NC Mall
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Wikified update to NC Mall, properly explaining purpose and use |
The NC Mall is a Neopets feature released into open beta on July 3, 2007, and officially launched . Its located in Neopia Central. It's operated by a Green Scorchio.
Using this special online shop, users can spend real life money to buy Neocash (NC for short). Users transfer money through Paypal. All items bought from the NC Mall had an expiration date of 180 days (90 during Beta), yet an update occurred on December 14, 2007, in which the majority of items no longer have a expiration date. There's also a Petpet Park NC Mall in Petpet Park.
Neocash
- NeoCash is the system of virtual currency accepted by the NC mall. NeoCash can be obtained through PayPal, or by NeoCash cards. (see below) There has been controversy about spending real money over Neopoints, but The Neopets Team insists this is purely an extra feature, not necessary to use the Neopets website. Every $1 equals 100 NeoCash. You can win neocash from the Qasalan Expellibox.
Neocash Card
On October 17, 2007, the Neocash Card began their circulation in Target stores. The cards were sold for $10 or $25, each giving their respective amounts and eight different designs. For every Neocash card redeemed, a virtual item is given which couldn't be received anywhere else, and with all $25 cards an additional 150 NC was given when redeemed. In the United States, Neocash Cards can also be purchased at 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy, and selected Walmart stores.
NC Card Price $10 $25 NC Payout 1000 NC 2500 NC Designs
Departments
As of January 2013, these are the different shops that make up the NC Mall:
- NC Mall Accessories Shop - White Aisha shopkeeper: sells items such as hats, wings, face paints, wigs, and hand-held items.
- NC Mall Background Shop - Blue Nimmo shopkeeper: sells backgrounds featuring locations all over Neopia.
- NC Mall Birthday Shop - Yellow Acara shopkeeper: sells items relating to the NC Mall's birthday. Only appears in July.
- NC Mall Clothing/Shoes Shop - Brown Usul shopkeeper: sells items that are worn directly directly on the body such as shirts, dresses, jackets, and trousers.
- NC Mall Daily Dare Shop - Sells items relating to AAA, Abigail, Lulu, and open only during the Daily Dare event.
- NC Mall Elite Boutique Shop - Red Kacheek shopkeeper: only accounts over 49 months have access to the exclusive items sold here.
- NC Mall Faerie Shop - Air Faerie shopkeeper: sells Faerie items such as clothes, trinkets, backgrounds, and furniture.
- NC Mall Fall Shop - Green Blumaroo shopkeeper: sells autumn-themed items, including limited edition items only available until the shop closes in November.
- NC Mall Future Fashions - Yellow Lupe named Zylphia: sells items 3 days before they are released to the Mall proper. Only available to users who have spent a certain amount of NC the previous month.
- NC Mall Green Shop - Illusen shopkeeper, sells St. Patrick's Day/Green themed items through early to mid March. Almost all items are limited edition.
- NC Mall Halloween Shop - Red Shoyru (previously Halloween Kiko) shopkeeper: sells Halloween items, including limited editions that are retired when the shop closes in early November.
- NC Mall Holiday Shop - Christmas Cybunny (previously Christmas Wocky) shopkeeper: sells Christmas and some winter related items, including limited editions only available until the shop closes.
- NC Mall Limited Edition Shop - Red Hissi shopkeeper: sold limited edition items not connected with the annually returning shops.
- NC Mall Music and Sounds Shop - Orange Kougra shopkeeper: sells track music or sound effects with some appearing to eminate from physical items.
- NC Mall Negg Shop - Purple Meerca shopkeeper: opens around Easter and sells a variety of Easter-themed items including limited editions that retire once the shop is closed for the year.
- NC Mall Neohomes Addition Shop - Yellow Lutari shopkeeper: sells structures that can be added to the exterior of Neohomes.
- NC Mall Neohomes Furnishings Shop - Cloud Jetsam shopkeeper: sells furniture and decorations for the interior of Neohomes.
- NC Mall New Items Shop - Pink Lutari shopkeeper: displays only those items that have been recently added to the Mall.
- NC Mall Popular Shop - Red Xweetok shopkeeper: displays the current most popular items bought by NC Mall customers.
- NC Mall Speciality Shop - Yellow Lenny shopkeeper: sells unique items such as capsules, album skins, and New Game NC Challenge Game Tickets.
- NC Mall Spring Shop - Pink Kau shopkeeper: opens during the spring months and sells spring related (e.g. flowers) items, some of which are limited edition.
- NC Mall Style Showdown Shop - Purple Gelert shopkeeper: sells style packs designed to correspond with the Style Showdown themes.
