Playing Japanese Xbox 360 games on US system?

[TurboGenesis]

Is there any method of playing Japanese Xbox 360 games on a US console yet?

I really want to get Senko no Ronde for the 360 and would like to avoid getting a NTSC-J console if possible.

Thanks for any info.

[mb7241]

Most of the Xbox 360 games are region-free... I'd say you'd have no problem with it...

[ubersaurus]

Senko no Ronde, however, is not region free. You're pretty much boned without a japanese 360.

[TurboGenesis]

I have decided to purchase a Japanese 360. Currently shopping around for one now. It seems there is no other way right now other than hack mod chips(i don't do chips)

[smork]

You may want to consider getting a used one from Y!J or from a friend in Japan -- they consistently go for less than 30K Yen used in Japan (in my experience).

An Asian version 360 is also NTSC-J and will play Senko no Ronde. Asian 360s are cheaper on average than a JP one, at least new. I just bought a nice holiday DOA4 pack, and it's an Asian model....

[rob black]

Wrestle Kingdom isnt region free is it? Thats the only japanese game I want to play (for now)

[TurboGenesis]

Senko no Ronde, however, is not region free. You're pretty much boned without a japanese 360.

I am no longer in need of an Asian/Japan Xbox 360.

War Tech: Senko no Rondo is to be released in North America, May 2007!

of note, Project Sylpheed is also heading to NA this Summer!

(War Tech.... ROFL )

[evil_genius]

Anyone know if there is any method out there yet for playing japanese games?

[pookninja]

Wrestle Kingdom isnt region free is it? Thats the only japanese game I want to play (for now)
no,its not.i really want to play as well

[The 1 2 P]

Wrestle Kingdom isnt region free is it? Thats the only japanese game I want to play (for now)

You and me both. There was also a Japanese import wrestling game for the original Xbox that I never got a chance to play either. But that too was not region free.

[The 1 2 P]

I have decided to purchase a Japanese 360. Currently shopping around for one now. It seems there is no other way right now other than hack mod chips(i don't do chips)

I'm glad I'm not the only one on this site that doesn't mod his systems. It seems like everyone else on here does it. I don't mind other people doing it, it's just not for me. I can play Japanese/Asian imports on my PS1, Xbox, Nes, Super Nes, Dreamcast, Saturn, Genesis, 3DO and N64, and yet not one single one of them is modded in any way. Thats what they make import convertors for:D.

[Volcanon]

Shin-Urayasu? you live kinda-sorta close to me. Yay for Tokyo.

XboX sells exceptionally badly in Japan, so Japanese 360s are indeed cheap.

[smork]

Shin-Urayasu? you live kinda-sorta close to me. Yay for Tokyo.


Yup, live next to Shin-Urayasu station, working at Kaihin Makuhari. Where you at?

[Volcanon]

I live right beside Morishita station (1 stop from ryogoku), and would be going to school to Yotsuya if I wasn't on spring break.

Makuhari is wonderful because of costco and horrible because my girlfriend always wants to go shopping there.

[smork]

Your girlfriend would love my office, it's right across the street from Carrefour, a block or so from Garden Walk...

I pass through the Ryogoku area now and then; sometimes I am in the mood to take the Sobu instead of the Keiyo in to the city. Actually, I may be in that area tomorrow as I have a friend who wants Sumo DVDs, so why not go straight to the Sumo epicenter...

[The 1 2 P]

Hold up. You both live in Japan??!!!!!!!! Why am I struggling with options such as Yahoo Japan when I can just pay you two to get me stuff, lol. Ok, question for both of you. I know the xbox and the 360 both sell badly(to put it mildly) so shouldn't the majority of their games and systems be reasonably(cheaply) priced so that stores can get rid of them? If thats the case yall can clean up over their for me.

[smork]

Hold up. You both live in Japan??!!!!!!!! Why am I struggling with options such as Yahoo Japan when I can just pay you two to get me stuff, lol. Ok, question for both of you. I know the xbox and the 360 both sell badly(to put it mildly) so shouldn't the majority of their games and systems be reasonably(cheaply) priced so that stores can get rid of them? If thats the case yall can clean up over their for me.

I charge, just like Y!J, since I have a actual job and don't have time to shop for everyone unless its an occasional favor. I'd prefer to keep my eye open for difficult to get stuff rather than stuff that you can get off P-A.

