Welcome to the Japanese 3DS Import Thread! Here owners of imported Japanese 3DS systems can come together and discuss the latest released games and to be released games, troubleshoot language related problems, exchange codes, or just show off their newly imported goodies!
Whether you're still unsure if a Japanese 3DS is right for you, or if you already have one and want to discuss the system or its games - you're welcome in this thread! If you're pissed off at the region lock and you're only here to rant about that, please find someplace else. We all want a region free console, but complaining about it here won't change anything about it and it will only derail the thread.
Before going over to your shopping basket and clicking the checkout button, it's important that you know what you're getting into and that you are absolutely sure that importing a Japanese system is the right choice. Is your burning desire to play Dragon Quest VII fiery enough that you can live with not being able to follow the story and missing out on all the puns?
Even if you think you can overcome the language barrier, there are other things to keep in mind as well. Importing is not cheap. Not only do you have to pay for the system itself, you also have to carefully consider your shipping options, and possibly also any import duties that can come with it.
If you're fine with all of this, then go ahead and do it! The 3DS is a wonderful system and entering the Japanese eShop for the first time is like walking through a candy shop. And admit it, you want to show off your Japan-exclusive limited edition 3DS to all your friends. It's okay, everyone in here does too.
Whether you're still unsure if a Japanese 3DS is right for you, or if you already have one and want to discuss the system or its games - you're welcome in this thread! If you're pissed off at the region lock and you're only here to rant about that, please find someplace else. We all want a region free console, but complaining about it here won't change anything about it and it will only derail the thread.
Before going over to your shopping basket and clicking the checkout button, it's important that you know what you're getting into and that you are absolutely sure that importing a Japanese system is the right choice. Is your burning desire to play Dragon Quest VII fiery enough that you can live with not being able to follow the story and missing out on all the puns?
Even if you think you can overcome the language barrier, there are other things to keep in mind as well. Importing is not cheap. Not only do you have to pay for the system itself, you also have to carefully consider your shipping options, and possibly also any import duties that can come with it.
If you're fine with all of this, then go ahead and do it! The 3DS is a wonderful system and entering the Japanese eShop for the first time is like walking through a candy shop. And admit it, you want to show off your Japan-exclusive limited edition 3DS to all your friends. It's okay, everyone in here does too.
- Don't forget that the 3DS LL, New 3DS and New 3DS LL don't come with a charger in Japan! Don't worry though, there's no need to import a Japanese charger with a converter. You can simply use a 3DS charger from your own country and it will work fine!
- Foreign credit cards actually work on the Japanese eShop. Going all digital on your import 3DS is not a bad idea as you can grab the newest releases the moment they launch on the eShop without going through the trouble of waiting for imported games to arrive at your doorstep. With the weak yen, the prices aren't all that bad either!
- You can grab a download of Club Nintendo Picross from the Japanese Club Nintendo for 80 points. If you register a handful of games, you'll be there in no time. You can also get other downloads from Club Nintendo. A Club Nintendo registration guide can be found just below.
- Don't worry about buying used games from Japan. Japanese people are generally very careful with their stuff. In most cases, you'll find that the Club Nintendo code hasn't even been used. You can save a lot of money by buying used 3DS games (on eBay, for example) and the risks are minimal.
- If you have an Android device, download the Google Translate app from the Play Store. You can take pictures of the screen and it will translate the text for you! Unfortunately this feature isn't available in the iOS version of the app, but you might find some alternatives in the app store.
- Can't read Japanese and you're having trouble navigating the eShop? There's a web version of the eShop, which may make things easier for you. Individual game listings usually contain a corresponding QR Code will take you to the store page on your 3DS, so if you can find the game you're looking for on the web version, you can also easily reach it on your 3DS.
- Looking for a list of demos? This page lists all (?) of them, along with QR Codes that will take you straight to the download page on your 3DS. You can click the orange banner with the "+" in it below the list of games to keep expanding the list.
