US outlet vs Japaniese game system HELP

[akuma632]

I have a Japaniese sega Saturn & Super famicom I want to plug in and play but I'm always worried about cooking them with the USA volts. Anyone have any ideas I can use to get the most out of my systems with out killing them in the process ?

[Dravenae]

You won't fry your console.

Take a look at this thread if you want more information.

http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=6933.0

[zakurowrath]

The Super Famicom from Japan can run on a Sega Genesis Model 1 MK-1602 9V or 10V 1.2A power supply no problem. DO NOT use the American NES powersupply since it's AC power instead of DC and it will fry the Super Famicom.

The Sega Saturn however uses the Japanese 100V 50/60hz system. I recommend getting a 120V to 100V step down transformer so you can run the Saturn at the correct voltage. People have used the Japanese Saturn on the American 110-120v 60hz system however, by doing so it runs hotter and can go out faster because of the extra voltage. Also being the system is from the mid 1990's I wouldn't chance it with older capacitors and regulators.  So I'd just play it safe and get the step down transformer.

This is the one I use for my Japanese imports: http://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-500J-Japanese-Transformer-Converts/dp/B000PC4JL4/ref=pd_sim_e_1

[akuma632]

The Super Famicom from Japan can run on a Sega Genesis Model 1 MK-1602 9V or 10V 1.2A power supply no problem. DO NOT use the American NES powersupply since it's AC power instead of DC and it will fry the Super Famicom.

The Sega Saturn however uses the Japanese 100V 50/60hz system. I recommend getting a 120V to 100V step down transformer so you can run the Saturn at the correct voltage. People have used the Japanese Saturn on the American 110-120v 60hz system however, by doing so it runs hotter and can go out faster because of the extra voltage. Also being the system is from the mid 1990's I wouldn't chance it with older capacitors and regulators.  So I'd just play it safe and get the step down transformer.

This is the one I use for my Japanese imports: http://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-500J-Japanese-Transformer-Converts/dp/B000PC4JL4/ref=pd_sim_e_1

Where do you plug the system in to? Sorry I'm confused by the two imput areas ?

[zakurowrath]

The Super Famicom from Japan can run on a Sega Genesis Model 1 MK-1602 9V or 10V 1.2A power supply no problem. DO NOT use the American NES powersupply since it's AC power instead of DC and it will fry the Super Famicom.

The Sega Saturn however uses the Japanese 100V 50/60hz system. I recommend getting a 120V to 100V step down transformer so you can run the Saturn at the correct voltage. People have used the Japanese Saturn on the American 110-120v 60hz system however, by doing so it runs hotter and can go out faster because of the extra voltage. Also being the system is from the mid 1990's I wouldn't chance it with older capacitors and regulators.  So I'd just play it safe and get the step down transformer.

This is the one I use for my Japanese imports: http://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-500J-Japanese-Transformer-Converts/dp/B000PC4JL4/ref=pd_sim_e_1

Where do you plug the system in to? Sorry I'm confused by the two imput areas ?

The power cord for the system goes in the right 100V Japanese outlet that only has two prongs on that particular transformer.

[wiggy]

The Super Famicom from Japan can run on a Sega Genesis Model 1 MK-1602 9V or 10V 1.2A power supply no problem. DO NOT use the American NES powersupply since it's AC power instead of DC and it will fry the Super Famicom.

The Sega Saturn however uses the Japanese 100V 50/60hz system. I recommend getting a 120V to 100V step down transformer so you can run the Saturn at the correct voltage. People have used the Japanese Saturn on the American 110-120v 60hz system however, by doing so it runs hotter and can go out faster because of the extra voltage. Also being the system is from the mid 1990's I wouldn't chance it with older capacitors and regulators.  So I'd just play it safe and get the step down transformer.

Total myth.  A step down for the Saturn is absolutely NOT necessary. I'll snap a pic I a minute. The US and JP consoles use the exact same power board and it's rated from between 90 & 130 volts iirc.

edit:

Here's a pic from a JP unit.  It's the same one that's in every US unit and is quite clearly more than capable of handling the 120V that is the US standard.

[zakurowrath]

The Super Famicom from Japan can run on a Sega Genesis Model 1 MK-1602 9V or 10V 1.2A power supply no problem. DO NOT use the American NES powersupply since it's AC power instead of DC and it will fry the Super Famicom.

The Sega Saturn however uses the Japanese 100V 50/60hz system. I recommend getting a 120V to 100V step down transformer so you can run the Saturn at the correct voltage. People have used the Japanese Saturn on the American 110-120v 60hz system however, by doing so it runs hotter and can go out faster because of the extra voltage. Also being the system is from the mid 1990's I wouldn't chance it with older capacitors and regulators.  So I'd just play it safe and get the step down transformer.

Total myth.  A step down for the Saturn is absolutely NOT necessary. I'll snap a pic I a minute. The US and JP consoles use the exact same power board and it's rated from between 90 & 130 volts iirc.

edit:

Here's a pic from a JP unit.  It's the same one that's in every US unit and is quite clearly more than capable of handling the 120V that is the US standard.

Son of a, I've never opened up my Japanese Saturn, I never knew that, thanks Wiggy.

[wiggy]

No prob!  I read quite a few articles on various forums before taking a look inside to see what sort of voltage range I needed to stay within, and that's when I figured it out.  Most of the articles were indeed suggesting a step-down, which surprised me as it only took opening the thing to see that it's not necessary.    At least for the Saturn.

I do believe there are systems for which it is a wise idea.  I think some of the older systems with external AC adapters do have a far narrower range of acceptable voltage input, but don't quote me on that.