Well, the hype isn't that big because SVGL has a party machine (ironically in the EXACT same cabinet, pop'n 2 version) only an hour away from where I live. Also there is a pop'n 14 machine up about 45 minutes from where I live. I hate that machine though it's in abysmal condition. Honestly I probably spent around half the cost of the machine in gas driving to SVGL, so I figured that needed to stop and so I bought this instead. I figure if I ever sell it I will make most of my money back because I have the current hardware and I got a good deal. Also, all the lights work and stuff which is more than I can say for any other machine I have seen around here.
Anyway, for those wondering, here is a total breakdown of the costs:
Pop'n Music 15 Adventure: 200,000en (U.S. 2,000)
Shipping/Packing: 80,000en (U.S. 800)
Customs Broker/Tax: 441.78USD (this is a scam)
Pop'n 16 Party upgrade (courtesy of Kenchan) 150USD
Total: 3,391.78 USD
As you can see, I am completely broke now.
I'm still waiting on the pics, and then I will tell you guys the whole story, but for now that's the only picture I have
Moving the machine was a total bitch, that's all I can say. It weighs 450 pounds, the crate it came in was 803 pounds, and it took literally around 12 hours to get the machine out of the crate and move it 20 feet and up one step.