Monday, April 28, 2008

Character Vocal Series 01: Hatsune Mike - Preorder

Vocaloid (Vocal + Android) is a Japanese song simulator from Yamaha and Crypton Future Media where users type in lyrics and the software engine sings out the words in rapid fire staccato. Voice actress Fujita Saki provides the voice for Miku Hatsune in the software and she sounds like a mix between a munchkin and a generalized cartoon character. Vocaloid 2 has enjoyed strong sales since its release last year and Miku has been making the rounds on the merchandising circuit.

Good Smile Company's upcoming Miku figure features the tall and lanky version of the songstress as opposed to the squat super-deformed Nendroid toy which was released recently in Japan. Normal-size Miku is sculpted to 1/8 scale and measures 18cm or 7.08" in height. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2008. Jan Code:
4582191965062

Piyo-chan Mezamashi Tokei - Preorder

In Japanese pop culture, animals are invariably round and devoid of jagged edges. The eyes must also be beady and appendages are nearly non-existent. The Piyo-chan duckling character from Sanrio fits the animal template guideline perfectly. Piyo-chan is basically a golden-colored puff with a beak.


For fans of Piyo-chan, Eikoh presents an alarm clock in two styles which features an old-school bell mechanism on top. Say you set the alarm to ring at 6:30AM because... those donuts aren't going to make themselves. When the clock strikes 6:30AM, a little metal hammer on top will strike both bells for a piercing wake-up experience. Preorders are welcome to ship in late September 2008 at US$15.90 each.

USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Tues-Thurs

Grand Theft Auto 4 leads preorders for the week and will be shipping out tomorrow.
NDS Brain Voyage Eidos

Iron Man Sega

Let's Pilates Konami

Let's Yoga Konami

Speed Racer: The Video Game WB Games

Toy Shop Majesco
PS2 Iron Man Sega

SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 SNK
PS3 Iron Man Sega
PSP Iron Man Sega
PSP SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 SNK
PS3 Grand Theft Auto IV Rockstar
Wii Speed Racer: The Video Game WB Games
X360 Grand Theft Auto IV Rockstar

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Wed-Thurs

NDS Emblem of Gundam Bandai

Katekyoshi Hitman Reborn! Fate of Heat Takara

Keikishi Gunzou Presents: Monoshiri Bakumatsu-Ou Global A
PSP Nippon no Asoko de Sony
Wii Link's Crossbow Training + Wii Zapper Nintendo

Pro Yakyuu Family Stadium Namco

Nintendo Famicom Towel - Clearance

When stepping out of a steaming shower, bath, or pool, one needs a thick, thirsty towel to mop up the rivulets of water running down one's back. Since bathing and showering are daily rituals (we would hope), why not enjoy the experience with a bright, colorful Family Computer towel which reflects age-old gaming sensibilities? Banpresto once again pimps out retro Nintendo themes but this time, they're expertly woven into cotton towels which measure 120 x 60cm or 47 x 23.62" in size.

Sale Offering
: NCS' remaining inventory of
Famicom Towels is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Pricing is set at US$13.90 per towel which includes free shipping by USPS Media Mail within the U.S. Photos.