Although it may be too late, last night whilst trying to sleep, I was seriously considering whether or not it'd be too late to cancel my preorder and just import a 3DS from the US. Our market is so small, yet our ratings board charges a freakin' mint to rate the releases. A lot of publishers just don't bother on DSiWare, with press releases having a big-arse 'Europe Only!!!' plastered on the majority. Pointless delays, expensive exerything... It makes me cry from my anus. Our minimum wage is almost double that of the US, so cost of living and all of that, but thanks to internets, we're no longer in the dark about when and how we get shafted, making the whole segmented market deal seem even more outdated and stupid than it's ever been. Ten years ago, our dollar was worth half of what it is today, yet prices have stayed exactly the same. If only more people weren't oblivious to the importing scene, things might change.
The region-free PS3 shelves in stores here are flooded with great deals, thanks to a more savvy consumer and a general decency of allowing consumers the option of importing if publishers feel the gamble to release something in our small market isn't worth the risk. It's not all doom and gloom though! Nintendo have decided to be generous, deciding to leave 3DS software prices as the same they are for regular DS games. Only $70US! I feel for the New Zealander fans though, as I think they're getting slapped with a $100 price tag. The age of internets, people.
Crappy iPhone games still waltz their way into our marketplace bypassing our ratings board alltogether, so why can't crappy DSiWare games? I want my five other notepads, damnit.
'Grats to the Pokemans, but it's chump change in the grand scheme of things. A big punch in the balls to Nintendo for region locking the 3DS and pushing us off a cliff even before the launch by not releasing Pilot Wings for a month. "Jeez...have a cry about it, Scatt. <_<" I freakin' am!! >_<