Sorry to bump an ancient thread, but that's a great one. I remember being able to purchase AES carts at Lionel Kiddie City, Toys R Us, and The Wiz, but never at Babbages. It doesn't surprise me though, since at one time Software Etc. actually sold Japanese Saturn games.
yeah, the local SOFTWARE, ETC. was where
i got my JPN SEGA SATURN copy of THUNDER FORCE V.
i remember also seeing several other SATURN imports,
including a port of one of the METAL SLUGs.
did you know that the SATURN GAME SHARK cheat cartridge
doubles as regional lockout override?
just put it the RAM cart slot, select play game,
and any JPN game will boot up without a hitch!
also, i remember getting my copy of the WORKING DESIGNS
U.S. conversion of Magic Knight Rayearth at that same
SOFTWARE ETC. for $50.00 new.
it was the ONLY copy they had in stock, and the very last
SATURN title to see U.S. release...