Datacenter still down, UPS working

The datacenter that colocates our ncsx.com server in Battery Park is still flooded but things appear to slowly be getting back to normal. We anticipate they'll be back online tomorrow. Our shop at www.shopncsx.com is hosted elsewhere so it wasn't affected by the outage. JFK airport has re-opened although Laguardia is still closed because of extensive flooding and damage. This week's import shipments should arrive on time (Thursday/Friday) since the flights are routed through JFK. Photo credit: kaitstalyn

Datacenter down, UPS down

The data center in downtown Manhattan's Battery Park where our server is located was affected by the Con Edison power shutdown last night so www.ncsx.com is down. There's no timetable as to when power will be restored but we're guessing Thursday.

Please note that UPS is not operating in our area today and the Postal Service is also shut down so packages will probably go out on Wednesday. Photo credit: jesseanggreg

NEWS Hurricane Sandy

NCS Product Synopsis
 «©NCSX» We're in the offices today but depending on how the day goes, we'll probably have to shut down early if the lights go out. Mass transit in New York City has been shut down and schools are closed. UPS and the USPS might also shut down early in the afternoon so all of their people are off the roads as the hurricane nears NYC. Due to the expected shut downs, NCS expects shipments for orders placed over the weekend to go out on Tuesday.

PC Super Mario Midori Koura Aka Koura Mouse Set - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Japanese manufacturer Taito presents a Super Mario Mouse Set which includes a mouse pad depicting Mario holding a green Koopa shell and a USB Koopa optical mouse with scroll wheel which works with Windows PCs and Macs using existing mouse drivers. The resolution of the mouse isn't indicated on Furyu's promotional page but we're going to assume 400dpi. The mouse pad measures 22cm or 8.66" in length and the mouse measures 7cm or 2.75" in diameter. New orders are welcome to ship today at US$30.90 per mouse set - please choose from green or red mouse variants.

PS3 Zone of the Enders HD Edition - New Import

From the Publisher
    Hideo Kojima's legendary series Zone of the Enders arrives on PS3 and Xbox 360 for the first time with the highly-anticipated Zone of the Enders HD Collection. Converted to dazzling high definition graphics and including an all new opening cinematic, this is the way the high speed mech action of Zone of the Enders was always meant to be played. Includes Zone of the Enders and Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner.

 Jan Code: 4988602162349

PS3 Zone of the Enders HD Edition Premium Pack - New Import

From the Publisher
    Hideo Kojima's legendary series Zone of the Enders arrives on PS3 and Xbox 360 for the first time with the highly-anticipated Zone of the Enders HD Collection. Converted to dazzling high definition graphics and including an all new opening cinematic, this is the way the high speed mech action of Zone of the Enders was always meant to be played. Includes Zone of the Enders and Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner.

 Box Contents
 » Zone of the Enders HD Edition Blu-Ray
 » Zone of the Enders Chronicle Book (364-pages featuring illustrations, interviews)
 » Zone of the Enders Reboot Book (148-pages containing interviews, illustrations, commentary)
 » Zone of the Enders Reboot Edition CD containing the main theme song and seven remixed tracks
 » Zone of the Enders Reboot Storyboard Book

TOY Okami ZekkeiBan Snow Globe (e-Capcom) - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Reservations are welcome for the Okami ZekkeiBan Snow Globe which is sold exclusively by e-Capcom in Japan. It looks pretty and charming but the price at JPY6,800 before vendor handling and shipping charges from Tokyo is dear, considering you can pick up snow globes at Big Lots for about $1.50. If you have a coupon, the price at Big Lots goes down to $1.05.

    We've requested a few of the Okami snow globes through agents in Japan and preorders are welcome at US$129.90 each. Please note that Capcom will ship the globes sometime in February 2013 due to production issues which is delayed from the original November 1, 2012 ship date.

    Q: Hold up, $129.90 for a damn snow globe?
 .
 .
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 .
 . (Wait for it)
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    Yup.

TOY Super Mario Bros Sound Bank Retro - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Media Factory is re-releasing a new production of the 'Super Mario Bros Sound Bank Retro' next month just in time for the upcoming holidays. Slide a coin into the slot on top of the miniature bank and one of four Mario-themed jingles will play from the speaker located inside the contraption. The sound bank measures 46mm x 46mm x 46mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 1.81") in dimension and accepts 100 yen coins which are the approximate size of a quarter for us Yanks. Pennies, nickels, and dimes will also fit into the slot on top.

