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===============================================================================
        Sega Dreamcast Swap Trick FAQ v0.8, Copyright 2000 Dallas Scott
===============================================================================

  This document is in no way affiliated with Sega or any other company for that
matter, and it's sole purpose is to allow gamers (such as yourself) to play
imported games from other regions other than the country your console was made
in.  This document is not official, and the author of this document is in no
way, shape or form responsible for any actions you take or any results that
may come from performing anything described within.  In other words, this guide
lets you play imports and if you screw something up, don't come crying to me.

===============================================================================
 Table of Contents
===============================================================================

  i.    Introduction and Revisions
  I.    Frequently Asked Questions
  II.   Precautions
  III.  Standard Swap Trick
  IV.   Troubleshooting
  V.    Sources and Information

===============================================================================
 i.  Introduction and Revisions
===============================================================================

  Do you want to play import games on your Dreamcast for free?  Don't want to 
install a mod chip and don't want to buy a game enhancer or Gameshark?  Well,
he's your alternative: the Swap Trick!  That's right, the Sega Dreamcast does
have a swapping of discs trick that will allow you to play import games all
free of charge, and this FAQ tells you how to do it.


Revision History:
----------------
V0.1 (04/28/2000): Initial Release. Added all sections.
V0.2 (05/04/2000): Added 2 New problems. Fixed a few things in the FAQ.
                   Added some more to the Q&A.
V0.3 (06/24/2000): FAQ Reformatted.
V0.4 (07/02/2000): Added more to the F.A.Q. section as well as added a new
                   problem.
V0.5 (07/11/2000): Put Alternatives up to keeping the black switch back in
                   the Trick section. Also added 2 new problems (one of
                   which I encountered today while attempting the trick).
                   And finally, I added some more Questions to the Q&A.
V0.6 (07/27/2000): Reformatted the guide again, and added several tid-bits
                   of information thanks to Aoi Tsuki.
V0.8 (11/12/2000): More reformatting, nothing major.


===============================================================================
 I.  Frequently Asked Questions
===============================================================================

Q. What exactly is a "swap trick?"

A. A swap trick is a method in which you boot up your system with a local game
   and then exchange or "swap" it with the import you are trying to play.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Is it possible for me to play import games on my US Dreamcast without
   using a mod chip?

A. Definitely! And this FAQ shows you how. All you need is a screwdriver,
   a rubber band or some tape, a local game from the region of your dreamcast, 
   a web broswer, and an import game you want to play. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Does this involve me opening my Dreamcast up, because I don't want
   to do that.

A. Yes, but you will only be making one slight modification inside your
   Dreamcast, nothing major and no tools involved other than a rubber band.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Isn't there a Game Enhancer for playing imports?

A. There is a GameShark utility that allows you to play imports, but it will
   cost you a good $50, versus $0 using this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Is this easy to do?

A. Very! In less than 10 minutes you will be playing all the imports 
   you want, free of charge.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What if I already bought and installed a mod chip?

A. Well, there's no need to do this trick, you just wasted $30!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Are there any alternatives to playing Imports on my DC?

A. There are currently 4 ways to play imports on your DC. You can purchase a
   GameShark CDX for approximately $50; You can have a Modification Chip
   installed into your Dreamcast for apprx. $30 (Do-It-Yourself) or around $50
   (Custom Installed); You can do this trick for no charge; Or you can download
   files for a Boot Disc and burn them onto a CD-R for a custom made Boot Disc,
   also free of charge. Out of all these methods, I preferrably like the Boot
   Disc method, but for those without burners, and don't want to spend any
   cash, this is the only method left.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Is there a downfall to using this trick?

A. Yes, the only downfall I can think of is waste of time. The trick
   takes nearly 5 minutes just to start up an Import game, vs. 10
   seconds with other methods. But what do you expect for something
   free of charge?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Can anybody do this?

A. If you know how to unscrew a screw, then you can do this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What about if I have a Japanese DC, or a European DC, can I still
   do this trick?

A. Yes.  This trick works on all North American, European, and Japanese 
   Dreamcast consoles.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What about games that have multi-discs? How can I swap them?

