Japanese vs. U.S. games

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

Lately I have been buying a lot of Saturn games, both US and Japanese versions. One thing that I have noticed is that for the most part, the Japanese games that I get are in much better shape than the US games. Is there something about the type of person who buys Japanese games that they take better care of them, or is it that they get opened, but never played. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this.

JY

[TurboGenesis]

Maybe Americans are not take care of their things?

American who are own Japan video games are more likely to be connoisseur and therefore are take better care of their things?

I like to take great care in my things. -- I am also play all my video games. Japan Sega Saturn is offer many nice games :D

[cyberfluxor]

I'm not too sure about JPN games as I only have 1 Saturn game still for there, however for EU releases they aren't taken too much care of. I bought several off one person and although the discs aren't that scratched up the plastic pieces that hold the discs in place are all broken off and whatnot.

[shadowforte]

I know what you mean. I just got a PS2 JPN game, and it is in better shape then any NTSC game I have ever bought.

[gum_drops]

You can rent games in japan right? That must contribute to it somewhat. I also wonder if the average age of japanese saturn owners was higher than that of US owners.

[otaku]

well part of it is they are imported so the prices are higher and the buyers are fans/hardcore so they take care of the stuff. Japanese just seem like they would take better care of games possibly because of their love of the hobby and prices. I've noticed US games tend to be in poor condition also.

[Aussie2B]

It may not sound very politically correct, but, yeah, Japanese people tend to take better care of their possessions. I mean, sure, if you're buying a Japanese game from an American, then they are more likely to be a collector and diehard gamer, so they'll be more inclined to take care of their stuff than a casual American gamer that would never consider playing an imported video game. However, I find that when you by direct from Japan, you'll end up with better condition games across the gamut of Japanese gamers than you'd get with the same broad spectrum of American gamers.

And it's not just video games. I've bought second hand music CDs, books, posters, you name it, and I'm always amazed at the condition Japanese people keep their items in. The general rule I apply to buying used stuff online is: if it's coming from Japan, expect the item to be in better condition than the description makes it out to be, and if it's coming from the US, expect the item to be in worse condition than the description makes it out to be.

[Damaramu]

So true.

I've bought 10 year old JPN Saturn games that look fresh out of the wrapper....and I've seen and passed on 1 month old games at the local GameStop that looked like someone handled it after eating fried chicken and cinnamon rolls.

*readies pitchfork and torch*

[Mayhem]

Have to agree with Aussie... I've hardly ever had a game from a Japanese seller that hasn't been in excellent condition. I believe they do just look after them better.

[PingvinBlueJeans]

It may not sound very politically correct, but, yeah, Japanese people tend to take better care of their possessions...And it's not just video games. I've bought second hand music CDs, books, posters, you name it, and I'm always amazed at the condition Japanese people keep their items in. The general rule I apply to buying used stuff online is: if it's coming from Japan, expect the item to be in better condition than the description makes it out to be, and if it's coming from the US, expect the item to be in worse condition than the description makes it out to be.
100% true. Everything I've ever gotten from Japan has been in great shape...often when they say something is in "good" condition, it's excellent/near mint.

[XYXZYZ]

All the second hand items I've received from Japan have also been in excellent condition. It's probably related to cultural difference, perhaps that strange "discipline your children" thing we don't have over here.

[zektor]

All the second hand items I've received from Japan have also been in excellent condition. It's probably related to cultural difference, perhaps that strange "discipline your children" thing we don't have over here.

I agree. I have been able to score items from Japan (and Australia, and England) that were just in mint (many times new) shape. Actually, I don't think I have ever purchased some beat to crap game from an overseas seller in my importing history, period.

In the USA on the other hand, it is difficult to find anything "mint" it seems. Took me a dozen Genesis console purchases to get one with minimal scratches (almost new looking), and games...well....I have had to re-purchase a few just to get better copies.

Kids in the USA just beat their stuff up.

[roushimsx]

I used to frequent a couple of used games stores in Okinawa, and they spoiled the shit out of me. I never saw a disc-only game (this was ~98-01, so PS1/DC era) and a lot of the SFami stuff still had boxes in pretty good shape. Hell, the spine card was even frequently included.

It's a pretty big difference between the shape of most used games that you find in your typical used game store in the US. Maybe its a cultural thing, maybe it's just a higher average age thing, either way, finding a used game that didn't look like shit was a hell of a lot easier there.

Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to get back :(

[HYB]

Japanese games look very VERY good compared to the european shit. I find it hard to find a game that still has the spikes holding the cd in place. Well I can relate because in the case of some of my ps1 games,there's hardly any spikes left. It has something to do with it being hard plastic and if it gets knocked around or is loose in a bag when you're taking it with you to play,the spikes will break.

Maybe it's that europe has shit plastic? Because the cd in any game is still in nm condition,with no scratches whatsoever.

[boatofcar]

All the second hand items I've received from Japan have also been in excellent condition. It's probably related to cultural difference, perhaps that strange "discipline your children" thing we don't have over here.

Probably so. Korean kids keep their stuff (at least the stuff I see of theirs at school) in immaculate shape.

[Family Computer]

All the second hand items I've received from Japan have also been in excellent condition. It's probably related to cultural difference, perhaps that strange "discipline your children" thing we don't have over here.



Honestly, I wouldn't say that the disciplining of children in Japan has anything to do with it. Japanese children are more often than not single children who are quite spoiled by their parents (at least their mothers as their father is often considered mainly with work).

I think the fact is that in Japan it is just their culture to take good care of things. I think another part is merely that stuff being sold in the US from Japan is usually chosen for good condition items that will bring more money.

While you can certainly find a lot of boxed Famicom/Super Famicom games in great condition, there are tons more than are cart only with half scratched off labels and "TAKAHASHI" written on the back in permanent marker.

As a people, the Japanese are just more meticulous about certain details. Cleanliness and organization being two of the larger virtues.

[neogamer]

Lately I have been buying a lot of Saturn games, both US and Japanese versions. One thing that I have noticed is that for the most part, the Japanese games that I get are in much better shape than the US games. Is there something about the type of person who buys Japanese games that they take better care of them, or is it that they get opened, but never played. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this.

JY

YES, THE JAPANESE ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR STUFF. I AM WRITING THIS IN CAPS ON PURPOSE. AS A VIDE GAME DEALER ON THE SIDE, I WISH US GAMERS WOULD TAKE NOTE!

[tom]

and some second hand UK stuff....urgh, sometimes just disgusting.

[Xexyz]

Man, it's so hard to find used PS1 games with non-scuffed jewel cases or PS2/GCN/Xbox/etc. games in DVD style game cases where the clear plastic doesn't have those nasty round scuffs towards the spine or scratches here in the U.S.

Anyone else out there like me who handle their DVD cases by the edges and try their hardest not to even touch the clear plastic?

[Haoie]

Isn't it semi-illegal to resell video games in Japan?

Seriously.

[roushimsx]

Isn't it semi-illegal to resell video games in Japan?

I'd always heard that, but considering how many killer good used game shops there were in Okinawa, I think that might just be a rumor started from a misunderstanding of a law or some such. You know, kind of like how people say that Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union.

[PentiumMMX]

Yeah, I've noticed that, and I've also noticed how every Japanese game I see is complete. In my area, it's a pain to find any complete games other then NFL Fuckinmadden

[neogamer]

I'd always heard that, but considering how many killer good used game shops there were in Okinawa, I think that might just be a rumor started from a misunderstanding of a law or some such. You know, kind of like how people say that Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union.


I have been to Japan several times and can tell you if it is "semi illegal", no one enforces it!

It is a common practice, almost as it is in the US, except, once again, the Japanese know how to care for their items (hence the better condition).

Over in Japan, it is a great "prize" to be able to sell a rare game in excellent condition (Raidiant Silvergun comes to mind, as does countless PC Engine games).

In the US, we have a different culture. Go into Game Stop and ask for Metroid Prime for the GameCube. They hand you a "cruddy" copy, you accept it, all is good. I think it has more to do with "culture shock" than anything else. It's sad, but Americans (both gamers and collectors) themselves allowed this to happen!

If you collected comic books (I am talking about the US market now) and you walked into a comic book store and wanted to buy a comic book that was worth $50 in near mint condition and the store handed you a beat up one in poor condition, you would have a problem, right? Why do we as video game collectors, settle for less when we shop at Game Stop, Game Crazy, or EB Games? Isn't condition important?

Just think about it! This is more of a post for collectors or gamers, who consider condition very important when buying a used game!

[Haoie]

I ask, because on pretty much all of my PS titles from Japan, there's a rather large "No Resale" sign on the back.

Interesting stuff.

[Fantastic_Duck]

Probably so. Korean kids keep their stuff (at least the stuff I see of theirs at school) in immaculate shape.