- 3D Outrun [VC]
- Beyond the Labyrinth
- Bravely Second
- Club Nintendo Picross
- Culdcept
- Daigassou! Band Brothers P [Import OT]
Get free download codes for the Debut (trial) version of this game! - Denpa Ningen no RPG FREE! [F2P]
- Dragon Quest VII
- Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland 3D
- Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Iru to Ruka no Fushigi na Fushigi na Kagi
- E.X. Troopers
- Game Center CX: 3-Choume no Arino
- Gyakuten Saiban 123: Naruhodo Selection (retail) [English text options] (NA/EU 2014 (digital))
- Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 (NA/EU 2015)
- Inazuma Eleven 1・2・3!! Endou Mamoru Densetsu
- Inazuma Eleven GO Shine/Dark (EU 2014)
- Inazuma Eleven GO 2: Chrono Stone Neppuu/Raimei
- Inazuma Eleven GO Galaxy Big Bang/Supernova
- Monster Hunter 4G (NA/EU 2015)
- New Love Plus
- Puyo Puyo Tetris
- Senran Kagura 2: Shinku
- Slime MoriMori Dragon Quest 3: Taikaizoku to Shippo Dan
- Taiko no Tatsujin: Don to Katsu no Jikuu Daibouken
- Taiko no Tatsujin: Chibi Dragon to Fushigi na Orb
- Time Travelers
- Youkai Watch (NA/EU 2015)
- Youkai Watch 2: Ganso/Honke/Shinuchi
- ...and lots more!
The New 3DS and New 3DS LL are already available in Japan, and cost ¥16,000 and ¥18,800 respectively (excluding VAT). For all the details and specs on the new systems, please go this excellent and updated thread.
The Ultimate New Nintendo 3DS Import Shopping Spreadsheet
The spreadsheet compares prices of the New 3DS systems as well as charging stations and Cover Plates between the most popular import websites. You can compare prices in yen, euro, dollar and pounds. Currency conversion is entirely automated and calculated using recent exchange rates obtained from Google Finance.
IMPORTING DIRECTLY
Ready to buy a Japanese system? Or just looking for the best place to order some games? Here's a list of shops that we recommend.
- Play-Asia
Probably the most popular choice for most, but not necessarily the best. For pre-orders, they're known to be fast at listing newly announced items, but they're relatively more expensive than other stores. It's always worth taking a look here (their sales can be pretty good!), but make sure you're not paying more than you would at one of their competitors. Their order processing speed is also top-notch. - Nippon-yasan
Nippon-Yasan's prices can be insanely good compared to other stores and they allow you to pre-order things and pay later. They also offer a wide range of shipping options and will mark down the value of your package to avoid import duties. But it's not all rainbows and sunshine: they usually take 3 to 4 days to ship out orders (even when the items are in-stock) and their customer services reps can come off as rude, or even unhelpful. If you aren't in a hurry, it's a great place to shop, but don't expect to be treated like a princess. - Nin-Nin Game
Like Nippon-yasan, they offer a wide assortment of items at very good prices. You'll find not only new but also used games and hardware on their website, as well as special publisher-exclusive Limited Editions that can normally not be ordered from outside Japan. Lately their service quality seems to have dropped dramatically and their order processing speed as well as communication can be terrible. - amiami
Might just be the cheapest place to get your games from, but the downside is that they sell out VERY fast and they don't restock a lot of things. If you're fast, you can grab a very good deal. Be aware though that amiami doesn't let you cancel orders and they will only calculate shipping costs the moment your order is ready to ship. They also don't mark down the value on your package, so expect to pay import duties if you're unlucky. - eBay
You can usually find some really good deals on 3DS games here, especially if you look for used games. It's worth taking a look when you're hunting down a game as there might just be a cheap listing for the game you're looking for.
The other option is to buy your stuff with the help of a forwarding site, such as Tenso. Their services enable you to buy items directly from amazon.co.jp, Yahoo! Auctions and other sites that don't offer international shipping. They will have the item shipped to one of their own depots, and from there they ship it directly to you. Naturally, you have to pay a service fee to these intermediaries, but even then it can be quite attractive to use them as you won't have to deal with marked up prices that the sites listed above apply.
BUYING FROM THE eSHOP
The eShop actually allows you to use a foreign credit card, which makes it very attractive to go fully digital on a Japanese system. If you do not have a credit card and would rather use point cards, that's an option as well. You can find a list of shops that sell Nintendo eShop Pre-Paid cards below, from cheapest to most expensive.
- Solaris Japan (Digital Code)
By far the cheapest option out of all the other stores and they send the code to you by e-mail within 24 hours. - Nippon-Yasan (Digital Code)
Code will be sent to you by e-mail within 24 hours. - Nin-Nin Game (Digital Code)
Code will be sent to you by e-mail within 24 hours. - Play-Asia (Digital Code)
Slightly more expensive than Nin-Nin Game, but they promise that your code will be delivered to you in your account instantly after purchase. - Play-Asia (Physical Code Card)
These point cards are physically shipped to you, so you'll have to wait for them to arrive before you can use them.
