Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition soared up Amazon Japan’s video game chart and is currently the top selling game, dethroning Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS which was number one for weeks. What’s interesting is the people purchasing Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition are importing it from North America.
Just like in North America, imported video games are a niche market. The main import retailer in Tokyo, Game Hollywood in Akihabara, closed down. There are still some stores in Nakano Broadway and Trader that sell import games, but since more Western games are localized for Japan the import market has declined.
That’s what makes the popularity of Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition a unique case. The game is available as a download via the PlayStation Store, but fans – many fans – would rather purchase an imported disc copy from North America.
Just to put this in perspective, Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition topped the much hyped Freedom Wars which just had its debut in Japan and Level-5’s breakout hit, Yo-kai Watch.
