Buying video games and DVDs that are produced from where they are originated is what most fans of foreign films and video games do because it is cool. For example you have a favorite Japanese video game that is only released where it was originally created. The English version of your favorite video game will only be released a year later and you cannot wait so you decided to buy one in Japan when you go there. If you are living in the United States chances are you will never be able to play the video game because of its regional coding. The use of regional coding is for the purpose of money spinning. The Japanese video game that you love has higher prices compared with the same video game but in a different language sold in another country. This is to prevent the other version of the game to be played in Japanese consoles to ensure that the locals are buying the Japanese version that has higher prices.
This is not to say that you can no longer play the video games or watch your favorite foreign film or series. You only need to be aware the regional codes used with DVDs and video games.
Video Games
- PAL – Europe, South Africa, India, New Zealand and Australia
- NTSC-C – China (mainland)
- NTSC-J – Southeast Asia, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan
- NTSC-U/C – South America, Mexico, Canada and United States
DVDs (by region)
- 1 – Canada and United States
- 2 – Greenland, Middle East, South Africa, Europe, Japan
- 3 – selected areas of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea
- 4 – Latin America, New Zealand and Australia
- 5 – Africa, India, Russia and Eastern Europe
- 6 – China
- 7 – Reserved for Special Use (unspecified)
- 8 – Reserved for airplanes, cruise ships and similar ones
- ALL – discs that are not coded which will practically work anywhere
Some travelers, especially those who love video games buy exclusive consoles from where they originate along with their favorite video games so that they can play them when they get back home. Others make use of the uuencoded discs since they play anywhere you put them. The easiest method for you will be getting region free player. If there are no players like this sold locally at your appliance store, you can do a quick search in the internet with such players.