Just got a fancy new Japanese 3DS but you don't understand a lick of Japanese? Worry not, as these step-by-step guides are here to help you! If you're stuck anywhere else, don't hesitate to ask and surely someone can help you out!
Step 1: Keep pressing "つぎへ" until you reach the time & date options. Set the correct time and date.
Step 2: The next step is the user information. ユーザーネーム　is username. You can tap the "ABC" on the keyboard to switch to the roman alphabet.
Step 3: Next is 誕生日, or birthday.
Step 4: Next up is your location. This massive list has a bunch of Japanese places. Just choose something random or you can use Wikipedia if you want a specific location. The second option (東京都
is Tokyo, if you want to pretend to be living there.
Step 5: Next are your internet settings. Keep pressing つぎへ to continue until you get two options. Choose the right one to accept.
Step 6: Choose the top option to set up a wi-fi connection, or choose the bottom option to skip this (and go to Step 10).
Step 7: When the dude is done talking, choose the top option to set up a new connection, and then when prompted, choose the left button to do a manual setup.
Step 8: In the new screen, choose the top option again to look for an access point. Choose your access point and enter the password. Press OK next and the 3DS will do an internet test.
Step 9: Once it's finished, tap the bottom left button and then the right button in the next prompt screen to exit the internet settings.
Step 10: Next up are the parental controls. Choose the bottom option to skip it. Now press the Home button and enjoy your new 3DS!
Be aware that as of October, hardware as well as accessories don't come with Club Nintendo codes anymore.
Step 1: Go to http://club.nintendo.jp/ and click the Sign Up button located below the green log in panel, or simply follow this link to go to the sign up process right away.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and click the right button (同意する to agree to the terms of service.
Step 3: In the next screen, enter your e-mail address, then click the left button to Submit.
Step 4: You will have received an e-mail on the address you entered. Open it and click the link.
Step 5: You will now be prompted to enter the Club Nintendo code that came with your game purchase. Enter the code and choose the left button.
Step 6: Fill in the form using this image. Choose the left button to submit.
Step 7: The red text says that this address is where any physical goods ordered will be sent. Make sure you use a real address if you're going to order something! If you made a mistake on the last page, choose the most left button (戻る to go back. If you want to go to the next step, choose the middle button (次へ.
Step 8: On the next screen, you will be asked if you want to register any other family members. Simply choose "0人（お客様のみ）" and once again click the middle button to proceed.
Step 9: The next screen asks you to confirm the information you filled out on the previous screen. Once again, choose the middle button.
Step 10: Now a survey follows. Fill in whatever you want. When you're done, choose the middle button once more.
Step 11: Now follows a survey based on the game you registered. As the answers are given in a random order, a translation here doesn't work. You can use Google Translate if you wish to answer in honest, otherwise just click random stuff. In Question 6, you're asked to write the reason for your purchase. This question is mandatory. You can enter "面白そうなゲームだと思ったから" (it looked interesting) here or just fill in something random. You can leave the other text input field blank.
Step 12: On this screen you need to decide your Club Nintendo username. It has to be more than 5 characters. The last two fields are both for your password. When you're done, choose the middle button again. If it says "入力された会員ＩＤは、既に使用されています。" at the top, you've chosen an username that's already been taken.
Step 13: If you're brought to a new screen: congrats! Registration is succesful.
Linking your Club Nintendo account to the eShop:
Go to this page and scroll down a little. Here you will find image instructions on how to link your account.
Step 1: Keep pressing "つぎへ" until you reach the time & date options. Set the correct time and date.
Step 2: The next step is the user information. ユーザーネーム　is username. You can tap the "ABC" on the keyboard to switch to the roman alphabet.
Step 3: Next is 誕生日, or birthday.
Step 4: Next up is your location. This massive list has a bunch of Japanese places. Just choose something random or you can use Wikipedia if you want a specific location. The second option (東京都
is Tokyo, if you want to pretend to be living there.Step 5: Next are your internet settings. Keep pressing つぎへ to continue until you get two options. Choose the right one to accept.
Step 6: Choose the top option to set up a wi-fi connection, or choose the bottom option to skip this (and go to Step 10).
Step 7: When the dude is done talking, choose the top option to set up a new connection, and then when prompted, choose the left button to do a manual setup.
Step 8: In the new screen, choose the top option again to look for an access point. Choose your access point and enter the password. Press OK next and the 3DS will do an internet test.
Step 9: Once it's finished, tap the bottom left button and then the right button in the next prompt screen to exit the internet settings.
