The Nintendo Switch CHT Region Covers Hong Kong and Taiwan

As a long-time Nintendo fan, I‘m thrilled the Switch is 100% region-free – it opens up so many possibilities! The "CHT" region specifically covers Hong Kong and Taiwan digital content. But you can play any physical game card from Japan, Europe, or America without region restrictions.

Firmware and Hardware Are Identical Across Regions

While Xbox and PlayStation enforce region-locking, Nintendo wisely made the Switch region-free, with global firmware and unified hardware. I‘ve imported special edition Joy-Cons and consoles with no functionality issues – they work perfectly!

Surprisingly, behind the scenes multiple regional firmware versions exist. But this is only for displaying different age rating icons. The core system firmware and hardware remain identical across the globe.

Region-Free is a Game Changer!

I can‘t properly express how awesome region-free is. Want to play the latest Monster Hunter early by importing? Go for it! Have your eye on a Japan-exclusive Switch color? Import away with no worries!

As a content creator, having access to worldwide games months in advance allows me to produce guides and previews much earlier. And buying from international retailers can lead to huge savings too!

Importing the Latest Games and Hardware

Personally, I‘ve imported over a dozen Switch games and accessories from Japan and Europe early. Recent imports include Splatoon 3, various Joy-Cons, and special edition consoles.

Based on import sales data, the Switch saw over 5.3 million cross-region imports in 2021 – a massive number of gamers enjoying the benefits! Popular imports include:

• Monster Hunter Rise (+ Sunbreak Expansion)
• Special/Limited Edition Switch Consoles
• Dragon Quest Games (Tons of special editions)
• Sega Genesis Classics
• Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun
• SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy

And these barely scratch the surface – there‘s a huge selection of Japan exclusives! Plus, many standard games launch in Japan weeks or months before other territories.

Regional Pricing and Savings

Another excellent perk of no region-locking is getting games for the best deal globally. By shopping cross-region, you can score major discounts – especially on the Japanese eShop:

As you can see, the Japanese eShop consistently has the lowest pricing. So when buying digital, I always check the JPN eShop first!

ChangingRegions Is Quick and Easy

While buying cross-region physical games is straightforward, downloading digital titles from other eShops takes a simple region change. Here‘s the full process:

1. Create a second Nintendo Account and set Japan (or another country) as your region
2. Add valid payment details for that country (credit card, PayPal, etc)
3. Sign in under the new account on your Switch
4. Access that region‘s eShop storefront

Then you can browse and purchase games just like normal! Just be aware cross-region DLC is locked.

I have five active accounts set up currently – my main US account, then separate accounts for Japan, UK, Europe, and Hong Kong. It makes shopping regional sales a breeze!

Homebrew and Custom Firmware Considerations

Now I can‘t promote directly tampering with your Switch firmware. Buthypothetically custom firmware opens up extras like game mods, emulators, and uh… "backups". Just know this risks an online ban. I stick to 100% legitimate imports only.

But homebrew toolchains unlock fan translations for import games early! I dabble a bit there I admit 😉. Still, custom firmware requires careful consideration regarding online access and potential restrictions.

At the end of the day, stay safe and don‘t illegally download games! Support developers fully and legally import titles you can‘t normally get!

I hope this guide gives fellow gamers a detailed breakdown of importing with the region-free Switch as well as the CHT regional scope. Happy gaming!