Popular game merchandise retailer DataBlitz is once again being thrust into controversy as official distributors of gaming peripherals are now feeling the brunt of DataBlitz’s parallel imports. DataBlitz was once part of another issue concerning the legality of their products back in 2012.

Photos taken today (02/03/15) when we went in and inquired about DataBlitz’ warranty policy for peripherals – DataBlitz Glorietta branch.

It has come to our attention from very reliable sources that many of the gaming peripheral brands carried by DataBlitz are parallel imports thus are not officially supported by the local official distributors of the respective brands. SteelSeries, Logitech, and Roccat are amongst the brands we work with that have denied the legitimacy of DataBlitz’s authority to carry these products.

Unauthorized Gaming Peripherals

The current issue that DataBlitz is facing is that consumers are only being offered 7-day warranty coverage for their products purchased in their stores. After that period, the consumer is left without a warranty and should a problem arise they cannot get support from DataBlitz.

This is where the official brands face problems. As communicated to us by a part of the local SteelSeries Philippines team, they are starting to receive increasing amounts of users complaining and demanding warranty coverage for their products purchased from DataBlitz due to them being parallel imports.

We’ve reached out to other brands regarding the official availability of their products currently stocked in DataBlitz and we can confirm that Logitech and Roccat both do not authorize some of their products in DataBlitz’s shelves.

We’ve always promoted that lengthy warranties make products better because of the quality assurance that the brands put into them. To avail of this warranty though, the product must be purchased from authorized channels. These officially authorized products will usually have an SRP above that of parallel imports and that is what makes these grey market products such attractive options but be aware that this is at the cost of after-sales support. Don’t expect brands to provide support for your purchased product the same way they won’t support those bought from abroad.

While these brands have not directly nor planning to confront DataBlitz directly regarding this issue, SteelSeries Philippines has been very vocal recently about informing their followers to buy from authorized dealers only.

In closing, we are also reminding our readers about the risks of purchasing grey imports. While we do not shy away from purchasing grey imports, this is for consumables and products that won’t need a warranty.There is certain peace of mind to be had that only a warranty can give and that Php500 or so savings you get with parallels can only last for so long.

Update (02/03/15 11:31PM) – We’ve received comment that the PS4 from DB is also reportedly carrying a supposed Sony warranty yet as Ken Acosta mentions, Sony does not recognize them as an official distributor. We’ve reached out to Sony regarding this and hope to get a response soon about the matter.

Update (02/04/15 5:33PM) – We’ve received tips as of today that DataBlitz is offering 1 year warranty for SteelSeries products also as per DataBlitz Megamall branch. Our SteelSeries Philippines representative still denies DataBlitz’ as an official SteelSeries retailer.

Update (02/05/2015 2:31AM) – During a Playstation 4 game launch event, we’ve asked Playstation reps to comment on the matter but they have declined and would need to discuss internally before giving a statement citing that its a “sensitive issue.”

All brands are subject to product defects and just because your luck has been in your favor for the good portion of your life in terms of purchase, do bear in mind that peripherals are workhorses in their own rights and gaming peripherals for that matter are the lifeblood of PC gamers and they will tend to take a beating.

For your reference here is a list of officially authorized retailers of known gaming peripheral brands in the Philippines:

SteelSeries: http://tinyurl.com/SSwheretobuy

Razer: http://www.razerzone.com/pages/razer-resellers

Logitech: Update 7/1/2015 – none provided



Roccat: All Octagon branches

Sony Playstation: https://asia.playstation.com/ph/en/support/wheretoshop