RockMan EXE 3 or Mega Man Battle Network 3 is the first game to come in 2 versions and the final Japanese game to don the Battle Network subtitle. The game saw the first time outside merchandise influences the series gameplay; The anime and card game provided material for Compression Commands and Mod Codes. In some later promotional material, the initial Japanese version of game was called Rockman EXE 3 WHITE.

• First print Japanese release of the games contained a Rockman EXE Card Game Carddass promo card. Ground Style for Rockman EXE 3 (contains Error Code B4 for SetSand) and Shadow Style for Rockman EXE 3 BLACK (contains EX Code for ShadowShoes).

• Battle Network Rockman EXE 3 Black saw a pre-release at the 17th Next-Generation World Hobby Fair events (starting on January 19th) and mail-order (delivered starting from February 10th).