Initial D Extreme Stage + Bonus Strap - New, In Stock

The Asian release of Initial D Extreme Stage for the PS3 was released early on Saturday and the game is in stock and shipping today. Please note the Japanese version of the game is currently scheduled to arrive tomorrow since we were able to get it shipped earlier than usual. There's a holiday on Friday so we'll be able to fill everyone's preorder a little earlier. If you don't mind the Asian release of the game, we can ship today. Please note the following differences for the Asian version:

1) Includes an English manual instead of a Japanese manual.
2) The online functionality and game modes are disabled.
3) The price is US$63.90 as opposed to US$73.90 for the Japan version. Every copy of the Asian edition also includes a bonus Trueno cellphone strap that we'll ship to all orders in 1:1 ratio. Thanks. «Larger Photos»

Crisis Core Final Fantasy PSP Bundle - New, In Stock

In September of 2007, NCS and sellers in Nihon stocked the Japanese version of the Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core PSP bundle. It's possible that European gamers looked on with envy and cried for equality because something like that would never be released in Europe. Nine months later and against all odds, equality's late but it's here.

The European Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core PSP bundle includes the following two items:

» Silver Slim & Lite Playstation Portable
» A copy of the European edition of Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII

Sadly, there's no Buster Sword strap and the PSP isn't serially numbered. Please note that the PSP is a European model and is packaged with a 240V power adapter which is unusable in the USA unless a 120V-240V converter is used. Since we don't want anyone to blow up their PSPs or set the dog on fire, a carefully worded warning will be included with every order regarding the 240V AC adapter. A 100V-120V AC adapter may be used to recharge the European PSP since the units are multi-voltage.

All preorders have shipped as of last Friday and new orders are welcome. Pricing is set at US$329. Please note our shipment of the Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Special Edition game is expected to arrive in a few days and all preorders will ship once they're in stock.
View NCS' photo gallery for this product.

Oneechan Bara Vortex: Aya Orchid Seed Ver. - Preorder

What do you call a warrior-woman with zero fashion sense, a back tat, and a pair of swords that gets clotted with blood whenever she goes out?

Over the years, we've known her as Aya but we've lovingly nicknamed her "The Zombie Butcher" in the NCS offices. As in, "Oh look, the Zombie Butcher is back in another toy."

Orchid Seed takes a stab at sculpting Aya in 1/7 scale and the final results look okay. The Butcher's pose isn't as dynamic as we'd like but maybe she's just sizing up her undead opponents somewhere in the distance and planning her attack. Preorders for the newly announced Aya will ship in October 2008 at JPY7800 or US$79.90 from NCS.

Soul Calibur III 1/6 Scale Ivy Figure - Preorder

Isabella Valentine aka Ivy is a Soul Calibur stalwart who's been part of the series since the first SC game. We never use her when playing Calibur since we tend to prefer brawlers like Mitsurugi or Siegfried. One thing Ivy does have over Mitsurugi or Siegfriend is her draw when she's made available as a 1/6 scale figure later this year.

Enterbrain's ebCraft label is producing the figure under the direction of Eiji Nakayama. Ivy is sculpted of ABS and PVC but her shiny Saint-Seiya-esque armor is crafted from brass. The weapon in Ivy's right hand winds around her like a prehensile tail and ends with a sharp point at the tip.

Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2008 at JPY12,000 per figure or US$128.90 from NCS.

USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Mon-Tues

The USA releases of Guitar Hero Aerosmith were actually released early (last week) but we're listing them today since this week is the official date.
NDS	Trauma Center Under the Knife 2	Atlus
PS2	Guitar Hero Aerosmith	Activision
PS3	Guitar Hero Aerosmith	Activision
Wii	Guitar Hero Aerosmith	Activision
X360	Guitar Hero Aerosmith	Activision

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Wed-Thurs

NDS	DS Vision Starter Kit 512 MB	AM3
	Nanashi no Game	SquarEnix
	Owarai Zunou Battle: Nobunaga no Yabou	Koei
PS2	L no Kisetsu 2: Invisible Memories	5pb
	L no Kisetsu 2: Invisible Memories Limited Edition	5pb
PS3	Initial D: Extreme Stage - JPN Version tomorrow	Sega
	Ninja Gaiden Sigma - The Best	Tecmo
PS3	Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 - The Best	Sony

Arrivals on Wed-Thurs

Import Nintendo DS Price Changes - Clearance

A number of Japanese Nintendo DS games have been discounted. It pains us to pummel Luminous Arc 2 that low but we have a lot of 'em.