And 360 games aren't any cheaper than other systems. They do sell, and not THAT badly - certainly not at we-need-a-fire-sale speeds. Every store has stock.... Systems are cheap, though.

[smork]

Shin-Urayasu? you live kinda-sorta close to me. Yay for Tokyo.

XboX sells exceptionally badly in Japan, so Japanese 360s are indeed cheap.

You know, Volcanon, I just noticed you and I share another, Japan-related, forum.

Tis a small internet world.

[The 1 2 P]

I charge, just like Y!J, since I have a actual job and don't have time to shop for everyone unless its an occasional favor. I'd prefer to keep my eye open for difficult to get stuff rather than stuff that you can get off P-A.

And 360 games aren't any cheaper than other systems. They do sell, and not THAT badly - certainly not at we-need-a-fire-sale speeds. Every store has stock.... Systems are cheap, though.

So 360 games sell ok but systems are cheaper than other countries/territories. Thats good to know. I wonder if thats the same for the original xbox and it's games, if theres even that much stock left:?.

[Volcanon]

Japan-related? so Pot or LJ, probably.
I hope it gets warmer sooner rather than later. My room today was colder than my fridge; at least I'm saving on the electric bill.

I could ship stuff, since I have to go to the damn postoffice every second day as it is for my selling of another type of collectibles which have nothing to do with video games. I would need to get something for my time and I'd wanna send by EMS or something. Lost mail + Paypal = I lose a lot of money. I'm rather surprised there is actually are Japan-only 360 games.

[The 1 2 P]

How much do original xbox systems cost in Japan?

[smork]

How much do original xbox systems cost in Japan?

Very low side, 4000 yen. High side, maybe 7-8000 yen. Not counting LEs of course, those will go anywhere from 8000 yen (launch xbox) to 50000+ yen (pearl white xbox).

[The 1 2 P]

Very low side, 4000 yen. High side, maybe 7-8000 yen. Not counting LEs of course, those will go anywhere from 8000 yen (launch xbox) to 50000+ yen (pearl white xbox).

What are all of those prices in US dollars?

[smork]

http://www.xe.com

[The 1 2 P]

$37 for a nice quality(thats the main difference between Japanese and US used items--the Japanese take better care of their games over all) used import xbox? Where do I sign up?

[smork]

$37 for a nice quality(thats the main difference between Japanese and US used items--the Japanese take better care of their games over all) used import xbox? Where do I sign up?

You see plenty of poor quality games and systems, just not so much in the bigger shops. On of the many wonderful things about the collector shops is how a poor condition can knock a large amount off the price. A crease in the manual, a missing obi - these things can knock 20, 30, 50% off the prices of items.

You rarely see the situation you get at GameStop and their ilk in the US, where a beat-up, no manual copy of a game sells for the same as a pristine one....

[The 1 2 P]

You see plenty of poor quality games and systems, just not so much in the bigger shops. On of the many wonderful things about the collector shops is how a poor condition can knock a large amount off the price. A crease in the manual, a missing obi - these things can knock 20, 30, 50% off the prices of items.

You rarely see the situation you get at GameStop and their ilk in the US, where a beat-up, no manual copy of a game sells for the same as a pristine one....

I wish the US game stores adopted a similar mentality to the quality of their games, but sadly I doubt that will ever happen.

[Volcanon]

I've seen this in Japan too. Its nice because I can get a "player's version" of games quite cheaply, leaving the mint cib games for the collectors. I've got a spate of PS2 games, all used, all with riffled instructio books and minor scratches for $5 when the mint sealed versions go for $30

[The 1 2 P]

I've seen this in Japan too. Its nice because I can get a "player's version" of games quite cheaply, leaving the mint cib games for the collectors. I've got a spate of PS2 games, all used, all with riffled instructio books and minor scratches for $5 when the mint sealed versions go for $30

I'm envious. I wish it was like that here.

[Fuyukaze]

I've seen this in Japan too. Its nice because I can get a "player's version" of games quite cheaply, leaving the mint cib games for the collectors. I've got a spate of PS2 games, all used, all with riffled instructio books and minor scratches for $5 when the mint sealed versions go for $30


Any chance you run across copies of Saikano for the PS2?

[josekortez]

I'm envious. I wish it was like that here.

Yeah, me too.

[tomi_muto]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to buy a xbox360 in Japan.
I live in Brazil, but duo to a lot of taxes it's much more expensive in here, so, I'm planning to bring a xbox from Japan.

