Kotaku: ncs

US Importer Offering Yearly Subscriptions To Famitsu

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:40:00 MDT

The source for all things video game related in Japan, Famtisu, can be yours to enjoy on a weekly basis. National Console Support began offering year long subscriptions to the Japanese language mag a few weeks ago in North America, for not outlandish prices. Your cheapest option is a bit over $9 an issue.

The cheapest option will ensure that you get your copy of Famitsu, like, a week or so after it hits Japan's magazine racks. That'll set you back $480, all up front, for 52 issues.

If money is no object, you can sign up for overnight shipping of the mag. That's an impressive $2860 per year for 52 issues. I'm expensing mine, hoping it just flies under the radar of finance. If not, it's been nice working here.

Famitsu Magazine Subscription [NCSX]

Mario Kart Wii <3 Freeloader?

Mark Wilson — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:20:00 MDT

It appears that those who were worried about Japanese copies of Mario Kart Wii not loading on US Wiis through Freeloader may have been breaking a sweat for nothing. Import retailer NCS tested the game on v3.1U firmware and found it to run just fine. Yes, this information directly conflicts with an earlier report from Play Asia, but there's a good chance that Play Asia tested the game with v3.0U firmware which NCS confirmed will not play the game.

In other words, all hope is not lost. Still, go forth at your own risk, there may be bananas around the bend.

NCS News Update [NCS]

Your Own Precious Animal Crossing Town

fdemarco — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:13:16 MDT

Alice over at Wonderland points to this cute as pie new set of gashapon Animal Crossing Toys. A similar set of these made their debut last year to much fanfare and were sold out almost immediately. Now, Yujin has issued this new set in honor of the Animal Crossing movie that which is hitting movie screens across Japan. Instead of having to buy all the sets individually, website NCS is offering the entire set including houses, furniture and lovable critters for $26 plus shipping.

The greatest thing about this Animal Crossing town is you can leave it as long as you want to, no weeds grow, no cockroaches show up (hopefully) and no cutesy doe-eyed animals are going to bitch you out when you finally come back. Flynn De Marco

Animal Crossing House Gashapon Set 3 [NCS]

Bomberman Huggable Explosives

Mike Fahey — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 14:40:30 MST

Sure to be a hit at airport security checkpoints everywhere, Nation Console Support is taking preorders for Bomberman Bakuhatu plush bombs, complete with simulated lit fuse and exploding sound effects. Incidentally, bakuhatu (or bakuhatsu) is Japanese for explode, so if you're in Japan and hear a running person shout something along those lines, try and keep up.

As you can see they come in standard black and cherry bomb flavor. NCS is selling them for $19.00, and they are looking at a June 2007 release. They'll make an excellent gift for that reclusive crazy holed up in a mountain cabin writing his manifesto in your life, or just strap one to your child before sending them into the bank with a hold-up note! Just one of the many reasons I can never father a child. Michael Fahey

Bomberman Bakuhatu Plush Preorder [National Console Support via GameBrink]