Famitsu Wave DVD [August 2007]

The August 2007 issue of Famitsu Wave includes magazine and DVD-based cinema coverage of the following software titles:

Wii No More Heroes / Capcom
PSP Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories / Rockstar Games
PS2 Growlanser VI / Atlus
PS2 Final Fantasy XII International: Zodiac Job System / Square Enix
X360 Saints Row / THQ
NDS Rockman ZX Advent / Capcom
WIN Monster Hunter Frontier / Capcom
PSP Monster Hunter Portable 2nd / Capcom
PS2 Final Fantasy XI / Square Enix ...

and the usual assortment of interviews, faming challenges, and on-the-street features with the editors of Famitsu.

ASCII Stick Engine

Before Hori took over de-facto production of third party controllers, memory cards, and accessories in Japan, ASCII was the king of the realm. In the 80s and 90s, the company commanded a healthy market share for Famicom, PC-Engine, and Super Famicom accessories.

Today, we offer PC-Engine joysticks that were originally released by ASCII in November 24, 1990. The base of the controller measures 7 3/4 x 6 5/8" and the lollipop-style joystick rises up about 2" from its foundation. Similar to a standard PC-Engine control pad, the ASCII Stick Engine features a turbo-fire function for the buttons but the level of turbo may be adjusted with by twisting two dials for button 1 and 2. «photo gallery»

Famicom 3D System

Nintendo's answer to Sega's Master System 3D glasses was a device called the Famicom 3D System. Back in the day, the gaming houses tended to match each other tit for that like that. Similar to Sega's own 3D peripheral effort, the 3D System uses a liquid crystal shutter mechanic to produce a 3D effect. Due to market conditions (read: poor sales), not many games were created for the accessory and it slowly faded into obscurity and disuse. The Famicom 3D System plugs into the 8-bit console's expansion port and supports games such as Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally and Tobidase Daisakusen for the Famicom Disk System. «photo gallery»

Famicom System Rack

If you're the fortunate owner of a working 8-bit Famicom console and a functional Famicom Disk System, there's a way to bolt both pieces of hardware into one cohesive unit. Sort of. Feast your eyes on the Famicom System Rack which is four pieces of red metal that literally rack and lock the Famicom and Famicom Disk together. Once properly fitted, both pieces of hardware become a single Famicom monstrosity that's heavy and somewhat odd looking. We only found one of these in storage and the packaging is pretty beat up. There's also some label residue on the lower right corner of the front side of the box which looks bad but the item is new. «photo gallery»

General Updates

Independence Day
NCS will observe the July 4th holiday tomorrow but normal trading will resume on Thursday of this week. Despite the holiday, please note that this week's new import shipments should probably arrive on Thursday.

USA Wii Console
The USA version of the Wii console is still at US$350 from distributors. They're readily available... at that price. We'll update when the price drops.

Transformers Limited Edition Necklace

Japanese manufacturer Beagle has started preorders for a pair of limited edition necklaces to celebrate the live action Transformers movie which bows across the USA this week. Two designs are on offer: A Destron Army Necklace (left side of photo) and a Cybertron Army Necklace (right side of photo) which depict the recognizable symbols of both robot camps. Each necklace is limited to only 50 units each and pricing is set at JPY18,000 (US$185). Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late August 2007.

Transformers Limited Edition Ring

When a student graduates from high school, she might purchase a class ring to commemorate the occasion. After a Transformers fanatic watches the new Transformers live-action movie, he might get so excited that he'll shell out nearly US$200 for a Transformers Ring. Depending on personal allegiance, buyers may purchase a Destron Army Ring or a Cybertron Army Ring in three available sizes. Each ring is limited to only 50 units each and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late August 2007.

Transformers G-Shock Wristwatch LE

Casio's G-Shock watches are pretty tough and durable. Sort of like the popular Transformers robots that morph into vehicles. Japanese manufacturer and licensee Beagle mixes the G-Shock with Transformers and comes up with two watches featuring Convoy of the Cybertrons and Megatron of the Destrons. Each wristwatch is limited to only 1000 units each and pricing is set at JPY15000 or US$155 from NCS. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007.