But I was wondering if I might have so difficulties duo to language or system incompability. Are games sold in Japan in japanese? Can I play an american game in a japanese console?

Thanks a lot!

Flavio

[The 1 2 P]

Games sold in Japan are mainly in Japanese(surprise). And you won't find more than a handful of US games that can play in a Japanese 360.

[StealthLurker]

Even though the system prices may look inexpensive, don't forget about shipping costs (especially if it's a boxed complete sys) and any fees (middleman/"friend"). Just won a new boxed JPN Xbox 360 elite and boxed JPN 60g PS3 a few days ago on YJ. Can't wait to see the fees and shipping... LOL

.

[The 1 2 P]

How much did your boxed Japanese 360 elite cost? You'd think they would be trying to give those things away over there.

[StealthLurker]

How much did your boxed Japanese 360 elite cost? You'd think they would be trying to give those things away over there.

They're sold out on elites almost everywhere there from what I hear. For some reason they love elites. Final auction + fees + shipping a little over 600.

.

[smork]

They're sold out on elites almost everywhere there from what I hear. For some reason they love elites. Final auction + fees + shipping a little over 600.

.

They are easy to get now; they were sold out everywhere when first released. I had to buy a new 360 (for non-RROD related issues) and got an Elite, no problem.

With the shit exchange rate they go about $470 in stores now. A few months ago they were $400. Yes, the US dollar has gotten that bad!

[The 1 2 P]

So in other words, you wouldn't be getting a bargin to have one shipped over to the US. I just thought that all 360's would be reasonably cheap because of how badly they sell over there.

[smork]

So in other words, you wouldn't be getting a bargin to have one shipped over to the US. I just thought that all 360's would be reasonably cheap because of how badly they sell over there.

No, no bargain at all -- and in fact pretty much an anti-bargain given the very poor exchange rate.

The 360 is reasonable cheap here, but reasonably in Yen only. They don't have nearly as bad of an install base as the original xbox, so its not cut rate priced. It's easy to find games and I see a fair amount of people browsing the racks.

I'd say its no smashing success, but certainly no failure on the order of the original. In the rest of Asia it does quite well...

[StealthLurker]

They are easy to get now; they were sold out everywhere when first released. I had to buy a new 360 (for non-RROD related issues) and got an Elite, no problem.

With the shit exchange rate they go about $470 in stores now. A few months ago they were $400. Yes, the US dollar has gotten that bad!

Might be easier for someone in japan to get today, but most online shops don't sell 360's anymore or are out of stock (espec elite models). The listings on YJ don't yield too many results either and usually have a mild bid war on them (at least at the time I was in the market for one). Unfortunately, the only way I can get anything is through the web.

Exchange rates definitely contribute to the pain, but a bulk of the additional cost is often shipping and possibly service fees if you used a middleman. Optimal solution would be to have someone you know in japan hunt down one for you. He can also make it easier to ensure that yours is a falcon.

.

[The 1 2 P]

No, no bargain at all -- and in fact pretty much an anti-bargain given the very poor exchange rate.

The 360 is reasonable cheap here, but reasonably in Yen only. They don't have nearly as bad of an install base as the original xbox, so its not cut rate priced. It's easy to find games and I see a fair amount of people browsing the racks.

I'd say its no smashing success, but certainly no failure on the order of the original. In the rest of Asia it does quite well...

Well thats news to me. If you go by the various magazines, web sites, and other various video game media you'd think that stores are desperate to get rid of their shelves full of dusty unsold 360's. But for anyone living there I'm sure good deals can be found, probably with games throwing in as well.

[TurboGenesis]

I have decided to purchase a Japanese 360. Currently shopping around for one now. It seems there is no other way right now other than hack mod chips(i don't do chips)

WOW! It is long time but I finally am getting a Japan Xbox 360 It will be here on this Saturday along with my first game Raiden Fighter Aces.


I'm glad I'm not the only one on this site that doesn't mod his systems. It seems like everyone else on here does it. I don't mind other people doing it, it's just not for me. I can play Japanese/Asian imports on my PS1, Xbox, Nes, Super Nes, Dreamcast, Saturn, Genesis, 3DO and N64, and yet not one single one of them is modded in any way. Thats what they make import convertors for:D.

I like to keep my console stock and original. I do not fancy to hack my hardware… I use boot disc, converters, or I just buy second console.
I do not mind those who alter their console but it is not something for me.

[The 1 2 P]

WOW! It is long time but I finally am getting a Japan Xbox 360 It will be here on this Saturday along with my first game Raiden Fighter Aces.



