k .National.         Whats New for the Week of March 10, 1997
  .Console         Last Updated: March 14, 1997
  .Support         Top Picks: Saturn Manx TT
            NCS has solved the switch problem for the new Sega Saturn systems (rev.4). These new Saturns contain a single integrated pcboard where the controller ports and the CD-Rom/MPeg adaptor card are both part of the main pcboard instead of being separate components. Conventional methods for wiring the board have failed but a new wiring scheme works; American and Japanese Saturns may now be upgraded. NCS recommends the installation of a toggle switch to run Japanese and American games directly. The convertor cartridge works well but it ties up your cartridge port and it puts the user into a precarious position when it comes time to play a game that requires a separate rom or ram cartridge such as Samurai Shodown 3 or Ultraman. Removing the convertor cartridge and swapping in the rom/ram cart while the Saturn unit is loading is advised against. Blown light lamps, blown fuses and other such damage due to the use of the swap 'trick have all been recorded. We posed a question earlier this week about Asian and Japanese Playstation stock - Click here to read the query and it's resolution. Advanced Variable Geo for the Saturn will be available next Monday due to shipping delays.
System Origin Product Description Price Remarks Available
Asstd Japan Famicom Tsushin Vol. 2/21 US$10 New issue of N64, SS, PS mag Now
Asstd Japan Gamest EX Vol. 29 US$12 New issue of N64, SS, PS mag Now
N64 Japan Family Computer Vol. 6 US$10 New issue of N64/SFC magazine Now
NeoGeo Japan Neo-Geo Freak Vol. 3 US$10 New issue of Neo-Geo magazine Now
NeoGeo Japan Samurai Shodown IV Mook US$20 Gamest Vol. 58; SSIV moves Now
Saturn Japan Cube Battler Limited Edition. US$58 3-D puzzle with story & animation Now
Saturn Japan Henry Explorers US$49 Japanese version of Crypt Killers Now
Saturn Japan Manx TT US$58 Sega's latest motorbike racing Now
Saturn Japan Sega Saturn Magazine Vol. 4 US$10 New issue of Saturn magazine Now
Saturn Japan Paneltia Story US$60 Original fantasy RPG Now
Saturn Japan Planet Joker US$58 3/4 perspective rendered shooter Now
Sonyps USA Independence Day US$45 Movie adaption; looks mediocre Now
Sonyps USA NBA Shootout '97 US$45 This year's Shootout model Now
Sonyps Japan The Playstation Vol. 46 US$10 New issue of Playstation mag Now
Expected next week: Saturn Shinoken Sonyps Bushido Blade
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