Import games on US dreamcast?

[KDOG]

What is the best way to play import game on a US Dreamcast.

I have just found this DC-X or does anyone recomend a modchip?

[versapak]

Depends on how many imports you plan on playing.

Boot discs can become annoying if you are having to use one every time you switch games, but if it is just for the occasional import, then don't bother with the modchip.

[KDOG]

Is it hard to mod?
I am looking just to play import shumps.

[Goz]

you can also burn imports with a patch that will make them playable on a US DC

[versapak]

you can also burn imports with a patch that will make them playable on a US DC

Well, yes, but...

You'd need to either "aquire" a backup, or know how to backup a gd-rom yourself.

Is it hard to mod?
I am looking just to play import shumps.

I don't think it was all that hard to mod, but honestly... I don't know how easy it would be to find a modchip for it these days anyway, so that may be your deciding factor right ther.

[Goz]

Might want to check with the folks at DCForums

[Grasshopper]

I bought a mod chip from Lik Sang about a year ago but I haven't bothered fitting it yet as most of my games don't require a boot disk.

But if you do want to fit a mod chip then they're still sold here.

http://www.goldenshop.com.hk/AI-trad/Dreamcast_htm/d_4wiremod.htm

Be warned soldering is required and the pins you attach the wires to are very close together.

[KDOG]

I don't have the best soldering skills. So i just stick with disc for now.

[babydickonboard]

if you own the original disc, can you legaly play a download copy of the game?  such as downloading the shump, burning it, and playing that on your dreamcast if you own the original disk? ( which wont work with your dreamcast, only the downloaded one works mod/swap free. )  if i understand correctly, its kind of a grey area in the law. 

[Grasshopper]

if you own the original disc, can you legaly play a download copy of the game?  such as downloading the shump, burning it, and playing that on your dreamcast if you own the original disk? ( which wont work with your dreamcast, only the downloaded one works mod/swap free. )  if i understand correctly, its kind of a grey area in the law. 

Well IANAL but FWIW in the UK people are legally entitled to make backup copies of their software. Also, in a recent test case an Australian court ruled that it was OK to circumvent regional encoding.