Rarity of NTSC-J Xbox consoles?

[theclaw]

I don't mean Xbox 360 either (as if the title didn't make that clear enough).

Asking on yahoo didn't get me any leads. So I figure I'll try asking a place specialized in hard to find gaming items.

After all... It's the sole legit method to play games like Metal Wolf Chaos.

While price may be an issue, I can't even form a ballpark value as too few units are in circulation. I assume US controllers and cables will work?

I'm not really looking to buy one right away. I want to be prepared in case the opportunity arises or I learn of an unexpectedly awesome exclusive game.

[EnforcerOfJustice]

I found this with a bit of googling
All shipment figures as of December 2004.

XB
1.70m Japan
13.20m USA
5.00m Europe
19.90m Total

They might've sold another quarter of a million in 2005 before the 360 was out so it's no rarer than a Game Gear (1.78m). Demand from westerners would be pretty low with the "illegitimate methods" that you spoke of being so prevalent.
Metal Wolf Chaos looks worth the price of admission

[mobiusclimber]

Here's one: http://cgi.ebay.com/XBOX-Console-DVD...item2c519e1edc

I think the shipping is probably B.S. (particularly b/c there's no Seamail option) but you do have to be prepared for the fact that an Xbox is stupid heavy so shipping will definitely be expensive.

[theclaw]

Not bad. It seems to me like more people threw away the Xbox box than GC or PS2.

[Breetai]

When I was in Japan, it was common to come across used X-Boxes. Most people that owned one have sold them and use a 360 if they play a M$soft system. They aren't really too expensive.

[Nico87]

Kinda considering importing a JXbox myself, but I'm worried about broken DVD-drives and I don't really know if my 100W step-down converter is powerful enough. The newest system I've tried it on is the Dreamcast, without any problems.

Best bet is probably to buy a cheap Xbox locally and then softmod it so you can play games from any region and install games to the HDD. I'm don't condone "piracy", but as long as you buy the games, I really don't see the problem. I installed a chipmod on my PS2 and can't really say that I regret, though I've always wanted a ceramic white JPS2.

If no non-JP games appeal to you, and you don't feel uncomfortable with fragile DVD-drives, get a JXbox. The only reason I won't is because of the aforementioned step down converter. The last thing I need is a blown console.

[The 1 2 P]

I'm been trying to get a reasonably priced JP Xbox for awhile but shipping is a bitch. I wish I could find one locally.

[dj898]

I got a hybrid xbox myself which was built with v1.0 MB where I attached the ancinet Enigma chip with all 28 wires and all plus 240VAC PSU from the junk PAL Xbox and Halo LE crystal green case. Also the DVD drive is Samsung(?) that I pulled out from yet another xbox. I was fortunate enough to have access to several old/junk xbox at that time so it wasn't too much of trouble to build few working units out of several scraps...

With JPN Xbox, other than Katsumi blue box inc. carton box and etc. I don't think there's anything worth to import...