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Japanese Nintendo 3DS Import Thread | Brand New 3D, Same Old Region Lock

Dagon

Member
Quite unexpectedly, I woke up to find that FedEx had been by with my system this morning. They had been saying it would only be here on Friday. I had to leave right away so no impressions yet.

My 3DS finally shipped! It was collected today at the post office in Japan (so N-Y lied to me saying they'd ship it yesterday). I chose EMS Express so hopefully it won't take too long. Maybe Tuesday next week.

Man that sucks.
 

Impotaku

Member
Updated the OP with new relevant info, not sure if people still look at it, but ah well. Any promising new releases on the horizon in Japanland? I can't think of any.

Btw I've got a question for those who already got their New 3DS:

Did you have to pay customs duties or whatever? I haven't seen anyone talk about that yet. And what value did Nippon-Yasan write on your package?

For releases it depends on what games you like but for me there are quite a few Japanese games i'm looking forward to picking up before xmas. Hero bank 2, cooking mama: my sweets shop, youkai watch 2 shinuchi, Fujiko F Fujio characters SF dotabata party.

819ognjZ1YL._AA1000_.jpg

61WoRSXAa7L.jpg

91oQgPTDzsL._AA1500_.jpg

91cQaq0xLaL._AA1500_.jpg


In the meantime fantasy life is absorbing all my free play time.
 

kubus

Member
For releases it depends on what games you like but for me there are quite a few Japanese games i'm looking forward to picking up before xmas. Hero bank 2, cooking mama: my sweets shop, youkai watch 2 shinuchi, Fujiko F Fujio characters SF dotabata party.

In the meantime fantasy life is absorbing all my free play time.
Thanks for these! You just reminded me to check out that Hero Bank QR code you posted last page, it's downloading now. It sounds promising!

I'm glad I didn't import Youkai Watch 2 yet. I was actually anticipating Level5 to release a "complete" version sometime, but I definitely didn't expect it so soon. That's definitely on my wishlist too :D. In the meantime, I've still got a huge import backlog to clear, so I got plenty to entertain myself with until then!

The declared value on my order was 2000 Yen for the 3DS, Cover plate, SD Card and Charging Cradle, since I ordered with FedEx I won't be finding out if there's to be a customs charge+admin fees just quite yet, those are usually sent out in the mail several weeks later.

To be honest the custom fees are never an issue, but the courier companies like to hit you with an admin fee of around £15. : [
Oh I didn't know FedEx sends their customs invoice later. That's actually really clever, because when a package is held at customs here, sometimes I have to wait 3 to 4 weeks until it clears and they finally deliver it :( (and then they want me to pay at the door). So I really hope that won't be the case this time. I think I've been waiting long enough :p. The 2000 yen declaration value sounds promising though, hopefully it can slip by customs unnoticed >:3
 
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.
 

Rootbeer

Banned
I'm hearing some people don't like how DS games look on the New 3DS and that the New 3DS LL/XL is still better for this, much as the first XL/LL was. Any comments from those who have tried it?

With the slightly larger screen on the New 3DS I was hoping it would mitigate the issue somewhat. Also when playing in 1:1 mode does it feel too shrunk?
 

Schlomo

Member
Just received my New 3DS LL from Nippon-Yasan via Fedex! It was marked down to 1500 Yen, so I didn't have to pay any custom fees.

Unfortunately, there is a broken pixel on the upper screen. :-(
It's not really visible during gameplay, but still...

Also, does Smash Bros. have a crash problem on New 3DS? I just had two crashes to the HOME menu during 5 minutes of play, both times when starting a new match.
 

Lyte Edge

All I got for the Vernal Equinox was this stupid tag
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.

I did. My impressions from a few pages back:

My impressions. The only thing I can't comment on yet is battery life.

Received my New 3DS today. The box contains the system, manuals, AR cards, and has the top cover removed, perhaps to show how easy it is to remove or to be ready for additional covers. No AC adapter is included, which is unfortunately typical of Nintendo's Japanese handheld releases. The N3DS comes with a 4GB micro SD card already installed. If you want to replace this, you'll need a micro philips head screwdriver to remove the bottom cover, which also is necessary to change to a different cover and for access to the battery.

