Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
im thinking of getting a jap360 as well,do you think that you would need some kind of step down converter for the power supply and is hdmi universal as in playing a jap360 in the uk,would you need some kind of signal converter or are all lcd tvs pretty much not constrained to jap/usa/pal territories?
the legend will never die!
Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Fugue,
I believe I have the answer to your question bro. I have a Japanese Silver account on my USA Xbox 360. I heard about some of them getting blocked and whatnot, so I went to extra lengths when I created mine. I spent nearly an entire day looking for an address in Japan that might seem legit. I found an English/Japanese language school and made it my address. Looked up information on how Japanese addresses work, and used a translation page to make every bit of my "account" as "legitimate" as I possibly could. Most people just use the generic address that people post on forums and such to make their Japanese accounts, so I am sure that when 100 accounts with the same address turn up, that it is easy for them to spot the fakes. Mine still works, and has not come into question.
Now, if you go to those extremes, what does such a dummy account make available to you? Honestly, not much. Most of what is on their marketplace is the same as what we have. If you want anything off there, you have to purchase a Japanese Microsoft Points card for starters, as a USA points card will not work. Second, nearly all of their Live Arcade games are the exact same files as what we have. The only one that is an entirely different "game" per say is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. I have that one, and the game is different in some ways. It has the entire intro and ending sequences left in (and is thereby a larger file than the USA version), plus it has seven familiars instead of just five. Although the other two are not that different, basically pallet swaps of the Demon and Fairie Familiars. Some items are in different locations and a few other small differences. However, it does provide an extra 200 points of gamerscore if you get all the achievements on it like I did.
What is not available to you because of region lockout? Video files relating to television shows or movies cannot be downloaded period. No huge loss, as their video marketplace has next to nothing compared to ours. Some demos are not available period as well. However, many game trailers and demos are available that never come to our marketplace, so it is neat for that purpose. They also have some themes and gamerpics that we do not that you can get if you wish. Xbox Originals are also unavailable to you, although I am willing to bet these might work with the Japanese console when I get it.
So bottom line, with a USA account on a Japanese Xbox 360, yes you can still get USA XBLA games and play them on it no problem. Those games are not region locked. Hope this information helps you out some.
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[EDIT: Update]
Wanted to update this post with some new information. First off, I am not sure about the UK and PAL stuff. While I have imported UK games to the USA for the GBA and Dreamcast and had no problems, that is the extent of my knowledge with games from that region. I would check on Play-Asia's site for info regarding stepdown converters, and maybe even see if there is anything on Wiki-pedia about it. Wish I could be more help, but my knowledge mostly revolves around NTSC stuff, which the USA and Japan share.
Secondly, Play-Asia has updated their Xbox 360 hardware listing guys. The price drops are in effect on their site as of today, and they are now offering the 60GB 360 as a pre-order for September 11th. I still opted for the Arcade system, especially since it is offered at a below $300 price point now. So if anyone else is looking to get in on this import goodness, now is a good time.
Here is a site that offers Play-Asia $10 off order coupons and he updates it regularly. Just keep trying them until you get one that works. He updates it with new codes every day or two, so just refresh and check often.
http://play-asia-couponcodes.blogspot.com/
Finally, here is what I did. I placed two orders. First order was a Japanese Xbox 360 Arcade system, Shiro no Shikigami III, and Raiden Fighters Aces. Second order was purchasing pre-orders: Raiden IV and Otomedius G. I used coupon codes on both to get $10 off each.
The one thing you should be aware of is the shipping cost on the Xbox 360 unit. As you well know, those things are heavy in the box. It was $75 shipping cost. So be sure to factor that into your purchasing plans. However, with the price drop on the consoles, it about balances out to what the prices were for them as of yesterday.
Be sure to keep me updated if you guys decide to take the plunge as well!
I believe I have the answer to your question bro. I have a Japanese Silver account on my USA Xbox 360. I heard about some of them getting blocked and whatnot, so I went to extra lengths when I created mine. I spent nearly an entire day looking for an address in Japan that might seem legit. I found an English/Japanese language school and made it my address. Looked up information on how Japanese addresses work, and used a translation page to make every bit of my "account" as "legitimate" as I possibly could. Most people just use the generic address that people post on forums and such to make their Japanese accounts, so I am sure that when 100 accounts with the same address turn up, that it is easy for them to spot the fakes. Mine still works, and has not come into question.
Now, if you go to those extremes, what does such a dummy account make available to you? Honestly, not much. Most of what is on their marketplace is the same as what we have. If you want anything off there, you have to purchase a Japanese Microsoft Points card for starters, as a USA points card will not work. Second, nearly all of their Live Arcade games are the exact same files as what we have. The only one that is an entirely different "game" per say is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. I have that one, and the game is different in some ways. It has the entire intro and ending sequences left in (and is thereby a larger file than the USA version), plus it has seven familiars instead of just five. Although the other two are not that different, basically pallet swaps of the Demon and Fairie Familiars. Some items are in different locations and a few other small differences. However, it does provide an extra 200 points of gamerscore if you get all the achievements on it like I did.