    Each factory display case contains 9 banks so you'll get the six standard variations as shown below and three duplicates. You can give those duplicates away as gifts or trade them for Archie comics at the next neighborhood swap meet. Preorders are welcome to ship in November 2012 at US$56.90 per box of 9 sealed banks.

PC Dead or Alive 5 3D Mouse Pad - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
 «©NCSX» Femme fatales Ayane, Hitomi, and Kasumi of Dead or Alive game fame are bringing their bosoms to the computer accessory market with mouse pads by Koei Tecmo Games which ship in the Japanese marketplace this December. The perky portion of each 26 cm x 22 cm (10.26 x 8.66") mouse pad is filled with a cushioning gel material to help computer users avoid the dreaded effects of carpal-tunnel syndrome. Preorders ship in December at JPY4,000 or US$56.90 each.

Japanese Product Title: DEAD OR ALIVE5 3D マウスパッド かすみ
Jan Code: 4988615049354

GEAR Nyanko Mustache Earphone Jack Cover - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
 «©NCSX» Rascally kitty cats are back and now wear handlebar mustaches in Pink Company's upcoming 'Nyanko Mustache Earphone Jack Covers' which are being sold in packs of two as shown below at US$14.90. Please note the earphone jack covers are compatible with iPhones, Nokia Luminas, Android phones, and anything else that's quipped with a standard audio jack. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around November 15, 2012.

Japanese Product Title:  にゃんこがた　イヤホンジャック　ひげにゃんこ　茶  |  にゃんこがた　イヤホンジャック　ひげにゃんこ　グレー　
Jan Code: 4541228601250 | 4541228601243

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

3DS	AKB48+Me	Kadokawa
PS3	MuvLuv Alternative	5pb
PS3	MuvLuv Alternative LE	5pb
PS3	Zone of the Enders HD Edition	Konami
PS3	Zone of the Enders HD Edition Premium	Konami
PSP	Idolm@ster: Shiny Festa - Funky Note	Bandai Namco
PSP	Idolm@ster: Shiny Festa - Groovy Tune	Bandai Namco
PSP	Idolm@ster: Shiny Festa - Honey Sound	Bandai Namco
PSP	Pia Carrot e Youkoso!! 4: Natsu no Kioku	GN Software
PSV	Street Fighter X Tekken	Capcom
360	Zone of the Enders HD Edition	Konami

PS3 Ryu Ga Gotoku 5 Emblem Edition - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
 «©NCSX» Reservations are welcome for a limited edition Playstation 3 console which is decorated with the emblems of Yakuza clans from the Ryu Ga Gotoku game series.

In addition to the matte-black PS3 console with 250GB HD, the package includes a copy of the Ryu Ga Gotoky 5 game, a duotone gold/black Dual Shock 3 controller, a 'Yakuza' beach towel, and an 8GB USB memory stick with exclusive game content which is decorated with a dragon on the front and the game logo on the flipside.

Preorders are welcome to ship on December 6, 2012 at JPY37,800 or US$589.90 from NCS.

Japanese Product Title: 龍が如く5 EMBLEM EDITION
Product SKU: HSN-0023
Jan Code: 4974365835910

TOYS The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword Metal Item Collection - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» The first few cartons of Kayodo's 'The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword Metal Item Collection' arrived this morning and we'll begin processing and shipping preorders today. Due to the time required to assemble the items into complete sets, we should be able to ship half of our reservations this afternoon and the remainder by Wednesday. Larger photos will be posted tomorrow. Please note that new orders will ship tomorrow. Thanks.

3DS Pokemon Fushigi No Dungeon: Magna Gate To Meikyu - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» The popular 'Pokemon Mystery Dungeon' series finally arrives on the Nintendo 3DS with stutter-step dungeon exploration similar to previous games in the series. Players start the game as a human who transforms into a Pokemon (Pikachu, Axew, Oshawott, Snivy, and Tepig) who proceeds to travel into deep dungeons filled with treasure, potential Pokemon cohorts, and monsters.
 
    Preorders are welcome to ship on November 8, 2012 at JPY4571 or US$63.90.

 Japanese Product Name: ポケモン不思議のダンジョン～マグナゲートと∞迷宮～
 Product SKU: CTR-P-APDJ | Jan Code: 4902370520149

3DS Nintendo 3DS LL Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G Pack - Import Preorder

Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Reservations are welcome for Nintendo/Capcom's 'Nintendo 3DS LL Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G Pack' which bundles a black Nintendo 3DS LL with a copy of Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G which was released late last year. Preorders are welcome to ship on November 1, 2012 at JPY21,800 or US$319.90.

