Review: Code Geass Exclusive: Lancelot Launch Key USB Thumb Drive

Shiny!

 

Here we are! This is one of the exclusives that I have been waiting for for months! Direct from Japan, here’s the replica of the Launch Key of the Knightmare Frame, Lancelot. Not only that, this is a 2GB USB Thumb Drive!

I’ve also done a video review that’s embedded at the end of the page.

When you first remove the bubblewrap, you are greeted by a very beautiful slip case. On the front, we have the name “Lancelot Start up Key USB Memory”, the Knight of Rounds logo, the Code Geass R2 Logo. There is also a short text describing a new rebellion happening in 2018 a.t.b. and of Suzaku’s destiny.

At the back, we see what operating system the software included and the USB deivice can run on. The contents are also listed.

You can also see that there is a ‘sunrise’ sticker at the bottom right conner. This proves that it is an officially licensed merchandise.

The following few pics are screencaps. I had to take these pics using the video mode as the flash kept ruining the shinyness of the box and the key itself, making it look much darker than it actually is in person as can be seen below…

Beautiful, simply gorgeous.

VS.

Not so...

Once the slip case is removed, you’ll see that the cover of the box is similar to the slip case. However, this time, it is in a very beautiful gold color. There are some added stylised markings at the corners. I absolutely love the black and gold design and the book style packaging. LOVE IT!

We also have the name of the product at the side.

Nothing much at the back except the company names.

Once the cover is flipped open, a portrait of Suzaku and a brief bio, printed entirely in gold, leaps into your eyes, along with the Key, of course.

Other stuff that are included:

is an instruction manual and an USB extension cable.

LANCELOT LAUNCH / START UP KEY USB THUMB DRIVE

This startup key, being a replica, is actual sized. The entire casing is made gold plated metal. The casting is fantastic and there is not a flaw on it. The lanyard is made of a rubbery/clothy material. Kinda hard to describe…

As can be seen, there is a snap on grey cap to protect the USB contacts and to make the key look more show accurate.

…and here it is connected to my laptop. This is the epitome of cool.

See the similarity?

Disappointingly, the LED DOES NOT light. Le Cries.

INCLUDED PROGRAMS AND STUFF

There are various things included in the thumb drive itself. Let’s take a look see.

When you first plug in the Key, depending on your settings, the autoplay will pop up. Since my com’s unicode is set to Jap, the name of the thumb drive: Lancelot StartUp Key USB Memory.

The Internet Browser will pop up and if you have an Active X blocker, just click yes to run the program.

After clicking yes, a flash movie will begin to play. What is that movie you ask? Well, it’s the Lancelot OS Startup sequence of course! There are the above 3 sections to the movie, the password entering screen, the Lancelot Startup screen and the machine check screen. Very apt movie indeed. This could have been perfect, HOWEVER, there were no sound effects at all… I know that the actual startup sequence doesn’t have any sounds in the Anime, but it would have been great if they could have included some audio of the actual Knightmare revving to life. Oh, well.

We then arrive at the main screen where you can access the various included wallpapers. Click them to enlarge then ‘right click, save’ to well, save. There is an easier way though.

Since it’s a normal 2 GB USB Thumb Drive, access it through ‘My Computer’ or else where. We have the startup movie, wall papers, Knight of Rounds icon and other autorun/unrelated stuff. If you do get this, do back everything up. Episode 6 of Code Geass R2 is not included.

COMPARISON

Right, some of you know that there is also a replica of the Lancelot Key included with the Prop Plus Suzaku figure by Bandai. How does that compare with this one?

One of the most obvious differences is the color. The USB Drive is completely shiny, reflective gold while the Prop Plus one has a matte gold finish and only the key ring is shiny. I can’t really say which is more accurate as shiny things are usually portrayed as matte in Anime. The Shiny finish is really impressive though.

Both of them have non working blue LEDs.

The second most noticable difference it the connector. The accuracy of the USB Thumb Drive is definitely sacrificed for the USB head.

While the sizes are exactly alike, both being 1:1 replicas, the USB Drive is almost twice as thick as the Prop Plus one.

Last but not least, the straps/lanyards are different. The USB one is longer and made of a rubbery cloth material. The Prop Plus one is made of normal plastic.

WHERE CAN I ACQUIRE ONE???

This USB Thumb Drive can be bought from BIGLOBE’s, one of the largest internet online service provider in Japan, online store for a WALLET=BREAKING 9240 yen.

Since this is a Japan only exclusive, you’ll have to use a proxy service. Although it will be a tad more expensive, man is it worth it.

CONCLUSION!

In conclusion… er…. How am I going to put this? I guess Pros and Cons would do.

But first, I did a rough translation of the director’s comments about the product as can be seen above in the product page. Note that this is only a very basic translation an I am in no way saying that this is an exact quote.

Director’s Comments:

I have been wanting to see a product like this for three years. I have always looked at USB Devices and have wanted them to appear in an Anime. When I was in a meeting at the start of the Code Geass Project, there were no car keys for the Knightmare Frames. I thought they’d be unnatural and thought of USB devices. We apologise for making you guys wait for this long-awaited product. Biglobe did the marketing and we are very thankful.

Alright. Let’s move on to my conclusions!

PROS !(^o^)!

– Awesome replica!
– Fantastic detail and craftsmanship.
– Great combination! USB + Lancelot Key! (The director did say that he originally planned for this.)
– A GORGEOUS box that allows you to display your Key and remove it whenever you want.
– Includes the startup movie and wallpapers.
– Makes you look cool in front of other Geass fans!

CONS .-‘(>.<)’-.

– A tad expensive and kinda hard to acquire.
– Only 2GB worth of memory…
– No sounds with flash movie.
– No LED.
– Cheaper alternative available -> Prop Plus

As to which one is more accurate, I can’t really say… The only main difference is the thickness and if you base accuracy on that, I’d say the Prop Plus is more accurate. The key that is seen in the opening:

…and of course the head of the Prop Plus is more accurate as it does not have to accomodate a USB connector.

But frankly, THIS IS FREAKIN’ AWESOME!

It may be just me, but I believe that this is one of the greatest Code Geass non-figure merchandise out there. I was looking forward to this so much and it did not disappoint! If you are a true fan, do not let this slip by you! The Key is an exclusive, so get yours while you still can!

Now… where’s my Guren key?

VIDEO