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Third-party GameCube adapter fills gap left by Nintendo
Nintendo's GameCube controller adapter for Wii U hasn't been discontinued, but it sure has been hard to find in available stock. Thankfully, where there is demand, there's a company willing to create a near-identical product to sell via their own channels. Typically these knock-offs might be considered of inferior quality (looking at you, bootleg DVDs and Twist & Shout cookies) but you could still give Mayflash's own version of the GameCube controller adapter a shot. Selling for $19.99 via import site Play-Asia, the Mayflash GameCube controller adapter looks pretty darn similar to the official Nintendo brand one, albeit with some sharper edges around the base. There's also a switch on the side to allow swapping between Wii U and PC modes, in case you'd like to have the power of a modern PC but the feel in your hands of a GameCube. Of course, there's always the chance the adapter won't work as advertised, so exercise caution. On the other hand, if it works great, enjoy beating the tar out of your friends in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. For the more cautious-minded hoping for an official adapter, Nintendo's online store suggests you "check back again soon." [Image: Mayflash]
GunLord now available for Dreamcast
GunLord, NG:Dev-Team's new(!) Dreamcast run-and-gun game, is now available for purchase through retailer Play-Asia. The standard edition costs $39.99, with a soundtrack-bearing Limited Edition available for $49.99. An extravagant "Dragon Box" is on the site for $120, but is not available for purchase yet.If you're put off by newfangled Dreamcast technology and would prefer to play GunLord on Neo Geo, you can get that directly from NG:Dev-Team.
Call of Duty: Black Ops guide to include 'Nazi Zombie Coverage'
The thing about a Nazi zombie is that it tends not to re-die until it's been utterly obliterated. So, it's totally plausible that the Nazi Zombie scourge continued to pester ill-fortified strongholds long after World War II. Considering Treyarch's commitment to historical entertainment, the developer could definitely get away with reintroducing the evilest undead into the Cold War setting of Call of Duty: Black Ops -- and BradyGames' strategy guide could devote a chapter to surviving the persistent threat. In fact, product descriptions for the guide on GameStop and Play-Asia highlight "Nazi Zombie Coverage" (in addition to the typical tactical advice; e.g., "Did you know? Aiming down the sights will increase the accuracy of your shot"). Presumably, the Nazi Zombie coverage will detail the "Nazi Zombies" mode in Black Ops, which has yet to be announced by Treyarch. Nazi Zombies was first hinted at for Black Ops last month by a retail listing. The popular minigame was introduced in World at War and later became a standalone iPhone game. "Zombies in World at War was a huge success and we were blown away by how well the fans received it," Treyarch producer Dan Bunting told us in a May interview. Update: According to statements made by Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia in the new issue of Edge (via CVG), the developer "continued to evolve [Nazi Zombies] after World At War. There was a dialogue going on with some of our hardcore community, and we were able to interact with the community and evolve -- we did that with our zombie lore." Should we be on the lookout for Soviet Zombies now? Treyarch still isn't saying for sure; though community manager Josh Olin recently tweeted: "If Zombies have anything to do with our top-secret Co-Op mode, then it's a safe bet there will be a trailer for it eventually ..."
Play-Asia reveals new Mad Catz FightSticks [update]
[Update: Mad Catz let us know that these sticks are, as the Play-Asia reveal may suggest, being released in Asia, beyond the scope of the company's Street Fighter IV licensing deal.]The FightSticks released by Mad Catz alongside Street Fighter IV were surprising, to say the least, for Mad Catz products: despite some early technical issues, the Tournament Edition FightStick for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 is by far the highest-quality arcade stick available in North America. The only problem, of course, is that they aren't always available. The sticks were produced in extremely limited numbers and initial shipments sold out quickly. We're very happy, then, to see new Tournament Edition FightSticks for PS3 and Xbox available for pre-order on import retailer Play-Asia. These sticks don't have any Street Fighter IV artwork, but otherwise they look identical -- and adding your own artwork isn't that complicated. According to Play-Asia, the sticks will be available Q4 for $149.90.[Thanks, John Doe!]