I like to keep my console stock and original. I do not fancy to hack my hardware… I use boot disc, converters, or I just buy second console.
I do not mind those who alter their console but it is not something for me.

Well apparently the majority of members on this forum aren't fully educated on the benefits of boot disc, import converters and region free revisions. Again, to each their own. But I'd much rather pay an extra $5-15 to get a convertor/boot disc to play all my import games instead of opening up my systems, paying for mod chips and having to act like a professional sodder:hmm:.

[StealthLurker]

WOW! It is long time but I finally am getting a Japan Xbox 360 It will be here on this Saturday along with my first game Raiden Fighter Aces.



I like to keep my console stock and original. I do not fancy to hack my hardware… I use boot disc, converters, or I just buy second console.
I do not mind those who alter their console but it is not something for me.


Call me crazy but I like to have it all. US, JPN and modded US consoles. For example got a Debug/Test system ps2, JPN PS2 fatty and a modded US PS2 Slim. For PS3, got US & JPN 60Gs... if a mod chip comes out I might get a modded US PS3 (Then I'll have a PS3/Bluray player for all the HDTVs in the house). I've done that time and time again for almost every system (provided there are mods for them). I also do the boot disc/ram cart/etc thing too. I guess I just like to try everything and keep my options open.

Yeah I won a copy of Raiden Fighters for 360 coming in too. I hear it's supposed to be in HD. It's gonna look great on my HD Tate setup. >=)



Well apparently the majority of members on this forum aren't fully educated on the benefits of boot disc, import converters and region free revisions. Again, to each their own. But I'd much rather pay an extra $5-15 to get a convertor/boot disc to play all my import games instead of opening up my systems, paying for mod chips and having to act like a professional sodder:hmm:.


You can always pay someone else who has much more experience than you. That's what I've always done. There are plenty of skilled experienced members at neo-geo.com that can take care of this in a snap. Most of the time I just go ahead and have them get me a system, buy the chip, install it.... DONE. This works especially well if you want an older system modded, since older systems tend be cheaper anyways.


.

[evil_genius]

Do they have a boot disc? I wanna play Raiden.

[WasherDryerCombo]

Most of the Xbox 360 games are region-free... I'd say you'd have no problem with it...

That's just plain WRONG. All Japanese games are Region coded and will not work on US consoles.

Viceversa, Most US games are region free and will work on a Japanese console with some exceptions like All EA published games and select Ubisoft and Microsoft releases.

I also learned that diffrent region games down work with System Link like with Forza 2's multi screen. Import Tuner Challenge and Shutoku Battle X are also on diffrent networks so you can't play agianst someone with Japanese copy of the game if you don't also have it.

[The 1 2 P]

You can always pay someone else who has much more experience than you. That's what I've always done. There are plenty of skilled experienced members at neo-geo.com that can take care of this in a snap. Most of the time I just go ahead and have them get me a system, buy the chip, install it.... DONE. This works especially well if you want an older system modded, since older systems tend be cheaper anyways.


.

True, but like I said, to each his own. I'd rather save that money I would be spending to get someone to mod my system and use it on more games or other important stuff, like porn or gas:pimp:

[smork]

I also learned that diffrent region games down work with System Link like with Forza 2's multi screen. Import Tuner Challenge and Shutoku Battle X are also on diffrent networks so you can't play agianst someone with Japanese copy of the game if you don't also have it.

Yeah, that last one specifically pissed me off, as I have 100% in Shutokou Battle X and nobody to get the online achievements with...

[The 1 2 P]

I also learned that diffrent region games down work with System Link like with Forza 2's multi screen. Import Tuner Challenge and Shutoku Battle X are also on diffrent networks so you can't play agianst someone with Japanese copy of the game if you don't also have it.

That sounds as bad as the X-Men Legends 2 fiasco where you couldn't play with someone online unless they had the same tv output as you(only 720p tvs could connect to other 720p tvs). Thats just plain gay.

[ianoid]

Any know of a list of Japan and/or PAL only Xbox releases? I hope there aren't too many. I guess I could handle supplementing my collection with the US non-released games.

[Vectorman0]

Any know of a list of Japan and/or PAL only Xbox releases? I hope there aren't too many. I guess I could handle supplementing my collection with the US non-released games.

I know you like the original Xbox, so is that what you are talking about? This is an xbox 360 thread. Anyway, if there isn't a list of Japanese and PAL original Xbox exclusive titles, I would help contribute to one.

