DDR X3 vs 2nd Mix Arcade machine purchase

Does anyone have information regarding an arcade looking to buy a fully unlocked X3 cab? Would it be possible to use it offline (I know the modern DDR machine has issues when disconnected from the internet (or rather, Konami's servers).

Can replacement parts work normally (such as sensors that would be meant for X2 pads, or even the screen. etc.)

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Any such machine will be extremely rare. It would mean the arcade paid for the life of DDRX3 but chose not to upgrade to 2013. It's highly unlikely any such machine exists in Japan now, unless Round 1 stockpiled some for US locations.

Good luck, you'll need it...

I realize that about 5 are known to exist in America now. So my real question is how did they obtain their machines?

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One was imported before X3 was patched to allow offline unlocks. (Meaning 2013 didn't exist.)

The others, you're probably not going to find answers about.

So, if there were an X3 machine at the moment in Japan that was fully unlocked, then if brought here, it would no longer allow those unlocks to be accessed?

Or are you saying that it was patched in such a way as to allow offline unlocks to remain available. I realize your writing indicates the latter, but I want to fully understand what you're saying.

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In some ways, it would be really, really, REALLY hard to get a fully unlocked X3 over to the States simply because e-amusement blocks everything the machine has locked inside the system. Now as far as I know, you may still be able to get to play X3 default with no e-amuse connection, but it will just be in default settings. Now the chances of a machine in Japan being fully unlocked or simply one that had no connection to e-amuse is probably zip. I mean there are some arcades in Japan that have older versions of DDR, but most would have already upgraded to the current version. (Oldest mix in Japan seems to be EXTREME apparently, there could be much older but that's all I know thanks to Aaron).

The methods the 5 X3 cabs (or 4 depending on location and place) are using to not only get X3 but also have e-amuse working to have it fully unlocked is....well, 'not legal' to some extent. But in some ways, ironic that we are reverting to our old ways of playing DDR in the arcades just like EXTREME was to the US, in which, most if not ALL DDR EXTREME's in America are bootlegged versions of the original. Not DDR MegaMix,I mean EXTREME. The biggest hurdle for the current DDR arcade scene is e-amuse, if you don't have it, you are SOL, but if you can manage around it, well it's there. Round1 in California is lucky enough to actually be the only arcade locations with a current e-amuse server in all the US. There is a different server (Programmed World) and that is how the X3's that are found in other locations have had the full unlock of X3.

Although don't quote me on this since much of this info is all hear-say on my end, I really have no idea if the machines are even truly unlocked with content. Kind of explains why it's almost impossible to get DDR 2013 over here in the States (unless it gets shipped over to Round1 someday...)

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1. DDRX3 has had offline unlocks since 20121126
2. There is no eAmusement for DDR in America

not the whole songlist though, missing ENJOY LEVEL songs, 2ndMIX licenses, 2ndMIX remixes and Tsugidoka songs. A handful of Challenge charts only available on EXTRA STAGE.

Oh yeah, quite several X3 exists in Singapore (and probably some places in Asia), most of them are on the 2012112600 patch. There are some first-ver X3s in Indonesia as well as a couple of 2012112600 X3s.

Sooo yeah if you can find an arcade willing to let go of their X3 in Asia you might be able to get it off 'em. Not sure how many would be willing to sell them tho.

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Okay, silverhawke, I'm asking on behalf of an arcade in America. So the question is, how do I attempt to get in contact with potential sellers.

I can honestly say that I do not know how much effect price will have on the deal, but I wanted to start with basic research.


On a related note: the enjoy level songs/2nd mix licenses/challenge charts that would not be unlocked include what?

I'd imagine If you were here CHA (the 14 footer) and the like would be among those that are unavailable except on ES? (That sucks, but that's fine. Having the machine would be worth it!)

Also, could the machine keep certain patch unlocks that required players to do events during 2012? Or would those bonuses be lost since it lacks access to E-amuse?





Finally: What work around would be available?

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I might know how to get one but... ughhh... Its going to be like ~$6,000USD. The problem has already been stated: Having a machine that has not been upgraded to 2013 is odd which also means there is a very little amount of PCB's floating around. Granted e-amuse is not a requirement the fact that you need to find either a cabinet running X3 or the PCB is a pretty tall order. Also it seems many arcades are reluctant to throw the cabs away so very small amounts of them have been for sale as of lately. I actually think Konami offered arcades to trade their machine for a new one when 2013 dropped with an upcharge.

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If you need to ask about this sort of stuff, you're probably not in a position to be making this sort of purchase.

Those arcades have to spend an arm an a leg just to get X3; I seriously doubt they'd give it away easily or and/or for cheap (if at all).

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Actually, that price would be fairly reasonable for us. My problem has been obvious:

Finding a machine.
Talking to the owner.
Trying to get one entirely (mostly) unlocked.

To save forum space, can I PM you Kon to exchange more information and talk further?

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