Death Smiles: Countdown to North America Invasion

[Elixir]

It's possible to change the code of your 360 to NTSC-J, permanently, but the method is overly complicated and voids your warranty. If your console dies, and the chances of it dying are still fairly high

Is there any evidence for this? By all accounts, the problem of boards overheating has been eliminated by the new Jasper models (which run considerably cooler than previous models).

My JP unit died of a GPU problem. That wasn't a Jasper, but the problems still exist. It most certainly isn't limited to the unit overheating.

I still can't recommend modding it when the warranty actually matters. PS2? Sure. Wii, even? Go for it. Dreamcast? Who the hell owns a Dreamcast? But for the 360, it's still a pricey investment in importing a JP unit. I was lucky enough to have mine repaired, but it still cost me since it was a non-RRoD issue.

[Ex-Cyber]

It's possible to change the code of your 360 to NTSC-J, permanently, but the method is overly complicated and voids your warranty. If your console dies, and the chances of it dying are still fairly high

Is there any evidence for this? By all accounts, the problem of boards overheating has been eliminated by the new Jasper models (which run considerably cooler than previous models).

It's hard to have much evidence either way, since Jasper hasn't really been out very long. Given the track record so far, the safe bet is that it still has a higher failure rate than it should.

[bcass]

Some seriously fuzzy logic there. If the primary reason for overheating has been addressed (which it has), then logic dictates that the units will be more reliable.

[Sonic R]

With all that it seem to take to even attempt to try and modify a 360 to play Japan games, it seems too much effort, and hassle…
Unless one enjoys to do electronics service and repair type of work…

it took me a while, but the best solution and the least path of resistance is just to import a Japan console. There are plenty of games now that make the purchase worthwhile.

My wife and I are most looking forward to Death Smiles! When will MBL be available for download?

[Elixir]

Some seriously fuzzy logic there. If the primary reason for overheating has been addressed (which it has), then logic dictates that the units will be more reliable.

But we're not talking about overheating, we're talking about how the consoles die. And there's still a bunch of other things that can go wrong with it.

[jpj]

until microsoft actually release some data on the subject of failure rates, i would be sceptical. first it was only the launch machines. then it was if you buy an elite, you'll have no worries. now it's a motherboard revision.

i'm tempted to buy a jpn 360 and a pet turtle, and see which one lives longer

[adversity1]

My wife and I are most looking forward to Death Smiles! When will MBL be available for download?

One or two weeks from the release date according to the interview in Famitsu XBOX360.

[bcass]

But we're not talking about overheating, we're talking about how the consoles die.

The poorly designed airflow system was the primary reason why they die. System death is a result of heat not being ventilated through the system properly, causing the board to warp and other undesirable effects. Who knows if the new revision completely rectifies this, but I think it's safe to assume that the latest Jasper units will be the most reliable iteration yet.

[Ex-Cyber]

No, heat was just an exacerbating factor. Everyone who has analyzed this problem in depth has pointed to multiple mechanical issues with the GPU packaging/mounting/heatsink as the underlying technical problem.

[GaijinPunch]

When will MBL be available for download?

Ask PPPP... he googled it the other day.

[Shelcoof]

Remember back then when the PS2 came out it took quit a while before a decent mod chip came out.

I'm sure the PS3 and 360 will take much longer to produce a decent chip seeing how it's a lot more advance than the PS2.

I'm thinking why not just get Two units one modded and one to play online. This way you can sort of try before you buy a game. It would suck for the imported games but if you really consider the higher price of an imported unit, exchange rate and shipping cost in the end it would cost you four times the amount of a domestic system.

[hirounder]

Another trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Qe5_Veo54&fmt=22

[antron]

[E. Randy Dupre]

I'm thinking why not just get Two units one modded and one not to play online. This way you can sort of try before you buy a game. It would suck for the imported games but if you really consider the higher price of an imported unit, exchange rate and shipping cost in the end it would cost you four times the amount of a domestic system.