 Japanese Product Name: モンスターハンター3Gパック【3DSLL本体】
 Product SKU: SPR-S-KKDE | Jan Code: 4902370519976

Wii U Monster Hunter 3G HD Ver. Wii U Premium Set - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Suppliers started preorders for the Monster Hunter 3G HD special pack which bundles a black Wii U console 32GB with a copy of the new Monster Hunter 3G game and accessories as follows:

 Black Wii U GamePad
 Black Wii U Pro Controller
 Black Wii U Touchpen
 GamePad Charger Stand
 GamePad Play Stand
 Wii U Console Stand
 Wii U Dragon Quest X Mezameshi Itsutsu No Shuzoku Online (Beta Version Download)
 Power Adapters for Wii U and GamePad
 HDMI Cable

    Preorders are welcome to ship on December 8, 2012 at JPY37,000 or US$639.90 from NCS. Please note suppliers are currently charging a premium over the retail price for this bundle even though we don' t think there'll be any shortages at the launch of the Wii U in Japan. There's never a shortage of hardware...

 Japanese Product Name: MH3G HDver.Wii Uプレミアムセット
 Product SKU: WUP-S-KAFD | Jan Code: 4902370520194

TOYS Professor Layton and Luke Plush Toy - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Sanei originally released the Professor Layton and Luke Plush Toys in 2009 and they're re-releasing the small versions of the plushes in December for another round of sales. The small plush measurements of both heroes are:
 
 1) Layton Plush Small - Height 25cm (10.00")
 2) Luke Plush Small - Height 23cm (9.05")
 
    Preorders are expected to ship in late December 2012. Please note that the plushes will probably arrive after the Christmas holiday but we'll update accordingly if this expectation changes.

 Japanese Product Name: レイトン教授 Sサイズぬいぐるみ, ルーク少年 Sサイズぬいぐるみ
 Jan Code: 4905330931054, 4905330931061

3DS Tobidase Doubutsu No Mori Pack 3DS LL - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Vendors started preorders for Nintendo's 3DSLL Tobidase Doubutsu No Mori Pack last night but apparently, the bundle's going to be highly allocated and scarce. We're not sure how many we'll be able to import at this point but we've submitted some numbers to them already based on inquiries we've received. Reservations are opening up today but please be advised that due to the limited supplies, the price may change and in the event that it does, we'll update customers before processing any orders.

    Preorders are expected to ship on November 8, 2012.

 Japanese Product Name: 3DSLL とびだせ　どうぶつの森 パック
 Jan Code: 4902370520002

3DS New Super Mario Brothers 2 Pack 3DS LL - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
  «©NCSX» Vendors started preorders for Nintendo's 3DSLL New Super-Mario Brothers 2 Pack last night but apparently, the bundle's going to be highly allocated and scarce. Scarcer than the Animal Crossing 3DS LL bundle, from what we were told last night. We're not sure how many we'll be able to import at this point but we've submitted some numbers to them already based on inquiries we've received. Reservations are opening up today but please be advised that due to the limited supplies, the price may change and in the event that it does, we'll update customers before processing any orders.

    Preorders are expected to ship on November 15, 2012.

 Japanese Product Name: 3DSLL NEW スーパーマリオブラザーズ２ パック
 Jan Code: 4902370520019

3DS Slide Pad 3DS LL - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» Add a right-sided slide pad to your spanking new 3DS LL by way of Nintendo's form-fitting and aptly named 'Slide Pad 3DS LL' which ships on November 15, 2012. Preorders are welcome.

Japanese Product Name: 3DSLL専用　拡張スライドパッド
Jan Code: 4902370519983

TOYS Zelda Skyward Sword Metal Item Collection - Incoming Import

NCS Product Synopsis
 «©NCSX» After a couple of delays, the 'Zelda Skyward Sword Metal Item Collection' gashapon toys were released in Japan last Friday. Yesterday was a national holiday (Health and Sports Day) in Japan but our suppliers are back in their offices today and the toys should start shipping tonight. We're going to opt for an expedited service which should deliver everything in about a week's time so we should receive the gashapon sets by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, barring any import delays. New orders are welcome.
 

TOYS Lily From Anim.o.v.e Hari Mascot Plush - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» Lily of Vocaloid2 fame leaps off the cover album of 'anim.o.v.e01' and is realized as not one but three bee-like plush figures from Furyu which measure 10cm (3.93") tall. The three variants are:

» A Lily holds a black spear and appears perturbed
» B Lily winks while wearing a pink flower on her head
» C Lily winces as if stung by a ... bee

   Preorders for the plushes are welcome to ship in February 2013 at US$9.90 per plush.

