There is a reason region locking can be frustrating and part of it has to do with how much release dates can vary. While some are a bit more understandable (Such as games with a lot of dialogue or ones that may need to be censored quite a bit–something that also has mixed opinions), others are just… incredibly odd. One big example is with the recently released Woolly World in PAL regions. Considering those games are in English, the fact that the US isn’t also getting it is rather odd.
And the fact that Japan is getting it 2-3 weeks after the PAL regions stands out a bit in itself. There’s no explanations as to why and the fact that North America isn’t receiving it for nearly 3 months after Japan is really odd.
A smaller example is what happened with the Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright game–there was one explanation in the fact that they could have been redubbing Luke as his voice varies between PAL and North American regions (although, everyone else is the same)… except Luke kept his voice from those games so it’s another 3 month discrepancy. A smaller delay was with Fantasy Life where we received it a month later–several terms were changed which could be why, but it’s still a question of why that was needed to.
But in general, as long as we get the games eventually, it isn’t really the end of the world as disappointing as it can be when you know most of the world is playing a game you’re super excited for. What I think really gets me though is when it comes to physical goods. Both Japan and PAL regions tend to get such amazing preorders. I mean, seriously:
We only got the scarf and that wasn’t even through preorders. And generally, it feels if we do somehow get something, it’s either exclusive to Gamestop (which after several bad experiences, I just don’t feel comfortable using) or Nintendo World. I live in NYC and this is still so frustrating. In general, if you want to go to a Nintendo World Event, you need to get there the early hours of a day or late the night before–possibly even earlier depending on what. With the Amiibo craze, it’s gotten even worse.
And just… I can’t help but wonder why. Why North America seems to constantly be left out of the loop with physical stuff? Even with Club Nintendo closing, PAL Regions and Japan received so many great things that were never shown here. And I mean, look at the most recent item that as appeared on the PAL region Club Nintendo:
On one hand, even if this showed up on the North America site, I wouldn’t be able to afford it as I already used my coins, today is the last day, and you can no longer register things.
It’s just disappointing and frustrating to see so many amazing things and knowing the only way to get them is if you know someone who’d be willing to grab one for you or buying them overpriced on Ebay. I just wish I understood why. It’s bad enough when so many games are stuck being region specific (STILL WAITING FOR A LOCALIZATION ANNOUNCEMENT ON GIRLS MODE 3), but there’s an extra heartbreaking punch when you see beautiful things for a series you love and know that it’s constantly out of your reach.