PixelJunk Monsters may shrink to UMD this June
Import retailer Play-Asia has listed a June release for the upcoming PSP version of PixelJunk Monsters. The handheld version of the popular tower defense game will feature all the content found in the PS3 game ... and then some. Considering the PSP game will be a full UMD release over in Asia, it's going to need a lot of content to justify its non-budget price.It'll be interesting to see how SCEA decides on distributing the game here in America. echochrome released as a full UMD game in Asia, but released as a PlayStation Network exclusive here. Perhaps a similar solution will be implemented here.[Via PSPHyper]
Rumor: Japanese retailers leak Space Invaders Extreme 2
A recent listing on Play-Asia has fans of tightly arranged, slowly approaching extraterrestrials buzzing with glee. According to the retailer (as well as a handful of other Japanese games dealers), Space Invaders Extreme 2, which hasn't even been confirmed by prospective developer Taito, is set to drop in Japan on March 26, 2009. These listings fire off a few of the title's new features, including new boss formations, enhanced multiplayer modes, and much to the delight of the grandmas among us, a "bingo system".We're still calling this a rumor until Taito either confirms or denies it, but with several sites showing the same drop date, and with retailers divulging what seems like fairly believable gameplay features, we wouldn't be surprised if the listings are on the level.
How much?! Importers charging several arms and legs for DSi [update]
Click to enter our DSi gallery. When the Nintendo DSi launches on November 1st, it will cost Japanese consumers ¥18,900, or the equivalent of $200 at current exchange rates. Alas, import stores apparently didn't get that memo. Earlier this week, YesAsia was one of the first major importers to open its DSi preorder scheme, demanding an eye-watering price of $299.99 for Nintendo's upgraded handheld. That's a 50% rise on what you'd pay on a Japanese high street.Since then, others have followed suit, with Play-Asia opening its preorders yesterday at the same price. A quick scan of Google's Shopping channel turned up the following offers (bear in mind the top three will also add shipping costs): YesAsia.com: $299.99 Play-Asia.com: $299.99 Model-Gadget.com: $272.29 Gadget-Asia.com: $318.30 (free shipping) Egads! It appears importers, rather than Nintendo, are dictating prices here, and even though the likes of Renchi have yet to start offering preorders, we can assume they will also be pricing the systems at roughly $300. Anybody still tempted?Update: Renchi has now updated its DSi preorder page: they're offering handhelds for $298, but reserve the right to make price adjustments based on demand. That doesn't sound good.%Gallery-33263%
Deal: 25% off imports at Play-Asia
Both the PSP and PS3 have incredibly generous region settings, which allow you to play games from all around the world -- no mod chips required. Importing games for both of Sony's platforms is easy, and Play-Asia's sale makes it even easier. Right now, they're providing 25% off all of their in-stock items. Here's our recommendations:PS3 Battle Fantasia - $42 DualShock 3 (white) - $45 PSP Bleach: Heat the Soul 5 - $33 DJ Max Portable 2 - $38 Every Extend Extra - $8 Pump It Up Exceed Portable - $10
Play-Asia's Summer Sale makes importing cheap ... well, cheaper
Our wallets sighed in relief after finding out about a Play-Asia sale, and then ran away screaming once they realized that we were now tempted to import the entire store. If you import games as well, now's an opportune time at the online retailer, and if you don't, there's no better time to start. Play-Asia is currently having its annual Summer Sale, which started today and ends on July 20th. This means that every in-stock item is 25% off -- beautiful. Even after just one day of sales, many coveted items have already gone out of stock. There's still a lot to be had, though, so make sure not to put your importing off for too long.[Via Gemaga]
Archaic Sale Heat: SRPG import for $11
Now might not be the best time to order a Japanese copy of Archaic Sealed Heat, what with E3 right around the corner and a U.S. localization likely, but Play Asia is doing its best to convince us otherwise! The import online shop is selling copies of the gorgeous Mistwalker-developed title for only $11.90 (plus s/h). The deal lasts until next Monday, too, so they're giving us a lot of time to talk ourselves into it.As far as SRPGs go, you really can't find anything cheaper! Well, unless you pick up Square Enix's iPod-exclusive Song Summoner for $4.99.
