Gaming Help Importing 3DS Game from Japan

[Wellington2k]

Hey!
Now that RegionFour has been released, I'm really considering importing Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus for the 3DS. I love the Rhythm Heaven series (I'm a big fan of the GBA one), and this game looks pretty darn awesome. It even has remakes of the original GBA games!

First off, I assume it will work with my U.S. New 3DS XL on 9.7 and Cubic Ninja with RegionFour. I know I can't be sure if the game will work, since it doesn't release till June 11th, but I can't see why it wouldn't.

Secondly, I'd like to order it from Amazon.jp, since you get a microfiber pouch with it!
Of course, they won't ship this to the U.S., but I've heard that there are some companies that will receive the package and ship it to you. What are the cheapest ones that do this? It'll cost roughly $45 for the game alone, so I want to keep the shipping price as low as possible.

IN SHORT: I want to import a 3DS game from Amazon Japan. What's the best and cheapest company that'll get it to the States?

 

[Wowfunhappy]

I use Tenso.co.jp to buy from Amazon Japan. They're pretty great.

You'll have to verify your identity with them, which is a major pain, but it's required by Japanese law so there's no way around it.

Shipping times vary depending on how long you're willing to wait. If you don't mind waiting 2+ weeks you should be able to do it for only $10 extra.

 

[Wellington2k]

I use Tenso.co.jp to buy from Amazon Japan. They're pretty great.

I checked out their site, and it seems pretty simple to use. I just wish I didn't have to put my credit card information into the account, but I guess I could try to use a prepaid visa (if that's possible).

You'll have to verify your identity with them, which is a major pain, but it's required by Japanese law so there's no way around it.

What exactly does that entail?

Shipping times vary depending on how long you're willing to wait. If you don't mind waiting 2+ weeks you should be able to do it for only $10 extra.

I don't mind waiting at all. Is it $10 shipping no matter what it is? If not, is there a way to estimate the cost depending on the weight?
Also, do they automatically take the money from the credit card account whenever they receive a package to your address?

 

[MeisterFenster]

You could use play-asia, 40$+Shipping.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

What exactly does that entail?

You need to submit a document, or multiple documents, that provide proof of identification. I don't remember exactly what the requirements are. It's not that hard.

I don't mind waiting at all. Is it $10 shipping no matter what it is? If not, is there a way to estimate the cost depending on the weight?

Nope. I just remember it costing around $10 when I bought some faceplates and a screen protector. I'd image a game would be about the same size and weight.

There's a template on their site that will help you estimate prices. Annoyingly, however, it's difficult to know for sure how much it will cost until after they receive your package.

Also, do they automatically take the money from the credit card account whenever they receive a package to your address?

Nope! They just won't send it until you pay. Also, they accept Paypal if you prefer that for whatever reason.

 

[Wellington2k]

You could use play-asia, 40$+Shipping.

Wow. I can't believe I didn't think of them first.
It looks like it would end up being $45 with shipping. Not bad. Not bad at all.

The only issue is that Amazon Japan gives you the microfiber pouch. But... if it's going to cost $45 + $10 for shipping to the US... It makes me wonder if the pouch is worth $10.

Nope! They just won't send it until you pay. Also, they accept Paypal if you prefer that for whatever reason.

Do you have to provide credit card or paypal information when signing up?

 

[fatsquirrel]

You might as well get a Rythm Tengoku for Wii, it looks completely the same

 

[Wellington2k]

You might as well get a Rythm Tengoku for Wii, it looks completely the same

Actually, it takes the games from the GBA, DS, and Wii version, and adds new games as well.

 

[fatsquirrel]

I see...when I watched trailer on Nintendo announcement, I only saw mini games from the Wii version in it. My bad

 

[Wellington2k]

I think I'm going to wait until a month after the release to see if they'll localize it. If not, I'm going for it on Play-Asia. I wish I had some kind of coupon, but it seems you have to purchase something before you can get one. :\

 

[Sheimi]

nippon-yasan is a good site.

 

[Wellington2k]

nippon-yasan is a good site.

Looks like they don't do pre-orders (at least not for the game I'm looking for).
I'm in no rush, though. So I'll definitely keep an eye on Nippon-Yasan, Play-Asia, and eBay after the release.