Nintendo Wii, Sony Play Station 3, Xbox 360
While I was down in Singapore 2 weekends back, one of my main objectives was to locate the new game consoles that have been so recently released in the US. I am specifically talking about the Nintendo Wii (also see Wii.com), and Sony Play Station 3. On the side, I was also looking to compare prices for Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Glad to say, mission complete.
It is important to note that the newer Wii and PS3 have not been released for the Asian market, with the obvious exception of Japan. It has been released for Australia, which falls under the Asia Pacific region. If you’re thinking of getting a machine from the Singapore or Malaysian market, it will be from the gray market (different from black market). These boxes are usually brought in from the US. There are also some variations from the Japan market (specifically the Japanese version of Nintendo Wii). However, these boxes are only able to play Japanese language games from that region. The PlayStation 3 comes in 2 different harddisk sizes, 20GB and 60GB. There’s a significant difference in terms of price.
As of the date of this post, there has been no official word from either Nintendo or Sony (Malaysia) on the release date for the region. We’ll just have to wait and see. On with the price comparisons:
| Game Console | Singapore | Malaysia (RM) | |
| SGD | RM | ||
| Nintendo Wii | 670.00 | 1555.00 | 1999.00 |
| Sony PlayStation3 (20GB) | 850.00 | 1970.00 | N/A |
| Sony PlayStation3 (60GB) | 890.00 | 2060.00 | 3799.00 |
| Microsoft XBox 360 | 550.00 | 1270.00 | 1799.00 |
Singapore exchange rate is roughly RM2.32 = SGD1.00.
The new game stations are unmodified machines. There aren’t any mod chips available yet. Only XBox 360 is modified. I’m not sure whether the Singapore price for the XBox is fully modified or not (forgot to ask) but the Malaysian price includes all the standard modifications (don’t ask me what ’standard’ means). With all these variations and configurations available, be sure you know what you’re getting before actually making the purchase.
Probably the best place to look for a game console in Singapore is Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. This is the Singaporean equivalent of Sungai Wang and Low Yatt in Kuala Lumpur.
It is much cheaper to purchase the game stations from Singapore. However, you’ll have to pay taxes when you cross the border. Not sure the amount of tax that is levied. Might wind up paying more or less the same price. I suppose you could try flying in from Langkawi.
There you go. Still in time for Christmas if you hurry.
Related posts:
More Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3, and XBox 360
Game Console Price Stock Market
Penny For Your… XBox 360
On The Wii Hunt
PayPerPost HDTV Tuesdays
Boredworkers.com » Game Console Price Stock Market Said,
January 16, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
[…] There are three serious contenders in the very competitive game console market at the moment - XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PlayStation 3. A month back, I surveyed the prices in both Singapore and Malaysia. Good news is, the Asian versions of the PS3 and Wii are available. The bad news is, the prices are unstable and subject to the laws of supply and demand. […]
Jen Said,
March 16, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
hi there, im blur with the region of wii. If i buy us version, can i play malaysia or australia games? or If i buy from australia, can i play malaysia games? can also let me know which country which region pls… and also if you know where can i get cheap and original wii in MALAYSIA ?
G: This is tough one. The quick sad answer is that it is region locked where it matters. Accessories are compatible but games are not. But that confirmation is only between the Japan and US console. Not too sure about other regional combinations (e.g. Australia and US).
Having said that, someone out there will probably come up with a mod-chip to bypass the regional lock. Not sure of the availability. You’ll have to check with the vendors. Malaysia falls under the Asia Pacific region. Most Wii in the ASEAN market are from the US and Japan. Again, you’ll have to double check with the vendors to see the region they imported from. I would personally purchase a US based console (or Japan if you read Japanese) due to game release.
Sungai Wang is a good place to look. There’s a shop on the ground floor at the back that I personally go to. Can’t remember the exact name of the shop. I’ll look it up when I get home.
Stev Sin Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 1:29 am
are there any warranty for the 3 red lights flashes in the Xbox 360???!
G: Call the shop.
Rahul Said,
May 16, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Hi
I am goona visit Singapore I badly want to visit the gray market so can someone tell me the address for the gray market.You can email at rpm_gadget[at]hotmail[dot]com
thanks
Shehan Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
I am visiting Malaysia this Nov and can you tell me a place to buy a xbox 360 core for cheap. Please reply me at shehan.lastride@gmail.com
Lily Said,
December 3, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
I am shopping for a Xbox 360 as Christmas present. I asked for prices at a few game shops at Sunway Pyramid this morning. The best price I got was Xbox console(60GB)+2 wireless controllers+2 original Games+10 free downloads RM1750. Is it a good buy? Is there anywhere I can get better price? The shop say got 2 years warranty. By who?? I forgot to ask them!
G: It depends on your box. Modified boxes are typically out of warranty (since the case has been opened). Under those conditions, the warranty is by the shop itself (or they remove any traces of mods before sending it in for manufacturer warranty). I’m not too sure about the current prices but RM1750 feels pricey. For that price, you can get a spanking new PS3 (think Bluray!) with 2 original games as well.
Amit Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Can anybody provide me with the address of grey Market’s in Malaysia…Apprecite if you all can send it on day or 2…
My Email address: amitkhasgiwala@gmail.com
Regards
Amit Khasgiwala
Sam Said,
August 19, 2009 @ 1:14 am
wats the current price of the xbox 360 and where can i gt it frm
pls reply
Thanks
Shair Ein Said,
December 20, 2011 @ 12:29 pm
Hi,
I recently bought a Wii console in Australia and I only JUST found out about the region issue so I was wondering if anyone knows if I could get someone in Malaysia to help me solve this problem??
Any suggestion would be much appreciated!!!
Thanks!
(email me shairein18(at)hotmail(dot)com)