We kind of want to buy Crazy Climber Wii now
At full price, the Wii remake of the fossilized arcade game Crazy Climber was a ridiculous proposition. But at $18.90, it's ... a ridiculous proposition that we're actually considering, which, we suppose, makes us ridiculous. Maybe even crazy.But that's the situation Play-Asia has put us, and no doubt others faced with similar, uncomfortable feelings of casual Crazy Climber interest, into with their weekly deal. For this week only, Nihon Bussan's Crazy Climber Wii is marked down from $60 to $18.90. Of course, you'll need a Freeloader or a Japanese Wii in order to play this, so it's a bit less of an impulse purchase than it would seem.
Rumor: Freeloader not compatible with Mario Kart Wii
If you tried importing the Japanese version of Mario Kart Wii to Europe or the U.S. in order to get your copy early, you may have received this message from Play-Asia: "We received the first small delivery today for testing and unfortunately we have to inform you, that the game is not compatible with the Datel Freeloader (US and PAL Version)."However, we've heard from NWF reader Nils that this isn't true, and an imported copy of Mario Kart has worked just fine on his Wii (we're still waiting to hear back on what version he imported). Still, we're sure Play-Asia wouldn't make such things up, since this will only lead to the site losing sales. So, at this point, just be cautious with your imports, and let's hope that Datel's Freeloader isn't outdated already.We'll update the post if we find or hear more accounts from Mario Kart Wii importers, so be sure to tip us if you've tried it first hand.%Gallery-4772%[Via Go Nintendo]
Get cheap Freeloader fodder at Play-Asia
Play-Asia has just started their "Easter Egg" sale, which is actually a sale on video games (though Play-Asia may sell you an egg if you ask). Most of the things they sell (released more than 30 days ago) are 20% off. The Freeloader isn't included, but lots of import games to play using the Freeloader are. It may be a little harder to find excellent deals on the Wii, as opposed to something like the DS which is bursting with deals, but we've found a few interesting items in our brief browse.Shikigami no Shiro III - $35.92Mario Strikers Charged - $19.92Miburi & Teburi - $39.92Crazy Climber Wii - $31.92Oneechanbara Revolution - $ 47.92NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (US version) - $39.92And, why not, Fishing Rod Advance - $3.19It's definitely worth looking around yourself. Play-Asia's selection is vast.
Import your games for cheap during Play-Asia's Easter Egg Sale
If you're keen on importing games, it seems like there's no better time than now. Play-Asia is having an "Easter Egg Sale," which means that all in-stock items that weren't released in the past thirty days are 20% off. The sale ends on March 31st, but you might not even want to wait that long, as items are going out of stock quickly. Some games that might be worth picking up: Ouendan 2 -- $24 (it's been on sale before, but $24 is the cheapest we've seen it) Taiko no Tatsujin - $39 (you've gotta love the cute little Taiko drum) Arkanoid DS w/ Paddle Controller - $39 (yes, this is being localized for Europe and likely NA, but it's not too bad of a deal if you're impatient) Paddle Controller - $16 (or, you can just get this -- currently only available in pink) Archaic Sealed Heat - $16 (not the most import friendly, but you should be able to get by on a tactics title -- especially for this price) Power Pro Kun Professional Baseball - $23 (one of the best baseball options for the DS) Choushoujuu Mecha MG - $16 (mmm, mechas) Daigasso! Band Brothers - $39 (another good rhythm game, with lots of instruments included) Feel free to add any of your own import recommendations in the comments below.[Via CAG]
Get a small Game Boy for a smallish price
The Game Boy Micro is pretty much obsolete, outpaced by the DS and DS Lite in functionality. But the DS has yet to catch up in the "being ridiculously tiny" department, and lacks the important "being in the Nintendo Famicom controller color scheme" feature that one edition of the Micro offers.Play-Asia is offering the Japanese Famicom edition of the Game Boy Micro for $60 this week, marked down from their usual price of $100. This may be just the thing if you want to be able to play It's Mr. Pants, but your actual pants are too tight for a DS Lite.
