The New Zealand PlayStation Store flickered live while I watched the clock — How to Play Resident Evil Requiem Early: New Zealand Trick Explained
I was three emails deep and suddenly saw a screenshot of a loading bar tagged from Wellington — the game was live for them and not for me. My heart did a small, guilty leap; you feel that itch when others get the first bite of something you signed up to. If you want to jump the queue, here’s the clean, safe way I use to try to join them — like slipping into the back row of a midnight premiere.
I’ll walk you through what I did, why it usually works on consoles, and where it can fail. You and I both want the same thing: less waiting, more play.
Can I play Resident Evil Requiem early by changing my console region?
Short answer: often yes on consoles. Capcom staggers console rollouts by region and New Zealand is frequently first because of time zones. Microsoft and Sony base console store availability on region settings and local time, so switching to New Zealand can make the game appear as available for download or preload in your store.
I changed my Xbox location last week and the store refreshed instantly — How to Play Resident Evil Requiem on Xbox Series X/S
Follow these steps on your Xbox Series X or S:
- Open Settings on the console.
- Choose System and then Language and Location.
- Set Location to New Zealand and reboot the console.
After reboot, check the Microsoft Store and your Library for the pre-load or purchase page. If the game appears, you can download and play when it finishes installing. Be aware some digital purchases may still check your Microsoft account region for payment and billing — if a payment block appears, you can use an existing payment method that matches your account or buy a regional gift card.
What exact PS5 setting do I change to match New Zealand time?
On PlayStation 5 the clock governs store availability in many cases. Set your console to Wellington time and the store may show the title early.
I glanced at my PS5 clock and it read Wellington time after the change — How to Play Resident Evil Requiem Early on PS5
Do this on PS5:
- Open Settings on your PlayStation.
- Go to Date and Time.
- Change the time zone to UTC+12:00 Wellington.
If the store still shows your region’s release time, sign out and sign back in, then check the PlayStation Store search for the title. PSN sometimes needs a moment to refresh. If you bought a physical copy, region changes won’t affect disc playback; the trick only targets digital availability.
Will the New Zealand trick work on PC (Steam/Capcom Store)?
Not usually. Steam and most PC storefronts use a global release schedule tied to UTC or to a single global timestamp. That means changing your console clock won’t move you ahead on PC — the timing is fixed across regions by the platform or by Capcom’s PC rollout rules.
I tried the trick and hit a billing wall — What to expect and how to handle problems
Common hiccups:
- Payment method mismatch: digital stores may block a purchase if your account region and payment country differ. Gift cards for the New Zealand store can sidestep that but use caution.
- Preload limits: some preloads appear but won’t launch until a global unlock time tied to your account or to the platform’s server clock.
- Online services: crossplay, season passes, or region-locked DLC could rely on your account home region.
My rule of thumb: try the switch, but keep your main account intact. If you see the game and can download it, great. If a purchase fails, revert settings and wait for the official launch in your time zone. This small switch can be a fast ticket — a secret key that opens a locked door — but it can also trip payment or ownership checks.
If you plan to buy at launch, expect typical pricing: many first-party and big-publisher full-price editions sit around $69.99 (€65) on consoles. Check Capcom’s pages on Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam for exact SKU details before you buy.
I asked other players and they reported mixed results — Final tips from someone who’s tried it
Keep your steps simple: change region or time zone, reboot or sign out, check the store. If it works, you’re in. If it doesn’t, you’ve lost only minutes. Share the result in the comments or on Discord threads — the community moves fast and someone will confirm what worked for their platform and account type.
Will you switch your console and try the New Zealand trick tonight, or will you wait and compare launch-day notes with the crowd?