What a bizarre suggestion. Buy two domestic 360s so that you can mod one - a hassle-tastic and pointless exercise - and void the warranty on it. How does that make any more sense than getting an import one?

[Shelcoof]

I'm thinking why not just get Two units one modded and one not to play online. This way you can sort of try before you buy a game. It would suck for the imported games but if you really consider the higher price of an imported unit, exchange rate and shipping cost in the end it would cost you four times the amount of a domestic system.

What a bizarre suggestion. Buy two domestic 360s so that you can mod one - a hassle-tastic and pointless exercise - and void the warranty on it. How does that make any more sense than getting an import one?

Because it's hell of a lot cheaper for me to own two units and modd one. This solution allows me to play imported games and games online.

As for warranty goes, I have no idea how warranties work on imported units. I'd' rather have a domestic unit die on me than a more expensive imported one. At least I'll have a console left to enjoy my games on.

[antron]

Because it's hell of a lot cheaper for me to own two units and modd one. This solution allows me to play imported games and games online.

As for warranty goes, I have no idea how warranties work on imported units. I'd' rather have a domestic unit die on me than a more expensive imported one. At least I'll have a console left to enjoy my games on.

stating your lack of knowledge on a subject doesn't help your argument.

also, have you priced an import unit?

[Shelcoof]

Because it's hell of a lot cheaper for me to own two units and modd one. This solution allows me to play imported games and games online.

As for warranty goes, I have no idea how warranties work on imported units. I'd' rather have a domestic unit die on me than a more expensive imported one. At least I'll have a console left to enjoy my games on.

stating your lack of knowledge on a subject doesn't help your argument.

also, have you priced an import unit?

This is a preference based on cost and convenience. I don't understand how people can't understand that.

I find it much easier and cheaper for me to mod my own console to play imports. And I'd rather own two units that cost much less than one unit any day. And yes I looked up an import unit online, you factor in all the expenses like I said earlier and it comes to roughly 3.5 times the cost of a domestic unit.

As for warranty goes like I said I'm not familiar with import warranty policies nor do I care about them either. It's not really a deciding factor for me.

I don't understand how people come in here and get confused.

[Jockel]

If you're able to region-mod a 360, be my guest.
It's not as easy as just putting a chip in there.
Really.
You have to downgrade your kernel to a vulnerable version (first of all, good luck with that- you'll probably give up here already) then you'll have to dump the firmware from the NAND, patch it and reflash it to the NAND afterwards.
It's a pain in the ass like you couldn't imagine.
And if you are somehow able to pull it off, the console will be Jap, not Multi.

[EOJ]

And yes I looked up an import unit online, you factor in all the expenses like I said earlier and it comes to roughly 3.5 times the cost of a domestic unit.

Only if you live on the moon and need it shipped via Apollo 13.

[agustusx]

on topic: deathsmiles, yeah, only a few weeks more. finally a shooter that will look good on the wide screen. This will be a completely new experience for me, where DOJBLEX was just more of the same. I typically don't like horis, but hell the vids looked fun.

off topic: 360s have a new batch of errors caused due to the NXE...Regarding modding for the jpn region, well its more expensive and time consuming than buying a j360. sure i paid 60 bucks over the US arcade price + i paid 40 in shipping, but the chip cost 50+ and you need to install them. is hard to find a site that will sell you a chip, plus install it.

and again going this route voids all chances of repair, plus you wont want to play online. I play online with my j360 all the time. AND i play the region free US games i got like soul calibur. I have a on of arcade games, so of course having internet is required.

If one created a chart of the pros and cons of modding a 360 vs buying a j360, its easy to see the winner.

[GaijinPunch]

deathsmiles, yeah, only a few weeks more. finally a shooter that will look good on the wide screen.

That's still up in the air. I saw the demo running on a 42" LCD the other day. It looks nice, as the character & enemy sprites are all HD, but the backgrounds aren't. It's actually not as bad as I thought, but that's probably b/c it's all kind of happening so fast.