Contact $25.90
Cooking Mama 2 $23.90
Doraemon $22.90
Dungeon Explorer $25.90
Rainbow Islands $25.90
Rockman ZX $22.90
Luminous Arc 2 Will $29.90
Guru Guru Nagetto $22.90

Asian version of "Initial D - Extreme Stage" on Monday

NCS will receive the Asian version of "Initial D - Extreme Stage" for the Playstation 3 on Monday (June 30). An email has been sent to customers who preordered the Japanese version of Initial D to determine if the Asian version of the game is acceptable.

Please note the following differences for the Asian version of Initial D Extreme Stage:
1) The game includes an English language game manual instead of a Japanese language manual.
2) Based on information from our suppliers, the online network function is DISABLED.
3) The price of the Asian version of the game is US$63.90. The Japanese version is priced at US$73.90.

The Japanese version of Initial D - Extreme Stage is still scheduled to arrive on either Wednesday or Thursday of this week. We will fill preorders with the Japanese version of the game by default unless our customer replies to our email confirming the Asian version of the game. New orders are also welcome to ship on Monday (June 30) Thanks.

General Updates

Nintendo DS Paddles Our next to last shipment of NDS Paddle Controllers arrived today and all backorders for the black, pink, and silver paddles will ship today. We've had the white paddles in stock all week so they've been shipping out normally. Our final shipment of Paddles will arrive in about 1 week. After that, they're all gone from our Japanese distributor. That is, unless Square/Taito decides to produce another batch later this year.

Playstation Network Tickets Japanese JPY3000 tickets were restocked earlier this morning but please note we're sold out again. We expect another supply within the next 3-5 days along with the JPY5000 tickets. Backorders are welcome and we'll email you the code-scan once they're available again.

MGS Metal Cases All backorders for the first printing of MGS4 Special Edition are shipping today. They still include the metal DVD case. Similarly, all backorders for the first printing of MGS2 Bande Dessinee with the metal DVD case will ship this afternoon. The second printings of both products will include standard paper/plastic DVD cases.

Derby Stallion DS - New Import, In Stock

Practically unknown in the USA but big in Japan, the Derby Stallion series of games have always commanded a premium price as well as general adoration from the Japanese gaming press. Enterbrain capitalizes on the popularity of the NDS by releasing a Derby Stallion which features touch-pen tapping to develop and build a horse racing empire.

Players start the game with a certain amount of capital with which to purchase the first yearling (after checking its pedigree and bloodline) and hire the staff who'll run the day to day affairs of the horse business. The game features updated 2008 horse and jockey data to give players a sense of operating within the real equine racing world.

Higurashi no Nakukoru ni Kizuna + Bonus - New, In Stock

After encountering strong sales on the PC and the PS2, Alchemist adapts the digital suspense novel Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (ひぐらしのなく頃に絆 第一巻・祟) over to the Nintendo DS. The game features a total of four new scenarios where a murder mystery, a crime, or other malfeasance is the driving factor for a suspenseful story. All orders will ship with a bonus pen that's designed to look like a hypodermic syringe.

Hakoniwa Seikatsu: Hitsuji Mura + Bonus - New, In Stock

Many years ago, the buffalo and deer roamed the land but hunters depleted their numbers before moving on to greener pastures. As a traveler who's looking for a homestead to settle down upon, you're given a parcel of land, a house, and some simple objectives. Your job is to develop the land, farm, raise livestock, and become a self-sufficient pioneer who's capable of feeding himself and making a living. All orders will include a bonus cloth grocery bag.

Simple DS Series Vol. 39: The Shouboutai - New, In Stock

In order to fight fires in the wild, a fireman needs an axe, a hose, and fire retardant robes. In order to fight fires on the Nintendo DS, all you need is a touchpen. Join a crew of fire fighters who venture bravely into infernos in order to rescue innocents and control raging fires. To shoot water at flames, simply tap on the target with the touchpen to drench and extinguish it. To break down doors and other obstacles, the axe may be used as a sort of battering ram.

In addition to normal flames, end level "boss" flames which are tougher to beat must also be contended with. The top screen shows an overhead map of the stage while all of the action takes place on the touch screen. Over 30 missions are featured in the game for DS firefighters to conquer.

