What's the scoop on this whole importing thing?

[msduncan]

If I wanted to import a Sony PSP, how would that work?   I have a few questions:

1.  Would the imported PSP be able to play US games when they come out?
2.  Where would I import it from?
3.  How fast would I be able to get it?
4.  How much would it cost?
5.  Are there any drawbacks?

I'm making out my Christmas list, and I was tempted to ask my wife to attempt this -- but I've never done anything like it before.

[wankerjr]

If I wanted to import a Sony PSP, how would that work?   I have a few questions:

1.  Would the imported PSP be able to play US games when they come out?
2.  Where would I import it from?
3.  How fast would I be able to get it?
4.  How much would it cost?
5.  Are there any drawbacks?

I'm making out my Christmas list, and I was tempted to ask my wife to attempt this -- but I've never done anything like it before.

1. No the UMD discs are region encoded
2. Right now the only site is this auction site if you want it first otherwise look at the answer below.
3. Check this article here.
4. Look at this article
5. It's gonna cost you a lot now and a lot later since you will have to import all your games and need a good understanding of Japanese to play some games.

[AgtFox]

Hmmm...I have to re-read, but I thought the games were region-free...the movies that come out on UMD would probably be region coded.

[wankerjr]

Hmmm...I have to re-read, but I thought the games were region-free...the movies that come out on UMD would probably be region coded.

Looks like you're right. After further digging it looks like games will be region free.