Big thanks go out to Raymond Souza ... also known as PsyCHo-RaGe, for the first details on the GameCube import mod. And big thanks to our source at Nintendo who let us know that this is indeed the real deal. (Razzes to Billy for refusing to do it to his Japanese GCN. Thhhhppppttt ...)

Raymond found the magic location: on the R39 block, there is an empty (on Japanese units) location for a 0-ohm resistor, effectively used to close a circuit. This location is labeled "R6", and is the middle of those three connections.

On Japanese systems, this location is open completely, allowing Japanese software to play. But when the location is closed (either by resistor or wire), the machine will play US titles, including English menus!

To make this a full blown mod, you'd need to connect a two-position switch to two wires (connected to that location). Then, screw or glue the switch to a hole you'll make in your case. You now have a fully switchable GCN, just like at the trade shows! The switch opens the circuit for Japanese games, and closes it for US games. (No, this mod will NOT allow either US or Japanese units to play PAL region games.)

If you only want a US machine, you can simply connect those two locations with a very small wire or 0-ohm resistor and you now have a US machine. However, it's relatively pointless at this time with the US launch just days away.

If you do want to wire a switch, a great switch can be found at Radio Shack for a measly $1.50. It's part number 275-409A, and is a SPDT Submini Slide Switch. It looks just like picture above. Don't forget to pick up some .10" (2.6mm) screws to mount the switch as well, a pack of screws can also be found at Radio Shack for $1.50 ... part number 64-3010A.

For those of you wondering where to mount the switch ... there are two indentations underneath the handle that would be perfect. However, we suggest the one on the left away from the power connector for obvious reasons.

If you're going to do this, get TWO memory cards. JPN games will not save to US formatted cards and vice-versa. You can format one for each region, then get your game on!

We'll be updating this story with Pictures and more detailed instructions as soon as more is available