The Tower + Bonus Booklet - New Import, In Stock

A single building is like an ecosystem unto itself. NCS likens it to little social system where tenants, management, and outsiders enjoy a sort of daily interplay. In Vivarium's The Tower, players erect a building, fill it with tenants, and make a profit. If it were that easy, everyone would want to be a landlord but there are wrinkles in the road to riches. In addition to proper maintenance of the building, there are also complaints to contend with, fires, burglaries, vermin, and other hazards of the real estate trade. Managers who control expenses and trouble will be able to bring in tenants and visitors but those who falter at the first sign of adversity will drive the finances of the tower into the ground.

Ken to Mahou to Gakuen Mono - New Import, In Stoc

Old school dungeon crawling makes a return on the PSP this week in Acquire's Ken to Mahou to Gakuen Mono. The design of the game is largely based on the original Wizardry engine where various shops and areas in town may be visited by simply choosing them from a menu. Custom character creation (100 slots available) is an option but a number of pre-made archetypes are available for induction into your party. Once your crew is either generated or selected from the available roster, it's time to head into either of two dungeons underneath the first town that the game begins in.

All orders will ship with a bonus rigid plastic placard (11 x 8") which features two swimsuit-wearing characters on one side and the main cast on the other side.

World Neverland 2 in 1 Portable- New Import, In Stock

Live a life as an ordinary citizen in the fantasy Waktic republic of Pluto. There is no epic quest to conquer or world spanning adventure to go on. You live a life. Thats it. Since gamers will be living an average life, you'll get to choose a profession and work, meet a girl and get married, raise kids, retire, etc. At the outset of the game, players may travel around town and explore the local area. The D-pad is used for movement while the analog nub toggles the size of the screen. Pressing the "X" button slashes out a sword attack and the "O" button is used for interacting with fellow citizens. When wandering around town, the time passes in a natural manner with the day eventually turning into night.

If you stand around in the middle of town doing nothing, you'll be able to watch the other citizens scrabbling around doing their daily routines. Every once in a while, someone will run into your character and initiate a conversation or challenge you to a duel that takes place in a rudimentary ring.

World Neverland was originally released for the Playstation in October 1997 and its sequel shipped in February 1999. Dreamcast updates for both games were released in 1999 and 2000 respectively. The PSP update features the original Playstation versions of the games which is viewed within a window on the PSP screen. The border around the window features game options such as a map viewer, character stats, level-up requirements, a help screen, and a save function.

Gameboy Micro Famicom Version - Clearance

NCS Sale of the Day: June 27, 2008

«©NCSX» Measuring a miniscule 10 x 5 x 1.7cm in dimension or 4 x 2 x 0.7" for us Yanks, the Gameboy Micro matches the size of one of our Casio Exilim cameras nearly perfectly. The backlit screen on the Micro is slightly smaller than a standard GBA but it's remarkably crisp, bright, and sharp. The buttons on the Micro are also the softer tactile type as seen on the original GBA instead of the buttons used on the GBA SP. The headphone port is also built-in so players won't have to shell out another $10 for an adapter.

Sale Offering - NCS' remaining inventory of the Gameboy Micro Famicom Version is new, factory sealed, and in excellent condition. Pricing is set at US$65.90 which includes USPS Priority Mail shipping within the U.S.

Daigassou! Band Brothers DX - New Import, In Stock

The original Daigassou Band Bros was one of those games that sold and sold and sold for months on end which eventually turned into years. Every time NCS restocked the game, we thought, "Okay, that's going to be the last shipment and we won't ever need to restock it again."

Weeks later, the game would sell out and we'd scramble for restock from vendors in Japan and Hong Kong. The game was that good and its only other equal in terms of sales volume was the original Jump Superstars which coincidentally was also published by Nintendo. We've been waiting for an encore since 2005 and our patience is rewarded this week with a proper sequel titled Daigassou! Band Bros DX. «Full Game Synopsis»

Bleach: The 3rd Phantom - New Import, In Stock

Fighting games based on the BLEACH franchise have peppered the Japanese retail landscape for a few years now. There's only so much Shinigami slashing action that a player can take before apathy sets in. To alleviate the tedium, Sega tries a different tack with their upcoming Bleach The 3rd Phantom release on the Nintendo DS. Instead of outright fighting, the cast of Bleach find themselves immersed in a tactical strategy game where the movement is on grids and the attacks are selected from a menu. Original characters and a large assortment of names from Bleach provide drama and intrigue.
As a preorder bonus, Sega will give away a set of 16 Bleach postcards and 1 sticker sheet in a 50% ratio.