I hear that Koreans are generally extremely clean. is this true?

[Cryomancer]

I do believe South Korea has a bit of a hyperhygenic society. I hear they sell microwave-like devices that use UV rays to sterilize stuff. Sounds cool, I'd like to see what they look like.

[tom]

I ask, because on pretty much all of my PS titles from Japan, there's a rather large "No Resale" sign on the back.

Interesting stuff.

I read that on UK PS1 game cases too:
For Home use only...no copying, adaptation, RE-SALE, arcade use, charging...etc.

[ccovell]

I ask, because on pretty much all of my PS titles from Japan, there's a rather large "No Resale" sign on the back.
Interesting stuff.

Yeah, but there's a difference between what media producers *hope* the consumer will do with their products (ie: not resell them), and what the consumer is entitled to do. Several years back, the media producers pressured the Japanese government to make 2nd-hand videogame sales illegal, based on the argument that video game releases were like movies, and thus were to be limited in release.

Then a little after that, the government actually thought it through and concluded -- as anyone with half a brain cell should have -- that videogames were like any consumer product, and could be sold in the 2nd-hand market just like CDs or videos.

Perhaps someone here has some links to the original news stories about the ban/repeal of used videogames?

[neogamer]

I do believe South Korea has a bit of a hyperhygenic society. I hear they sell microwave-like devices that use UV rays to sterilize stuff. Sounds cool, I'd like to see what they look like.


Never heard of this, but I can't rule it out either. Sounds interesting!

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

Glad to see that I wasn't the only one who noticed the difference in the quality of games. I have some friends in Korea and I'll have to check with them about the UV thingie.

JY

[j_factor]

I would say that part of it has to do with the different types of packaging used, especially for systems like Saturn, Sega/Mega CD, 3DO, etc.

[neogamer]

I would say that part of it has to do with the different types of packaging used, especially for systems like Saturn, Sega/Mega CD, 3DO, etc.


Trust me, it has nothing to do with the packaging used!

I can compare Japanese Famicom games to US NES games - both packed in cardboard boxes, and in most cases, the Japanese kept there original boxes in great condition! How many times in the US, do you find a NES game with its original box?

It happens all the time in Japan?

or at least...more often than in the US!

[Yakumo]

Living in Japan means that all I do buy are used Japanese games. I've got over 800 Saturn games with about 70% of them being used titles. Out of all of them I'd say that only 10 % are in shitty condition. They still work but the discs have scratches on them. Mind you, nothing like the crap I bought from the UK !

Basically if you are buying used in Japan you are pretty much guaranteed quality as long as you aren't buying from a real dump of a shop. Even games in the so called junk sections can be mint most of the time.

Yakumo

[segagamer]

Yes, I agree with most of the other ppl posted on this topic that the 2nd hand/used games and accessories from JPN are almost always complete and in excellent to like-new condition. I used to only buy brand new sealed games until I started to buy several titles that I could not afford or find them in brand new sealed condition. Once I realized just how great the condition was for the used games, I then started to buy used games more often, unless prices for the sealed games were about the same prices as the used ones.

[neogamer]

Living in Japan means that all I do buy are used Japanese games. I've got over 800 Saturn games with about 70% of them being used titles. Out of all of them I'd say that only 10 % are in shitty condition. They still work but the discs have scratches on them. Mind you, nothing like the crap I bought from the UK !

Basically if you are buying used in Japan you are pretty much guaranteed quality as long as you aren't buying from a real dump of a shop. Even games in the so called junk sections can be mint most of the time.

Yakumo

I agree 100%! I have been to Japan several times, as stated before, and have never had a problem finding MINT games! In the US, it is horrible! It even boils over to the culture in general. Sorry, to say, but America is and has been falling behind in all areas of academics, and even, business as well! It truly is a shame.

[neogamer]

I agree 100%! I have been to Japan several times, as stated before, and have never had a problem finding MINT games! In the US, it is horrible! It even boils over to the culture in general. Sorry, to say, but America is and has been falling behind in all areas of academics, and even, business as well! It truly is a shame.

I by no means want to take this off topic, so please forgive my above ramblings, but it had to be said and it did fit in with what we were discussing. How you take care of your things generally reflects you as person. I can usually tell within ten seconds of interviewing someone, whether or not the company should hire them. I have been 98% accurate so far!


Hopefully, US gamers will in the long run, learn to take better care of their games and systems! This will only happen though, if condition becomes important!

