Post

I'm back home safe and sound, I'll post my final haul pic tomorrow, but I want to chip in regarding the market of Japanese imports in North America because I did notice something at PRGE 2026. While I think this has been the case for a while, this particular event really opened my eyes to it. 🧵

Brenden

@bro3256.com

I had previously made a thread about how American sellers priced Japanese import games, but a common theme I came across this time was how prices for particular games spike when they're known by English speaking players. Familiarity causes demand to go up and likewise the price as well.

Brenden@bro3256.com

So after my first convention for the year I think its time that I chip in regarding current used prices for Japanese games in the US. I've begun to notice that quite a few sellers are attempting to sell Japanese versions as if they are the US English versions but they do not have the same value! 🧵

Brenden

@bro3256.com

Granted this is the case for any kind of game but for what I'm collecting, any Japanese game that is unknown outside Japan is treated differently. The demand for those unknown games in North America is treated as if it's a common local game and the language barrier makes it harder to price check.

Brenden

@bro3256.com

An example I ran into at PRGE 2026 was finding and buying a Famicom cartridge copy of The Gorilla Man, which is known for being a rare game and decently pricey, but it was just casually sitting along with other cheap Famicom cartridges for $12. Current Japanese loose price is ¥5300~ or around $30.

Brenden

@bro3256.com

I also ran into the inverse where I found Famicom cartridge copies of Final Fantasy I + II and Zelda no Densetsu 1 but the seller wanted way too much for them, like triple market price going by Japan Game Prices. I suspect that is partially cause of eBay but also it's familiar to us so value go up.

13/10/26, 7:34 am0 reposts6 likes

Brenden

@bro3256.com

I totally understand that for sellers importing these items the price is going to be bumped up as a result of that but charging way more for particular games because we recognize them is making me re-think what I should prioritize. That's the current state of the import game market though.