WonderSwan buyer’s guide: the best games to import

By Graham Russell // 12.23.206.16.21

If you want to import Japanese games, the WonderSwan is exactly the sort of thing that may interest you the most. It’s a regional exclusive, but it’s not a huge old computer that you can’t afford. It has franchises you may know, and many games that simply were never ported anywhere else. Oh, and it’s weird and you can carry it around with you to show people that they should talk to you about weird stuff. Read on for our recommendations!

3DS Guide

The best of the Nintendo 3DS: a guide

By Graham Russell // 12.16.2012.16.20

The venerable Nintendo 3DS is well into its twilight years. After a rocky, uncertain launch, the system built a following and a library that allowed it to become one of the most successful systems released, and it certainly has the top-tier games to show for it. Before you put the handheld into long-term storage (or if you’re picking up one for cheap now that they’re largely off the market), check out our guide for the best the system has to offer!

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A beginner’s guide to Valkyria Chronicles

By Graham Russell // 12.9.2012.9.20

The world of Valkyria Chronicles is more accessible than ever, making it a great time to get into the hybrid strategy franchise. But where should you start? Check out our guide for getting the most out of your time in Europa.

* Guide

System-by-system guide to getting into imports

By Graham Russell // 12.2.201.27.23

The games importing hobby can be a difficult one to get into, purely due to logistics. As always, we want to help! So here’s the rundown on systems’ barriers and specialties, to help you know where to start.

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A beginner’s guide to Fire Emblem

By Graham Russell // 11.17.2011.17.20

With its 30th anniversary, a lot of people have been talking about the long-running strategy franchise, and many are being introduced to what it has to offer. So where do you start if you want to get into the series? What’s the next step if you enjoy Three Houses or mobile hit Fire Emblem Heroes, and where do you go after that? We’re here to help you answer those questions.

Guide PS4

PlayStation 4 imports guide: what you need to know

By Graham Russell // 11.4.2011.17.20

The PlayStation 5 is on the horizon, but maybe you’re not ready to say goodbye to the PS4 just yet? There are some enticing imports to check out! And unlike the 3DS and Vita (and like the Switch), the platform actually makes it rather painless. Here’s a look at your best options for games you can’t get in the West!

Guide Vita

PlayStation Vita imports guide: what you need to know

By Graham Russell // 10.7.2010.7.20

With the PlayStation Vita’s official support coming to an end, it’s a great time to look back at the cult-favorite handheld and check out its import-only options! Of which it has many. Whether the 3DS just isn’t your thing or you’re looking for even more, the system has some great options. It’s… also a bit of a importer-hostile minefield, so tread carefully.

* Cool Stuff Guide

A definitive guide to the Picross timeline

By Graham Russell // 9.22.201.27.23

It’s always a great time to jump into the Picross puzzle game series! But what about the lore? It’s true, the deep, complex narrative of the Picross games can be a bit difficult to sort out, so we’re here to help with this guide to the timeline of Jupiter’s long-running franchise.

Guide Switch

Nintendo Switch imports guide: the best Japan-only games to play

By Graham Russell // 9.9.206.16.21

The Nintendo Switch has made it easier than ever for Western Nintendo fans to enjoy import-only games, and it’s a good thing, too, because there’s some fun stuff to check out! (Even if, due to so many localizations about which we will not complain, the options are still a bit slim.) Here’s your guide to what you should be playing that hasn’t made it to Western eShops.