Playing SNES games on a Super Famicom

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Is it possible? I always see it the other way around but I have several SNES games but I just got a Super Famicom. Is there a way to do this?

[wiggyx]

Why? Do you not have a SNES?


If you insist on doing so, then you can A) take the SNES carts apart and put the bare board into the SFC B) cut a square hole in the top of your SFC C) Get a Game Genie and modify it to fit in the SFC D) pick up something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNES-Super-Famicom-Nintendo-Converter-Europe-UK-Adaptor-/180752019459?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item2a15a8f003

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

No, the carts are from a SNES I had years ago. I got a really good deal on the FAM so I was just wondering.

[StealthLurker]

You can use a super famicom xband adapter to play SNES carts on a japanese SFC. It'll be around 30-40+ bucks. So about the same as or more than a loose SNES.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XBAND-MODEM-super-famicom-super-nintendo-import-jp-sfc-/350534536964

But if you don't want to have an extra console hooked up and are not limited in space vertically (an x-band and snes cart will be high), then that's an option. There are other similar ways to do it, but that's what I've done in the past I believe (been awhile).

.

[Parodius Duh!]

yeah....theres really no good way of getting them to fit other than an adapter. Should really sell the SFC and just get a SNES if you are in North America/Canada.

[NerdXCrewWill]

Just get a Game Genie and tear off the little tabs from that. They go for less than $20 and are pretty common. The breaking of tabs is rather easy, too. Plus, you get to use the Game Genie device, which is worth it if you're into exploring codes.

EDIT: Whoops, I'm slow. Sorry, guys.

[jperryss]

Just get a Game Genie and tear off the little tabs from that. They go for less than $20 and are pretty common. The breaking of tabs is rather easy, too. Plus, you get to use the Game Genie device, which is worth it if you're into exploring codes.

If he were trying to use SFC carts in a SNES, you'd be right. But he's trying to go the other way around, and a GG won't fit into an SFC slot by just breaking off a couple tabs.

[wiggyx]

If he were trying to use SFC carts in a SNES, you'd be right. But he's trying to go the other way around, and a GG won't fit into an SFC slot by just breaking off a couple tabs.

I feel like someone says that every time this subject comes up no matter what forum it's on.

[theclaw]

Not worth the effort in practical terms. Difficult to find 1:1 adapters that connect US games directly to JPN. Despite the obvious pinout.

Exception being if you seriously intend to use Satellaview enough to need a Super Famicom.

Selling the system in favor of SNES should net a profit. JPN units cost somewhat more.

[wiggyx]

Not worth the effort in practical terms. Difficult to find 1:1 adapters that connect US games directly to JPN. Despite the obvious pinout.

Exception being if you seriously intend to use Satellaview enough to need a Super Famicom.

Selling the system in favor of SNES should net a profit. JPN units cost somewhat more.

Huh? How can you use a Satellaview?

[theclaw]

Huh? How can you use a Satellaview?

True. It's very likely not good for much now. Still what little it does today (if anything?), requires a Super Famicom. The attachment won't fit US SNES case shape.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Ok, Ill keep the Fam and just get an SNES, its about the same price as the xband. this stuff is really addicting. I just read the description on the Xband and it says its no longer functional, why is that?

[wiggyx]

True. It's very likely not good for much now. Still what little it does today (if anything?), requires a Super Famicom. The attachment won't fit US SNES case shape.

Man, I got all excited for a second. I've had one for about 5-6 years and it's totally just an ornament to attach my SFC to. I thought someone may have come up with a use for the damned thing LOL!


Ok, Ill keep the Fam and just get an SNES, its about the same price as the xband. this stuff is really addicting. I just read the description on the Xband and it says its no longer functional, why is that?

The service for it no longer exists :(

[Retrocade Fantasia]

Get a PAL action replay and use it as a pass through.

[theclaw]

Yeah much easier to find the PAL edition. I'm not sure what differences Japan ones have, for some time I didn't know there were any cheat devices specifically marketed for SFC.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPCKxxxgwZUG4nE9VwrD0xDKe_rS6R8 aQHXdu7QhT_P3-26IFsPwhEHR6g

[wiggyx]

Oddly enough, I've been talking to some guys on Cover Project about a retro console project/product that I'm working on and this exact topic came up. I took apart my SFC and found that the only thing keeping you from putting that SNES cart into the SFC is this trim piece.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/b1bd0a76.jpg

So, with that in mind, making a repro trim piece that would accept a SNES cart would be really easy. I'll let you guys know if I go forward with something like that.

[theclaw]

You have contacts who do plastic molding?

Heh. It'd sure be one extensive project to get my pipe dream 2-slot MVS full enclosure. These monsters make Saturn look like a toy... In inches at least 17x10x1.5!

[Retrocade Fantasia]

Yeah much easier to find the PAL edition. I'm not sure what differences Japan ones have, for some time I didn't know there were any cheat devices specifically marketed for SFC.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPCKxxxgwZUG4nE9VwrD0xDKe_rS6R8 aQHXdu7QhT_P3-26IFsPwhEHR6g

I didn't know either. You learn something every day.

[Arctic Feather]

Oddly enough, I've been talking to some guys on Cover Project about a retro console project/product that I'm working on and this exact topic came up. I took apart my SFC and found that the only thing keeping you from putting that SNES cart into the SFC is this trim piece.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/b1bd0a76.jpg

So, with that in mind, making a repro trim piece that would accept a SNES cart would be really easy. I'll let you guys know if I go forward with something like that.