If a video game store were to offer more "trade in" value for a game in better condition, maybe we as gamers would benefit. In turn, they could charge a higher price for it. Any comments? Am I alone in this opinion? I am a collector, so condition is very important to me! I normally don't buy used, because of this!

[eternalblue81]

If a video game store were to offer more "trade in" value for a game in better condition, maybe we as gamers would benefit. In turn, they could charge a higher price for it.

I really wish video games stores in the states operated this way, but as long as Gamestop continues to dominate, I see no way of this happening any time soon.

From what I've gathered, trade in value and consequently the selling price for used games in Japan are affected by the condition that the case, manual, and game itself are in, which I'm sure contributes somewhat to why the majority of Japanese used games are in such excellent condition.

[GarrettCRW]

Stuff from Japan tends to be in better shape, yes, but no one's mentioned one big factor in why American games get so much wear and tear:

The packaging sucks ass.

Seriously. The OP mentioned Saturn cases, which, like their Sega CD and early PS1 brethren, are made of cheap-ass plastic, and break easily. TurboGrafx games came inside those cheesy boxes, with some later games not even getting the jewel case inside. NES boxes, like the game paks inside, have quite a bit of empty space. Super NES and N64 boxes are the same way. And the later-era Genesis games have those shitty cardboard boxes. Even the Game Boy line has a history of oversized packaging with tons of empty spaces that just begs to be crushed.

I'm not saying that US gamers aren't slobs, but the packaging here (until the last couple of generations) just begs for abuse, which simply doesn't happen in Japan.

[neogamer]

Stuff from Japan tends to be in better shape, yes, but no one's mentioned one big factor in why American games get so much wear and tear:

The packaging sucks ass.

Seriously. The OP mentioned Saturn cases, which, like their Sega CD and early PS1 brethren, are made of cheap-ass plastic, and break easily. TurboGrafx games came inside those cheesy boxes, with some later games not even getting the jewel case inside. NES boxes, like the game paks inside, have quite a bit of empty space. Super NES and N64 boxes are the same way. And the later-era Genesis games have those shitty cardboard boxes. Even the Game Boy line has a history of oversized packaging with tons of empty spaces that just begs to be crushed.

I'm not saying that US gamers aren't slobs, but the packaging here (until the last couple of generations) just begs for abuse, which simply doesn't happen in Japan.

I'm sorry, but you can still keep youir items in excellent to MINT condition if you want to (I have a MINT condition collection that was all bought new by me). I could care less how its packed, but I do see your point!

I will say this: Playstation 2 and Xbox games are packaged the same way in Japan and in the US. When I see what the used Playstation 2 and Xbox games look like at GameStop, I can tell you that most US gamers and even some collectors are slobs that don't care about their stuff!

So your reasoning is still a little jaded.

Japan games in my opinion are the best kept games I have ever seen. UK games have their share of issues too!

I should say this as well: I am an American, so I am by no way biased! The Japanese just have more respect and it shows in all aspects of their culture and even how they care for their games!

[neogamer]

I really wish video games stores in the states operated this way, but as long as Gamestop continues to dominate, I see no way of this happening any time soon.

From what I've gathered, trade in value and consequently the selling price for used games in Japan are affected by the condition that the case, manual, and game itself are in, which I'm sure contributes somewhat to why the majority of Japanese used games are in such excellent condition.

I agree 100%! GameStop and other game stores, should adopt a condition based scale for buying and selling used games.

Could you imagine buying an Amazing Spider-Man #1 comic book used in any condition you wanted at a set price? What condition would you buy it in? Near Mint/MINT, right?

Why don't we, as video game collectors (and gamers) demand that video game stores treat games as collectibles? When someone brings in a game for trade and gets less for it than someone else who has a "near mint" copy, maybe people would learn to take better care of their items and every collector would benefit!

There would be some "kinks" to work out (grading scale, etc.), but its ashame that we have to settle for less!

[fennec fox]

All hail glorious almighty Nihon :rolleyes:

I think a lot of it also has to do with the fact that game shops in Japan won't buy used games if there are obvious blemishes. I got most of the Famicom collection I built up from flea markets, and yes, there are quite a lot of Japanese people who abuse their games there...

[neogamer]

All hail glorious almighty Nihon :rolleyes:

I think a lot of it also has to do with the fact that game shops in Japan won't buy used games if there are obvious blemishes. I got most of the Famicom collection I built up from flea markets, and yes, there are quite a lot of Japanese people who abuse their games there...

