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View Full Version : Is the top loading NES really that big of a deal?



Doom Gaze
07-13-2006, 08:30 PM
I've been offered one with a lot of commons for 15 bucks from some jocks down the street.

I know the top-loader is rather coveted for its dogbone controllers. Considering I have four toasters and I paid about 5 dollars for each one, is this even worthwhile?

I don't even want to play it because I hate RF, I would have it for collection only.

15 isn't that big of a deal for the box of common carts and one crappy EA Genesis game.

Steven
07-13-2006, 08:32 PM
I've been offered one with a lot of commons for 15 bucks from some jocks down the street.

Considering I have four toasters and I paid about 5 dollars for each one, is this even worthwhile?

I don't even want to play it because I hate RF, I would have it for collection only.

15 isn't that big of a deal for the box of common carts and one crappy EA Genesis game.

a toploader, last I checked, is a collector's item and hits 80+ on eBay. If it's in good condition, go for it.

Flack
07-13-2006, 08:33 PM
Agreed. They are considered more valuable due to their more reliable cartridge ports. Buy it for sure, keep it if you like it, sell it if you want to turn a quick profit.

coreycorey2000
07-13-2006, 08:38 PM
I've been offered one with a lot of commons for 15 bucks from some jocks down the street.

Considering I have four toasters and I paid about 5 dollars for each one, is this even worthwhile?

I don't even want to play it because I hate RF, I would have it for collection only.

15 isn't that big of a deal for the box of common carts and one crappy EA Genesis game.

a toploader, last I checked, is a collector's item and hits 80+ on eBay. If it's in good condition, go for it.

I don't think they go for quite that anymore. Since the new toploaders came out they've settled in price.

But I'd definitely offer you $40 for it. I gave my last one away and could use one to play a few PAL only games.

Austin
07-13-2006, 09:36 PM
I don't think they go as highly as they used to, but $15 is still definitely much less than you'd be able to turn it around and sell it for.

Chances are, it's probably a lot more reliable than any toaster you'll find.

omnedon
07-13-2006, 09:59 PM
No.

But even I'd snag one for $15.

Jumpman Jr.
07-13-2006, 10:17 PM
It's cool to have too.
People will come in and say "Whoa! What the hell is that? Is that a Nintendo?!"

dreamcaster
07-14-2006, 12:40 AM
Is it true the top loader doesn't have any region lockouts?

j_factor
07-14-2006, 01:30 AM
Is it true the top loader doesn't have any region lockouts?

The NES doesn't really have any region lockouts per se. Famicom carts are a different physical size and have a different setup of pins. To play Famicom games on an NES you need a pin converter; there is no further lockout. The toploading system doesn't change anything.

starsoldier1
07-14-2006, 01:54 AM
My Top Loader is more reliable for playing third party unlicense games from Color Dreams and American Video. My old box NES won't even play those.

exit
07-14-2006, 02:05 AM
I say go for it if it's in good working condition, you could easily get around $50 for it on e-bay.

dreamcaster
07-14-2006, 02:34 AM
Is it true the top loader doesn't have any region lockouts?

The NES doesn't really have any region lockouts per se. Famicom carts are a different physical size and have a different setup of pins. To play Famicom games on an NES you need a pin converter; there is no further lockout. The toploading system doesn't change anything.
Well, I was talking about PAL and US cartridges. Same physical size, but our PAL NES's have a security chip (easily bypassable though) that prevents US games from loading.

nik
07-14-2006, 08:45 AM
I'd take one just to avoid the blink, but thats easy to fix..

GrandAmChandler
07-14-2006, 08:56 AM
Yes get it.

Toploader + famicom pin coverter + AV Mod = No blinking fully licensed compatible NES system.

This for a NES player is the best you can do for functionality purposes. A NEX/YOBO clone cannot give you the compatibility that an original hardware can.

If you are a fan of AV, user "Kamino" has the know-how and will mod your system for a nominal fee. I'd PM him about it.

Otherwise pick it up and resell the thing.

jajaja
07-14-2006, 09:03 AM
For personal use, no. If your normal NES is working just fine you dont need the toploader. I prefer the normal NES, it got a more nostalgic feel.

