought an R4 almost immediately after I heard about the DSi, out of fear that the flash card might not work on the new system. So I have been enjoying homebrew ever since! (Plus I lost like 10 or so of my DS carts on a bus. Hell if I'm buying them all twice. Ha.)
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10-25-2008 @ 1:07AM
Josh said...
Ridiculous. There's no reason for that.
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10-25-2008 @ 8:05PM
pondocus said...
uhhh, why would anyone import region locked hardware? Especially if you have to pay half again as much as the retail cost? Is it because you just can't wait to play an imported copy of braintraining?
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10-26-2008 @ 6:21AM
J-Dawwgg said...
Why would you want to import and buy, one of theese, because other wise you will have to learn jap or something.
So why not just wait.... for it to come out where u live, and note:
DSi's are reign blocked so buy one from jap and you will have to buy the games from jap or download the games as jap....
So..... i would rather wait untill it comes out.
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10-26-2008 @ 8:59AM
nintendo.luigi said...
That's ridiculous. I'll get it when it's released in North America.
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