Famicom Twin

[CosmicMonkey]

Ok, so you guys have really got me interested in getting a NES again. So, I started looking at the various systems and discovered that there are in fact 4 variations of the Sharp Famicom Twin. Every site I visit seems to say that there are 2 versions, red and black, and they leave it at that.

So, here we go -

Red Famicom Twin (http://www.japan-games.com/Database/images/Nintendo/Famicom/Sharp_Twin_Famicom_Red/index.htm). Some lovely pics from Japan-Games.com.

Black Famicom Twin (http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/mallorcadisco/infoconsolas/fotos/Sharp/Twin%20Famicom/sharp_famicom_twin.jpg). Exactly the same as the red version. Released because red wasn't very masculine, apparently.

Orange Famicom Twin (http://www.dorja.com/~daveg/gallery/albums/040108-womd/Sharp_Twin_Famicom.jpg). I'm sure it was someone on here who informed us of this rare colour variant.

Now, here's where it gets interesting; a variant on the case design. Some nice pics from Japan-Games.com of the Black Twin Famicom case variant (http://www.japan-games.com/Database/images/Nintendo/Famicom/Sharp_Twin_Famicom_Black/index.htm).

So, I'm assuming this balck version with the different case is the final model? Any difference in reliability? What's the video output like from the system; does it have these vertical-lines everyone talks about, or is it bang-on crystal clear? NES/Fami is the only system I have no interest in modding for RGB, simply because it's a crazy, expensive and flawed mod. If the PPU only outpts composite, then that's the way it is, as far as I'm concerned. I just want the best composite possible.

Also, I'm worried about FamiDisks dying on me. I'm sure I've read that it is possible to hook an FDS into a PC, with read/write ability? So, if a disk does demagnatise and die on me, it would be possible to just re-write it with an FDS Rom image and have a working game again?

Thanks very much

[Gapporin]

The black model has auto-fire built into the controllers, the other models do not. This also makes the black model a little pricier.

I have a Red Twin Famicom, and it's very reliable. All my Famicom and FDS work great. Of course, YMMV with the FDS disk drive, but that's not the Twin Famicom's problem. I've not noticed any vertical lines whenever I use the composite, it's really clear. All things considered, a Twin Famicom is probably the best route if you want to start importing for the Famicom.

[Arasoi]

So long as we're discussing it, does anyone know the best place to buy one? Im looking for one under 200 dollars with a replaced or working disk drive belt. Ive gotta play my Japanese Famicom games soon :)

Any help appreciated

[Ed Oscuro]

That "orange" Twin should be known as the "Fire" version.

Anyway, I think that covers all the variants.

[Gapporin]

So long as we're discussing it, does anyone know the best place to buy one? Im looking for one under 200 dollars with a replaced or working disk drive belt. Ive gotta play my Japanese Famicom games soon :)

Any help appreciated

I got mine from Japan Game Stock, where they were available in the $125-150 range, depending what you got. However, their website still seems to be down at the moment. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[Ed Oscuro]

Over $200 (before shipping) is a horrible deal. After...maybe not so much. Mine was $299 brand new (I think...it's been a few years).

[Arasoi]

Gapporin, how much did you pay on shipping from Japan Game Stock? If its reasonable, Ill wait on their site to get back up and see if I can get one from them.

[Gapporin]

Gapporin, how much did you pay on shipping from Japan Game Stock? If its reasonable, Ill wait on their site to get back up and see if I can get one from them.

The shipping was about $60 via EMS, if I recall correctly (for consoles and other delicate items, they only ship EMS). However, I also bought some Famicom games with it, but I don't think that would have changed a price at all. It was very speedy, and the trip from Japan to my doorstep was probably 4-5 days. So, if you decide to go that route, you're looking at $200 range for a Twin Famicom shipped.

I wouldn't hold my breath for Japan Game Stock's site to go back up, though. Apparently it's been that way for about 2-3 weeks or more now. See for yourself: www.japangamestock.com

[Arasoi]

Hmm, thanks for the info anyway, its helpful. I know not to overpay for my Twin when I find one I want :)

[Ed Oscuro]

Did some "research" here (phew, that box smells about 50 years old!)

The black Twin with red trim is model AN-500B; the original red-black one should be AN-500 or maybe AN-500A. I don't remember what the orange one is, but I used to know (I think it was -H for some reason).

Oh, and the AN-500B's pads do not have autofire.

[CosmicMonkey]

But what's the deal with dead disks?

If I'm going to the expense of getting a Twin, I'd like to know my FamiDisks can be fixed.

Even if it means getting another FDS just to hook into the PC. This is possible yes? Anyone have any info please?

[Ed Oscuro]

Even if it means getting another FDS just to hook into the PC. This is possible yes? Anyone have any info please?
I think rbudrick had the word on that...complicated, though.

[jajaja]

I got the red version myself :) About the build-in FDS, its important that it gets the exact same currency or else it doesnt work. I tried to use one of those universal AC adapter, set it to 7.6v and got battery error. Tried another and it worked, guess the first was bad hehe. It shouldnt be that big of a problem changing the ribbon inside the disk system either.

The picture is crystal clear, no lines here. I used the A/V output.

[Gapporin]

/me eats his words

Japan Game Stock's webpage is back up. The prices for Twin Famicoms are as follows:

Red/black unit is $123.
Red/red unit (the one I purchased) is $132.
Blue/black unit (with auto-fire pads) is $167.

Hope this helps.

[Arasoi]

Gapporin, thank you for your help!

In your experience, is the shipping much of an issue with this site? Is it under $50 to ship a sharp twin through these guys?

[Niku-Sama]

i have always wondered if the twin famicom will work with the 3d glasses

[Gapporin]

In your experience, is the shipping much of an issue with this site? Is it under $50 to ship a sharp twin through these guys?

Well...no. To where I live, it costs $65 to ship a Twin Famicom through EMS (the only service they provide for bigger items). However, like I said before, it's super fast (like I mentioned before, I got my console from Japan to here in 4 business days), it's covered with insurance, etc. etc. It really just depends up to you if you want to spend that much.

[Arasoi]

That shipping isnt terrible, Ive seen it much worse. All in all I think this site has the best option for getting a Twin, Ill probably be picking one up within a month from them.

Again, thank you for all your help on this.

[GarrettCRW]

i have always wondered if the twin famicom will work with the 3d glasses

They do.

[Niku-Sama]

they do sweet....thats the main reason i have kept from buying any thing FDS based....i have the glasses already i dont have a system though...i'll order one if my friend cant find one on her trip to japan for me