- NC Mall Summer Shop - Yellow Xweetok shopkeeper: sells summer related items, some that retire when the shop closes.
- NC Mall Superpack Shop - Shadow Mynci shopkeeper: sells collections of items that belong to an individual set at discount prices. Usually one item in each pack is only available if the entire set is purchased.
- NC Mall Thought Bubbles Shop - Brown Usul shopkeeper: sells tiny thought bubbles that reveal a Neopet's inner most feelings.
- NC Mall Trinket Shop - Yellow Elephante shopkeeper: sells items that are shown alongside the Neopets, instead of worn directly.
- NC Mall Valentines Shop - Chocolate Kacheek shopkeeper: opens only around Valentines Day and sells items relating to love, hearts, and the colour pink in general.
- NC Mall Virtupets Shop - Blue Grundo shopkeeper: opened in conjunction with the The Return of Dr. Sloth plot.
- NC Mall Winter Shop - Yellow Aisha shopkeeper: opens during the winter months and sells winter related (e.g. snow) items.
- 10th Birthday NC Mall Shop - Yellow Usul shopkeeper: opened in honour of Neopets 10th birthday.
Games
Starting in 2010, chance-like games were added that gave the option of exchanging Neocash tokens/tickets for random prizes.
- Jubjub Power Bounce - Added in June 2010, it is similar to pinball and ring toss. (Available seasonally)
- Blumaroll - Added in March 2011, it requires the use of rolling a six-sided die. (Available seasonally)
- Bigsby Shadington's Wonderclaw - Added in June 2011, it is similar to an arcade style claw machine.
Some site games such as Neopian Battlefield Legends and Habitarium have perks offered by payment with Neocash.
Freebies
As an enticement to lure newer players into potential Neocash purchasers, 150 NC was available to each starting account from 2008 until May 2009 when it was replaced with NC Mall Welcome Gift. This too was later replaced in July 2009 with the Spinning Star Mystery Capsule (worth 150 NC). The Spinning Star Mystery Capsule was retired in August 2012, and newly registered accounts since are now granted 150 NC . Since 2008, a free goodie bag or holiday themed item has been available seasonally.
NC Mall Birthday
- NC Mall Birthday Goodie Bag, first released in July 2008 to celebrate the first birthday of the NC Mall. It contained 2 NP items and 1 exclusive NC item.
- Silver NC Mall Second Birthday Goodie Bag, released in July 2009, contained 2 NP items.
- Red NC Mall Second Birthday Goodie Bag, released in July 2009, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Green NC Mall Third Birthday Goodie Bag, released in July 2010, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Elite NC Mall Third Birthday Goodie Bag, released exclusively in the Elite Boutique, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- NC Mall Third Birthday Goodie Bag , released in July 2010, contained a Neocash discount code and 1 NC item.
- NC Mall 4th Birthday Blue Goodie Bag, released in July 2011, contained 1 NC item.
- NC Mall 4th Birthday White Goodie Bag, released in July 2011, contained 1 NC item.
- NC Mall Fifth Birthday Goodie Bag, released in July 2012, contained 1 NC item.
- Second NC Mall Fifth Birthday Goodie Bag, released in July 2012, contained 1 NC item.
Halloween
- Halloween Goodie Bag, three were released in October 2008, they contained 2 NP items and 1 exclusive NC item.
- Creepy Spyder Coffin Goodie Bag, released in October 2009, contained one exclusive NC item.
- Korbats in the Meowclops Goodie Bag, released in October 2009, contained a Neocash discount code and 2 exclusive NC items.
- Glowing Jack-o-lantern Goodie Bag, released in October 2010, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Spooky Skull Goodie Bag, released in October 2011, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Ghost Melton Goodie Bag, released in October 2012, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
Christmas/Holiday
- Sparkling Holiday Stocking, released in December 2008, contained 2 NP items and 1 exclusive NC item.
- 50 NC was available at the Advent Calendar on December 19, 2008.
- Holiday Goodie Bag, released in December 2009, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Green Candy Striped Gift Box, released in December 2009, allowed the gifting of 1 NC item.
- Sweet Dreams Goodie Bag, released in December 2010, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Ornament Holiday Goodie Bag, released in December 2010, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Advent Calendar JubJub Power Bounce Token 1-pack, released at the Advent Calendar on December 17, 2010, allowed 1 free play of Jubjub Power Bounce.
- Holly Tree Goodie Bag, released in December 2011, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Snowman Goodie Bag, released in December 2011, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Peppermint Goodie Bag, released in December 2012, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
Valentines Day
- Valentines Goodie Box, released in February 2009, contained 2 NP items. (This item was later redrawn)
- Golden Heart Valentine Goodie Bag, released in February 2010, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Hearts Valentine Goodie Bag, released in February 2011, contained 1 exclusive NC item
- Valentine Bow Goodie Bag, released in February 2012, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
Easter
- Green Toy Negg, released in March 2009, contained 1 of 3 possible NP items.