Edit - I decided to make a topic for original xbox imports

[eastx]

Man, I wish somebody would devise a way to play Japanese imports on US systems. I want Oneechanbara and Raiden Fighters...

[The 1 2 P]

Man, I wish somebody would devise a way to play Japanese imports on US systems. I want Oneechanbara and Raiden Fighters...

Unfortuantly, the Xbox and Xbox 360 are among the few systems that don't have any simple ways to play import games with an import converter. But I will never mod any of my systems so that just means that I need to have a Japanese and a US xbox to play all my games.

[eastx]

Heh, I find it amusing when someone says "I will NEVER mod my system" like it's some kind of crime against nature. But I don't believe that ANY kind of mod exists that will allow you to play imports on 360. Modchips did allow it for the regular Xbox though.

[smork]

Man, I wish somebody would devise a way to play Japanese imports on US systems. I want Oneechanbara and Raiden Fighters...

Can't speak for Raiden Fighters, but no, no you don't want Oneechanbara Vortex. There's a good reason it hasn't made the jump to the US, and that is its extreme suckiness.

Really, really shitty.

[eastx]

Can't speak for Raiden Fighters, but no, no you don't want Oneechanbara Vortex. There's a good reason it hasn't made the jump to the US, and that is its extreme suckiness.

Really, really shitty.

Aww, that series has its following. I thought the consensus was that only the Wii game is unplayably bad.

[TurboGenesis]

Heh, I find it amusing when someone says "I will NEVER mod my system" like it's some kind of crime against nature. But I don't believe that ANY kind of mod exists that will allow you to play imports on 360. Modchips did allow it for the regular Xbox though.

Sorry I am to amuse you… :roll:
I am one to not modify or alter things. I am sorry. I do not put sticker on my console, I do not change the faceplate on my Xbox 360, I do not change the case to my Dreamcast, I do not open up my console to put chip in there…

I have my things I do and others do their things. I have friend who modify his console and I help him to solder the wires. I don't do it to my thing.

I am glad I am able to amuse and entertain you with my preference… :-/

[s1lence]

Vortex is totally playable and it isn't terrible. Raiden Fighters is Top notch, but I highly doubt that game will ever come overseas. Unless they cut the price to 20 bucks, I don't see a large market for a 60 dollar shmup.

[The 1 2 P]

Heh, I find it amusing when someone says "I will NEVER mod my system" like it's some kind of crime against nature. But I don't believe that ANY kind of mod exists that will allow you to play imports on 360. Modchips did allow it for the regular Xbox though.

I know it's not a crime but it's just not my style. I play import games on my Nes, Snes, JVC X-Eye, 3DO, Playstation, Saturn, Dreamcast, N64, Gamecube, Game Boy Advance and I haven't had to mod any one of them. And my import converters for the systems that needed them were much cheaper($5-20 each) than any mod chip and installation process.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I have no problem with other people modding their systems, to each his own:deadhorse:. But certain systems really had no reason to be modded in the first place(Playstation, X-Eye, 3DO to name a few) in order to play imports so I think some people just like to mod so they can say they modded.

[eastx]

1 2 P, it's definitely nice when imports can be played without modification or adaptors. PS3, PSP, and DS games are all currently like that.
But if you want to play imports on some systems, modifying them is the only option. Actually, the other option is to purchase the import hardware. If you can afford to buy a $400+ Japanese 360 system to do that, then it's not bad for you to do so. Those 2 or 3 good Japan-exclusive games will surely make your $400 additional system investment worthwhile.

But if you can play the imports for $40-80 by adding a modchip or a switch or something, it's just a lot more efficient to do the mod. I don't know anyone who adds a mod chip or switch just for fun - we're talking about the specific purpose of enabling imports here (and not piracy, which is of course uncool).

[TurboGenesis]

1 2 P, it's definitely nice when imports can be played without modification or adaptors. PS3, PSP, and DS games are all currently like that.
But if you want to play imports on some systems, modifying them is the only option. Actually, the other option is to purchase the import hardware. If you can afford to buy a $400+ Japanese 360 system to do that, then it's not bad for you to do so. Those 2 or 3 good Japan-exclusive games will surely make your $400 additional system investment worthwhile.

First, I pay $200 for my Xbox 360 Japan and I pay $64 for Raiden Fighters Aces.