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Although the N3DS is not that much smaller than the 3DS LL, it feels much smaller and is noticeably lighter in comparison.

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All the previous 3DS models I've owned always had slightly loose hinges. The N3DS does not have this issue, which further helps the improved 3D viewing angle. The head tracking feature finally makes it possible to play games in 3D without needing to keep the 3DS as steady as possible. I usually play games with 3D off, but since this feature has seen a massive improvement, it finally feels like a viable feature, even when playing where it would be harder to keep the system steady, such as Smash Bros. Smash also loads noticeably faster on this model.

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All of the buttons and ports around the system frame have been moved on the 3DS, leaving the bottom sides completely smooth. The volume slider has now been moved to the top screen, and the cartridge, stylus, and power button are the bottom part of the frame. The shoulder buttons have been made smaller, to make room for the added ZR and ZL buttons. The only change I dislike is the stylus location; it just feels awkward removing it from the bottom.

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The bottom screen now only houses the Home button, which has been made much easier to press. Start and Select have been changed into smaller buttons, found under the face buttons. The nub that acts as the second analog stick initially feels odd, but is extremely responsive and worked perfectly with Super Smash Bros. when I tested it. I did have some issues with using it for the camera in Senran Kagura 2, however.

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In comparison to the 3DS LL screen, the N3DS screen produces a sharper, slightly more colorful image and the speakers also sound noticeably louder. One issue I had with both previous 3DS models was ergonomics. My hands tended to cramp up with use, particularly on games where the triggers were needed. The N3DS feels more comfortable and it's easier to hit both sets of trigger buttons, however I still felt some discomfort when playing Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition- Using the shoulder buttons and d-pad together is still somewhat awkward.

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I have mixed opinions about the system's revamped aesthetic. There's something about the N3DS that almost makes me think of an older game system -and I don't mean the Super Famicom style facebuttons- perhaps because the form factor isn't quite as sleek, with noticeable lines and all the visible ports/buttons on the frame. The system appears more "toy-like" than previous models as well, although not as much as the 2DS.

Although this now the fourth iteration of the 3DS, the system is worth a purchase for its improved ergomics, vastly-better 3D screen, added controls, and boost in power, which will be used later on for N3DS-only title.

15359804029_84ef995aa1_z.jpg
 

yankee666

Member
Whelp, my New 3DS LL that was shipped with FedEx is held in customs indefinitely. So now i have to wait 30 days for them to return it to Nippon Yassan so i have a refund.
I hope the EMS shippment gets a customs clearance.
 

Beckx

Member
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.

I'm doing this, and hopefully should have mine tomorrow. Johntv did the same thing and seems to be happy with the decision.
 

Gameboy415

Member
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.

I did - but I'm definitely planning to get a New XL whenever they come to the US.
The smaller screens were a bit jarring at first but the improved 3D is absolutely fantastic! The speakers seem to have gotten an upgrade as well.
My only major gripe is the stylus/stylus placement. It's extremely awkward to remove/put back on the bottom of the system, especially with the oddly shaped end (which I understand is used for removing faceplates, but still) and it's too small compared to the XL stylus I'm used to using.
 

Weils

Neo Member
Finally finished setting up my new 3DS LL. :) The nnid, Club Nintendo account set up and e-shop synchronization overall took me 1.5 hours. That said, the handheld feels great in my hand and there's no discomfort at the moment (haven't tested out for long playing marathon yet). I'm amazed at the 3D face tracking, but currently feel a bit sick from the 3D visuals. Hopefully I get used to it in time.
 
Oh yep, going to the bank alright. I couldn't even buy pre-paid cards.

Third time I have to deal with this crap. All of them related to importing japanese goods. Just hope it doesn't end up like the second time where they ended up locking me out of everything and I ended up not having a lunch.
 

Rich!

Member
So does the New 3DS fit the Cyber Grip? I want a New 3DS so badly, but me not being able to use my Cyber Grip would be the saddest shit ever.

The XL is the same size as before, so that would work fine if you mean the XL. The standard New Nintendo 3DS however is larger than the original 3DS and as such won't fit in anything not designed specifically for it.
 

Meffer

Member
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.
That would be me. I didn't mind the size decrease honestly and I rather like it. I'll actually go for a regular n3ds when it hits here as well.
 