Bokura no Telebi Game Kentei - New Import, In Stock

The Namco software library is a storied one with notable names such as Dragon Spirit, Galaga, Mappy, and Xevious serving to entertain gamers since the 80s. You may not know this but video games help people with hand-eye coordination where a player sees something on screen and twitches his hand accordingly to either avoid it, capture it, or destroy it.

Since Namco's archive of gaming is so storied, the company has decided to help people with their hand-eye coordination. Bokura no Telebi contains a total of 36 micro-games featuring some of Namco's classics and not-so-classic releases. Each micro game requires about 10 seconds of your time before you're headed to the next exercise of jumping, shooting, dodging, or rolling. A number of new and original games are also included.

Disgaea Hour of Darkness - New Import, In Stock

Laharl faces his demons once again in the Nintendo DS re-release of the original Disgaea game. The setting takes place two years after the death of the Devil King who was Laharl's father. Instead of counting on his birthright and an easy ascension to the throne, Laharl has to battle and connive against pretenders before taking his place as ruler of the Netherworld. The NDS conversion is based on the PSP remake from 2006 which included new dungeons and new characters who joined the original cast of Etna, Flonne, etc.

All preorders will ship with a bonus Prinny touch pen which is being given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio.

Jigsaw World: Daigekitou! - New Import, In Stock

Jigsaw puzzles are as old as the hills but jigsaw-battles are a relatively recent development in the world of gaming. Nippon Ichi's upcoming Jigsaw World for the Nintendo DS pits gamers against COM-controlled characters in rounds of competitive jigsaw puzzle solving action. Eight heroes and heroines designed by Teruhiko Imaizumi are featured in the game and Etna of Disgaea fame is a marquee player. A wireless mode allows two players to jigsaw-battle against each other.

All preorders will ship with a bonus Jig-Battle songbook CD which is being given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio.

King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match - New Import, Restock Mon

A decade has passed since the original KOF '98 graced the gaming world with its presence. We still play it every once in a while to test fighting strategies and admire its perfect balance before shuttling it back into storage. KOF '98 is one of those rare fighting games where any fighter featured in the character roster can become a tournament level champion if the player is good enough.

The Taito Type-X coin-op version of KOF '98 Ultimate Match was released earlier this year in Japan but SNK quickly transitions the game for the home with a Playstation 2 conversion this week. The new game features updated 3D backgrounds, new moves for the characters, 13 additional fighters, a revised Extra Mode, and an entirely new mode dubbed Ultimate Mode. An online mode is also available so gamers can link up online and bout it out against each other.

SNK Playmore is giving away a bonus KOF '98 cell phone strap in 50% ratio for early preorders and we'll send them out accordingly. Photos of the bonus may be viewed on NCS' detailed product page.

Sengoku Basara X - New Import, In Stock

Capcom was once the king of 2D fighting games but the torch has been passed to young(ish) turks such as Arc System Works and Type Moon of Melty-Blood fame. Last year, Capcom hired Arc System to develop a new 2D fighting game based on the characters of Sengoku Basara and the location tests were for the most part positive. Since the game was originally built on Namco's 246/256 arcade hardware, Sengoku Basara X (Cross) makes a smooth and more importantly, faithful transition to the Playstation 2 this week.

Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura lead a cast of 10 characters (Chousokabe Motochika, Honda Tadakatsu, Maeda Keiji, Mouri Motonari, Uesugi Kenshin, Oichi , Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi) who use weapons and special attacks in a 2D brawler that's evocative of Arc System's other works. The control scheme uses four buttons to lash out a weak attack, a medium attack, a strong attack, and Engun which calls upon a supporter or striker to rush into the battlefield and provide offensive assistance. The longer you hold off on calling for support, the stronger that support becomes when it is eventually summoned.

Sengoku Basara X Limited Edition - New Import, In Stock

Capcom was once the king of 2D fighting games but the torch has been passed to young(ish) turks such as Arc System Works and Type Moon of Melty-Blood fame. Last year, Capcom hired Arc System to develop a new 2D fighting game based on the characters of Sengoku Basara and the location tests were for the most part positive.

Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura lead a cast of 10 characters (Chousokabe Motochika, Honda Tadakatsu, Maeda Keiji, Mouri Motonari, Uesugi Kenshin, Oichi , Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi) who use weapons and special attacks in a 2D brawler that's evocative of Arc System's other works. The control scheme uses four buttons to lash out a weak attack, a medium attack, a strong attack, and Engun which calls upon a supporter or striker to rush into the battlefield and provide offensive assistance. The longer you hold off on calling for support, the stronger that support becomes when it is eventually summoned.

The limited edition which includes a Character Voice CD which contains 31 minutes of speech and a set of 47 Theme/Character Trading Cards.

Sunsoft Collection - New Import, In Stock

SNK pretty much produced all of the software for the Neo-Geo gaming hardware from way back when. There were some third-party publishers who supported the platform but it was up to SNK to keep the games rolling consistently on both the MVS and AES Neo-Geo formats. One of Neo-Geo's supporters was Sunsoft which produced a bevy of games for the Famicom, Mega-Drive, and Super Famicom back in the day but the company also gave the Neo-Geo a shot with two fighting games:

» Galaxy Fight - Eight motley fighters (emphasis intended on the word motley) fight with punches, lasers, and kicks on different planets.

» Waku Waku Seven - An enjoyable fighting game which features a cast of seven likable combatants such as the floppy Mauru.

SNK digs both games out of Sunsoft's archives and re-releases them on the PS2. Per usual Neo-Geo Online Collection convention, both games have been updated with an online fighting mode (BB Multi-Matching), a character color-edit facility, and the ability to view a fighter's complete list of moves at any time by pausing the game.

Tales of Symphonia: Knight of Ratotask - New, In Stock

Two years after Lloyd Irving and company regenerated the world of Sylvarant and planted a new tree to tether the world together, there's trouble anew brewing. The animus of the old Kharlan tree is raising a ruckus and the people of the two lands of Tethe-alla and Sylvarant are waging war against each other. In one attack, the Sylvarant city of Palmacosta is razed and many innocents perish.

Amidst the firestorm, a newly orphaned hero named Emil Castagnier teams up with a girl named Marta Lualdi and the two resolve to seek vengeance against the man who's actions killed their parents - Lloyd Irving. Emil is a typical unsteady hero in the beginning but he soon locates his inner strength and grows into a leader of men. In the introduction to the game, Lloyd may be seen leaping with weapons drawn and slashing down on a pair of innocents. Emil and Marta encounter compatriots who join their party and work towards a common goal.

All preorders will include a bonus DVD that is being given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio.

Paca Paca Passion - Clearance

Prove your rhythm skills in this button slapping music game where quick reflexes and inner rhythm are requisite. As a video game musician, your job is to slap the corresponding colored buttons to colored discs that fall downwards in sequence. Perfect timing will grant "Perfect" ranks while less timely button taps result in "Good" or "Nice." Miss many times, and the colored discs stack up underneath your onscreen hero until he/she reaches the ceiling...and loses the game. View larger photos.

Sale Offering - NCS' remaining inventory of Paca Paca Passion is new, factory sealed, and in excellent condition. Pricing is set at US$17.90 per pair which includes USPS Media Mail shipping within the U.S.

Dead or Alive X2 Venus on the Beach Hitomi - In Stock

In the DOAX2 game, the girls of the famous fighting series play volleyball but also engage in racing, butt bouncing battles, and the ever lovin' tug-of-war where brawn wins over beauty each and every time.

Kotobukiya took notice of the fetching participants of DOAX2 and went on to create the Venus on the Beach series of figures which have featured Ayane, Lei-Fang, and Tina in assorted poses and situations on the beach and in the surf. Just as the summer of 2008 rolls around, Kotobukiya releases Venus on the Beach: Hitomi which features the fraulein fatale atop a miniature inflatable orca. Hitomi may be garbed in a black bikini or a blue top which are interchangeable. The display stand atop which Hitomi is positioned allows for some slight rotational movement of the figure. Pricing is set at JPY9240 for the Japanese version of the figure but it'll probably be localized for the North American market at a more reasonable price.

Evangelion EX Daibouken Figure: Dark Brigade - In Stock

If Asuka Langley and Rei Ayanami were placed in a heroic quest situation somewhere in medieval Europe, this is how they would pan out:

» Asuka Langley - a ginger-maned warrior who slays foes with sword, spear, and axe. Stout of heart and fearless against the hordes opposing her, Asuka is nevertheless a lady.

