Japanese Vacation Swag (& Console Question)

[Alfador]

Just got back home in the states with some retro consoles and systems after 7 weeks in Japan:





And had a question.. is it safe to plug in the consoles (Famicom, Famicom Disk System, Super Famicom) into American outlets? Will I need a power converter? They came with Japanese (100v) power adapters.

[treismac]

While I am unable to safely answer your question, I have a question for you:

How much did all of that shrink wrapped goodness set you back?

[InsaneDavid]

First: BARF! - Calorie Mate! ICK! I can't believe I used to eat those. Thankfully I never see them at the Japanese supermarket anymore, then again I don't look anymore either.

Second: While some will say that you need a converter since Japanese power is 100v and US power is 110v - 120v, the systems will work fine. I wouldn't leave anything plugged in when you're not playing it but really with old game systems you shouldn't be doing that anyway.

Third: V Tetris is my favorite version of Tetris bar none. The serenity of playing straight Tetris with absolutely no distractions while a starfield quietly drifts by in the background is unlike anything else. In my opinion the only other versions that come close are The Next Tetris (PS1) and the Atari arcade version. (Yes, I know Virtual Fishing is the real gem here)

[Alfador]

While I am unable to safely answer your question, I have a question for you:

How much did all of that shrink wrapped goodness set you back?

Came out to around 24,000 yen, which was a little less than $300 at the time.

[FoxNtd]

You certainly bought a lot of nice entertaining things there! Yes you'll be ok using these with AC outlets in the USA just fine. I have a handful of what I see in those pictures so I know you'll have some fun.

Tales of Phantasia is a bit on the challenging side for sure if you ask me. It is a very impressive game for the system; I doubt the SFC can do better than what that game demands of it.

[dukenukem]

very nice collection you picked up there.

[Duke.Togo]

If you're concerned, just don't use the original power adapters. As long as you use ones that are the correct polarity and output the required voltage/amperage you'll be fine.

[Steve W]

A guy I know went to Japan to shop for games, and he brought me back a PC Engine. We were going to meet up at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger, but I had to kill some time before that. So I went to a Goodwill, where I found - in package - a Japan-to-US travel power converter for $4. I still can't get over the crazy odds that the day I needed one, I just magically locate one for next to nothing. It works completely fine, too. I make sure to unplug it when I'm done with it, I still don't want to run the risk of killing either the converter or the power supply.

I've been told that US and Japanese power requirements are so close to each other that it won't be much of a threat to game consoles or their power bricks if you don't use a converter. Just don't leave anything plugged in when not in use, and hopefully you should be okay.

[rolenta]

I've plugged in both my Panasonic Q and Nintendo 64DD into American outlets and both worked fine. The 64DD also worked with my American N64.

[Genesaturn]

Awesome pick ups ! Did you get those from Super Potato? I've seen videos of that place and its classic gaming heaven lol. I know when I go to Japan next fall I will be shipping a lot of crap to myself since I wont be able to get it all on the airplane lol

[Parodius Duh!]

Ive always used a power converter ever since my first saturn fried the 2nd time I plugged it in. If you live in an older home and the wiring hasnt been changed in 10-20 years you can experience power spikes more so then homes with the newest up to code wiring. I know from experience, use a converter.

[Alfador]

Awesome pick ups ! Did you get those from Super Potato? I've seen videos of that place and its classic gaming heaven lol. I know when I go to Japan next fall I will be shipping a lot of crap to myself since I wont be able to get it all on the airplane lol

Yep I got them from Super Potato, and yes, it is definitely classic gaming heaven heh. Just don't expect a lot of help in English..