Second, Raiden Fighters, Raiden Fighters 2 and Raiden Fighters PCB cost is well over $500 and then the equipments to play — supergun/moniter or cabinet… those cost are for much more than the price of import console.

Third, Ketsui PCB is $800+ for a bare kit, a complete kit is $1500. Ketsui will be on the 360 for a price of $70~ and will offer additions that are not on PCB. NOTE that Ketsui can ONLY be play on arcade. Emulation in MAME will not happen for years if at all…

My investment is worth it for me and I am far from rich fellow.

OF note, I hear horror story for those who modification the Xbox 360 and to go online and have trouble with Microsoft. I am want no trouble .

[eastx]

I'm also sure that there will be more than just 3 good Japan-exclusive games in the 360's lifetime, but that wasn't really my point. Of course any console purchases will end up being a better value than buying the arcade versions.

[The 1 2 P]

1 2 P, it's definitely nice when imports can be played without modification or adaptors. PS3, PSP, and DS games are all currently like that.
But if you want to play imports on some systems, modifying them is the only option. Actually, the other option is to purchase the import hardware. If you can afford to buy a $400+ Japanese 360 system to do that, then it's not bad for you to do so. Those 2 or 3 good Japan-exclusive games will surely make your $400 additional system investment worthwhile.

But if you can play the imports for $40-80 by adding a modchip or a switch or something, it's just a lot more efficient to do the mod. I don't know anyone who adds a mod chip or switch just for fun - we're talking about the specific purpose of enabling imports here (and not piracy, which is of course uncool).

Sometimes I wish all systems were universal systems like the PSP, DS and 3DO. But unfortunately I doubt that will ever happen. So in the meantime I'll just continue to find tricky non-modding ways to play my import games.

[TurboGenesis]

Sometimes I wish all systems were universal systems like the PSP, DS and 3DO. But unfortunately I doubt that will ever happen. So in the meantime I'll just continue to find tricky non-modding ways to play my import games.

Indeed… as do I.

I start this post to find a way with out mod chip to play Japan 360 softs. No break through in boot disc have happen so I settle for purchase of a console when I find more than one or two game for to play on it.

In the end, everyone is find the way for the best to play import games and in the end, everyone is have enjoyment to play good games from around the world. That is paramount. Everyone is want to play games for good times!
:cheers:

[s1lence]

I'm just curious as to were you found an import 360 for 200 bucks, I take it you found one used.

[The 1 2 P]

Indeed… as do I.

I start this post to find a way with out mod chip to play Japan 360 softs. No break through in boot disc have happen so I settle for purchase of a console when I find more than one or two game for to play on it.

In the end, everyone is find the way for the best to play import games and in the end, everyone is have enjoyment to play good games from around the world. That is paramount. Everyone is want to play games for good times!
:cheers:

Well said my friend. Well said:cheers:

[StealthLurker]

A majority, if not all portables have been region free (gameboy anyone?). I was absolutely thrilled when a japanese Gameboy Nemesis cart my dad had bought on a trip worked on my US Gameboy. I suppose they figure you'll be taking these things with you when you travel (possibly abroad) and would want to pick up some titles to play.

Niche systems like the 3DO, PC-Engine CD based units? (at least the Turbo Duo), NeoGeo CD, etc etc probably just wanted to sell games no matter what region got the dough in the end... LOL j/p

Modding systems have stemmed from necessity sorta. Not always was protection merely physical or could be easily defeated by a boot disc/cart/swap tricks. Also back in the day people didn't always have the option to buy another console specifically for the purpose of imports whether it be due to system availability or funds.

I remember the early PS1 days. I was overseas and saw it high up on the shelves with a price tag equivalent to 600 US dollars. At that time there was no modless/external way to effortlessly play an import without doing a swap disc trick.

Nowadays we're lucky to have so many more options along with the internet to help finding what we need. So modding isn't always necessary and is a nice option for the purists. However, remember that a modchip isn't always just to make a system region free. Some chips come with other nice features. Personally, If I had only one console I probably wouldn't mod it. Mostly because I'd like to have one complete, boxed system as pure factory stock. However If I have 2 or more of the same unit, sure I'll mod one of them. =)


.

[smork]

I'm just curious as to were you found an import 360 for 200 bucks, I take it you found one used.

6 months ago a new core 360 would be about $220 (not shipped). With the exchange rate now it's about $270.

I've seen used core systems for as low as $140 (again, not shipped). Average for a core seems to run around $180-190...