A. Simple, all you do is loop the rubber band outside of the DC and
   loosen it up so it releases the switch inside of your DC. (See Problems)
   Thanks to Sailor Bacon for this info. And if you have no idea what
   I'm talking about by this, don't worry, you'll learn once you read
   how to do the trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What's an "import?"

A. An import is a game that has been imported from another country.
   So a Japanese DC game to a US player is an Import.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Can I play imports on my Dreamcast without doing any tricks?

A. No, Sega has put a security lockout on the Dreamcast to only play
   US games, therefore you have to 'bypass' this with the swap trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Will this trick work on Backup CD-R copies of games?

A. I don't know, considering I haven't done it. And I don't support this 
   either. Remember, you play illegal games, gaming companies lose profits,
   they raise prices, and eventually stop making the game. If this trick
   does work with CD-R backups, I am in no way responsible for what you
   do.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Why even bother?

A. So you can play those awesome titles in Japan that won't be coming here
   for a long time.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Is the trick worth all the trouble?

A. If you are a frugal person and don't mind waiting 5 minutes everytime
   you want to play an import, then yes, this trick is worth it. If you
   are a lazy #*@! and don't want to waste 5 minutes of your day trying
   to boot up an import, then you'd be better off spending the $50+ on
   another alternative, or burning your own CD-R for free.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Does it _have_ to be Sonic Adventure? Because I don't have that.

A. Before, I didn't know if this trick would work with any other game but
   Sonic Adventure. Just recently, I received a few e-mails confirming that
   it will work with any DC Game FROM THE REGION your DC was made in. So
   if you have a US DC, any US game will work for the trick. If you have a
   JP DC, any JP game will work for the trick, etc. I was previously 
   informed that it only worked with Sonic Adventure, but it has been
   confirmed that any correct regional game will work for this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Where can I buy Imports?

A. There are several well-known Import Online Stores who have Secure ordering
   available online. I strongly recommend the following:

   National Console Support - www.ncsx.com
   TronixWeb Inc.           - www.tronixweb.com
   The Rage, Inc.           - www.therage.com
   
   I have ordered from The Rage and NCS, and both are great, trustworthy
   companies. TronixWeb is highly known for it's excellent service and
   selection as well.

   You can also see a list of Import retailers here at GameFAQs.com under
   the "Features" Section. Remember, if you find this FAQ anywhere but
   GameFAQs.com, it's an illegal version, and you should notify me ASAP.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. I've heard that doing this trick may cause the GD Drive in my DC to
   burn out after long usage. Is this true?

A. Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to this question. Some people
   claim their Drives have been burnt out after long usage, but there are
   many other variables that could have caused this. So far, I have not
   had any trouble with this...yet. If something happens to your Drive,
   let me know so I can investigate a bit. But please, keep in mind that
   if your drive does burn out, or if something goes horribly wrong when
   you do this, I am in no way responsible (nor is this site) for anything
   that happens to anyone performing this trick. I am merely an informer.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. How do you know all of this?

A. Sailor Bacon and Battosai (2 authors/users at GameFAQs) helped me with it.
   So I give them my thanks and credit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. So, how's the trick done?

A. See below for the simple steps to pulling off this swap trick.


===============================================================================
 II.  Precautions
===============================================================================

  Before you perform this trick (or even read the swap trick section) you must
read this section which contains crucial information you will need to know
before performing the trick. Below are some key facts you need to be informed
of prior to performing this trick. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DISCONNECT POWER CORDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Before you do anything at all, disconnect all power cords and controllers
from all ports on your Dreamcast.  There should be no wires attached anyway
to the outside of your Dreamcast when you perform this trick.  The reason for
doing this is to reduce your chance of electrical shock (which can kill you.)
If you go against this advice, and end up frying your brains while doing this
trick, don't come complaining to me, as I am in no way responsible for any
result of this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 WHAT THIS TRICK DOES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Many people are confused about what this Swap Trick actually does for the
Dreamcast and gameplay itself. The Sega Dreamcast was constructed with a
security lockout feature which prevents gamers from playing any video games
outside of their region (i.e. - US gamers wouldn't be able to play Japanese
games.) What the Swap Trick does is bypass the Dreamcast's security feature
by "tricking" it into thinking the lid of the Dreamcast is closed, when it
is really open (allowing you to switch CDs.) This trick does work on games
from the same region as your dreamcast, but there is no point at all in
using this trick on any game other than games out of your region.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCREWING UP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Upon performing this trick, you are required to open up your Dreamcast and
make adjustments inside (this voids your warranty.)  Of course, there are
always people out there who are careless with their items, and naturally,
reckless people are somehow going to screw up their Dreamcast by not being
careful.  And by not following my advice, some idiots may even get seriously
injured while performing that trick.  For that very reason, I strongly emphasize
that I am in no way responsible for any result that comes out of doing this
trick.  In other words, if you screw up, that's your problem.  Not mine.


