The Nintendo Switch has made it easier than ever for Western Nintendo fans to enjoy import-only games, and it’s a good thing, too, because there’s some fun stuff to check out! (Even if, due to so many localizations about which we will not complain, the options are still a bit slim.) Here’s your guide to what you should be playing that hasn’t made it to Western eShops.
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SNK’s Neo Geo Pocket Color is a charming handheld with a cool little click-stick and a library of games worth checking out. Want to get started on the platform? We’re here to help!
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From the makers of the Power Pros baseball series comes a… well, it’s basically Mario Golf or Hot Shots Golf! A cool late-life DS import, it released in Japan in March 2011, right as the 3DS released in Japan and too close to its US launch to have a chance in the West. Watch for more!
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As the 3DS moves into its retirement years, it’s an intriguing time to jump into the world of its imports, as it’s clearer than ever to see which games will never see Western release. Sadly, it’s not region-free, but if you take the plunge on the hardware (or explore other options), there are a lot of compelling Japan-only experiences to try, even if you don’t know the language!
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The games importing hobby can be a difficult one to get into, purely due to logistics. As always, we want to help! So here’s the rundown on systems’ barriers and specialties, to help you know where to start.
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There are many great reasons to get into retro imports: the games are generally less text-intensive, the tech’s usually easy to overcome and there’s little risk that you’ll be burned by importing something that gets localized later. So what are your best bets on the SNES? Read on!
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The Puzzle & Dragons franchise has been a great example of how to adapt a mobile hit into something that makes more sense on traditional gaming platforms. Puzzle & Dragons Z built a compelling progression scheme without relying upon gacha mechanics or pure psychological trickery, and Import Game of the Year 2016 Puzzle & Dragons X stepped up its depth and presentation to rival some of the best RPGs on the platform.
Which makes it that much more inexplicable how wildly Puzzle & Dragons Gold misses the mark.
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The Nintendo 64 is a beloved platform for players who grew up with it, serving as a pure nostalgia piece for many while perhaps being overtaken in lasting appeal by both its predecessors and successors. Still, it was a quirky era for games, and the platform’s import-only library certainly shows that with some fun, weird releases!
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If you want to import Japanese games, the WonderSwan is exactly the sort of thing that may interest you the most. It’s a regional exclusive, but it’s not a huge old computer that you can’t afford. It has franchises you may know, and many games that simply were never ported anywhere else. Oh, and it’s weird and you can carry it around with you to show people that they should talk to you about weird stuff. Read on for our recommendations!
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