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.

I did, but only because it was cheaper to import.

It did make the 3DS XL screen look massive though, which I took for granted because it was what I was use to now. But the n3DS screen isn't too bad.
 
I'm thinking when these come stateside I might end up investing in both sizes. I am pretty impressed with the faceplates for the smaller size but still absolutely love the XL
 

scamander

Banned
I'm curious- are there many Japanese exclusive games, one can enjoy without speaking the language? Never imported a system before, but I'm really on the fence right now...
 

kubus

Member
Whelp, my New 3DS LL that was shipped with FedEx is held in customs indefinitely. So now i have to wait 30 days for them to return it to Nippon Yassan so i have a refund.
I hope the EMS shippment gets a customs clearance.
Damn, that sucks :/. Why is it stuck at customs? Hope you get your 3DS soon :(.
 

Impotaku

Member
Thanks for these! You just reminded me to check out that Hero Bank QR code you posted last page, it's downloading now. It sounds promising!

I'm glad I didn't import Youkai Watch 2 yet. I was actually anticipating Level5 to release a "complete" version sometime, but I definitely didn't expect it so soon. That's definitely on my wishlist too :D. In the meantime, I've still got a huge import backlog to clear, so I got plenty to entertain myself with until then!

It occured to me that this 3rd version hasn't just been rushed out like people have been saying on the net but they actually have had it completed from the same time that the other 2 versions were finished and they just kept this one totally secret.

In the ending there is a nyan wearing a mask he doesn't appear in either ganso or honke to battle yet he is in both of the endings, Also the posessed youkai with the weird shadow masks on are also hinted at been friendable but you can't give them food to win them over.

It seems the 3rd version allows you to friend the posessed youkai along with befriending masknyan and they 5 henchmen/women of Ubaune. Seems that a lot of the enemy youkai from the 2nd game are going to be obtainable to friend in this version. There are enough new additions to make this version worth buying, not sure if it's a complete version though there are still youkai from the ganso & honke versions that don't appear in the 3rd shinuchi version. My guess it was always meant to be 3 games and the enemy youkai were split into this version.
 

Kyoufu

Member
Okay, after 5 hours with the New 3DS LL, I must say that the C-stick is pure garbage, at least for MH4G, but I don't see myself using it with any other game anyway. There's no grip to it, there's no movement. It just feels wrong. It's also too high up so I never naturally reach for it. It's quite frankly an abomination for me.

The rest of the system is nice though. Load times are very fast. The time it takes to boot a game is very quick. My eyes can't get along with the 3D but that's my problem I suppose.

Overall, I'm loving it. Just wish the C-stick wasn't poop.
 

Snaku

Banned
I'm curious- are there many Japanese exclusive games, one can enjoy without speaking the language? Never imported a system before, but I'm really on the fence right now...

I'm in the same boat actually. Really wanna give games like Dragon Ball Heroes a go, but beyond basic Nintendo games like Mario, Smash, etc I'm not sure what else I could pick up and play with ease. Wish there was a guide for something like this.
 
My card situation is half over so I can use it again. But I still have to go to the bank to get the security changed up.

Really likes to mess with me
 
Finally finished setting up my new 3DS LL. :) The nnid, Club Nintendo account set up and e-shop synchronization overall took me 1.5 hours. That said, the handheld feels great in my hand and there's no discomfort at the moment (haven't tested out for long playing marathon yet). I'm amazed at the 3D face tracking, but currently feel a bit sick from the 3D visuals. Hopefully I get used to it in time.

Do have any tips to share in regards to the NNID / Club Nintendo JP / eShop setup?

Whelp, my New 3DS LL that was shipped with FedEx is held in customs indefinitely. So now i have to wait 30 days for them to return it to Nippon Yassan so i have a refund.
I hope the EMS shippment gets a customs clearance.

And this a prime example of why I'm not comfortable with importing hardware from foreign services. Sure NCSX is slower, but at least I know the hardware is already in the US and can't be held up by customs.
 

Lyte Edge

All I got for the Vernal Equinox was this stupid tag
And this a prime example of why I'm not comfortable with importing hardware from foreign services. Sure NCSX is slower, but at least I know the hardware is already in the US and can't be held up by customs.