Step 10: Next up are the parental controls. Choose the bottom option to skip it. Now press the Home button and enjoy your new 3DS!
Be aware that as of October, hardware as well as accessories don't come with Club Nintendo codes anymore.
Step 1: Go to http://club.nintendo.jp/ and click the Sign Up button located below the green log in panel, or simply follow this link to go to the sign up process right away.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and click the right button (同意する
to agree to the terms of service.Step 3: In the next screen, enter your e-mail address, then click the left button to Submit.
Step 4: You will have received an e-mail on the address you entered. Open it and click the link.
Step 5: You will now be prompted to enter the Club Nintendo code that came with your game purchase. Enter the code and choose the left button.
Step 6: Fill in the form using this image. Choose the left button to submit.
Step 7: The red text says that this address is where any physical goods ordered will be sent. Make sure you use a real address if you're going to order something! If you made a mistake on the last page, choose the most left button (戻る
to go back. If you want to go to the next step, choose the middle button (次へ.Step 8: On the next screen, you will be asked if you want to register any other family members. Simply choose "0人（お客様のみ）" and once again click the middle button to proceed.
Step 9: The next screen asks you to confirm the information you filled out on the previous screen. Once again, choose the middle button.
Step 10: Now a survey follows. Fill in whatever you want. When you're done, choose the middle button once more.
Step 11: Now follows a survey based on the game you registered. As the answers are given in a random order, a translation here doesn't work. You can use Google Translate if you wish to answer in honest, otherwise just click random stuff. In Question 6, you're asked to write the reason for your purchase. This question is mandatory. You can enter "面白そうなゲームだと思ったから" (it looked interesting) here or just fill in something random. You can leave the other text input field blank.
Step 12: On this screen you need to decide your Club Nintendo username. It has to be more than 5 characters. The last two fields are both for your password. When you're done, choose the middle button again. If it says "入力された会員ＩＤは、既に使用されています。" at the top, you've chosen an username that's already been taken.
Step 13: If you're brought to a new screen: congrats! Registration is succesful.
Linking your Club Nintendo account to the eShop:
Go to this page and scroll down a little. Here you will find image instructions on how to link your account.
- Q: Can I set the system to English?
No, unfortunately there are no language options on a Japanese 3DS system. - Q: Are Amiibos region locked?
Right now, we simply don't know yet and probably won't until they're out. - Q: Is online play region locked?
Most games work cross-region, but there might be exceptions. It's best to investigate on a game by game basis. There's also this thread on another forum with a list. - Q: Is download play region locked?
Same answer as the above question. - Q: Is local multiplayer region locked?
Same answer as the above question. - Q: Is Streetpass/Spotpass region locked?
No, you can streetpass with any system, and you will receive spotpass notifications just fine - as long as you're connected to the internet. However, some games cannot exchange information through Streetpass so you won't receive game-specific Streetpass data from other region systems. - Q: Can I access the Japanese eShop without fiddling with my router?
Yes, the eShop is fully accessibly as long as you have a wi-fi connection. - Q: Can I use my US/EU credit card on the eShop?
Yep! Foreign cards are accepted, although there seem to be a few cases here and there where it won't work with specific cards. - Q: Do I get surveys for games purchased on eShop?
A: Yes, with the exception of Virtual Console games. - Q: What's the deal with shipping lithium batteries outside Japan? Should I be concerned?
There was a rule in place some time ago that disallowed the exporting of devices with lithium batteries outside Japan. For a time, stores had to come up with other solutions to ship 3DS systems internationally, but the rule has been changed by now and shipping batteries has become OK again. If a store refuses to ship your 3DS through Japan Post, you can show them this document that explains the new conditions. - Q: What shipping option should I choose? Is my 3DS going to be stuck at customs?
There is no general rule on this, but usually if you choose a relatively expensive shipping option (with tracking), the chance that your system gets picked out by customs is high. Some stores like Nippon-Yasan offer shipping options that include VAT, which means that you pay a higher shipping price but you won't be charged VAT later. In the end, it will always be a gamble, no matter which shipping option you choose, so it's best to just prepare for additional charges and hope for the best. - Q: The art in the banner is so cute. Is there a high-res version?
I know right?! Here is a super high resolution version! The art was found on Tofugu (no idea who to source for it).
- The Big Ass Superior Thread of Learning Japanese
Super helpful thread on anything related to learning Japanese! Have questions? Someone can help you out! - jisho.org
A great Japanese-English dictionary if you need to look up some words. - GameFAQs
A lot of Japan-exclusive games have written guides here, so take a look if you're stuck.