» Rei Ayanami - Girls with blue hair aren't common around these parts but Rei's unique. Serving as a cleric with the ability to heal wounds and perhaps even raise the dead, Ms Ayanami is regarded as a saint of sorts.

Each figure measures 19cm or 7.48" tall and all orders will ship today at US$18.90 per figure. View a larger photo.

Ikkitousen 1/7 Scale Kanu Unchou Resin Kit - In Stock

The Japanese toy market goes into stretches where a certain character is sculpted to death until sales level off. We've seen it happen with Koyori (aka Bosoms), Mai Shiranui, Iroha, Nakoruru, and others. The Evangelion girls are a toy special situation because they've infiltrated Japanese culture and they'll never die. For the past few months, Kanu Unchou of Ikkitousen fame has been getting a lot of attention.
Manufacturer Amie-Grand throws their hat into the ring with a new 1/7 scale PVC figure which features a tanned Kanu in a simple stand-up pose.

The figure measures 23cm or 9.05" tall and comes disassembled in the factory container. Assembly is simple however where interlocking joints are snapped together to form the full figured Kanu. All preorders and new orders will ship today at JPY13,800 or US$135.90 from NCS.

Excellent Model Mild CB-1 (1) Monkey D. Luffy - In Stock

Megahouse releases a variant of their One Piece Portrait of Pirates series with the Excellent Model Mild toys which takes the characters of One Piece back about a decade to when they were younger, smaller, and still carried around baby fat. Three characters are featured in the first of what will probably be four series' worth of toy releases. Each figure measures approximately 6" tall and is packaged with an extra head to change his or her mood.

We figure Luffy's about 10 years old in his Excellent Model turn where he raises both arms in a victorious pose. He holds a knife in his right hand and the fork in his left hand is attached to a chop. Generally, we'd advise Luffy not to play with his food but maybe he's full and is just roaring at the cook (Sanji) for dessert. Or... he's complaining that the meat is too rare.

Excellent Model Mild CB-1 (2) Nico Robin - In Stock

Megahouse releases a variant of their One Piece Portrait of Pirates series with the Excellent Model Mild toys which takes the characters of One Piece back about a decade to when they were younger, smaller, and still carried around baby fat. Each figure measures approximately 6" tall and is packaged with an extra head to change his or her mood.

When Nico was just a little girl on Ohara Island, she had an intense passion for archaeology. With diligence and studious ambition, Nico became a bona-fide archaeologist. However, harsh events conspired to bring Nico to the Straw Hat Pirates where she joined up with Luffy's merry crew. In the upcoming EMM figure, Nico carries a big book which she hefts with both hands. The book is most definitely about archaeology.

General Updates

Pikmin Plushes Sanei has announced another production of the highly desired Pikmin Plushes which are scheduled to ship in September. We figure that's just about the right time to prepare for the holiday crush. A total of 15 different Pikmin plushes will be re-released and we'll throw up a proper preorder offer in a couple of days.

Japanese Playstation Network Cards The Playstation Network (Japan) JPY3000 and JPY5000 tickets are in stock. For Playstation gamers looking for some olden PS1 enjoyment, Square Enix released the following games today on the Japanese PS Network for JPY600 each: Astronoka, Einhander, Fighters Impact, Rakugaki Showtime, Raystorm, and Xenogears. We're going for Einhander, Rakugaki Showtime, and Raystorm even though we have all of the original PS1 releases on CD. Somewhere.

Import Game Delays The oft-delayed NDS Yajuu Keiji: Tokyo Douji Tahatsu Tero o Chinatsu Seyo has been pushed once again to September 18, 2008. The distributor has canceled all preorders at this time but we'll re-submit our reservations in a couple of weeks. The NDS Dokapon Journey and Wii Dokapon Kingdom games have also been delayed to July 31.

Japanese Xbox Live Points Cards NCS expects to restock 1400P and 3500P Japanese Xbox Live Points cards in a few days. We'll contact customers who've inquired about the cards and new orders are welcome.

Maid Cafe Article in the New York Times If anyone needs maid outfits, NCS has got them by the boatload.

