Gaming Japanese import question

[babelfish]

So I decided to import my first Japanese GBA game, a copy of Fire Emblem 6. I ordered from Play-Asia, whom I heard was very reliable, and it arrived very quickly and it in perfect condition. However, the game arrived with no shrink wrap on it, although they listed the game as new

So I was hoping that someone here with importing experience can tell me if this is just the norm in Japan, or did I get sold a used copy?

Thanks guys

 

[Awdofgum]

Used or not. If it works then you are set.
You also stated that it was in perfect condition so it either must be new or Japanese people really take care of their games.

 

[BoneMonkey]

well the game is new to you right ?

 

[Triforce]

You have nothing to worry about, the game will be brand new. I know it sounds strange but Japanese GBA games dont come shrink wrapped period. I must have got around 15 brand new GBA imports and none of them were ever factory sealed.

And the best way to tell if a cart has been used is by looking at the pins for scratches.

 

[nephdj]

iv seen gba shrink wrapped games, only a few

 

[Triforce]

Just to put you at ease babelfish, ive ordered a couple of GBA games directly from jpn through a japanese friend of mine that owns an import shop in London. Even those games never came shrinked. But all my GC and DS games have been factory sealed. So i guess its just the GBA that gets left out for some games, i dunno

 

[babelfish]

Thanks for the info Triforce, I do feel quite better now

I figured that it was new, as the box looked unopened (there are no creases/bend marks on the box flaps where the game slides out), but I just wanted a confirmation none-the-less.

Funny thing is I have no intention of opening it, as I only purchased it so that I have it in my collection. I already have the translation patched version of the game on my M3, which I can actually understand

I've just been on this morality kick lately and decided that if I want it on my M3, I should actually own it. Glad that I do too cause it's one helluva game!

Thanks again for putting my mind at ease guys

 

[VmprHntrD]

Yah up until this generation of stuff Nintendo hasn't shrinkwrapped their games. I've received new Super Famicom, GBC and GBA things and never once were they wrapped up all tightly. My guess is that people there, honor bound and all that, and traditionally a low crime society as well just didn't see the point in wrapping up stuff. A lot of basic things like these over there just come in a box hung up or on a shelf.