===============================================================================
 III.  The Swap Trick
===============================================================================

-Follow all instructions carefully and effectively and you should be playing
 imports in no time.-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

o  1 Phillips Head Screwdriver

o  1 Rubberband, small or large or a piece of tape, string, etc.

o  Any local Dreamcast game from your region

o  DC Web Browser [Version that came with the Dreamcast upon purchase]

o  An import to test the trick


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                                                                             |
| *WARNING - Disconnect all power cords from the back of your Dreamcast, as   |
|            well as the controller before opening your Dreamcast. Failure to |
|            do so could result in electrical shock.*                         |
|                                                                             |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 o  First, take the Phillips head screwdriver and unscrew the first 3 screws
    you see on the bottom of the Dreamcast. Keep them in a safe spot so you
    won't lose them later.


 o  Look at the Back Right corner of the Dreamcast, see the modem? Pop it right
    off. It's detachable, so don't worry. Once it's off you'll see the 4th and
    final screw. Unscrew it.


 o  GENTLY, Take off the top of your Dreamcast, showing it's insides, cool eh?


 o  Look in the back right corner of the inside of your Dreamcast, do you
    see that small little black switch? It's the one capable of being pressed
    back. This is the little guy that tells the Dreamcast if the CD lid is open
    or closed, you'll have to make it stay back in order to play imports. So...


 o  Take the Rubberband and use it to hold the little black switch back as
    far as it will go, but DO NOT force it to go any more than it can, or it
    will break. This is one way of  keeping the switch back, but you can also
    use tape...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                                                                              |
| ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO KEEPING SWITCH BACK                                   |
| ------------------------------------------                                   | 
| I found that using a rubber band was the easiest and safest way to keep the  |
| switch held back in the Dreamcast, but there are several alternatives if you |
| don't (for some reason) have a rubber band available.                        |
|                                                                              |
| String - Cut a small piece of string (preferrably kite string) and use it in |
|          place of a rubber band only with no seal on the end.                |
|                                                                              |
| Adhesive Strip (Tape) - I advise against using tape, but if you must use it, |
|                         do so. Tape the switch back carefully and try to make|
|                         it stay. The reason why this is the least safest     |
|                         is because there is a high risk of breaking the      |
|                         switch inside the dreamcast.                         |
|                                                                              |
| Paper Clip - You can also use a coated paper clip (these have a thin coat    |
|              of paint on them) to keep the switch back. Do not use a normal  |
|              (un-coated) paper clip, otherwise it will interfere with the    |
|              performance of your Dreamcast. Thanks to Aoi Tsuki for          |
|              providing this method:                                          |
|                                                                              |
|              The paperclip i have is covered in a blue-colored rubber-like   |
|              coating. Not necessary, but i think it would be better to use   | 
|              coated paperclips to avoid accidental shorts. I took the        |
|              paperclip and bent the outer (larger) hook portion 90 degrees.  |
|              Then I slid the smaller portion underneath the outside of the DC|
|              so that it was underneath the switch. The bigger part of the    |
|              clip I bent over 90 degrees so that it was around the switch.   |
|              Finally, I tightened the clip by bending it back, so that it    |
|              held the switch back. To release the switch, just carefully     |
|              slide the paperclip from under the DC. This is the best method  |
|              for me, since the paperclip never changes form, is never too    |
|              tight (unless you make it that way), and is removed and replaced| 
|              easily.                                                         |
|                                                                              |
| If you know of any other methods to keeping the black switch inside the DC   |
| held back, please mail them to DScott@vfaqs.net                        | 
|                                                                              |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 o  As an alternative, you can use some tape instead of the rubberband, but
    I recommend the band if you plan on playing Multi-disc games. Use the tape
    (As much as needed) to hold the little switch back. Or you can use any
    of the methods listed above.


