Sony moves to block PS3 imports to Europe
by Kyle Orland 
{ Oct 23rd 2006 at 2:25PM }
European gamers hoping to get around the PS3 delay through the magic of importing will have a tough time of it. The BBC is reporting that Sony will "utilise [sic] the full scope of the law" to discourage retailers from importing systems from the U.S. and Japan before the system is released in Europe next March. The move comes just days after a London high court judge blocked importer Lik-Sang from selling PSP systems in the European Economic Area.
Apparently, Sony only has the buyer's best interests at heart, saying that they're only "trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards." Not bad as an official justification, but the real issue probably has more to do protecting European retailers and maximizing limited launch quantities than actually protecting the odd importer.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
asteron @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:33PM
The "ize" - "ise" thing is an American / British spelling difference.
crono141 @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:32PM
Sony sucks
unimental @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:33PM
Not to be rude, but are you guys using MS Paint and the default font set to throw captions on today? I noticed this first on the PoP graphic for the "worst of the worst games list" post. /observation
Rask @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:35PM
So the PS3 in it's current state is safe enough for the rest of the world and not good enough for europe?
Riiiight. Try again Sony.
Corporate cockblock ftw!
Ignatius @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:39PM
Well, I hate to say something for Sony, but Europe does have different voltage standards than Japan or America, but this is a pretty weak way of saying they need to sell as many consoles locally as possible. I don't remember 'safety' ever being an issue with consoles when they were released only in Japan.
Unit @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:40PM
You can't import the system, but it's okay to pay $2,000 for it off of ebay?!
Walshicus @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:43PM
Joystiq; You do realise that "utilise" is the correct spellings for non-Americans, and hence the BBC right? There's no need for that "[sic]".
Drop A Load @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:47PM
Sony says "no import for you"
Sloar @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:48PM
slap a moustache on him and he's the Playstation nazi.
"Europe, no PS3 for you--four months!"
seriously, if I lived in Europe and was getting this type of treatment, I wouldn't give them any money even if they threw in Liz Hurley. they give a price cut to Japan (but not to everyone else), they don't even deliver when they originally said they were going to, and now they are taking measures to make sure that you absolutely CANNOT get one. if anyone in Europe is still considering buying one of these, you need to get your head checked. how can you take this kind of crap (like them saying that you're okay with delays) and still want to give them your money? if anyone is that dumb, I have a bridge I would like to sell you.
Jose @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:57PM
Great story from, I'm sure, some undoubtedly handsome tipster?
32_Footsteps @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:55PM
They're claiming this is to protect people from hardware that doesn't make European safety standards? Maybe I'm a little deluded, but I'm fairly certain that the safety guidelines for European electronics and American/Japanese electronics are much the same, PAL/NTSC issues notwithstanding. I don't think it's outrageous to assume that European gamers can operate an American or Japanese Playstation 3 without burning down the banlieux.
broseph @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:11PM
"but the real issue probably has more to do protecting European retailers"
Wow. Such astute analysis. Uh, perhaps the law is there to protect the retailers. Sony didn't make the law, but they definitely have an interest in seeing it adhered too. If you sold game systems in Europe you'd be tipping your hat to Sony, but since you're just a mouthpiece stirring the pot you've failed to see how asinine your statements are.
Rabish12 @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:12PM
Sony really needs to do some major restructuring in their PR department. I mean, if you're going to cockblock an entire continent then go ahead, but at least avoid making it apparent that you're doing it on purpose and that you want to do it. This is the sort of thing that you want to be subtle about so that most people don't even hear about or notice it, not the sort of thing that you want appearing all over the internet with OFFICIAL statements that you're going to do everything you can to make it happen. Even if they're forced into a corner and have to make a statement like that, they should at least make their excuses a little more believable and a little less transparent.
Ciaran Gallagher @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:41PM
All the more reason why I think that if you want a next-gen console, and you live in Europe: the Xbox 360 is for you. Or the Nintendo Wii. I wouldn't wait on the PS3 because it does not offer much more than the PS3 in terms of the prices they are selling at.
Foppe @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:26PM
Once again, Sony assraped Europe.
Anthony @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:28PM
Wow, I wish I had wanted a PS3 before this.
I mean, I never wanted one before, but if I had. This would stop be from giving any money to Sony... Ever.
Denney @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:30PM
OH FFS. I mean sony piss us off by not giving us the PS3 till next year then they do this WTF. F##K YOU SONY!!!!!
KAZ @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:34PM
Sony PLAYSTATION 3D0
PAY B3YOND
599 US DOLLA*
*We like assraping Europe.
ALH @ Oct 23rd 2006 3:54PM
Sony: Europe dont mind waiting
Europe: sure we dont,brb importing lol
Sony: wait..what?!
