PLEASE READ: The NEW SHOP is separate and distinct from the OLD SHOP. If you place an order on the OLD SHOP, you will not be able to use the NEW SHOP to check on your order and vice versa. Unfortunately, we were not able to resolve the two shop databases in order to transfer customer histories and accounts. Both shops are fully operational and capable of taking orders.
 

Hori Upscan Converter 2

  NEWS Hori Upscan Converter - Shipping August 2004

   We've observed fairly strong demand for the XRGB-2+ upscan converter in the video game market over the years but we've always wondered why more companies didn't enter the market. Competitors to Micomsoft's box have been scarce. Hori addresses the scarcity this August when the company releases their first effort in the upscan converter market at a very competitive price. 

   Dubbed the Upscan Converter 2 (there was no Upscan Converter 1), the new device appears to make an attempt to capitalize on the name recognition of the XRGB-2+. Hori's box accepts composite AV, S-Video, and Component RGB from any video source such as a PS2, a DVD-Player or a VCR. An interesting development in Hori's upscan converter is NTSC and PAL video support at a resolution of 640x480. Unfortunately, similar to the XRGB-2+, the Upscan Converter 2 (UC2) does not support progressive scan.

Specifications

Powered through PC USB port (+5V 500mA)
Video Inputs: Composite, S-Video, Component RGB
Audio Inputs: 3.5mm Stereo
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.1" (140 x 90 x 30mm)
  
   The specs sheet mentions that the peripheral draws its power from the USB port of a PC but the USB ports of a PS2 and Xbox will do just as well to power the unit. However, those who use the UC2 with a DVD player or other USB-challenged device will be hard-pressed to power the unit. It's a curious design decision but Hori appears to be targeting the unit to the PS2 market in Japan.
 
 

Takara Toys History

  NEWS Takara Toys History - Shipping August 2004

   Toy manufacturer Takara has announced a collection of figures and dolls which are based on the company's history. We spy Convoy on the forefront of the photo but we're guessing Licca-Chan, Microman, and other Takara stalwarts will make an appearance in the collection.

   The toys measure between 5cm to 12cm and twelve types (and one secret character) will be packaged individually in retail packaging.. Based on the promotional photo, it does not appear that the figures will be sold randomly since the various toys are of different sizes. We'll update accordingly once we have more details on packaging. Along with the toy, a piece of Japanese literature explaining its origins and development over the years is also bundled inside each box.
   Pricing is expected to be US$6 per toy or $72 for a complete factory sealed case of 12 toys. 
 
 

Alphone Elric Strap

  NEWS Monthly Shonen Gan Gan - Shipping September 2004

   Last week, we started preorders for the August 2004 issue of Monthly Shonen Gan Gan which includes a bonus 5cm Edward Elric phone strap. This week, we're opening up preorders for the September 2004 issue which includes an Alphonse Elric cellphone strap as seen on the left.
   Monthly Shonen Gan Gan is the home of the popular Full Metal Alchemist manga and fans of the series may read up on the latest adventure of the two brothers. As the story goes, Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers who make a pact to revive their dead mother through the use of alchemy. The experiment goes awry - vanquishing Alphonse entirely and taking Edward's left leg. To save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm and uses alchemy to contain Alph's soul within a suit of armor. Edward replaces his own losses with metal appendages and the two go on a quest to save themselves...
 
 

Croket!

  NEWS Import Outlook - Expected on Wednesday-Thursday

   The week's awash with Best re-releases dominating the charts but at least there's two versions of Croket Ban King no Kiki wo Sukuu on the way.
GC Croket Ban King no Kiki wo Sukuu Bandai

PS2 Akudaikan 2 - Best Global
  Ashita no Joe Masshiro ni Moetsukuru -Best Konami

  Croket Ban King no Kiki wo Sukuu Bandai
  Biohazard Outbreak - Best Capcom
  Dear Boys Fast Break - Best Konami
  Fuun Shinsengumi - Best Genki
  Guilty Gear Isuka Joystick Sammy
  Konohana 1-3 - Superlite 2000 Series Success
  Minna no Golf 4 - Best SCE
 
 

Pocket Sakura

$18 shipped

Xbox Action Replay

SOLD

  SOTD Scrap Heap Scramble LIV

  

Broken accessories Gamer's Republic King's Field II
SOLD

$6.50 shipped

$18 shipped

Nakoruru figure Pink GBA + Armlight The Playstations

SOLD

$39 shipped

$12 shipped

 
 

Dreamcast Magazine Vol. 9
201 pages, NM condition
Price: US$6.50/copy

  MOTD Dreamcast Magazine Vol. 9 (Mar 12, 1999)

   Edward Falcon uncovers sparkling treasure in today's MOTD.
   Notable features and items in the magazine
p6-8  News - Derby Stallion Skeleton Saturn photo, DC Gamera VMU with special plastic figure, Teku Teku Angel color variants, etc.
p9-11
  AOU Show with Naomi information, DOA2 preview, Giant Gram, Crazy Taxi. other arcade games such as DDR 2nd Mix, Izam's Fortune Telling, etc.
p18-19  New Software Reviews - Aero Dancing (7/9/9), Psychic Force 2012 (7/7/8), Puyo Puyo 4 (8/8/8), and Mahjong Haoh II Taikai (7/9/9).
p20-23  Jojo's Bizarre Adventure artwork, character profiles. 
p24-31  Gundam Side Story 0079 mech designs, mission objectives, creator interview and thoughts on what makes a good Gundam game.
p32-35  Toukon Retsuden 4 wrestler details, moves, and action scenes.
p36-39  Preliminary Shenmue information, action shots and details, sketches of the characters in the game and an rundown on action sequences.
p40-51  Powerstone complete game guide.
p60-71
 Psychic Force 2012 character movement and defense primer.
p134-137  Marvel vs Capcom - DC original vs Arcade original versions.
p166-171  Lots of photos of various DC controllers, prototypes, etc.
 
 
Summary of the Week
Monday Independence Day Observance
Tuesday NEWS Takara History Toys, Monthly Shonen Gan Gan September 2004, Week's Import Outlook
Wednesday NEWS September 2004 import schedule update - Viewtiful Joe 2 on GC and PS2 shipping Sept 09
Thursday GC Croket! Ban no Kiki wo Sukue  PS2 Croket! Ban no Kiki wo Sukue, Guilty Gear Isuka joystick
Friday NEO GEO Samurai Spirits V Special Edition  NEWS Transformers Insecticons Color Variant
National Console Support, Inc ° Your Import Specialist
Phone: (718) 523-5774  Fax: (718) 523-7069  Shop: www.ncsxshop.com  E-mail: ncsx@msn.com 
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