After contemplating the purchase of a Nintendo DS Lite, Caleb directed me to the import site Lik-Sang.com, a utopia of delicious products not available on this side of the Pacific (and Atlantic, since Europe often gets some lucky breaks). On the site, they are selling the Nintendo DS Lite (on backorder), the incredibly sleek Ceramic White PSP, a host of Tales games not available here, and even some delicious early releases that will not be available Stateside for a while.

The idea of importing some of this delicious hardware and software is so enticing that I almost want to fork over the contents of my bank account for a Nintendo DS Lite (in Enamel Navy), as well as a copy of Tales of Rebirth, Tales of the Abyss, Tales of Eternia and Secret of Mana (followed by a subsequent period of no rest or consumption of food).

The import market is amazing, as it exposes us to games that unfortunately never make it to us from our foreign game developer friends. Imports are even more satisfactory for portables, as they do not require expensive or dangerous modifications of your original system.

However, the downside to this situation is the explosive costs for many of these products. A regular Nintendo DS game costs $49.97 CAN before taxes. To import a Nintendo DS game costs $49.97 US or more, taking a larger dent out of your pocket, especially if it doesn’t qualify for free shipping.

Why do they have to tempt me so with their shiny wares from across the sea and then pilfer from my pockets while I’m not looking. It is a despicable business practice (although everyone does it). Damn import companies are ripping me off, and taking advantage of gamers worldwide.

I guess I’ll have to wait until the Nintendo DS Lite hits North America before I can relish in that Enamel Navy glory.