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PS3 Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition Bundle - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Square Enix is localizing Final Fantasy XIII for Hong Kong and Taiwan next month with a Chinese language rendition of the game. Since anyone in those territories (who really really wanted to play the game) has already played the Japanese or North American version of FFXIII already, Square had to think of a gimmick to convince fans to purchase the game again. Three gimmicks were dreamt up but NCS will only participate in two of them:

Gimmick #1: FFXIII Lightning Edition Bundle
Square packs the FFXIII game with a PSN card and a white Dual Shock 3 which is decorated with a stenciled image of Lightning on the right grip.
Price: US$108.90

Gimmick #2: FFXIII Lightning Edition Bundle Deluxe Pack
Includes the game, the white Dual Shock 3, FFXIII Original Soundtrack (10 tracks), a CG illustrations booklet, an Original FFXIII sleeve case, Playstation Network Card, and an exclusive FFXIII character poster.
Price: US$118.90

The pricing scheme makes no sense since everyone will probably purchase bundle #2 which includes a lot more stuff for a few measly dollars more. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around May 27, 2010.

TOYS Hello Kitty Face Kei Earphones - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Hello Kitty has appeared in consumer goods of all types and Kitty earphones of different stripes have been available in Japan and Asia for a few years now. When August 2010 rolls around, Japanese manufacturer Eikoh will release new Hello Kitty earphones which feature a simple bud design and a 120cm cord. Two styles are available for preorder:

» Aqua-Green Kitty with pink eyes and a pink bow
» Candy-Pink Kitty with purple eyes and a matching bow

Both versions of the earphones are adorned with three rhinestones for some girlish sparkle. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late August 2010 at US$18.90 each.

TOYS Persona 3 Aegis EX Resinya Series - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Persona 3 game, Aegis is an android who battles the dastardly Shadows with a volatile range of weaponry. Her prerogative in the game is to protect the protagonist of Persona 3 and she serves in that capacity with able-bodied determination. NCS took delivery of Max Factory's figma rendition of Aegis late last year and in a few months, we'll bring in Cospa's EX Resinya version of the blonde Shadow-killer.

Cospa's known more for their apparel and accessories than their toys but the Aegis Resinya sculpture is an ambitious piece of work. The figure is mounted on an overly ornate vehicle and she's standing on one hoof. Aegis' left hand is pointed at something in the distance but she doesn't have any fingers - there's only miniature gun barrels that are ready to let loose. Her right hand is smoking and bullets are scattered in the air around the wisps of smoke. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2010 at JPY16,000 or US$169.90 from NCS.

TOYS One Piece Super DX Portgas D. Ace - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Banpresto has started preorders for a "limited edition" Portgas D. Ace prize figure that's generally only sold to amusement centers in Japan. We're citing the figure as "limited edition" because vendors are only allowed to purchase 1 carton from distributors.

"What are prize figures?," someone might ask. You know those Japanese UFO catcher machines where saps players try to grab a slippery prize/toy/figure with a mechanical claw that's endowed with a loose grip? That's where the Super DX Portgas will be available in a few months. You could try to grab the Super DX Portgas D. Ace with a mechanical claw for an entire day and spend your week's wages to boot but NCS has a better way. Instead of loading Super DX Portgas into a UFO Catcher, NCS will just sell the figures to anyone interested in one. We'll grab Portgas straight from the manufacturer's cardboard boxes (packaged 12/carton) and ship them out.

The fixed-pose figure measures 26cm or 10.23" tall and is made of PVC. Portgas is bare-chested but wears a pair of trunks and heavy boots. His trademark hat is present along with his cynical smile. Preorders are welcome to ship is mid-late August 2010 at US$30.90 from NCS.

BOOK No More Heroes Perfect Bible - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» If your personality skews towards descriptors such as "perfectionist" and "completist," the upcoming No More Heroes Perfect Bible might help you achieve a state of gaming nirvana only known by select players. Kadokawa's No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise book contains information on the game world and locations, characters, and commentary from the producers. Since the game system has been updated from the Nintendo Wii original, the book also covers the following:

» All of the game's locations are mapped out in precise detail
» Pointers and strategies on defeating enemies
» A total of over 50 cheats that may be used by... cheaters
» Character portraits and background information

Preorders are welcome to ship later this week (probably). This book was a late preorder item and reservations should ship out on Thursday or Friday of this week. Please note however that if the release of the book misses our weekly shipment, we won't receive it until the week of May 10 because the Golden Week Holiday starts on April 29. ISBN4047265497