| Dreamcast
Video-CD Enabler |
Photo
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NCS expects a new video-cd adapter for the Dreamcast next
Monday. The device plugs into the first controller port and
requires a boot-disc as shown in the photo. The routine: Plug
the adapter into the DC, insert the boot disc and allow it to
spin up, swap out the boot cd and drop your video-cd into the
GD-Rom for pure playback pleasure. In addition to being the
simplest video-cd adapter available for any console, it's
also the most economical. Pricing stands at US$25.
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| GBA
Miscellany |
Driller, the
Boy
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A shipment of the Suicine Pokemon GBA (Suicine looks like a
blue dog with a blue twisty bagel on his head) handhelds are
slated for delivery tomorrow, or failing that, on Monday
morning. NCS will contact customers who have pre-ordered the
item with an update upon receipt of the product. Keeping in
the GBA vein, Mr. Driller 2 cartridges should arrive with the Pokemon GBA along with Lightboy Advance
restock. A new accessory dubbed "Sun Filter" is also
expected, which cuts down on screen glare when the sun is
overhead and beating down rays. The filter also protects the
screen against accidental scratching, dust, and other
undesirable impediments to viewing clarity.
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| Gran
Turismo 3 A-Spec |
GT Force
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Long awaited, much delayed, and highly anticipated by legions
of PS2 fans, Sony's mega contribution to the growing
Playstation 2 library arrives on April 26 (Thursday).
Pre-orders received this week are guaranteed to ship on the
first day NCS receives stock. New orders received starting
April 23 onward may ship a day later. Logitech's GT Force
Wheel, also expected on April 26, may price at a range between
US$95 to US$115. If shipping costs become burdensome, we may
elect to ship the wheels through a slower carrier. It's either
that or raising prices to meet import costs but we'll make a
decision on Tuesday evening when our suppliers divulge the
dimensions of shipping cartons, carriage costs, etc. If you
have pre-ordered GT3, please try to notify us of any shipping
changes or product additions before Monday. No changes will be
accepted thereafter.
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The Japanese retail level for the GT Force Wheel prices at
Y9800. Although Sony sells GT3 with and without the wheel, NCS
expects to only import the game + controller separately. Our
preference would be to purchase the complete GT3 set from
suppliers but early indications from the channel don't appear
to play out our way. Pre-orders for the GT Force Wheel are now
closed but we should be able to offer it again to new orders
within 1 week after release. |
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| Restock
Goods |
Bemani
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PS2 Para Para
Paradise controllers are expected on Monday of next week and
Dreamcast 56K modems are due in any day now. A good supply of
the import DC Typing of the Dead with crystal keyboard is also
on the way for next week. Finally, a mess of Playstation
imports from back in the day including Front Mission
Alternative, Toshinden 3, Magical Drop 3, Project Gaiaray, etc
are due on April 25.
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| Beatmania
IIDX controller decks and DDR dancing pads are pending
restock. A selection of Bemani related merchandise including
t-shirts and other clothing should start filtering in if our
arrangements pan out. |
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| PS2
SCPH-30000 |
Pricing
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The next shipments of Playstation 2 Japanese consoles will no
longer include the DVD remote control and the internal
hardware/external design mirrors that of the USA SCPH-30001
and European SCPH-30002. The model currently on offer through
our website remains the SCPH-18000 which includes the DVD
remote and older architecture. The major obvious difference
between the SCPH-30000 model, released on April 18, and
earlier Japanese versions may be found in the rear of the
unit. The earlier PC Card slot is now replaced by a hulking
slot labeled "Expansion Bay", which accommodates a
PS2 hard drive whenever that's ready. This convergence of
console design should help Sony lower production costs for the
PS2.
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NCS expects
to set pricing of the SCPH-30000 PS2 model at US$390 (Y38,800)
against the US$450 level of the 18000 model. Other than the
re-design and the lack of the DVD remote control unit, the
SCPH-30000 ships plain and does not include any additional
hardware. Similar to the 18000 model, DVD drivers are now
hard-coded in rom form, not software based and loaded up on
the memory card.
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| Incoming |
Intentionally
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The
week is pretty
much over but two new products are slated for tomorrow
morning: DC Angel Present and PS2 Basic Studio 2
are this week's lone invigorators. Revenge on this slow and
tame release week happens next week when roughly 20 new titles
ship for the DC, GBA, PS, and PS2. Among them are GBA Doraemon
and Bomberman, DC Advanced Daisenryaku 2001, PS Gear Fighter
Dendo, and PS2 Love Songs, J-Phoenix, Super Micchan.
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E-mail
NCS
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