Product SKU: AMU-PRZ4686

GEAR Nyanko Cat Decoration with Gold-plated Cats - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis«©NCSX» Bring good fortune into your home or office with the 'Nyanko Cat Decoration' which includes a pair of gold-plated Nyanko cat earphone jack covers which may be removed from the paperboard placard and plugged into any 3.5mm audio jack.

Japanese Product Title: にゃんこイヤホンジャック　到福金メッキ
Jan Code: 4541228601106

TOYS Marvel Kawaii Art Collection Daishugo Puchi Mascot Strap - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» Squat renditions of Marvel superheroes straps made of felt are making their way to the Japanese market next year. From the top left of the product photo and winding clockwise, the cloth heroes are Spiderman, Iron-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Silver Surfer, Hulk, Storm, and Captain America. Each felt figure measures 10cm or 3.93" tall and a loop is lashed to the top of each hero for tethering purposes. The straps are normally sold randomly by way of gashapon dispensers but we'll gather them together and supply them in complete sets of eight for collection purposes. Reservations are welcome to ship in late February 2013 at US$39.90 per set.

NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

3DS	Bravely Default: Flying Fairy	Square Enix
3DS	Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Collector's Edition	Square Enix
3DS	Project X Zone	Sega
PS3	Tokitowa	Bandai Namco
PS3	Tokitowa Limited Edition	Bandai Namco
PSP	Diabolik Lovers	Idea Factory
PSP	Diabolik Lovers Limited Edition	Idea Factory

PSP Sol Trigger - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
    Imageepoch's turn-based RPG is shipping today and the first printing of the game includes a bonus illustrations booklet and a 'Trigger of Sol' drama and soundtrack CD that is being given away by the publisher in 50% ratio.
 
 Japanese Product Name: ソールトリガー
 Product SKU: ULJM-06093
 Jan Code: 4580320630058

PSP Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
    The first printing of Entaku no Seito ship with a bonus soundtrack CD containing 20-tracks that is being given away by the publisher in 50% ratio.

 Japanese Product Name: 円卓の生徒 The Eternal Legend
 Jan Code: 4582350660036

PS3 Biohazard 6 - New Import

From the Publisher
   Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 promises to be the dramatic horror experience of 2013. Resident Evil favorites Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield and Ada Wong are joined by new characters, including Jake Muller, to face a new horror, the highly virulent C-virus, as the narrative moves between North America, the war-torn Eastern European state of Edonia and the Chinese city of Lanshiang.

   Starting with three distinct, yet interwoven story threads, each with their own pair of protagonists for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online, not only will Resident Evil 6 deliver both different perspectives and gameplay styles but, with the introduction of the innovative Crossover mechanic players will be able to team up and share the horror. At key moments during the game, up to four players can join together online to tackle a specific situation, with some stages seeing the usual partnerships swapped to further increase the depth of gameplay.

   Once players have completed the initial three campaigns they will unlock an all new campaign featuring Resident Evil’s very own femme fatale, Ada Wong. A single player experience, Ada’s campaign features unique missions, gameplay and weapons which will provide answers to the unanswered questions from the first three campaigns.

• Horror on a global scale - No longer confined to a specific location, the outbreak of the C-virus is worldwide with the action taking place in North America, Eastern Europe and China
• Multiple characters and intertwined storylines - Experience the horror playing as Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jake Muller with their respective partners
• Solo or co-op - Resident Evil 6 delivers both single and co-op gameplay either offline or online
• Zombies make a return to the Resident Evil series, but can now run, jump at players and even use weapons, making them far more challenging than in previous games
• The enemy creatures known as J'avo first came to prominence in the conflict zone of Eastern Europe and have the ability to regenerate when injured; furthermore, if J'avo take substantial damage to a particular area, they can mutate the affected body part into a variety of different forms, meaning players will have to rethink their strategy and adapt to this unpredictability

Japanese Title: バイオハザード6
Jan Code: 4976219042901

PS3 Biohazard 6 Premium Edition e-Capcom - New Import

NCS Product  Update

«©NCSX» Reservations are shipping today for Capcom's 'Premium Edition' of Biohazard 6 for the Japanese Playstation 3 which includes the following items in addition to the game software:

» Leon Kennedy leather jacket (Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large)
» e-Capcom Resident Evil 6 Tablet Covers (Set of four - Chris, Jake, Leon, Secret)

   Given the price of the premium edition at JPY105,000 (US$1301.433), the jacket might be made of buttery soft, full-grain Nappa leather which reflects the sun like a spit-shined hubcap. A vulgar Versace Nappa leather jacket is about $2800 while a slightly more sensible Brioni Nappa leather jacket runs roughly US$5800 so one way to think about the Biohazard 6 jacket is that it's a bargain and likely more exclusive. Or something like that. NCS' pricing is US$1720 which reflects the arrangements to purchase the jacket on e-Capcom and onerous handling and shipping charges from overseas. Please note that NCS will ship this item to customers in a heavy-duty garment box to avoid any potential damage during transit. Reservations ship on October 4, 2012.