 o  Once the switch is pushed back, either by tape or rubberband, or some other
    method. Put the lid back onto your dreamcast, and screw in all the screws. 
    Pop the modem back in place and you're ready for the fun part.


 o  Once your DC is all closed back up, pop in the Web Browser CD (Default Browser
    that came with the DC when you purchased it), and boot it up. When you boot it 
    up Hold down B+X on Controller #2, but remember to take out your VMU before 
    doing so, otherwise your net stuff will be erased on it. 


 o  By pressing B+X on Controller #2 for a few seconds, some boxes will appear, 
    this resets the Dreamcast's Internal Memory and it also deletes all Web 
    browser stuff you have stored on your VMU, so take it out before doing this.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                                                                               |
|  RESETTING THE INTERNAL MEMORY ON A JAPANESE DREAMCAST                        |
|  =====================================================                        |
|  The Japanese Dreamcast is different than the US as far as structure is       |
|  concerned. You will have to perform a different method in order to reset     |
|  the internal memory on a JP DC. Thanks to Lord Ukyo for this info...         |
|                                                                               |
|  HOW TO RESET THE INTERNAL MEMORY ON A JP DC                                  |
|  ===========================================                                  |
|  DC Figure:       -----------------                                           |
|  ----------       |            S  | <-- S: Switch                             |
|                   |               |                                           |
|                   |    B          | <-- B: Battery                            |
|                   | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | <-- 1,2,3,4: Controller Ports             |
|                   -----------------                                           |
|                                                                               |
|  What to do:                                                                  |
|  -----------                                                                  |
|  The battery is about the size of a quarter. Around the edge, it is wrapped   |
|  with blue plastic and looks like a quarter standing on it's edge. Below it   |
|  you can see a '+' or "positive" sign. It is connected on both sides. You can |
|  disconnect one side by gently pulling it apart with pliers. You can reconnect| 
|  it again with tape or rubber band but you don't really need the internal     |
|  memory anyway. Without the battery the set time screen comes on every time   | 
|  you turn on your Dreamcast.                                                  |
|                                                                               |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 o  Now that the Internal Memory is reset, pop in Sonic Adventure (or any other
    game from the region your Dreamcast was made in) and keep the lid of the DC 
    open! Remember, the switch inside is being held back which makes the Dreamcast 
    THINK the lid is closed, that's the 'trick' to it. 
     
 o  When the game loads, you will be taken to the set clock page, because 
    remember, you reset the internal memory. Go ahead and set the clock, but
    DO NOT press OK yet.


 o  After about 3 minutes of waiting, Sonic Adventure (or the game you put in) 
    will stop spinning in your Dreamcast. Now it's time to swap! Take Sonic 
    Adventure (or the game you put in) out, and put in your Import, NOW you can
    close the lid, and hit OK.


 o  If done correctly, the Import should run fine, it has been tested
    and it works. If you do it correctly, you'll be playing Imports in 
    less than 10 minutes. Enjoy!


 o  If you have found any errors in this Swap trick, please notify me.


===============================================================================
 IV.  Troubleshooting
===============================================================================

  Have any problems with the trick? Let me know. If you _did_ happen to mess
up your DC in doing this, don't tell me about it, because I can't fix it
and it's YOUR fault for not being careful (I'm starting to sound like a broken
record now, aren't I?)  I am not responsible if you mess anything up during
this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Problems:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: VMU Data Erase

REASON: When in the process of resetting the internal memory, if you have
        a VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) in any port of your controller, some
        data may be erased. I have no tested this (as I don't care to lose
        my VMU data) but I do warn you ahead of time that your data can
        be erased if the VMU is left in the controller port when resetting
        the internal memory.

