Pokemon Imports Illegal?

By the looks of it, PlayStations aren't the only gaming related merchandise to be banned for imports. Now, Nintendo decides to speak and to address the issue of imported games. They focus themselves on Pokemon, given the immense popularity of this franchise.

As Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are already selling big in Japan and are set to be released in North America on the 22nd April for Nintendo DS, some of you European gamers may be wondering when they will get the chance to play it. Many of you are probably thinking of asking your overseas buddies to send you a copy of the game. I would do that too but Nintendo has something else in store for us, as Nintendo's Robert Saunder tells Kikizo: "We in no way condone the importing of games into territories other than where they are supposed to be sold".

So, you can forget about an US or Japanese version of Pokemon. I'm not sure in what way is Nintendo going to prevent Pokemon imports… are they going to check your mail or what? Yeah, they can stop retailers from selling it, but there's no way they can prevent a Jin from sending Pokemon Diamond to Pierre.

But Saunders continues his statements against imports and explains: "As in the past, if deemed necessary we will issue cease and desist letters to retailers whom we know are selling imported games not intended for sale within the EEA. Nintendo rigorously protects its worldwide trademarks and in doing so ensures fair play in the market for all retailers".

Long story short, Nintendo is greedy and wants to sell as much as they possibly can in all regions.

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