1. If you download a game that you are really looking forward to that is available now in another region but you have to wait weeks or more in your own region. You have already preordered the game and intend to pay for it.

2. Same as above but you have actually paid for your pre-order before the game is released.

3. The game is released and you've snagged a great online bargain but will take 1 week to arrive, you can't wait a week and so download it.

_{(Wii Sports Resort is awesome!! )}

I think it's not, you paid for it. And this thing of region release date to far away from each other is terrible. They can't blame me if I download a game that i don't even know if its coming to my region.

It probably depends on what country you live in, but as far as I'm concerned, if you own the game (and still maintain possession of the original copy), downloading the game is not piracy.

No definitely not as long as it has been PAID FOR.

You can always produce the receipt as PROOF OF PURCHASE should anyone ask.

The Region locking shambles should be attacked in as many forms as possible. Heck I even advocate open piracy on region locked titles.

Legally? Maybe, it depends on your country´s law.
Morally? Hardly, you still pay in all cases. And because you pay, no one can say, that you steal someting.

I have, if I can, another question. Is wrong to DL some games, which isn´t officially available in your region/country/etc. PAL JRPG lovers surely knows this situation, right?

To take it a step further, I don't even think the pre-ordering matters at all. If Nintendo is region locking their games, that means they do not intend for you to buy it. Simple as that. So in the time between a Japanese release and your regional release on any game, I'd say knock yourself out. If Nintendo wanted your money, they'ed have released it for where you live.

I presume you mean morally? Sure, sounds fine to me. If you've bought something that is going to take weeks to turn up then getting it online isn't depriving anyone of money.

Legally I'd guess it depends which country you reside in; technically you could still be deemed to be illegally downloading I guess.

All of the above are piracy. You can make all the convoluted arguments you like, but the fact that you are making arguments means your trying to justify your acts. You do this, because you know you are doing something wrong. There is such a thing as aiding and abetting a criminal enterprise. Every time you download pirated games you are supported the practice by others. Others who may not even bother to create a facade of justification. Harboring a criminal is still a crime even if you do not commit the crime yourself.

Also for the record purchases prior to sale or intent are poor justifications. You still have the option to avail yourself of lemon laws, return, or cancellation policies. How are the authorities to determine whether your motivation was genuine. What is to prevent you from saying boy this game sucks I better cancel that order. Nothing whatsoever you think your committed, but in the reality of the situation you really aren't.

Wait a couple weeks it isn't going to kill you. Most of us use this thing called will power, and we also understand the concept of deferred gratification. You actually have a choice. You should make the right one. Do not add to the problem stand above it.

The only problems, from the viewpoint of devs/pubs is people not buying the game. I believe if you pay for the game, the issue is gone.

Not sure I'm aiding and abetting criminals and my 'convoluted arguments' were to show that the game is to be purchased on release.

Basically, making a legal back up (assuming it's legal in your country) after you've paid for it but before you have it in your hands. No cancellation or refunds allowed.