That's not typical and he is going to be able to return it. Easy enough to just order another one.

While on the subject, there were several posts regarding Nippon Yassan's customer service being bad. I don't feel that way from my experiences with them. They respond to inquiries in a timely manner and it's clear that English is not their first language. I've gotten everything I've ordered from them on time and their prices are great. But I would agree that if you want something ASAP, go with Play-Asia (and even then that may not be the case). I'd use NCS more if they didn't constantly have delivery delays and offered something besides USPS for shipping. Years ago I used to use them all the time but their prices and shipping rates went up. They also need to fix the search feature in their online shop badly.
 
Updated the OP with new relevant info, not sure if people still look at it, but ah well. Any promising new releases on the horizon in Japanland? I can't think of any.

I was looking at the OP's FAQs yesterday. :) I've decided to wait on the Club Nintendo stuff.

And as for upcoming games I'm looking forward too, Attack on Titan Chain has my interest right now. I liked the show and the fan game looked like fun. I've heard mixed things on the original 3DS game, but hopefully Spike Chunsoft turned it into something better with this upgrade.

Other than that, it's all about catching up. Youkai Watch 2, Monster Hunter 4G, and Beyond the Labyrinth are on the top of my list. Probably gonna get Ocarina of Time 3D too because their's a shared Anki deck for the early portions of that game, and I think I've heard their's furigana in this 3D version too.

KirbYuuYuu said:
Oh yep, going to the bank alright. I couldn't even buy pre-paid cards.

Third time I have to deal with this crap. All of them related to importing japanese goods. Just hope it doesn't end up like the second time where they ended up locking me out of everything and I ended up not having a lunch.

Oh yeah, I've had this problem many times importing from CD Japan too. It's really annoying. I try not to order without a phone near by now. With Nippon, I used Paypal to pay for the N3DS and had no lock up. Don't know if the bank is friendlier with big foreign purchases paid through Paypal or not.

Your story has me worried that I'm going to have to put up with this a lot when buying from the e-shop. I just got something for less than ten bucks yesterday with no problem. I have an interest in a number of VC and original small games. Might just go with physical copies of the bigger titles.
 
That's not typical and he is going to be able to return it. Easy enough to just order another one.

While on the subject, there were several posts regarding Nippon Yassan's customer service being bad. I don't feel that way from my experiences with them. They respond to inquiries in a timely manner and it's clear that English is not their first language. I've gotten everything I've ordered from them on time and their prices are great. But I would agree that if you want something ASAP, go with Play-Asia (and even then that may not be the case). I'd use NCS more if they didn't constantly have delivery delays and offered something besides USPS for shipping. Years ago I used to use them all the time but their prices and shipping rates went up. They also need to fix the search feature in their online shop badly.

I'll definitely agree that NCSX's web store is pretty busted. And yes, the shipping rates do suck as well. But they do offer UPS and package their items really.

I use P-A for the games and accessories that NCSX doesn't have in-stock or even carry.
 

mrback

Member
Well my nippon yasan order arrived today 3 days after the play Asia order. The box was marked as 2000yen & as a gift so no customs charge fingers crossed. It was sent EMS tracked. Pretty decent service I'd say & the price was very good. Will use them again in future I think. If you want something real quick play Asia are pretty unbeatable. Nearly as good as lik-sang were ;(
The White console is better than than the black I'd say.
 

Owari

Member
Anyone gone from a 3DS XL to a n3DS regular? How'd the screen size decrease and body size decrease feel for you? I love my XL but I'm leaning towards going with the smaller option for the n3DS.
Went from XL to N3DS here. Personally, I never loved the XL screen. Even the first time I saw it at a convention my impression of the screen compared to the OG DS wasn't great. The resolution blown up to a screen that size looks too pixelated, whereas on the OG3DS the screen size was a bit too small. The New 3DS alleviates all of these issues with it's perfect screen size. Models look crisp without looking pixelated, and the new 3D head tracking effect looks amazing. One thing I did notice though that I haven't seen a lot of people mention, is that the N3DS is practically the same weight as the XL. (Which I see as a good thing. I don't want it flying out of my hands or forget it in my pocket.)
I'm hearing some people don't like how DS games look on the New 3DS and that the New 3DS LL/XL is still better for this, much as the first XL/LL was. Any comments from those who have tried it?

