[GameMaster]

Conclusion

If you can manage to buy direct from Japan, you can own this beauty for about $300. A pretty fair price considering its functionality. When directly compared to the Japanese Xbox and PS2, it's slightly more expensive, but has a definite advantage in total DVD features. However, chances are if you're reading this you are not a Japanese gamer and you're interested in more than just the standard features. What other options do you have? Import retailers can fully modify the Panasonic Q to play DVDs region 1-6. It just so happens our version from Upstate Games works quite perfectly with these various regions and comes in quite handy.

The icing on the cake is that the Q can be further modified to play both Japanese and US GameCube software. Once again in the case of our Q, Upstate Games performed an impressive and transparent modification. Turning the system on normally will result in an automatic boot-up for Japanese software. Hold the power button down for a few seconds as it turns on, and you'll see it magically ready itself for US software -- very impressive. This total region friendly GameCube will run you a cool $475, but in essence you're buying several DVD players and two GameCubes. Is it worth it? Absolutely, if you're an avid multi-region DVD watcher and often purchase GameCube software from both the US and Japan.

Closing Comments

I've seen a few revisions of the Panasonic Q along the way. The original version we had could only play Japanese DVDs and had a much uglier modification switch. However, when we received the newly modified, totally region friendly Q in the office we were pretty excited. This above all is what makes Q a viable purchase for anyone considering it. Yes the DVD player is quite suitable, it is encased in metal, comes with its own vanity mirror, has surround sound enhancement, and even has shiny blue lights and a backlit display. However, the real incentive to buy this beauty is the fact that it can be an all-in-one system. No more switching between DVD players, CD players, and GameCube. It's all in one convenient package that.

Owners with only a US GameCube and no DVD player of any kind should look into the Panasonic Q. It doesn't look like it's coming stateside anytime soon. It's also not even a bad consideration to imagine selling off your US cube and DVD player for this. My biggest complaint I can think of is that you have to use the remote (as best as we can tell) to access some DVD features like the menu, so if you lose it you could be put in quite a sticky situation. Other than that, I highly recommend it if you're looking for this kind of functionality all in one package.

--Fran Mirabella III

My feelings about the Q were mixed from the start. I sort of gravitate toward highly specialized products instead of convergence devices that don't do anything particularly well. However, after spending some time with the Q I've grown quite fond of it. If you didn't have a straight GCN and were looking for a second DVD player -- I know that every IGN reader already has a DVD player -- then I would recommend getting a Q. As a DVD player, it produces a generally good image, has a nice array of features, and is slick looking. It might not have progressive scan out or component output, but it's not supposed to be a high-end machine. And the balance between game machine and DVD player is nicely struck.

The only drawback is price. At too-close-too $500.00, you'd better be damn sure this is what you want. Perhaps an easier way to think about it is that you'd pay about this much for a GameCube and decent DVD player. (No, that $99.00 Samsung doesn't count as "decent.") Plus, you get the added benefit of a region-free machine. If you've been waiting for a GCN and a DVD player, then the Q would be a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

-- M. Wiley
Performance
The DVD movie playback performance is solid and on par with average DVD players. GameCube, of course, performs identically to Nintendo console.
7.0

Build Quality
Debatable chassis design, however overall build quality is excellent. Button size and awkward layout may frustrate some users.
8.0

Value
As the base Japanese unit, Q is probably not worth your import. However, with total region modification Q can be considered a good buy as a consilidated system.
7.0

Features
The extra RCA and subwoofer outputs are nice additions, but the lack of coaxial audio and component video outs gives it a dated feeling. Additionally, the lack of progressive scan support for DVD -- while understandable for price point -- is a let down. The playback enhancement features are nice extras, but aren't anything out of the ordinary.
6.5

Overall Rating (Not an average)
8.0

Wheww. I don't know about but I'm sure tired, long review... Anyways...

Import anyone? What do guys think? Worth it or nah...

There were too many grat pictures to post, check 'em
here