Flea markets in japan is another story. I cannot comment on them because I have never been to one. I can only tell you what I see in their used game shops compared to what I see in the US.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I heard back today from my friend in Korea. He said that he has seen his share of dog-eared games in bargain bins. Also he was telling me a little about the UV machines that they use. They are small and are generally used to sterilize things like cups. He said that he can get me more info if I wanted.

JY

[neogamer]

I heard back today from my friend in Korea. He said that he has seen his share of dog-eared games in bargain bins. Also he was telling me a little about the UV machines that they use. They are small and are generally used to sterilize things like cups. He said that he can get me more info if I wanted.

JY


I can't comment on Korea, I can only comment on Japan. What I can tell you is that even the Japanese bargain crap looks better than most used US games at your local Game Stop store.

and that is just plain sickening....

[Vlad]

Isn't it semi-illegal to resell video games in Japan?

Seriously.

No, I think it is indeed for old game systems because of their using of old AC adapters that could cause electrical trouble.

[Poofta!]

ive been to japan, and everything second hand there is almost as mint as new. in addition, all stores that sell second hand goods give large discounts if something is wrong with the item ie: the box dented? -xx% manual wrinkled? -xx% cd smudged... etc etc. ive gotten stuff that wasnt perfect and got huge discount on it and yet it still looked better than anything ive ever seen here in gamestop.

so yes, japanese take care of their possessions a lot better than people in america do. maybe its attributed to the way they approach and honor their household and understand the value of money?

also id like to add that no one in japan will EVER accept a tip from you, whether its a taxi ride or a meal.

[Thrillo]

No, I think it is indeed for old game systems because of their using of old AC adapters that could cause electrical trouble.
I'm not so sure about that; I've bought a few consoles here in Japan that came with an A/C adaptor, but usually used consoles and A/C adaptors are sold seperately. It's not really a problem for the big-name consoles, but I don't think I'll ever get my sweet Neo-Geo CDZ working since it came with no power cord :/

[neogamer]

ive been to japan, and everything second hand there is almost as mint as new. in addition, all stores that sell second hand goods give large discounts if something is wrong with the item ie: the box dented? -xx% manual wrinkled? -xx% cd smudged... etc etc. ive gotten stuff that wasnt perfect and got huge discount on it and yet it still looked better than anything ive ever seen here in gamestop.

so yes, japanese take care of their possessions a lot better than people in america do. maybe its attributed to the way they approach and honor their household and understand the value of money?

also id like to add that no one in japan will EVER accept a tip from you, whether its a taxi ride or a meal.


I second this and agree with you. I only wish Americans had the same values that the Japanese had! It's just sad...

A good friend of mine used to always say if you want to know the character of a man, look at the condition of the things he values. It could be what he has or something even on par with what he collects. I truly agree with this.

Time and time again, the people I find myself drawn to and want to be around, both in business and in my personal life, know how to treat items they come in contact with in everyday life...

[ClassicGameTrader]

No one has brought up the fact that Saturn US games came in retarted huge boxes that break at the hinges. Plus the disc falls out because of the one inch gap and rattles around. Also, the manuals are big and bulky therefore there is more to damage.

Plus people in the US are hard on their shit!

[neogamer]

Plus people in the US are hard on their shit!

Your last part says it all. That is what is UNACCEPTABLE!

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

No one has brought up the fact that Saturn US games came in retarted huge boxes that break at the hinges. Plus the disc falls out because of the one inch gap and rattles around. Also, the manuals are big and bulky therefore there is more to damage.

Plus people in the US are hard on their shit!

The reasons that you state in the first part of your post aren't the true problem. I haven't had any problems with Saturn stuff if it is handled properly. The true problem is the second part of your post.

Any packaging can be destroyed if abused and most packaging will hold up fine if treated properly. The Sega CD used the same type cases, but at least they came with a little foam block to help hold the disk on the spindle.

JY

[neogamer]

The reasons that you state in the first part of your post aren't the true problem. I haven't had any problems with Saturn stuff if it is handled properly. The true problem is the second part of your post.

Any packaging can be destroyed if abused and most packaging will hold up fine if treated properly. The Sega CD used the same type cases, but at least they came with a little foam block to help hold the disk on the spindle.

JY


Thank you! I agree completely! It goes back to the individual person, not the packaging! I am still finding Super NES and Turbo Grafx games with boxes in MINT condition (much like all of mine-bought and kept mint from the day I purchased them).