Buying guide · NexWave Games
PAL, NTSC and language: what to check when buying imported games
You finally find that one classic, but on the box is NTSC-U instead of PAL. Does he work on your console? And is there Dutch text in it? In retro games, image standard, regional security and spelling are often confused. A few checks will save you a disappointment.
What do PAL and NTSC actually say?
PAL and NTSC originally refer to different analogue TV standards. European retro expenditure was often referred to as PAL; North American and Japanese expenditure as NTSC, where NTSC-U and NTSC-J may be different markets. That label tells you something about origin and possibly the video signal, but not everything about playability. For example, a modern screen that can display a signal does not automatically extract a region block from an old console.
Some older games differ image change or adjustment between regional versions. But .NTSC is always better . . . is a far too broad conclusion: it depends on the specific game and the hardware. Look at a title that you think is important about the actual edition.
Region: console, disc and sometimes TV
For consoles such as PlayStation 2 and GameCube, original discs can be linked to a region. An American disc is not automatically suitable for a European console. Nintendo also points out that region, video system and language together can cause compatibility problems. Other game generations have different rules: so do not rely on one universal PAL rule for all brands.
In case of an import ad, ask for a picture of the full game box, the disc label and the model or region data of your console. Then look for the exact combination. An ad that only works on PlayStation is too vague when several generations and regions exist.
Dutch language is not on the PAL logo
A PAL edition is not automatically Dutch. Languages may vary by country, print, release date and even between the text in the game and the language of the manual. Conversely, an import version can sometimes contain several languages. Search for the language listing on the back of the cover or for images from the language menu of exactly that edition.
Pay extra attention to loose discs in a different cover and for collection expenses. A European cover can be associated with a disc that has been changed later. If you want specific Dutch text, let the game itself start briefly instead of just relying on the flags or the language of the cover.
A quick check before purchase
First write down the model and region of your console. Then compare region and product code of the disc, check if your TV supports the video signal and verify the language in the game. Especially with more expensive collection titles an extra photo or short video is worth it. Thus a special import find becomes a game night instead of a beautiful box that does not start.