Hmmm, it says in some game boxes that you must not play those games outside of the specified country (i.e. Gradius Gaiden for example, must only be played in Japan). So... I guess it is illegal because it has something to do with copyrights and stuff.

So, I guess that makes me a pirate because I own a bunch of japanese SHMUP games!

Modding your console in order to play specific games though... That's piracy right there. The intentions are good, but you can't deny your destiny! D:

Well, Gamestop and EB sold import games and converters for Saturn in the open a decade or so ago.

Basically, if you are playing games that you own, it is not really a big deal. If you are playing games that you "acquired" and do not directly own, then it is a bit more of a murky matter.

Mike from Morgantown

In most countries importing is legal. Some might require you to pay a tax though.