[Shelcoof]

If you're able to region-mod a 360, be my guest.
It's not as easy as just putting a chip in there.
Really.
You have to downgrade your kernel to a vulnerable version (first of all, good luck with that- you'll probably give up here already) then you'll have to dump the firmware from the NAND, patch it and reflash it to the NAND afterwards.
It's a pain in the ass like you couldn't imagine.
And if you are somehow able to pull it off, the console will be Jap, not Multi.

I'm aware that modding consoles are very very difficult especially the 360. Luckily for me though I know some friends who have a lot of experience modifying consoles.

I'm still looking into it and trying to figure out my best approach to things.
If it's far too difficult or costly of course I won't go through with it but at the moment, I'm seeing this solution as my best approach at the moment.

You know all I really want is to play a few games so missing out on the online won't be a big problem, maybe missing out on the updates and patches maybe a problem but I guess losing out on that can be a minor problem.

And yes I looked up an import unit online, you factor in all the expenses like I said earlier and it comes to roughly 3.5 times the cost of a domestic unit.

Only if you live on the moon and need it shipped via Apollo 13.

I'm not sure if your aware how expensive things are to ship to Canada is but it's quit pricy when you consider TAX, Low exchange rate, Brokerage, release fees, Customs and not to mention the very high postage cost.

For an elite imported unit cost about roughly 930$CND to be shipped here to Canada.

An Elite unit here cost me 340$ and a core unit cost 226$. Now your thinking that's not even 3.5 like he stated earlier. Well obviously I'm not going to buy two Elite units. I'll buy one for online and core for just imports.

you add that up 340 +226 = 566$ for two units. Add another 226$ you get 792$ and you can figure out the rest.

If you don't believe me that's fine.

[bcass]

No, heat was just an exacerbating factor. Everyone who has analyzed this problem in depth has pointed to multiple mechanical issues with the GPU packaging/mounting/heatsink as the underlying technical problem.

Yes, I've read them all too, and it is fairly obvious that they die as a result of poorly circulated heat. The problems from which can manifest in numerous forms.

[E. Randy Dupre]

I've got to ask where you'd be buying a Japanese 360 from in order for it to cost that much. I'm in the UK, so when I got mine I also had to take into account things like import tax, and the price ended up being about £80 - £100 more than it would have been to buy a PAL unit from a shop in town. That's about half again what the things cost at the time, not three times.

Not saying I don't believe you, but I'd really love to know which sites you've got that kind of quote from.

[8 1/2]

deathsmiles, yeah, only a few weeks more. finally a shooter that will look good on the wide screen.

That's still up in the air. I saw the demo running on a 42" LCD the other day. It looks nice, as the character & enemy sprites are all HD, but the backgrounds aren't. It's actually not as bad as I thought, but that's probably b/c it's all kind of happening so fast.

I know it's kind of sad, but I'm also quite excited to see a modern shmup running in HD widescreen. I'm looking forward to it for that reason just as much as wanting to play the game. Not that visuals really mean much in a game of this type, but it'd be nice to sit back and play some shmuppage without hunching over my TATE'd little 20" that currently sits on the floor next to the HD set.

[GaijinPunch]

. Not that visuals really mean much in a game of this type,

Not until they burn your eyes. PS2 Mushi/Ibara on a nice, crisp RGB monitor... terrible. Imagine watching VHS on an HDTV.

without hunching over my TATE'd little 20" that currently sits on the floor next to the HD set.

Oh, you gotta sort that out. Probably terrible for your back.

[kk1030]

If you're able to region-mod a 360, be my guest.
It's not as easy as just putting a chip in there.
Really.
You have to downgrade your kernel to a vulnerable version (first of all, good luck with that- you'll probably give up here already) then you'll have to dump the firmware from the NAND, patch it and reflash it to the NAND afterwards.
It's a pain in the ass like you couldn't imagine.
And if you are somehow able to pull it off, the console will be Jap, not Multi.

