I've been weighing up the decision to import a PlayStation Vita for a few weeks. I took the plunge on a PSP and Xbox 360 last decade, getting my hands on two of the hottest pieces of hardware this generation months before anyone else in Australia even had a look at them in person.
It's always exciting to get your hands on new hardware before anyone else, and celebrating a launch that's still a few months off in your own country is highly satisfying. Getting my PSP only a few days after the Japanese launch is definitely one of my most exciting times as a gamer.
Yet, I haven't imported Vita. There are a few reasons why, and although I am still somewhat tempted to treat myself to an early Christmas present, the fact that the release is only two months away for the rest of the world is the biggest deterrent of all in forking out a few extra hundred dollars for an imported version.
The Price
As it stands, Aussies are already paying through the roof for Vita. There are some great pre-order packs out there (GAME is offering a free copy of Ridge Racer for any $50 pre-order deposit), but you're still forking over $350 for a Wi-Fi versions, and $100 more for 3G. That's despite the fact that Brits and Yanks only have to pay an extra fifty pounds and dollars respectively for a 3G upgrade.
Getting a direct import of a Japanese Vita will cost you $386 AUD for 3G and $322 AUD for Wi-Fi. That's if you can get someone to buy you one and send it over. If you're hoping to get a Japanese Vita via an online store or eBay, those prices rise considerably. You're looking at at least $500 for the Wi-Fi version, although you might find one for $450-$500 on eBay if you look hard enough.
That's a lot of cash even before you factor in a memory card, a game, and any converter you may need in order to charge your handheld's battery (that might set you back a further $100, minimum). Looking at prominent online retailer Play Asia, a Wi-Fi model, Uncharted and 8 GB memory card will set you back $655.
If we assume Vita games in Australia will cost between $60-$70, the same pack will cost you approximately $200 less than importing online. That's a lot of extra dosh, just to get a handheld two months before a domestic launch.
Warranty
The warranty is important when importing international hardware. Any warranty for a Japanese unit will be specific to Sony of Japan, meaning any maintenance that your handheld will need will be done in Japan. The warranty will not be eligible for domestic servicing.
It's not that much of a hassle, but it can be difficult to use the warranty if something happens to the handheld. You'll be dealing with a Japanese company, and will probably have to ship it yourself using international shipping rates, which vary and are affordable, but can spike up if you factor in insurance and tracking, two postage services you should consider.
Language Barrier
As with the PSP, the PS Vita does have a language option, but default will obviously be in Japanese. All manuals and included documentation will also be in Japanese, although you can use this English guide to learn about your new imported toy.
Not all games will have English options though. Games like Uncharted still have English dialogue and text, obviously with Japanese subtitles. However, Ridge Racer does not have an English option, which can certainly be a barrier for some users.
3G
First and foremost, I wouldn't recommend even buying the 3G Vita in Australia. It's $100 extra for constant 3G connectivity, with an added monthly bill (which will certainly be more than $40 a month). You may as well just alter your smartphone 3G data deal and tether from your phone if you need internet connectivity on the go.
If you are keen on a 3G model though, it's essentially impossible to import a Japanese model, seeing as though it relies on a local 3G provider, which obviously wouldn't service Australia. If that's the model you're keen on, wait for the Aussie launch.
The Final Verdict - Should You Import Vita?
I'm probably making someone at Sony Australia very happy by saying this: it is not worth importing Vita in my opinion. Not so much because of the language and warranty barriers (both of which aren't really that big of an issue), but mainly because you're looking at paying $200 more for a piece of hardware you can get considerably cheaper in only two months.
If you can get someone in Japan to buy one for you and send it over, then by all means import away, as then you'll actually be paying less than what you would in Australia. However, purchasing from online retailers and exporters, as many importers do, would equate to over paying for a product that is currently in high demand.
By Gaetano Prestia
Have you imported Vita? Would you consider importing before the Aussie launch in February?