SOLUTION: Make sure your VMU is not inside the controller when you start
          to reset the memory. If you forget before resetting, quickly
          remove the VMU before the screen shows up. If you are lucky,
          some or all of the data will have been salvaged. I am not responsible
          for lost VMU data, you have been warned.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Wrong DC Browser Version

REASON: I tested the trick recently with another DC browser version (other than
        the one my Dreamcast came packaged with) and found that it didn't
        correctly reset the internal memory, causing the trick to not work.
        You must use the Default Browser CD that your Dreamcast came packaged
        with, otherwise the trick will not work.

SOLUTION: Simply use the Default Browser CD your DC came packaged with to
          reset the internal memory to solve this problem.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: GD Drive Burn Out

REASON: Some people have claimed to have their GD Drives in their DCs
        "burnt out" after long usage when using this swap trick. I have had
        no trouble with this trick, and I've been using it for almost 3 
        months now. I don't believe it does anything to your Drive, and
        some people just aren't careful. If you are having trouble with
        this trick, let me know.

SOLUTION: Nothing. If your drive burns out, it burns out and you have a
          ruined Dreamcast. That's the risk you must take when doing this
          trick. I am not responsible for anything that happens to your
          Dreamcast when you perform this trick.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Phillip Head Screws

REASON: Your Dreamcast was bought "un-officially" from somebody or some
        company. All current American Dreamcasts are equipped with Phillip
        head screws, and if they aren't phillip head screws, your dreamcast
        has been altered with. This makes it impossible for you to open
        your dreamcast up without the proper tool.

SOLUTION: The only possible solution to this is to find a tool somewhere
          which is similar or matches the screws in your dreamcast. If you
          cannot find this tool, I cannot help you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Resetting the Internal Memory on a Japanese Dreamcast

REASON: The "B+X" thing does not work on the Japanese made Dreamcast for
        some apparent reason. Therefore you must proceed and disable the
        internal battery yourself.

SOLUTION: Please see above in the "Swap Trick" section on how to disable
          the Internal Memory for a JP Dreamcast.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Playing Multi-Disc Imports

REASON: Because you have to swap in between every game you want to play.
        Once you close the lid, and reopen, the trick becomes ineffective.
        So you'll have to open up the DC and do it again to play the
        next disc.

SOLUTION: When rubberbanding the switch, wrap the band so it comes to the
          outside of your DC, that way when you are ready to switch discs,
          all you have to do is loosen the band so the DC thinks the lid
          is open, swap discs, and enjoy!


===============================================================================
 V.  Sources and Information
===============================================================================

Legal Disclaimer
----------------
  This document is Copyright 2000 Dallas Scott and may not be reproduced
in any form other than personal and private use without prior consent from the 
author.  This document may not be posted on any website, other than GameFAQs
without advance permission from the author.  This document may not be
reproduced electronically or in any other form (magazines, etc.) other than
being posted on the GameFAQs web site, without prior consent from the author.
  If you are interested in posting this FAQ on your web site, please drop me
an e-mail (address listed below) and ask first.  If I find out any web site
has this FAQ posted illegally, proper action will be taken.  If you wish to
post this document on your web site, full credit must be given; it must be
left unaltered, in .txt format; your site must be non-profitable; and it must
be kept up to date.  If the above criteria is met, e-mail me.


Contact Information
-------------------
  If you happen to have any questions, comments, suggestions, contributions,
complaints, constructive criticism, praise, or anything else you feel necessary
to send me (spam is NOT necessary) please send them to DScott@vfaqs.net.
Contributions will be added in the next revision and the contributor will be
cited accordingly.


Credits and Sources
-------------------
Aoi Tsuki
  Provided a new method to keeping the switch held back in the DC, as well as
  gave me some random information about the trick.

Lord Ukyo
  Told me how to disable the battery to reset the Internal Memory on a
  Japanese Dreamcast.

Sailor Bacon - http://come.to/sailorbacon
  Told me about this Trick and how to do it.

Battosai
  Provided me with some useful information about my DC.
 
Jeff [CJayC] Veasey - http://www.gamefaqs.com
  For hosting this FAQ on his website.

Sega Dreamcast Newsgroup - alt.games.video.sega-dreamcast
  Useful source for Dreamcast information.


The latest version of this FAQ can always be found at GameFAQs:

http://www.gamefaqs.com


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--EOF--

