General Updates

Two New USA Releases This Week Correction from yesterday: Too Human and Smash Court Tennis for the X360 were released on Tuesday for the USA market.

Chotto Shot PSP NCS is currently supplying the Asian version of the official "Chotto Shot" camera which does not include any software. However, you may download the English language camera software "Go! Edit" from Sony's website which is 100% compatible with the Asian version of the camera.

Mana-Khemia Portable Delayed Gust has pushed the release date of PSP Mana-Khemia from August 28 to September 25. Please mark your preorder calendars accordingly.

Iron Man Soft Vinyl Figure [Metallic] - Import Preorder

Tony Stark's alter-ego isn't your run-of-the-mill second persona which he uses at dinner parties. Tony's alternate identity is an iron-suited superhero who flies through the air and corrals evildoers as efficiently as any cape-wearing crusader.

Since Ironman is currently a hot property, a slate of toys based on the Marvel superhero has been trickling out in Japan and North America. The latest toy to make the rounds is a cuddly Soft Vinyl Figure [Metallic Color Version] which features a Cosbaby-ish depiction of Ironman. The vinyl figure measures 16cm or 6.29" tall and we spy a pot belly to complement the stubby legs and arms. The "Metallic Color" designation in the product title refers to the shiny paint used to gloss the figure so that it appears as if it were made of metal. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2008 at JPY4000 or US$38.90 from NCS.

Shining Force III Scenario 3 - Clearance

Original Update: September 23, 1998
«©NCSX» The conclusive chapter to the Shining Force III saga which challenged fans nearly a decade ago. The game features engrossing battles, compelling drama and extensive tactical action.

NCS Sale Offer
NCS' remaining inventory of Shining Force III Scenario 3 for the Japanese Sega Saturn console is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Price: US$18.90 per copy which includes "free shipping" within the United States by USPS Media Mail Service. «View Larger Photos»

Chocobo Kusu - Import Preorder

Chocobo is a merchandising superstar unlike any other. For one, Chocobo is colored bright banana yellow which offers vibrant contrast against his baby blue eyes. Second, Chocobo is a bird. Other than the aptly named Big Bird from a certain children's television show, there aren't many other avian heroes for humans to admire.

NCS sold a bunch of Chocobo mugs and Chocobo cushions earlier this year. Then there were the Rubber Chocky toys which were well received. In a couple of months, Nintendo DS owners will get to wrap their handhelds in a bright yellow Chocobo skin, tap with a Chocobo stylus, and swing around a nifty cell phone strap adorned with Chocobo's bright and breezy countenance.

Remote Controller Pocket - Import Preorder

In our opinion, Hori is the undisputed king of the Japanese game accessory market. No one else has lasted this long and endured the fickle whims of an ever changing marketplace. We thank Hori for bringing us the Real Arcade Pro Joystick which we use on a daily basis, the various PSP screen filters, and the Dragon Quest Slime Controller which we never use but we glance at it from time to time to remind us that anything is possible in this world.

Then there's the Wii Remote Controller Pocket which is a little upright pouch which holds the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. That's it. There's no reason why something like this should exist but there it is. On preorder. Anyone can fashion a similar pouch from an empty tissue box, a wonton soup container, a paper bag, or the cardboard box that your GA-KO Alarm Clock arrived in. Sure it won't look as nice as Hori's rendition but the functionality is the same and the cardboard box is free. In any case, preorders are welcome for the Remote Controller Pocket which is available in three colors - white (shown), black, and lite-blue.

General Updates

Dreamcast DUX Delayed The release date for DUX is now scheduled for September 28, 2008. We'll update again as we get closer to the ship date with any changes or additional information. Preorders are still welcome.

No New USA Releases This Week Last week was slow for the Japanese market and this week is the slow period for North America. The market is equitable like that.

Ice Spike We found this cup of water had formed an ice spike while in the office freezer this morning. Looks like a tadpole trying to escape.

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

NDS	Inazuma Eleven	Level 5
	Sigma Harmonics	Square
	Tokyo Majin Gakuen: Kenfuuchou	Marvelous
	Tokyo Majin Gakuen: Kenfuuchou Limited Edition	Marvelous
	Uwasa no Midori-kun!! 2 Futari no Midori!?	IFactory
PS2	Secret Game: Killer Queen	Yeti

Mahou Sensei Negima! Private Lesson 2 - Clearance

Original Update: April 5, 2006
«©NCSX» The first MSN Private Lesson sold an impressive 40,000 units in Japan. Sensing another successful run, publisher Marvelous releases a sequel which follows the premise of the first game closely.

Students have once again been trapped in the dungeons underneath Mahora Academy and Negi Springfield is charged with the dual tasks of underground exploration and student rescue. Negi and student teammates use cards to battle and defend against creatures in dank dungeons as they spelunk for lost souls. «View Larger Photos»