Exchange twin Hamiltons for Twin Age
Playing import games can be an expensive hobby, but online shops like Play Asia provide some relief for your wallet, hosting frequent sales for Japan-only titles normally priced at $50+. This latest deal is for Summon Night: Twin Age (or Twin Edge, depending on where you look), an ARPG from Banpresto that makes ample use of the DS's touchscreen for moving and attacking with your characters. GameFAQs has a helpful guide for would-be importers, and there's also a neat demo that appears on the official site if you navigate to one of its sub-pages. Play-Asia will have Twin Age available for you to grab for $19.90 while stocks last.%Gallery-3357%
Shin Sangoku Musou: Fighter's Deal
Looking for a cheap new DS game? Does it have to be good? If not, we'd like to direct you to Play-Asia's latest weekly special, the Japanese version of Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle. The importer has marked the game down to $9.90, with five days left as of this post.The concept of the game is what makes it both somewhat of a failure in general and bizarrely compelling enough to make us curious: it starts with the extremely action-oriented Dynasty Warriors series, and adds an extra layer of, uh, card collecting to the button-mashing combat. The 3D graphics weren't terribly impressive, but who knows? If you love Dynasty Warriors, this may be a diamond in the (very) rough.
Huge discounts and prizes at Play Asia's Year of the Rat Lucky Sale
Bringing in the Chinese New Year, import shop Play Asia has slashed the prices on over five thousand of its in-stock games and accessories. What's more, each order you put in between today and February 29th will count towards an entry for you to win a variety of Japanese consoles, games, and store credits. There's just too many items on sale to list, so we've picked out a few from the DS and GBA sections that might pique your interest. DS game sales: Ryuusei no RockMan: Dragon, Leo, and Pegasus - $48.90 $9.90 Nodame Cantabile - $48.90 $14.90 Operation: Vietnam (US) - $24.90 $16.90 Slide Adventure: Mag Kid - $58.90 $19.90 Oshare Majo Love and Berry (DS Collection) - $58.90 $19.90 K-1 World GP - $48.90 $24.90 Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 - $48.90 $29.90 Jump past the break for the accessory and GBA bargains!
It's a Gundam! ... sale
If you'll play any SRPG or mobile suit game you can get your hands on, regardless of whether it's in English or not, break open your wallet for SD Gundam G Generation: Cross Drive. Play Asia has the not-due-for-localization title on sale for the next week, asking only $14.90 for the chibi mecha game. As you can see in the trailer, Cross Drive plays a lot like the Super Robot Taisen GBA games Atlus brought to the states two years ago.Hopefully, we'll see similar deals for Gundam 00 when the 3D action-stravaganza comes out (and stays) in Japan.
Hori Charge Stand is style over substance, just our thing
We're struggling to justify to ourselves the idea of purchasing one of Hori's new Charge Stands. After all, a standard wired power adapter -- like the one you get totally free with your DS -- does the same job. The only obvious advantage to owning one of these is that your DS can be displayed at a jaunty, kind of cool angle.We suppose this is a case of form over function, though we're not ashamed to still want one -- the DS is an attractive piece of kit, so why shouldn't we show it off? For just under $17, you can be as superficial as we are, though you will have to wait until April. Oh, and they only come in black or white, meaning any new cobalt blue DS owners might have to go without.[Thanks, Chris!]