This is pretty common way of playing US SNES games on a PAL SNES. People just file away some of the case either side of the cartridge slot.

You can also buy an import adapter for the European market. Something like the Universal Adapter should work, but I've never actually tried it myself. Although special chip games like Starfox etc, won't work. Should be a lot cheaper than an x-band and means you don't need to attack the case!

[wiggyx]

You have contacts who do plastic molding?

Heh. It'd sure be one extensive project to get my pipe dream 2-slot MVS full enclosure. These monsters make Saturn look like a toy... In inches at least 17x10x1.5!

Yup, sure do. I was planning on starting a thread to gauge interest. I started one on The Cover Project yesterday to help get an idea of interest and whatnot.

MVS consoles are on my list of to-dos, but I don't have plans for a 2-slot. It doesn't seem that there's not a big enough market for them.


This is pretty common way of playing US SNES games on a PAL SNES. People just file away some of the case either side of the cartridge slot.

You can also buy an import adapter for the European market. Something like the Universal Adapter should work, but I've never actually tried it myself. Although special chip games like Starfox etc, won't work. Should be a lot cheaper than an x-band and means you don't need to attack the case!

I'm not talking about modifying that trim piece though. I would design a new one from scratch.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Ok, when this thing arrives, are all the connections US compatible? What Im asking is will I even be able to plug it up just to see if it works?

[wiggyx]

Ok, when this thing arrives, are all the connections US compatible? What Im asking is will I even be able to plug it up just to see if it works?

The pass through? If so, yes, all SNES/SFC variations use the same pin connection for the carts.

[Pikkon]

Or the other option is to buy some very cheap super fami games and swap out the pcbs.

[wiggyx]

Or the other option is to buy some very cheap super fami games and swap out the pcbs.


Then they wouldn't be labeled correctly, which would be a PITA.

[AceAerosmith]

Are SNES units that expensive/rare to buy? The money spent on an adaptor would be better spent on the actual console, IMHO.

[wiggyx]

Are SNES units that expensive/rare to buy? The money spent on an adaptor would be better spent on the actual console, IMHO.

Yeah, they're starting to get pricey. You'd be lucky to snag one for 50 bucks.

[Tokimemofan]

Ok, when this thing arrives, are all the connections US compatible? What Im asking is will I even be able to plug it up just to see if it works?

The power cable has a different connector, the AV should work. I don't know on the controllers.

[wiggyx]

The power cable has a different connector, the AV should work. I don't know on the controllers.

Wait, are we talking about the SFC itself?

The A/V cables and controllers are completely interchangeable. A SNES A/C will not be compatible with the SFC. You will need a ~10V adapter with a plug that fits (it's a different size than the US SNES). Either a TurboGrafx or Genesis model 1 adapter will work also.

[LimitedEditionMuseum]

Awesome. I do have a Turbo Grafx so I can use that power supply?

[wiggyx]

Awesome. I do have a Turbo Grafx so I can use that power supply?

Yup. That's actually what I use for mine and have been for about 10 years :)

[theclaw]

Like I was saying before... Adapters dedicated to convert between US/JP/Korea do exist. They're just rarer than commonly believed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NINTENDO-SUPER-FAMCIOM-SNES-ADAPTOR-CONVERTER-/261006489217?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc532f681

Though this also makes PAL games fit US SNES, they won't run. So the idea doesn't serve a real purpose. You'll still have to disable lockout and add a 50/60hz switch. No reason not to cut those tabs during the work.

[wiggyx]

Why? Do you not have a SNES?


If you insist on doing so, then you can A) take the SNES carts apart and put the bare board into the SFC B) cut a square hole in the top of your SFC C) Get a Game Genie and modify it to fit in the SFC D) pick up something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNES-Super-Famicom-Nintendo-Converter-Europe-UK-Adaptor-/180752019459?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item2a15a8f003


Like I was saying before... Adapters dedicated to convert between US/JP/Korea do exist. They're just rarer than commonly believed.



They're pretty easy to find on eBay, it's just that they're often nearly the price of a US SNES itself, making them a total waste of time.

[Rickstilwell1]

Yeah, they're starting to get pricey. You'd be lucky to snag one for 50 bucks.

really? then buy mine for $40. I found it at the thrift store for $8 (no cords). lol

[theclaw]

They're pretty easy to find on eBay, it's just that they're often nearly the price of a US SNES itself, making them a total waste of time.

Are you sure you aren't seeing the common PAL types?

What I was referring to doesn't support lockout bypass, so there isn't that second slot.

[wiggyx]

really? then buy mine for $40. I found it at the thrift store for $8 (no cords). lol

I already have a SNES. Paid 199.99 + 7% Cutahoga county sales tax for it.

Fantastic for you, that's a decent thrift store find. But that doesn't have anything to do with the collector's market value. There are always deals to be found. I bought a "broken" SNES mini on eBay last week for 8 bucks myself. Cleaned it up, works like a champ. But again, I don't expect to find something like that whenever I log into eBay.


Are you sure you aren't seeing the common PAL types?

What I was referring to doesn't support lockout bypass, so there isn't that second slot.

Either way, my point is really that an adapter cart, in today's market, is a waste of money considering the price you pay for it versus an entire console, especially if you find/buy a "loose" system.