What is not available to you because of region lockout? Video files relating to television shows or movies cannot be downloaded period. No huge loss, as their video marketplace has next to nothing compared to ours. Some demos are not available period as well. However, many game trailers and demos are available that never come to our marketplace, so it is neat for that purpose. They also have some themes and gamerpics that we do not that you can get if you wish. Xbox Originals are also unavailable to you, although I am willing to bet these might work with the Japanese console when I get it.
So bottom line, with a USA account on a Japanese Xbox 360, yes you can still get USA XBLA games and play them on it no problem. Those games are not region locked. Hope this information helps you out some.
--------------------------------------------------
[EDIT: Update]
Wanted to update this post with some new information. First off, I am not sure about the UK and PAL stuff. While I have imported UK games to the USA for the GBA and Dreamcast and had no problems, that is the extent of my knowledge with games from that region. I would check on Play-Asia's site for info regarding stepdown converters, and maybe even see if there is anything on Wiki-pedia about it. Wish I could be more help, but my knowledge mostly revolves around NTSC stuff, which the USA and Japan share.
Secondly, Play-Asia has updated their Xbox 360 hardware listing guys. The price drops are in effect on their site as of today, and they are now offering the 60GB 360 as a pre-order for September 11th. I still opted for the Arcade system, especially since it is offered at a below $300 price point now. So if anyone else is looking to get in on this import goodness, now is a good time.
Here is a site that offers Play-Asia $10 off order coupons and he updates it regularly. Just keep trying them until you get one that works. He updates it with new codes every day or two, so just refresh and check often.
http://play-asia-couponcodes.blogspot.com/
Finally, here is what I did. I placed two orders. First order was a Japanese Xbox 360 Arcade system, Shiro no Shikigami III, and Raiden Fighters Aces. Second order was purchasing pre-orders: Raiden IV and Otomedius G. I used coupon codes on both to get $10 off each.
The one thing you should be aware of is the shipping cost on the Xbox 360 unit. As you well know, those things are heavy in the box. It was $75 shipping cost. So be sure to factor that into your purchasing plans. However, with the price drop on the consoles, it about balances out to what the prices were for them as of yesterday.
Be sure to keep me updated if you guys decide to take the plunge as well!
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Doctor Fugue
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Wow! Thanks for all the information! And congratulations on your purchases. 
I have to sleep now, but I'll write more later today!
I have to sleep now, but I'll write more later today!
"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew...is gone." - The Guardian of Forever
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Doctor Fugue
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Okay, I'm awake.
Thanks again for writing that all up.
I really do want a Japanese silver account to get some demos that we don't have here. I actually thought I might like to play their Shogi game, and it won't be on the US XBLA. That is interesting that you need a JP points card, but you can still enter it on a US console through a JP account!
As for the video marketplace...have you ever seen the Canadian list of stuff? Hmmm...up until a few months ago there was NOTHING. Now there are a few movies but it rarely gets updated. I'm jealous of what you guys have down there.
I'm not planning on selling my US 360, so I guess I'll be able to have the best of both worlds.
Now, for something tricky. If I download an XBLA game on my US 360, then take my hard drive over to a JP 360, will I be able to play the full game on the JP console without being online? I am inclined to think that this will not work. Since the licences are tied to the console and not the hard drive, I would have to use the migration tool.
Isn't that just the same as taking your hard drive over to a friend's house? I haven't tried this, but with the DRM I believe you wouldn't be able to play the full games without being signed in to Xbox Live. The only time you can play XBLA full games is when you are either signed into Live, or you are playing on the original console which you downloaded the game, or you have used the migration tool, or Microsoft has transferred the licences over the phone. Or am I just insane?
Finally, again, congratulations on taking the plunge. Did you get the special stick for Otomedius with the touchscreen? It is crazy expensive!!
Thanks again for writing that all up.
I really do want a Japanese silver account to get some demos that we don't have here. I actually thought I might like to play their Shogi game, and it won't be on the US XBLA. That is interesting that you need a JP points card, but you can still enter it on a US console through a JP account!
As for the video marketplace...have you ever seen the Canadian list of stuff? Hmmm...up until a few months ago there was NOTHING. Now there are a few movies but it rarely gets updated. I'm jealous of what you guys have down there.
I'm not planning on selling my US 360, so I guess I'll be able to have the best of both worlds.
