The surprising availability of the PlayStation 3 in both the U.S. and Japan has been well documented — although they do appear to be selling in Tokyo, albeit at a rather more sedate pace than perhaps predicted.
Yet despite this, and the fact that the new PlayStation is region free for gaming, one optimistic Akihabara outlet has outrageously opted to try and sell an imported PS3 for the truly preposterous price of 128,000 yen (1,082 dollars) — just over double the price of an identical Japanese machine.
Needless to say it remains unsold.
Tempted?
(click image for higher-res rip-off)
James says
Is there a difference between the regional versions of the PS3, or would Japanese gamers have no problem loading up their games on an American PS3?
Lee says
As far as games go James, Japanese games work on a U.S. PS3, and vice versa.
Marty says
Has the Wii come out in Japan yet? If so, are its sales and buzz attention out-pacing the PS3 by a large number as is the case in North Amercia?
Lee says
Yeah, the Wii was out here shortly after the North America release. I can’t quote any figures, but there definitely seems to be much more of a buzz surrounding the Wii.
A point proven by the readily available PS3s and the constantly sold out Wiis…
albert says
A friend just came back from Tokio yesterday. He checked and says that it is impossible to get a PS3 at a normal price there. But I keep on reading this blogs trashing PS3 for a thousand reasons and same games reviewed for 360 get a noticebly higher score than the almost identical PS3 version. Then I think twice and most if not all of these sites are American. Sure are there only the Japanese that have a bias towards home country made stuff?
Please, provide OBJECTIVE news. Or at least try it. This is becoming as annoying as reading BusinessWeek articles on Boeing vs Airbus.
Eric at Paris Daily Photo says
I’m just dropping in to wish you a Happy New Year! No need to buy me the Playstation for Christmas however! Hope it’s a great 2007 for you!
Lee says
Thanks Eric. Happy New Year to you too. Keep those photos coming!
Albert, I think you have the wrong site as that was my first mention of the PS3 since its launch. Also, I don’t know where your friend went, but PS3s are plentiful in Tokyo. All at the regular retail price too.
Smallbrainfield says
The Wii just looks like more fun at half the price. Nintendo are all about games, whereas Sony have been hamstrung by production and legal issues coupled with an all too cocky atitude while trying to launch something big and bouncy. Nintendo just looked at what was already lying around and said let’s see what we can do with this.
Sony launched too early. It’s too expensive and blu ray is unproven in the market. People are cautious. And cynical about Sony.
Be a shame if it flops, it sounds like a decent piece of kit.
Ryo says
The main difference between the US to the JP PS3 is that the US PS3 will be able to play american PS2/PS1 games while the JP is capable of playing NTSC-J games only.
Last but not least, does anyone know where can I find an American WII in tokyo? I have the japanese version but it irritates me with no english support at all.
Nasal says
Hello, good day guys.. Look.. I’m looking forward to buy a 60GB American PS3. I was searching and all stuff, compatibility with ps2 and ps1 games etc.. But i really wanted to know.. if i buy an american PS3.. and i want to play a japanese game (for ex: i like anime and in 1 month in japan will be the realease of one of my favorite anime games) and i want to buy.. i was searching in playasia.com (like amazon.com but asian) and game was in pre order but said: For Asians Sytems Only.. how the hel* can i play that game i really want to? do i need to wait until america release an american version of the game or something? can my american ps3 read that complete japanese game? (it woudl be in japanese but i dont care).. So? do i need to wait? Waiting for ur help plz.. Thanks in advance..