How serious of a risk is using Japanese consoles in American outlets.

[Urzu402]

I am concerned that I may fry my classic import systems. Right now I have a Famicom AV, and a Super Famicom right now I use a model 1 Genesis AC adaptor. How dangerous would it be to use the Japanese AC adaptor straight into the outlet? Also what about with a system like the Neo Geo CD?

[ApolloBoy]

None really, I've used Japanese PSUs for years now and I've never had a problem. They do output a tad bit more voltage when connected to an American outlet, but it's nothing the voltage regulators in these consoles can't handle. I've also got one Japanese system with a built-in PSU (an MSX2+) and it's never even gotten warm hooked up to an American outlet.

[Niku-Sama]

I just go right to the wall with em. even have a cheepo 3rd party psu for my famicom that doesent even blink.
even though if you look at some of them they do give a range on them, usually 100~120V AC or what ever.
looking right now at a 1st party FDS ac adaptor (HVC-025) it shows just 100V but it still has a tolerance as well.
not all outlets are going to output exactly 100V in any city any place, because of the infrastructure, the wiring in the
house and the load already being put on the circuit amongst many other variables its probably a range from 90~130V

same thing the other way around, taking things I owned with me to japan I just plugged them in and they charged/ran just fine with
out any ill effects

[InsaneDavid]

*waits for the DP Power Police to show up and argue against the rational discussion above*

[Edmond Dantes]

I've plugged plenty of import systems right into the wall and it's never shown any deletorious effect.

[wiggyx]

*waits for the DP Power Police to show up and argue against the rational discussion above*

This.

I'm so sick of all the misinformation about the need for a step-down to play these consoles. It's simply a non-issue.

If anyone is worried about it, just use US AC adapters. The DC voltage that they output is all the same, and you can have all the confidence in the world knowing that the adapter is perfectly happy accepting ~120V (but in all actuality, the JP adapters are working well within their limits when plugged into a US outlet).

[Satoshi_Matrix]

The only people that need to be concerned about running Japanese consoles are Europeans or those living in other PAL countries where the voltage is 220v.

If you live in any country (Canada, US, etc) that use 120v, there is no concern whatsoever.

The only real concern is to check to make sure power supplies for retro consoles are still in good condition. Never use a power supply that's been significantly damaged and wasn't repaired by someone who knows what they're doing.

[Aussie2B]

Just treat your Japanese systems the same as your American systems. If your home has poor wiring or you're otherwise worried about power surges, plug them into a surge protector rather than directly into the outlet. Beyond that, there's nothing to be worried about.

[XYXZYZ]

I too have had no problems with Japanese cartridge systems, but I did have a PC Engine Duo die and thwart all my attempts to repair it. I cannot prove it was the increased voltage of a US outlet, but just to be safe I use a US Genesis PSU with the Duo-R I got to replace my Duo.

[ApolloBoy]

but I did have a PC Engine Duo die and thwart all my attempts to repair it.
I'm willing to bet it was bad caps, which is very common with the original Duo.


*waits for the DP Power Police to show up and argue against the rational discussion above*
You mean Parodius Duh?

[InsaneDavid]

You mean Parodius Duh?

Shhhh! Someone in the thread might be wearing a wire!

[Sysop]

The only people that need to be concerned about running Japanese consoles are Europeans or those living in other PAL countries where the voltage is 220v.

If you live in any country (Canada, US, etc) that use 120v, there is no concern whatsoever.

The only real concern is to check to make sure power supplies for retro consoles are still in good condition. Never use a power supply that's been significantly damaged and wasn't repaired by someone who knows what they're doing.
There go my dreams of importing the consoles.

[wiggyx]

Why? Just use adapters designed for your country's electrical output. Just find an adapter with equivalent DC volt and amperage output then, if necessary, splice the jack from the original adapter in and you're good to go!

Or, you could get a universal adapter/step-down. But those can be rather pricey.

[Steve W]

A friend picked up a PC Engine for me on a trip to Japan, and earlier in the day I was going to get it from him I found a Japanese-to-US power converter in a Goodwill, still in the package, for $3.99. So my only import console that I ever use has a converter as a totally random quirk of good luck. :)

I have a British Playstation I picked up in a thrift, but the games I bought for it in the same shop aren't exclusives or anything, so I've never bothered modding the console's power supply to play it. And that way I don't have to wrestle with a SCART plug either.

[PizzaKat]

I thought the PAL systems were thew ones you had to watch out if your in North America?

[wiggyx]

A friend picked up a PC Engine for me on a trip to Japan, and earlier in the day I was going to get it from him I found a Japanese-to-US power converter in a Goodwill, still in the package, for $3.99. So my only import console that I ever use has a converter as a totally random quirk of good luck. :)

I have a British Playstation I picked up in a thrift, but the games I bought for it in the same shop aren't exclusives or anything, so I've never bothered modding the console's power supply to play it. And that way I don't have to wrestle with a SCART plug either.

An easy solution would be to buy a busted US PS1 and swap the boards ;)


I thought the PAL systems were thew ones you had to watch out if your in North America?

Yup. You are correct.

[Gameguy]

I have a British Playstation I picked up in a thrift, but the games I bought for it in the same shop aren't exclusives or anything, so I've never bothered modding the console's power supply to play it. And that way I don't have to wrestle with a SCART plug either.
What SCART plug? It uses the same video cable that the US and Japanese systems use. I have one of these, but never used it because I don't have any PAL PS1 games and because of the PAL video output and voltage issues. I could test it if I really wanted to as I have a step converter and a small PAL compatible LCD screen but I've been a bit lazy.

[XYXZYZ]

I'm willing to bet it was bad caps, which is very common with the original Duo.


Actually I replaced all the caps and the laser.

[Graham Mitchell]

Like everyone is saying, it should be fine. Just don't go using the wrong AC adaptor. NES AC adaptors are NOT safe for use in a Famicom. I learned that the hard way.