Ryoga Vee @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:04PM
"11. Great story from, I'm sure, some undoubtedly handsome tipster?"
That would be me.. er.. Vee!
joeskie @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:09PM
I wonder if this will include Australia and New Zealand...
Conbus @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:12PM
Ah, the daily Sony bones gamers, just like coffee, you can't start your day without it!
Lololol @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:13PM
I am totaly in for a PS3+Liz Hurley combo, anytime.
@Sloar
Maybe if Kutaragi threw in a PS3+Bully combo you would. http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/boy-on-boy-kissing-in-bully/
TaPasao @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:30PM
It's official, they lost their mind.
FSK405K @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:53PM
Didn't Sony learn that this doesn't work when they tried the same thing with the PS2 and PSP?
adeel @ Oct 23rd 2006 4:54PM
Oh, I guess I should cancell the 4 ps3's I have on pre-order then since im in the UK :P ... sorry Kaz, ken, whatever your name is, but UK retailers have nothing to do with my 'imports' since my 4 are coming over with family from Japan :P .. hello ebay!
phipps @ Oct 25th 2006 5:42PM
I can see why they don't care as much about Europe (less buyers, less population = less $$$) and I could see why they would save their units for NA and Japan (Way more buyers in contrast, huge amount of people living in those regions, $$$ Jackpot) but if they don't show Europe any love, than they are just gunna piss you guys off.(Oh no!!!! They won't buy Playstation!!! They must be really pissed!!!) Though I don't think everyone will stop buying Playstation, I do think eventually less people will buy it, and I feel for you guys over there =(
So unlucky...
KEEL @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:06PM
Anyone in Europe stupid enough to import a launch system from Sony, knowing the probabilty rate for a system failure should be close to 90% deserves to sit with the busted piece of shit, with no warranty!
Haunted One @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:06PM
@27 phipps. "I can see why they don't care as much about Europe (less buyers, less population = less $$$)"
I hate to be a smart-ass and stuff, but the numbers should speak for themselves anyway :)
Population: (taken from Wikipedia)
Japan: 127.4 million (+ a good 100 million from South Korea and Thailand)
USA: 300.0 million
Europe: 461.5 million (only taking the major gaming markets (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain) tallies to over 300 million people already)
Concerning the much more interesting numbers of actual production shipments of the PlayStation 2 up to now: (straight from Sony - http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataps2_e.html)
Japan: 23.55 million units (*include shipments to Asian countries and regions including South Korea.)
USA: 42.97 million units
Europe: 39.71 million units
Judging from these numbers alone, the european market does not deserve this kind of treatment by Sony.
But at this point, they could just cancel the launch in Europe and I think (hope) no one would care. :)
Sony: no PS3 for you!
Europe: *shrugs and goes back to play Wii60*
H.
Psaakyrn @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:07PM
Technically Sony is still protecting the consumers. Just the American and Japanese consumers though, so that THEY won't be overcharged by overzealous EBayers.
Lex @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:16PM
They are probably doing this because the PS3 is region coded for Blue ray and Dvds so if you were in Europe you couldn't watch movies bought in local stores.
And if you did import you would be buying a product that doesn't have full functionality.
Sloar @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:23PM
@23
You don't become a father of two by kissing boys. What are they teaching you kids in 7th grade these days?
Haunted One @ Oct 23rd 2006 6:37PM
@ 31 Lex:
I am pretty sure anyone who imports a region-coded Japanese/US piece of hardware in(to?) Europe is quite aware of the consequences that purchase has (not being able to buy from local stores, having to import dvds, movies, games), so there's really no need to 'protect' the customer from not having the 'full functionality' or something.
What people over here (Germany, and I believe in Europe generally) really don't like though, is having the decision of 'importing or waiting' made for them.
In typical Sony-bashing fashion one could label it as just another blunder by Sony's PR department... But I consider it 100% intentional, to make the US and possibly japanese customers (do they get/read those press releases as well?) feel better about Sony and that they 'protect' the limited numbers of available units in their respective markets.
And while such a statement must surely be alienating more of Sony's European customers, Sony still seems to be of the opinion that Europeans are much more accustomed to being treated badly and it won't affect sales at all. (See the Europeans don't mind delay article etc.)
One can only hope that the European userbase is a bit more intelligent and has more self-control than to just suck all these humiliating statements up and prove Sony's PR department right by making the PS3 a hit. If we ever want to have the chance at being treated equally to the other 2 big markets (we ARE #2 in sales and #1 in population=potential after all) we'll have to show Sony that we do care about our treatment and how does the saying go? "vote with our wallets".
H.
