Well, I've been wondering about this for a while, but I couldn't recall hearing anything conclusive, sooo this weekend I went to the official xbox.com and emailed the tech guys to see what they had to say about this.

Unfortunately my reply was answered by a different person than the original answerer so some things seem a little repetitious, but here's the whole thing. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be the standard "by the book" answer for this question or what. Has anyone else heard about this?

Me: "Question : Can my US xbox play games that were made in Japan or Europe? I'm asking because I'm planning on going to Japan for work in the near future, and I'd like to just bring my system along rather than have to buy a brand new one just for games there -- plus there are some good games out there that may not be released here.
Everything I've heard has indicated that xbox games are not region coded in the same way that DVD movies are. Can you confirm this?
Any information is greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Tuan Jim "

Xbox.com: "Thank you for writing to Xbox.
Regarding your inquiry, you should only use the Xbox video game system in the country where you purchased it.
Because games and DVDs are region-specific, and TV sets and power issues vary from country to country, we do not support the use of the Xbox video game system outside of the country where you purchased it.
Xbox game discs are designed to work only with the Xbox consoles sold in your region. For example, U.S discs will only work on an Xbox made in the Unites States, Japanese discs with a Japanese Xbox, and European discs with a European Xbox.
DVD movies will only play in DVD players made for the corresponding geographic region. For example, North American DVDs are Region 1, and will work only in Region 1 DVD players. To play a Region 1 DVD, you need a North American Xbox video game system and a Region 1 DVD Movie Playback Kit. The DVD kit region number is displayed on the front and back bottom right-hand corner of the packaging.
Thank you for your support on Xbox."

Me:"Well I can understand the issue with movies and that's not a problem with
most computers or region free players, but isn't it the case that developers
aren't required to make their games region specific and that many games
could be compatible either way? It's not too hard to get around the TV
issue either (Japan is also NTSC like the US), and voltages can always be
regulated if necessary. $300 is a lot of money though and a lot of hassle,
so be frank with me."

Xbox.com:"Thank you for writing back.

Like all video game consoles, Xbox will be available in specific configurations unique to each region (North America, Europe and Japan). Each configuration is designed to work only that region due to numerous issues, such as differing power supplies and television technologies. We do not recommend that gamers purchase an Xbox from another region for the following reasons:

- Game availability. Xbox will only run games from the region in which the Xbox was purchased. So, a North American Xbox will only run games purchased in North America. Gamers in Europe who purchase an Xbox from another region will only be able to play games purchased from that region for the life of their Xbox. Not only is this inconvenient and expensive, but you will not be able to play many games specific to Europe that may not be available in other regions.
- Power supply. Each region has differing power configurations. Attempting to operate an Xbox from another region in Europe (without expensive and difficult-to-locate special adapters) is dangerous - it will destroy the Xbox and possibly damage your television, as well as present a serious fire hazard.
- Video output. Europe's video output standard is the PAL format, while Japan/North America use the NTSC format. These are not compatible, so if you purchase an Xbox from another region, you will not be able to connect it to your television without special adapters at an additional cost.
- Product support. Xbox product support in Europe can only provide support for European consoles. If gamers purchase a Japanese or North American Xbox, they will not be under warranty or have access to any support for their console in case of any problems.
- DVD incompatibility. The European DVD controller will not work with an Xbox from another region, and European (Region 2) DVDs will not play in an Xbox from another region."


It seems kinda like a generic response. I mean, hasn't there been talk of games that may or may not be region coded depending on the publishers wishes? If so, is it already happening or has nobody taken advantage of it yet?

thanks,
Tuan Jim

That's a pretty crappy answer! I was wondering that myself...hopefully someone has an answer for that

According to the guys at ign and teamxbox.com, there is no region lock-out for X-Box games.

For future reference: never believe anything those customer service reps tell you. I once called Sony customer service regarding their official remote that came with the firmware upgade disc, and they flat out told me that there is no firmware upgrade for the system, even though I just installed it onto my memory card. They're clueless.