Playing import games on PAL Saturn

[ContraGryzor]

I have a PAL Saturn and know that you can play Jap games on it if I get one of those Saturn Action Replay 4M cartridges. Will the import games run at their native speed on my PAL Saturn with this cartridge, or will I have to get those 50/60Hz switches fitted?

[Vroomfunkel]

You'll need a switch installed to play at full speed. I know a guy who will do the job for a good price (not me!) - PM me if you want to know. (if you're in the UK, that is ...)

[ContraGryzor]

Thanks but I'd rather have a go myself as I have done some soldering before. I've been looking for a guide and found out that there is a good tutorial at www.mmmonkey.co.uk on 50/60Hz modding. The site is offline, Can I get the guide from anywhere else?

[Julio III]

Oh, I've always wondered if it is playing them too slow. Thats a shame. Its real handy just to have a cartridge plugged in.

[Juganawt]

I would suggest that not only do you do a 50/60hz switch mod, but also a region mod, as patched games and region changing through a 5 in 1 card can be a little....iffy (eg Nekketsu Oyoko will black screen after the menu unless run on a JPN region).

There are different ways to do it depending on which model you have.

Here is a Region mod and 60hz switch tutorial for VA-7 and VA-9 boards:

http://pc2jamma.mameworld.info/satmod1.html

And here is one for Saturn "Model 2" - 60hz switch only

http://www.retrocorner.net/index.php?Mods_%2F_repairs:Saturn_model_2_50%2F60h z_switch_-_page_1

It's really worth doing, as I can basically run every single game as intended from my original discs now - no patching or mod chip required!