I'm aware that modding consoles are very very difficult especially the 360. Luckily for me though I know some friends who have a lot of experience modifying consoles.

I'm still looking into it and trying to figure out my best approach to things.
If it's far too difficult or costly of course I won't go through with it but at the moment, I'm seeing this solution as my best approach at the moment.

You know all I really want is to play a few games so missing out on the online won't be a big problem, maybe missing out on the updates and patches maybe a problem but I guess losing out on that can be a minor problem.

And yes I looked up an import unit online, you factor in all the expenses like I said earlier and it comes to roughly 3.5 times the cost of a domestic unit.

Only if you live on the moon and need it shipped via Apollo 13.

I'm not sure if your aware how expensive things are to ship to Canada is but it's quit pricy when you consider TAX, Low exchange rate, Brokerage, release fees, Customs and not to mention the very high postage cost.

For an elite imported unit cost about roughly 930$CND to be shipped here to Canada.

An Elite unit here cost me 340$ and a core unit cost 226$. Now your thinking that's not even 3.5 like he stated earlier. Well obviously I'm not going to buy two Elite units. I'll buy one for online and core for just imports.

you add that up 340 +226 = 566$ for two units. Add another 226$ you get 792$ and you can figure out the rest.

If you don't believe me that's fine.

I dunno where you get your math, but recently, I asked my aunt to shipped a JP unit(biohazard5 premium pack) to Canada, along w/ Idolm@ster twins, 3500 pt card and 12 + 1 gold membership, it cost a little less than 60000 yen ( 33000 console + 4300 pt card + 4300 pt card + 4600 game + 12800 EMS). Although CND has bad exchange rate right now, but the price is under 900(I think I exchanged about 860 cnd).

And a JP region 360 works on alot of US games, I dunno why you want to own 2 of them(one modded and one not, since if you modded it right, you wont get banned online for playing bootlegs, didnt your pro modder friends mention that to you?), but OK!

[Shelcoof]

I dunno where you get your math, but recently, I asked my aunt to shipped a JP unit(biohazard5 premium pack) to Canada, along w/ Idolm@ster twins, 3500 pt card and 12 + 1 gold membership, it cost a little less than 60000 yen ( 33000 console + 4300 pt card + 4300 pt card + 4600 game + 12800 EMS). Although CND has bad exchange rate right now, but the price is under 900(I think I exchanged about 860 cnd).

And a JP region 360 works on alot of US games, I dunno why you want to own 2 of them(one modded and one not, since if you modded it right, you wont get banned online for playing bootlegs, didnt your pro modder friends mention that to you?), but OK!

Like I said earlier I'm looking into things. I haven't consulted anyone yet about modding a 360 so I don't know for sure. From what I've read modded 360 get banned.

As for total cost of an actual Japanese unit to reach my doorstep, I'm basing my estimate from online prices (US to Canadian converstion) for the console and shipping that is offered on the site. I'm also adding in Tax and possible extra fees like custom, brokerage and release fees.

Anyways lets get back to talking about the game.. I'm tired of answering questions.

[EOJ]

As for total cost of an actual Japanese unit to reach my doorstep, I'm basing my estimate from online prices (US to Canadian converstion) for the console and shipping that is offered on the site. I'm also adding in Tax and possible extra fees like custom, brokerage and release fees.

What site? Play asia has them for $290 ($355 Canadian):

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-14-71-bq-49-en.html

Bottom line: it's not going to be anywhere near the price you quoted ($900+ Canadian), even after shipping and customs fees. Just pick up a cheap hdd in Canada (any X360 hdd will work on a JP system) and you're good to go.

[GaijinPunch]

(any X360 hdd will work on a JP system) and you're good to go.

Fo shizzle? Definitely not the first time, seeing as that I'm 100% man, 100% white, but when I bought my HDD, they confirmed I bought my 360 in Japan. I should've just said, "fuck you, racist!".