Please refer to the size of the jackets below:

Small
■ Length: 61cm or 24.01" (Collar to hem)
■ Shoulder Width: 41cm or 16.14"
■ Width: 45cm or 17.71"
■ Sleeve: 61cm or 24.01"

Medium
■ Length: 63cm or 24.80" (Collar to hem)
■ Shoulder Width: 42.5cm or 16.73"
■ Width: 47cm or 18.50"
■ Sleeve: 62.5cm or 24.60"

Large
■ Length: 65cm or 25.59" (Collar to hem)
■ Shoulder Width: 44cm or 17.32"
■ Width: 49cm or 19.29"
■ Sleeve: 64cm or 25.19"

Extra Large
■ Length: 67cm or 26.37" (Collar to hem)
■ Shoulder Width: 45.5cm or 17.91"
■ Width: 51cm or 20.07"
■ Sleeve: 65.5cm or 25.78"

TOYS Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Jaycee 1/7 Scale Bishoujo Statue - Import Preorder

From the Manufacturer
    A Kotobukiya Japanese import! The hit new line of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 bishoujo statues continues!

    With its thrilling martial arts action, the Tekken series of video games from Namco has been a huge hit with players since the original arcade game in 1994. In the games, fighters compete in the King of Iron Fist tournament for control of the Mishima Zaibatsu Corporation, using their unique talents against their opponents.

    Next up after Christie, Alisa, and Asuka is the mysterious luchador fighter Jaycee! Also known as the “Wandering Fighter,” the masked contestant Julia Chang from Arizona is presented here based on a new interpretation of the character by master Japanese illustrator Shunya Yamashita. With her intricate and unique outfit, Jaycee presents a powerful image as she stands with her back to you, checking you out over her shoulder with a knowing grin. The masked fighter looks great in her mini lingerie-like bodysuit with thigh high boots and long gloves, and the color scheme of pink and white with pale blue highlights only emphasizes her hotness.

    Jaycee stands on her tip toes, stretching her legs and further emphasizing her amazing physique. A fringe of feathers surrounds her shoulders while a plumed wrestling-style mask (that still lets her hair flow behind her in two long tendrils) hides her identity in the competition. You can even display her as the mysterious Jaycee or as Julia Chang with an included interchangeable unmasked head! Standing slightly over 8 inches tall (1/7 scale) on a special display base, Jaycee was sculpted by Busujimax (Takaboku Busujima) with special attention to her intricate costume and hair. The masked fighter is a fantastic addition to your Tekken Tag Tournament 2 bishoujo statue collection!
 
    Preorders are welcome to ship in March 2013 at JPY6800 or US$68.90 from NCS.

 Japanese Title: 鉄拳タッグトーナメント2 TEKKEN美少女 JAYCEE | AA
 Jan Code: 4934054901807 | 603259028537

TOYS Bread Dog Keychain Gashapon Set - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
   Bandai has started preorders for a 'Bread Dog' keychain set where hapless canines are encased in pieces of bread. There's two hot dogs in the set - one topped with catsup and the other with mustard - and two pooches which are encased in a body-wrapping bun. The remaining two dogs are a tea cup poodle and a Pomeranian which is trapped in melon bread. Each keychain dog measures approximately 5.7cm or 2.24" in length. Preorders are welcome to ship in late January 2013 at JPY2400 or US$30.90 from NCS for the complete set of six keychains.

TOYS Persona 4 Half-Age Characters - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» Heroines from Persona 4 are rendered into 'tween' renditions of their formerly lanky selves in Bandai's Persona 4 Half-Age Characters collection of figures which ship in January 2013. The lineup features two versions of each girl (from left to right) - Chie Satonaka, Rise Kujikawa, Yukiko Amagi, and  Nanako Dojima - with each figure measuring approximately 9cm (3.54) tall.

   Bandai is supplying the figures in factory boxes of 8 at JPY5,600 or US$75.90 from NCS. Reservations are expected to ship in late January 2013.

Japanese Title: Half Age Characters ペルソナ4
Jan Code: 4543112779724