japanese import console question

[Samus-T]

if i buy a japanese import gamecube does that mean i need to buy a japanese melee disc as well? and will it have a language selection like the american melee does? help would be appreciated

 

[trueganon]

Action Replay ftw.

 

[Darkslash]

if i buy a japanese import gamecube does that mean i need to buy a japanese melee disc as well? and will it have a language selection like the american melee does? help would be appreciated

wait why would you need a Japanese Gamecube? Just pop Melee into your Gamecube or Wii and turn on the Japanese Language option. Sad that Brawl doesn't have one, but then again Brawl went backwards so yea.

 

[AltF4]

In general, the answer to that question is yes, Samus-T. Consoles can only play games designed for the particular "region" (that is the term they use) it was made in.

They make consoles region-encoded so that they can exploit markets like Australia, where they pay up to 2 to 3 times as much for video games than we do in America. If Australians could play American encoded games, then they would buy them at American prices. And that would mean less money for large, greedy companies.

This is just another form of Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) that is used to take away your Fair Use rights. I would fully encourage you to find "other" means of playing your games in whatever encoding you like. Though I may not be at liberty to link to it directly here.

 

[IntegraDC2rawkr]

couldnt you just change the chip of the gamecube to american?
well i dont know if im right because I know that you can buy this chip thingy majigir to make the PS2 (idk about gamecube) a Japanese compatible system

 

[Firus]

You could likely mod your Gamecube to play games from other regions, as you can do with any console (unless I'm mistaken). You just need to either learn how yourself or find someone who can.

But I think to fully answer your question, we have to ask the question; why are you buying a Japanese Gamecube? If you're buying it to play Japanese Gamecube games, it's not necessary because you can use an AR or something, or mod your console. (If you already have a Gamecube, that is -- if you only have a Wii for both, I'm pretty sure updates have stopped the AR from working.) If you're buying a Japanese Gamecube to buy a Japanese Gamecube, then...well, to simply answer your questions.

You'll have to do either the same for it to play your Melee on it, or mod it the same as you would have to your other Gamecube -- if you have one, and not just a Wii. And yes, it will have a Language menu.

 

[AltF4]

It should be noted, however, that region-encoding is a DRM scheme. And attempting to circumvent it is in violation of the DMCA. This means that modding a console in such a way is "copyright infringement". Even without ever copying anything or ever playing a single game on it.

Is the law right in this matter? No. The DMCA needs to be repealed. And I would urge you to continue to disobey it. But since it IS illegal, we shouldn't be discussing this here. So don't.