Cheap Ass Gamer™

Japan Trade-In Food Chain: DS Lite Hot, Xbox 360 Not

Discuss	Given the popularity of the DS Lite in Japan (and it's sold out status), it isn't suprising that Japanese retailers are offering decent trade-in prices for those willing to part with their new-model DS. But, would you believe that the DS Lite's trade-in value has eclipsed its original MSRP and is more valuable than a used Xbox 360?

The Enterking chain of video/game stores is offering 18,000¥ ($153 US) for a used DS Lite, which is about $10 more than it's 16,800¥ MSRP.

Even more interesting is that an Xbox 360 console trade-in will only fetch 15,000¥ ($128), which matches the trade-in worth of a PSP Value Pack and a slim-line Silver PS2. The older model DS are still somewhat difficult to find in Japan and will score you 14,000¥ ($119) at Enterking.



As a person who visits quite a lot of used video game stores in the Tokyo area, I can't say that I am suprised. The Xbox 360 sections are always well stocked with used consoles and games. Even titles like Dead or Alive 4 and Ridge Racer 6, which were supposed to be big hits with Japanese gamers, are in ample supply can be picked up used at a bargain price (under $30, usually).

As much as I'd like to see the Xbox 360 succeed in Japan, I won't shed too many tears, just as long I can continue to score used 360 game deals like King Kong for $17 and Need for Speed for $25. Even the import 360 games aren't holding their value.

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- Posted at 03:31 AM