It was nice knowing you, Play-Asia: Amazon Japan now shipping (some) games and game systems to North America

OK, so that first bit of the headline above is a bit much. I don't really think Amazon Japan finally giving Americans and other foreigners the thumbs up to buy and internationally ship games and systems will result in the shuttering of import shops like Play-Asia. Nor do I want that to happen.

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if this surprising change of heart puts a dent in the business companies like AmiAmi, Play-Asia and other game importers are able to do.

Will it prompt me to alter my own online shopping habits? I'm not sure.



As far as I'm aware, the change only offers international shipping to foreigners who want to buy games and systems Amazon Japan itself stocks and sells. In other words, if you live outside of Japan and the game or system you've got your eye on is "fulfilled by Amazon" or is sold by a third-party vendor, you're out of luck.

As such, I'll probably buy the occasional current or current-ish game from Amazon Japan, but I'll also continue to buy games and systems from the North American Amazon site, AmiAmi, eBay and other online shops--depending on which actually has what I want in stock and which gives me the best price.

How about you? Do any of you think you'll turn your back on some of the online shops I've mentioned here and instead import games and systems from Amazon Japan from now on? Or will you continue to go to places like AmiAmi and Play-Asia for your Japanese gaming needs?