Ness @ Oct 24th 2006 7:31PM
I say you guys(europe) boycott these bastards!!!! dont let them push you around by your wallet
LOL-EuropeBitchslappedAgain @ Oct 24th 2006 1:37AM
LOL... safety standards! They mean they don't want peoples PS3s blowing up like their laptop batteries. The European version in `07 will come with a Fire Extinguisher.
Burnt Meatloaf @ Oct 24th 2006 3:07AM
REGION FREE LOL!
Seriously, I think Sony is thinking about scalping, here. If they don't have enough systems, they don't have enough.
adeel @ Oct 24th 2006 3:49AM
imports dont have full functionality? I beg to differ. Ive been using my first batch jap ps1, first bactch jap ps2, jap psp factory firmware 1.5 all without a hitch, daily use, and no breakdowns. People should learn to play nice with their hardware and use the correct voltage cnverters, the standard 220v down to 110v converter will burn your system over time, most people wont tell you that, only the japs will tell you to get a 220v down to 100v and that will NOT damage the system at all and they will serve you well for as long as you should choose.
You can say what you will, but i havent had a single problem with importing and I get my imports dirt cheap to boot.
dont hate cos you wont be getting one.
rooot @ Oct 24th 2006 8:19AM
sony can take their ps3 and put it somewhere else...
wii wiill play with our 360...
Todd @ Oct 24th 2006 1:00PM
Face it fans, Sony does not care about you!
Gonzo @ Oct 24th 2006 3:39PM
It's like every day Sony does (or one of it's high level corporate d-bags says) something that makes me want to sh*+ in my ps2 and mail it to them. Don't get mad, get even, sign this petition: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/liksang8/petition.html
Dave @ Oct 26th 2006 2:52PM
That's crap
I got heaps of games from lik sang which I wouldn't have been able to get...cheers Lik Sang,
There's sill hope there are other good alternatives...
www.games-asia.com is another good one!
No PS3 for me!
here is my rating poll of PS3, Wii and xbox 360.
before
PS3 : 40%(alittle expensive)
Nintendo : 30%(cool)
Xbox360 : 30%(positive)
after
PS3 : scratched(face plant)
Wii :50% (excellent)
Xbox360 : (awesome+positive)
Roger @ Oct 27th 2006 1:24AM
Yeah...http://www.games-asia.com its a great site...I agree!
Antman @ Nov 11th 2006 9:52AM
I'm guessing that Phipps is an American, as he doesn't realise that the population of the EU is actually higher than that of the USA. It's higher than the USA and Japan put together actually. It just makes Sony's decision to delay the ps3 launch here seem more bizarre really. Never mind, it looks like I'll be buying my brother an Xbox for christmas instead.
Steven @ Nov 16th 2006 6:14PM
Hi all, I live in the UK and my PS3 that I bought off Ebay arrived today without a hitch.
Also came with 2 games and 2 joypads.
I'll admit that I had to pay a premuim for the 60gig PS3 but i've always had a playstation and im not waiting around for Sony to get a life and release them in the EU.
I spent a lot of today playing Ridge Racer online, and managed to find one other person from the UK on there, everyone else was Japanese, no American people yet...
To those who are talking about not having full functionality, well for a start here in the UK if you want to watch a movie you buy a DVD and put it in your DVD player, theyre so cheap here its a joke.
I for one didnt buy my PS3 to watch movies, I bought it to play games.
While BluRay movies may have more space on the disc and better picture quality, to be honest I really don't care...
With people selling PS3 games for 35 dollars, which is about 20 GBP or close enough, I am not that bothered about importing a few games and whatever.
As for running a PS3 in the UK, I had to purchase 2 things. 1 being a NTSC to PAL converter because my tv isnt quite up to scratch yet and I had a grey picture on 1st boot, but for 99p I bought the converter.
I also had to buy a 500w stepdown transistor in order for the power conversion, i think that cost me 30 pounds if not a little less.
So to summerise on this:
Importing a Ps3 to the UK + purchase is the expensive bit.
You bite the bullet and go for it, for the time being its reigion free and games are cheap!!
You'll need the minimum of the Stepdown transistor.
If you decide you want to sell your PS3 in the UK before it is released in the UK, your gonna make a nice profit on it.
I have been offered 1200 pounds already, insane really but people here really want the PS3 like myself and now i do.
Don't get me wrong, im definatley not some gay fan boy of sony's, I like the games on the 360 but the 1st console i owned was a Playstation and im happy with them.
Its about your own personal opinion in the end, if you like it and are happy with it, then your gonna stick with it.
As for Sony blocking imports, haha not a chance really, there are that many people importing them, but not just from ebay but other retailers by the time sony get around to suiing everyone they'll be out here.
( maybe lol )