Why the Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition costs more outside of the US
Would be ?35 cheaper via straight currency conversion.
The Collector's Edition of Guild Wars 2 costs €150/£130 here. But in North America it costs $150, which converts at today's rates to £95/€115.
Why has £35 been added?
"Currency fluctuations, distribution costs, taxes and market conditions in addition to the cost of goods are all contributing factors when setting pricing," publisher NCsoft explained to PC Gamer.
"These vary dramatically between NA and EU, and our pricing is competitive and adjusted accordingly."
The Collector's Edition comes stuffed with a 25cm statue of lore-iconic Charr warrior Rytlock Brimstone, and his eye-catching flaming sword. There are five art prints and a frame, too, plus a 112-page Making of Guild Wars 2 hardcover book and a Best of Guild Wars 2 CD soundtrack.
Collector's Editions and Digital Deluxe Editions (£65/€75) both give five in-game items. These are a Golem Banker, Chalice of Glory, Tome of Influence, Miniature Rytlock and Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill.
You'll be able to pre-purchase (pay up front for) any of the three editions - Standard (£50/€55), Digital Deluxe, Collector's - from 10th April. Doing so nets you a Hero's Band item that boosts your character's statistics.
You also get guaranteed entry into all future Guild Wars 2 beta weekends, plus a three-day head start when the servers eventually go live.
Pre-orders (reserve the game for a small deposit) bestow a one-day head start when the servers go live.