 
                         Dreamcast Swap Trick FAQ (DC) 
                   Version 1.3 - Last Revised on 06/26/2001 
                     by Dallas Scott (sdallas19@yahoo.com) 
 
               http://www.gamefaqs.com - http://www.dallasmac.com 
 
 
  This document is Copyright 2000-2001 Dallas Scott (sdallas19@yahoo.com) and  
  may not be reproduced nor retransmitted in any form without prior consent  
  from the author.  It may not be sold, edited, altered, given as an incentive  
  to buy, published, etc. without advance permission from the author.  If you 
  want to post this FAQ on your web site, please see the last section of this 
  guide.  This document is not official and is in no way affiliated with Sega 
  or any other corporation.  If the above terms are violated, legal action will  
  be taken. 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
Table of Contents 
 
  i.  Introduction and Revision History 
  I.  Frequently Asked Questions 
 II.  Precautions 
III.  The Swap Trick 
 IV.  Troubleshooting 
  V.  Information 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
                    i.  Introduction and Revision History 
 
 
This FAQ details how to perform a swapping method (known as the "Swap Trick") 
which allows you to play import games on your Sega Dreamcast.  Please read 
through all sections of the guide before e-mailing me asking questions, because 
if you ask me something already answered in the guide, I will ignore it and 
delete it.  Also make note that I am not responsible for anything that happens 
to you, your Dreamcast, your games, or anything else.  Upon performing this 
trick, you take full responsibility for anything that goes wrong. 
 
 
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. 
v1.0 (02/23/2001): Reformatted the guide for the Xth time. 
v1.1 (03/15/2001): Changed the top and bottom of the guide. 
v1.2 (03/31/2001): Added an alternate method to resetting the Internal Memory 
                   on a JP DC along with an alternate disk swapping method 
                   rather than waiting 3 minutes.  Both thanks to Timothy 
                   Borreson. 
v1.3 (06/26/2001): Added another game to the list of non-working games in 
                   the following section. (Thanks to Kuo) 
 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
                        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. Are you sure all games work with this trick? 
A. No, I'm not. Currently, here is the list of games I know of that have 
   problems with the trick: 
 
 
     Title             |  Problem                   |  Contributor 
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
     Sakura Taisen 3   |  Game doesn't load         |  Timothy Borreson 
     Guilty Gear X     |  No music or control       |  Kuo99@aol.com 
 
 
  If you know how to get any of the above games working or you have another 
  game to add to the list, let me know. 
  
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
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 may be 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. 
 
 
MESSING 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 people 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 mess up, that's your problem.  Not 
mine. 
 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
                             III.  The Swap Trick 
 
 
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 
 
 
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.*                         | 
|                                                                             | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 1  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. 
 
 
 2  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. 
 
 
 3  GENTLY, Take off the top of your Dreamcast, showing it's insides, cool eh? 
 
 
 4  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... 
 
 
 5  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 or something else that will keep it down. 
 
 
 6  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. 
 
 
 7  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. 
 
 
 8  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. 
 
 
 9  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 (METHOD 1)           | 
|  ================================================================           | 
|  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.                                     | 
|                                                                             | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
|                                                                             | 
|  RESETTING THE INTERNAL MEMORY ON A JAPANESE DREAMCAST (METHOD 2)           | 
|  ================================================================           | 
|  Would you like to know a safer method of temporarily disabling the         | 
|  Dreamcast Internal Memory while using the swap trick?  This method could   | 
|  prevent possible damage from using plyers on the battery of a Japanese DC. | 
|                                                                             | 
|  Locate the battery behind controller port 2.  Notice that there are two    | 
|  pieces of metal connecting the battery to the board -- a thicker one in the| 
|  back, and a thin one in the front.  I simply use a straightened paper clip | 
|  to touch these two pieces of metal together while the DC is powered off.   | 
|  This shorts the battery's signal, wiping the memory.                       | 
|                                                                             | 
|  One point of warning is that leaving the two battery terminals connected   | 
|  will discharge the battery, and possibly overheat it, causing damage to the| 
|  board.  You only need to touch them together briefly to clear the memory.  | 
|                                                                             | 
|  This method seems to be a lot safer than physically disconnecting the      | 
|  battery.  However, you'll have to leave the case off for easy access to the| 
|  battery, any perform the touch each time you boot.                         | 
|                                                                             | 
|             Thanks to Timothy Borreson for this alternate method!           | 
|                                                                             | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
10  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. 
 
 
11  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. 
 
 
12  a)  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. 
 
    b)  If you remove the spinning CD and wait 2 or 3 seconds, the CD drive 
        will stop and you can insert another CD right away.  (It may be easier 
        to remove the CD if you push down on the center spindle to slow the 
        drive -- I get the feeling that this is probably bad for the drive's 
        motor, though.)  -- Thanks to Timothy Borreson for this alternate 
        method! 
 
 
13  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! 
 
 
14  If you have found any errors in this Swap trick or have a list of games 
    that do or do not work with this trick, please notify me. 
 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
                            IV.  Troubleshooting 
 
 
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.  Information 
 
 
Credits and Sources 
------------------- 
Kuo99@aol.com 
  Notified me that Guilty Gear X has problems with the trick. 
 
Timothy Borreson 
  Sent me an alternate method to resetting the internal memory on a Japanese 
  DC along with an alternate disk swapping method rather than waiting 3 
  minutes, plus noted that Sakura Taisen 3 does not work with this trick! 
 
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://www.AnimeLyrics.com 
  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. 
 
 
Contact Information 
------------------- 
Have any comments, questions, suggestions, complaints, contributions, praise, 
constructive criticism, or anything else about this FAQ (or any of my others?) 
Please contact me via one of the following, and I'll get back to you as soon 
as I can.  All questions asked that have already been answered in the guide 
will be ignored: 
 
E-mail Address:  sdallas19@yahoo.com 
ICQ Number:      100893080 
 
 
Webmasters 
---------- 
Want to host this FAQ on your website?  Please contact me via one of the above 
methods and send me the URL of your site, and I'll give you the terms I have 
for webmasters hosting my guides.  If you post this (or any of my other FAQs) 
guide on your site without asking first, your host and/or ISP will be contacted 
and notified of your illegal actions. 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
          The latest version of this document can always be found at: 
 
                      GameFAQs - http://www.gamefaqs.com 
                     dallasMac - http://www.dallasmac.com 
 
=============================================================================== 
 
Copyright 2000-2001 Dallas Scott.  All Rights Reserved. 
 
-EOF-