- Pink Toy Negg, released in March 2009, contained 1 of 3 possible NP items.
- Pink and Green Swirl Toy Negg, released in March 2009, contained 1 of 3 possible NP items, and a chance of containing 1 exclusive NC item.
- Spring Gift Box, released in March 2010, allowed the gifting of 1 NC item.
- Pink Striped Plastic Negg, released in April 2011, contained 1 item which had to be exchanged at the Festival of Neggs event to receive 1 exclusive NC item.
Neopets Birthday
- Festive Balloons Goodie Bag, released in November 2011 to celebrate the 12th birthday of Neopets, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
- Blue Festive Balloons Goodie Bag, released in November 2012 to celebrate the 13th birthday of Neopets, contained 1 exclusive NC item.
Other/Misc.
Items or Neocash which were "free" but involved interaction with a plot or special event to qualify for such items or Neocash are not listed, as they were not truly "free".
- NC Mall Welcome Gift, released in May 2009 to new Neopets accounts. Contained 1-4 random NC items. Retired in July 2009.
- Spinning Star Mystery Capsule, released in July 2009 to new Neopets accounts. Contains 1-4 random NC items, and is also available in the NC Mall for 150 NC.
- Shining Purple Gift Box with Silver Bow, released in November 2009 to honor American Thanksgiving. Allowed the gifting of 1 NC item.
- JubJub Power Bounce Token 1-Pack, released in June 2010, was re-released in August 2011. Allowed 1 free play of Jubjub Power Bounce.
- 150 NC was available for free in July 2010 as a prize inside of a free goodie bag on Petpet Park. Apart of a 1 year birthday promotion for Petpet Park.
- Bigsby Shadingtons Wonderclaw Widget, released in July 2011 as a free prize in Altador Cup VI. Allowed 1 free play of Bigsby Shadingtons Wonderclaw.*
- Castle Nox Corridor of Chance Key 1-Pack, released only on October 5, 2011 to honor Hubrid Nox memorial day. Allowed 1 free play of Castle Nox Corridor of Chance.
- 100 NC was released through Monkey Quest as a promotion in December 2011 (ran through February 2012.
- Bigsby Shadingtons Wonderclaw Widget 1-pack, released in December 2011 through the Advent Calendar. Allowed 1 free play of Bigsby Shadingtons Wonderclaw.[1]
- Bigsby Shadingtons Hat released in December 2011, is the first standalone NC item to be available exclusively through an event (Advent Calendar)
- Real Negg Faerie Wings, released in December 2012 through the Advent Calendar. Interestingly, this item is identical to the Yurble Negg Faerie Wings released in April 2012 as an NC event item in the Festival of Neggs (same item, different name). TNT realized this on December 12th, and changed the item's name, description, and image to that of "Homemade Lavender Faerie Wings".[2]
- Holiday Secret Meepit Stach Plan 1-Pack, was released in December 2012 through the Advent Calendar.
- Holiday Mohawk, was released in December 2012 through the Advent Calendar.
* Required selecting a team, but did not require any points to be scored. (considered truly free)
Controversy
When the NC Mall first opened, items would expire in 180 days and many users disliked the idea of paying real money for something that would be taken away in 6 months. Since then none of the NC items on the site can expire, with the obvious exception of one-use items like game tickets and Mystery Capsules (which disappear after being opened). The NC NeoBoard occasionally has topics made by those protesting the idea of buying items with real currency as opposed to Neopoints, stating that it breaks the promise that Neopets will be a free site.
Trivia
- During the official opening of the NC Mall, the image link in Neopia Central had animated flood lights and a giant float of the Green Scorchio as a large line strung out from the shops entrance.
- The most expensive item to buy from the NC Mall is the Down With NC Flag, pricing at 5000 NC points, while the cheapest is I Heart NC Flag, priced at 25 NC. This is an obvious joke on the part of The Neopets Team, requiring users who want to proclaim their dislike of the NC Mall to buy the most expensive item.
- Category and images descriptions were added to the item categories on September 15, 2007, in order to better explain their content to users.
- On September 18, 2007, the NC Mall became available to English users in Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom and other countries.
- A special giveaway for Neocash Cards began on October 17, 2007.[3] Another giveaway was held in late 2011.[4]
External links
- NC Mall - Main
- Neopets FAQ - NC Mall
- Neocash Card Info
- Selected Fansites: Sunnyneo - NC Mall Beta
- Selected Petpages: sarika_ambrielle