| Imports
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PS2 Mythology?
Following the successful launch of the PS2 in Japan, supplies in the
distribution aftermarket appear to be readily available in Japan and Asia. Despite the
export restriction on the PS2, vendors in Hong Kong and Japan have all offered the PS2 to
NCS, albeit at lofty prices. As supplies continue to hit the market from the Sony
manufacturing machine, prices will drift lower in the next couple of weeks. Confirmation
customers who have contacted NCS and who have received notification over the weekend
should see delivery of their PS2 consoles later this week but we will update you with more
information.
Looking at the situation from the perspective of a vendor, PS2
supplies appear to be huge and the hype may not be as it seems since even smaller vendors
are offering the PS2 to NCS. Did Sony really sell out of the initial launch quantity? Can
the potential Japanese audience absorb the anticipated 1+ million consoles? The market
will resolve these issues in the next couple of weeks and you, as the import consumer, can
gauge the truth of the PS2 situation by viewing how fast the PS2 price plummets. |
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Konami
Dancing Selection
Two new dancing editions have been announced by Konami for release in
April. The first is a stand-alone Playstation version of Dancing Stage subtitled
Dreams Come True. 13 pieces of music will accompany this new Bemani. The
second comes in the form of Dance Dance Revolution Club Version for the
Dreamcast which features music from DDR 2nd and 3rd Mix. This is also a stand-alone
version that will not require the original DDR game. E-mail pre-orders are welcome, both
items have also been added to the on-line store for reservations. |
| Dancing Stage DCT |
Y4980 |
Dance |
| DDR Club Version |
Y5800 |
Dance |
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| Imports
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DC Gunbird 2
Capcom's latest shooter for the Dreamcast has shipped overnight and is
expected on Tuesday. Pricing is set at US$53 and pre-orders from existing accounts are
welcome via e-mail
request or by visiting the on-line
store. |
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NGP Metal Slug 2nd Mission
SNK's latest blast 'em up for the NGP has shipped overnight and NCS
expects this cartridge tomorrow. We will stock the Asian version with the plastic
snap-lock clamshell. Pricing is set at US$40 and the item will be added to the NCS on-line
store tomorrow morning. On a related note, the Asian versions of Gals Fighter
is expected on Wednesday and Cotton for the NGPC is due later this month. |
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Hibikino
Watcher Vol. 02
The second edition of the Tokimeki Memorial append disc featuring the
additional ESVS for characters in the game is expected next week. Pre-orders are welcome
via e-mail for delivery when the stock arrives. |
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Poochi
Sega of Japan will release a robotic dog in April that is somewhat
similar to Sony's Aibo but at a fraction of the cost. Instead of the Aibo's metallic
sheen, the Sega pooch is pastel and will interact with it's environment and obey voice
commands. NCS is considering importing this item into the USA but the scope of the
domestic audience is unknown at this point. Feel free to send NCS an e-mail indicating
interest and we'll bring it in if there is good feedback on this product. |
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