Now, for something tricky. If I download an XBLA game on my US 360, then take my hard drive over to a JP 360, will I be able to play the full game on the JP console without being online? I am inclined to think that this will not work. Since the licences are tied to the console and not the hard drive, I would have to use the migration tool.
Isn't that just the same as taking your hard drive over to a friend's house? I haven't tried this, but with the DRM I believe you wouldn't be able to play the full games without being signed in to Xbox Live. The only time you can play XBLA full games is when you are either signed into Live, or you are playing on the original console which you downloaded the game, or you have used the migration tool, or Microsoft has transferred the licences over the phone. Or am I just insane?
Finally, again, congratulations on taking the plunge. Did you get the special stick for Otomedius with the touchscreen? It is crazy expensive!!
"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew...is gone." - The Guardian of Forever
Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Your are correct, the DLC only works offline with the profile and console it was downloaded on. I still plan to download any XBLA titles (USA or Japan) and any other DLC like themes and pics to my USA Xbox only. The only things I will download on the Japanese console will be DLC for retail games that are Japan only. It is going to be awesome, being able to play whatever games I want now. No, I did not buy the special stick for Otomedius. The pre-orders for that plus the game were already all presold, so it wasn't an option anyway. Even if it was, I probably would not have bought it. What is the big deal with it anyway? Too expensive. The Xbox 360 control pad will work just fine for me.
I am also looking forward to going for achievements on Raiden Fighters Aces, and having people message me and ask me how I am playing it. I have the demo of it on my 360 from my Japanese Silver account, and let me tell you, that game rocks. I cannot wait to play it.
What is this Shogi game you speak of? If it is cool, I might get it. I have some points left from my Japanese points card from where I bought the Japanese Symphony of the Night that I have not spent on anything yet.
I am also looking forward to going for achievements on Raiden Fighters Aces, and having people message me and ask me how I am playing it. I have the demo of it on my 360 from my Japanese Silver account, and let me tell you, that game rocks. I cannot wait to play it.
What is this Shogi game you speak of? If it is cool, I might get it. I have some points left from my Japanese points card from where I bought the Japanese Symphony of the Night that I have not spent on anything yet.
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Doctor Fugue
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
The price for that Otomedius stick is absurd, especially considering its special feature "the touchscreen" is useless for all other games. And even in Otomedius Gorgeous you only need the touch screen during a bomb...and even then it doesn't replicate the touchscreen capabilities in the arcade. Useless!
Shogi is an ancient Japanese board game; imagine chess only older and more complex. It has been released for the PC and XBLA Japan. It might get released here eventually.
http://www.shotest.co.uk/
Shogi is an ancient Japanese board game; imagine chess only older and more complex. It has been released for the PC and XBLA Japan. It might get released here eventually.
http://www.shotest.co.uk/
"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew...is gone." - The Guardian of Forever
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Doctor Fugue
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Well, it appears that Shotest Shogi will be coming to the States this week.
"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew...is gone." - The Guardian of Forever
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ZenLogikos
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
So what's the deal, LoneCynic? Update on the import situation please! Enjoying Raiden Fighters goodness yet?
Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
The status of my order states that my two games (Raiden Fighters Aces and Shiro no Shikigami III) have been picked and set aside for my order. It seems the holdup is on my Arcade 360 unit. They must have had a rush of orders for that thing when the price dropped. No complaints here, as that will likely ensure I get one from a recent batch/shipment and hopefully one with a Falcon Drive in it. The order status states that it will be back in stock and my order ready to ship on or around September the 18th. So, I am waiting patiently for the status to updat in the coming week. You can rest assured that I will be back and reporting every detail once it arrives.
In the meantime, I am enjoying Castle Crashers and Gin Rummy on Xbox Live Arcade. My gamertag is LoneCynic, if you want to game with me, just send me an invite and identify yourself with a voice message. Dr. Fugue and I have already played some games together, it is good times. I have 50ish XBLA games, so I am sure we can find something to play together. I could use help on Ikaruga Co-op to get more than the one achievement I have on that game, so if that sounds good, hit me up.
In the meantime, I am enjoying Castle Crashers and Gin Rummy on Xbox Live Arcade. My gamertag is LoneCynic, if you want to game with me, just send me an invite and identify yourself with a voice message. Dr. Fugue and I have already played some games together, it is good times. I have 50ish XBLA games, so I am sure we can find something to play together. I could use help on Ikaruga Co-op to get more than the one achievement I have on that game, so if that sounds good, hit me up.
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ZenLogikos
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Re: Importing Xbox 360 for SHMUPS
Thanks for the update! I look forward to future reports! I'll certainly add you - I've got 23 XBLA titles and only 7 retail, so that tells you where my main interests lie. NHL09 just came out so that's one retail title that will consume a great deal of my time, but I'm always up for Arcade action.