Game Axe Color
Status:  Available for import NOW

 
 
 
 

Preface:

Once again I have a preview of a piece of hardware that, although very cool, will probably never be seen by 98% of portable gaming enthusiasts.  Why?  Because it's grey-market stuff manufactured in Taiwan that simulates patented technology, and for all intents and purposes is being illegally manufactured.  However, just like all grey-market electronics, it's infinitely cool, and I can't wait to get one in my greasy little hands.  Standard disclaimer applies: "DMGICE does not endorse or condone the usage of illegal or grey-market devices.  The opinions of the author are strictly his own and do not represent the views of this website, its sponsors, etc..."
 
 

Background:

Remember, back in the day when the NES was the coolest game system around?  Who can forget classics such as the first three Castlevania games, Contra and Super C, Gradius and Life Force, Megaman 1 through 6, and the original Super Mario Bros.  Games?  Not me.  Since the release of the Game Boy Color, we've been fortunate enough to have had a slew of conversions of some of the most classic titles for the small-screen, and this is a trend that I hope continues on the GBA.  Now, playing conversions is all fine and dandy, but it's not the same as playing the originals, but it's not like you can tote an NES in your backpack (easily), let alone find one that works reliably.  Enter the Game Axe Color- a fully portable Famicom (complete with adapter for US and European NES games at www.liksang.com).
 
 

What's in the box:

The package contains pretty much what you'd expect- the system, some cables, the converter (if you order from www.liksang.com), and hopefully a manual written in broken English (I love those).
 
 
 

Quality of design/components:

I can't comment on the quality of the unit because I haven't played with it yet, but apparently it's like all other HK style electronics.  For the most part I've heard good things, but there are the occasional horror stories floating around (read IGN pocket's review).
 
 

Ease of use:

By now you should know how to plug a cartridge into a system :)
 
 

Features:

Supports "all" famicom and NES games  (You never know if a game may or may not work on this kind of stuff, so the "all" will remain in quotations).  External controller support (useless because the format is for pirate controllers available in Asia).  TV-out and Audio out to connect the unit to a TV, AC adapter support, Video input support to allow the unit to function as a mini-video screen.
 
 

The last word:

If you have a huge library of games and want to impress your friends with a cool piece of Asian technology, this is probably the unit for you.  I've heard that it's a battery hog, so you may want to invest in some rechargeable alkalines with this puppy...  I dunno, I think it's a pretty cool piece of electronics, if not a little on the pricy side.  I hate having to order online, but if you don't mind doing it, order from www.liksang.com, they're very reliable.