Excellent Model Mild CB-1 (3) Sanji - In Stock

Megahouse releases a variant of their One Piece Portrait of Pirates series with the Excellent Model Mild toys which takes the characters of One Piece back about a decade to when they were younger, smaller, and still carried around baby fat. Three characters are featured in the first of what will probably be four series' worth of toy releases. Each figure measures approximately 6" tall and is packaged with an extra head to change his or her mood.

Mini Sanji looks like Dennis the Menace with his golden blonde hair and diminutive stature. He looks askance at something or someone and if you read our description for Excellent Model Mild Luffy, he's probably peeved at Luffy for his "arms-outward" protestation. Since Sanji loves to cook, he's in chef duds and holds a blade in his right hand.

Devil May Cry Marionette Figures - Clearance

Back in May of 2003, Yamato released a collection of Devil May Cry 3 figures which featured Dante, Trish, and four Marionette figures. The Dante and Trish toys sold out a few years ago but we still have a bunch of Marionette figures in either a purple or green costume. Each figure measures approximately 8" tall and is packaged with extra arms bearing daggers and an extra replacement head. Larger Photos.

Sale Offering - NCS' remaining inventory of Devil May Cry Marionette Figures is new, factory sealed, and in excellent condition. Pricing is set at US$16.90 per pair which includes USPS Media Mail shipping within the U.S.

Evangelion Mini Refrigerator - Import Preorder

Does the final episode of the first Evangelion series still haunt your dreams? Did you name your first born Shinji and your second son Gendo just to be cheeky? If you're still obsessing over all things Evangelion, NCS might have something for you next week.

The Evangelion Miniature Refrigerator [Blue Rei or Red Asuka version]

Not just any refrigerator but a miniature one that's portable. It's not your dad's fridge but it'll store about 8 bottles of water, a couple of sandwiches, and at least a day's worth of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The Evangelion refrigerator can operate on 100V-120V and may be plugged into a wall or into your vehicle through the included power cables. One unique aspect of the fridge is its ability to serve as a food warmer in addition to a cooler. Simply turn the temperature dial up inside and it'll keep food and drinks warm. Preorders ship on or around July 10, 2008.

Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! - JPN Preorder

G.rev's latest Naomi endeavor is another vertical shooter which features characters designed by Mizuki Takayama of Senko no Ronde fame and spitfire gameplay that requires twitchy manipulation. The game has been co-developed with a team of former Seibu Kaihatsu staffers who now call themselves GULTI.

Four shooting heroes are featured in the game including the title hero Mamoru, a girl named Mayuno, and a hipster who answers to Kinya. They've all been summoned to the underworld by a priestess named Fururu who needs their help. Preorders are welcome to ship in late July 2008 at JPY178,000 or US$1800 per Naomi cartridge kit which includes shipping from overseas.

Revoltech No. 58 Gurren Lagann FullDrillized - JPN Preorder

It wasn't so long ago that Kaiyodo released a Gunman toy in their Revoltech line (Revoltech No. 50) but they're releasing another one in August dubbed the "Full-Drillized" version. The original Gunman toy was packaged with a gold drill but the newtype is packaged with a silver drill and is studded with sharp drills throughout its exoskeleton. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late August 2008 at JPY1900 or US$23.90 from NCS.

Kanu Unchou Big Towel - Import Preorder

NCS pores through hundreds of Japanese preorder offers every week. It's a daunting task but someone's got to do it. Some preorders make us laugh out loud while others give us pause. Two examples from the past include the Taiko Hats and the various Unchi toys.

When we received the preorder details for Cospa's Kanu Unchou Big Towel, there was pause. Then wonderment. Who would have the temerity to lay the towel out on a public beach? First of all, there's upskirts action going on in the towel which is evil in itself but glance higher and there's also an upshirts view for anyone who cares to look. NCS was conflicted on whether or not to post the latest Kanu Unchou product on today's website update. The conflict lasted about 3.15 seconds.

Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2008. Pricing is set at JPY5000 or US$50.90 from NCS.

Naruto Jersey in Medium or Large - Import Preorder

When the next cosplay convention opens up and you're still unsure of who to go as, there's always Naruto. Everyone knows and loves Naruto.

To help you on your cosplay ambitions, Cospa has started preorders for a Naruto Jersey that looks like something a junior ninja would wear. The two-tone color scheme is eye-catching and the swirl design on the back is snazzy. Repeat: snazzy.

Preorders are welcome to ship in late July 2008 at JPY10000 or US$108.90 from NCS.