With the slightly larger screen on the New 3DS I was hoping it would mitigate the issue somewhat. Also when playing in 1:1 mode does it feel too shrunk?
Went through and played Sonic and Megaman Zero collections, as well as Ouendan. The games look perfect, and very vibrant. Almost like experiencing them as brand new again. I still have the rest of my DS collection to pour trough, but my initial impression is definitely a positive one. I don't see why anyone would complain about this.

Okay, after 5 hours with the New 3DS LL, I must say that the C-stick is pure garbage, at least for MH4G, but I don't see myself using it with any other game anyway. There's no grip to it, there's no movement. It just feels wrong. It's also too high up so I never naturally reach for it. It's quite frankly an abomination for me.

The rest of the system is nice though. Load times are very fast. The time it takes to boot a game is very quick. My eyes can't get along with the 3D but that's my problem I suppose.

Overall, I'm loving it. Just wish the C-stick wasn't poop.

I disagree 100%. I'm not playing MH4G, but on SSB the c-stick is a godsend. I thought I was kicking ass before, and now with the added controls I am unstoppable. Quick reaction smash attacks fer the extreme win.
 
Went through and played Sonic and Megaman Zero collections, as well as Ouendan. The games look perfect, and very vibrant. Almost like experiencing them as brand new again. I still have the rest of my DS collection to pour trough, but my initial impression is definitely a positive one. I don't see why anyone would complain about this.

Were you playing in the "pixel perfect" (select button) mode or just straight booting into the DS games at full screen?
 

Yes Boss!

Member
Whoo!

Mine shipped today...normal NSDS SFC White. Maybe early next week. How hard is it to transfer over stuff from my old J-3DS. I've never set a nintendo network ID on the old system...will I have to do that now to transfer?
 

massoluk

Banned
For releases it depends on what games you like but for me there are quite a few Japanese games i'm looking forward to picking up before xmas. Hero bank 2, cooking mama: my sweets shop, youkai watch 2 shinuchi, Fujiko F Fujio characters SF dotabata party.

91cQaq0xLaL._AA1500_.jpg


In the meantime fantasy life is absorbing all my free play time.

OMFG, there is a Fujiko F Fujio all stars game? Jesus, life is not fair. these things never see western releases.
 
D

Deleted member 17706

Unconfirmed Member
Got mine last night and started the lengthy system transfer a few hours before going to bed. It was done when I woke up.

Still haven't played anything on the system yet, but I must say I'm kind of disappointed with just how glossy the finish on the hardware is. I guess I didn't look carefully, because I was expecting more of a muted brushed metal look. This thing is a damned fingerprint magnet.
 
I was looking at the OP's FAQs yesterday. :) I've decided to wait on the Club Nintendo stuff.

And as for upcoming games I'm looking forward too, Attack on Titan Chain has my interest right now. I liked the show and the fan game looked like fun. I've heard mixed things on the original 3DS game, but hopefully Spike Chunsoft turned it into something better with this upgrade.

Other than that, it's all about catching up. Youkai Watch 2, Monster Hunter 4G, and Beyond the Labyrinth are on the top of my list. Probably gonna get Ocarina of Time 3D too because their's a shared Anki deck for the early portions of that game, and I think I've heard their's furigana in this 3D version too.



Oh yeah, I've had this problem many times importing from CD Japan too. It's really annoying. I try not to order without a phone near by now. With Nippon, I used Paypal to pay for the N3DS and had no lock up. Don't know if the bank is friendlier with big foreign purchases paid through Paypal or not.

Your story has me worried that I'm going to have to put up with this a lot when buying from the e-shop. I just got something for less than ten bucks yesterday with no problem. I have an interest in a number of VC and original small games. Might just go with physical copies of the bigger titles.


To be honest it's been issues for a while, although it was more spread out and whatnot.

It almost feels like it is safer to add bulks of money instead of one game basis
 

Doc Holliday

SPOILER: Columbus finds America
tried my friend's 3ds import last night, wow! This is what the 3ds should have been. The build quality is noticeably improved. It reminds me so much of the 3ds lite and the 3ds dsi. Can't wait for the usa version.
 
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