The Manimal
07-14-2006, 09:09 AM
i totally like the "look" of the top loading NES...


plus it works consistently.


however, the PQ is definitely lacking with the RF and interference lines...

but it anyways - you can make 'bank' off it

tynstar
07-14-2006, 09:20 AM
I have a top loader and never use it since I have a toaster style that works great. The top loader looks like shit since it has no AV inputs.

Pantechnicon
07-14-2006, 09:46 AM
i totally like the "look" of the top loading NES...

plus it works consistently.

however, the PQ is definitely lacking with the RF and interference lines...

but it anyways - you can make 'bank' off it

That's the long and short of it. My 1st NES ever was a toploader, found at Goodwill, complete, for $5. Once I realized it didn't have composite outputs I sought to trade it for a toaster. The game shop I took it to was like, "Oh yeah! We'll trade you straight across! (snicker snicker)" and I got stuck in blinking red light hell for the next three years.

Composite video does not make a blinking red light look any better, either.

I've got a possible line on another top-loader. My sister-in-law's roomates have one hooked up right next to their X-Box @_@ . They're not collectors. They just still enjoy playing Dr Mario. I gave them the standard "Let me know if you ever want to get rid of that." line, and hope they never check into it on Ebay.

Guyver03
07-14-2006, 09:58 AM
I'm just going to come in here and agree with everyone else. It's a deal, and I'd be all over it. (Especially since my NES doesn't play anymore :bad-words: ). It's a good price and besides, you can't have too many systems! Well, as long as you don't ask my wife that is. :D

c0ldb33r
07-14-2006, 10:01 AM
I've got a possible line on another top-loader. My sister-in-law's roomates have one hooked up right next to their X-Box @_@ . They're not collectors. They just still enjoy playing Dr Mario.
You should stick an NES emu and Dr. Mario on their xbox. That'll help things along nicely I reckon :D

captain nintendo
07-14-2006, 10:05 AM
I have a top loader and never use it since I have a toaster style that works great. The top loader looks like shit since it has no AV inputs.

Agreed, but as GAC said. You could always contact Kamino "DO YOU LIKE NES?" and he would mod the top loader for a fee.

I'll stick to my trusty toaster thanks :)

Frica89
07-14-2006, 10:10 AM
I'd be all over that in a second. The top-loader usually works, unlike the original model. Even if you dont want to play it, its a great investment.

Steven
07-14-2006, 05:30 PM
I have a top loader and never use it since I have a toaster style that works great. The top loader looks like shit since it has no AV inputs.

Agreed, but as GAC said. You could always contact Kamino "DO YOU LIKE NES?" and he would mod the top loader for a fee.

So the AV cables I currently use for my toaster NES -- it will be compatible with the top loader mod -- correct? What is the fee exactly? I guess it's to pay for his shipping it back AND services? So we're looking at what, $20 minimum?

Lastly, with AV mod -- top loader looks basically like toaster quality -- but loads consistently? That does sound like the best case scenario as Grand pointed out.

j_factor
07-14-2006, 08:14 PM
Toploader + famicom pin coverter + AV Mod = No blinking fully licensed compatible NES system.

This for a NES player is the best you can do for functionality purposes. A NEX/YOBO clone cannot give you the compatibility that an original hardware can.

Not enough people know about the Super 8. Through your SNES you can play NES and Famicom carts. It loads on top and has no connection problems. You use SNES controllers and the A/V out of the SNES. I've yet to encounter any compatibility problems, including with games that don't work on the clones like Dino Riki and Castlevania 3. The sole drawback is you can't use NES accessories; although really, the only thing you'll be missing out on is Duck Hunt.

omnedon
07-15-2006, 06:47 PM
Modded Top loader composite is inferior to Toaster NES composite, in every instance I've seen.

If you are going to pay someone to do something, so you can play NES games, your best bet is getting your regular NES professionally refurbished and lockout chip disabled by a reputable service provider. Every other option has compromises to be made.

Properly refurbished NES's do not blink ever. If they do fail to read a cartridge they:

1) do not blink as the lockout chip is disabled

2) are the fault of a dirty cartridge no NES, top loader or Yobo or NEX could read properly anyway

Clean cartridges, properly refurbed NES = NES gaming problem free.

Still Toploaders are neat and all. Just overrated. The controllers are good too.