Playing NTSC Genesis/SNES in UK

[randyrandall89]

Hi all,

I'm new to importing and would like some advise regarding import retro consoles! I have been reading around and I have some idea of what I would need- a compatible TV, voltage conversion etc, but I would like some definite answers and some things cleared up. (I hope this is the correct board to post this on!)

Basically, I would like an NTSC Genesis and SNES to play full speed, imported games on. I'm aware I could download them on Virtual Console but I don't like playing games at a stunted speed- I want them the way the developers intended!

So, to use an American Genesis and SNES in the UK, what would I need? Would both consoles require a step-down converter? Would I need a special video cable for each (RGB Scart, S-video.. I'm not sure which each console supports). I have already read some FAQs and I'm interested in more specific information on these two particular consoles!

Also, I have an LCD Tv- I'm aware this may create lag with older games. I aim to purchase a CRT TV for my retro escapades (going to have to use eBay!), and I do not require pixel perfect quality.. so what would I need, and how do I know if the TV is ready for NTSC games? Is compatibility a common feature in modern TVs?

I appreciate your time and any help given!

[kyo_244]

Right mate.

First off, i dont think you'll be needing any stepdown for them. I think you can just use a uk adapter with both consoles and they should work fine since they are both powered externally. My ntsc US nes works fine with my UK adapter so you shouldn't have any problems.

As for cables.. it has to be RGB all the way!! There arent any official cables as of such.. but you can get some nice custom made ones on this very forum.. aka Chaotic Jelly

And yes.. crt is the BEST way to view retro gaming. Get a nice big 4:3 (sony trinitron are the best for me) and make sure that it's 60hz capable. It won't matter if it doesnt support ntsc either as you''ll be using rgb which works with either ntsc or pal signals. It has its own colour carrier I think.

Oh and if you find it hard tracking down american consoles, you could always get pal ones with ntsc/pal and 50/60hz switches like I have.

Hope that helps

Jonathan.

[chaoticjelly]

If you want to play full speed full screen, with imported games, it would probably be cheaper and/or better to get/have your consoles modded.

Then you have the benefit of; being able to play any normal UK/European games you come accross, in full speed, full screen, as well as the import games you want to play, not having to mess about with kludgy stepdown adapters, etc.

If you DID get imported consoles, then yes, you would need a stepdown for the two of them, or - you could try and find a UK power supply with the same size DC connector, the same voltage, and at least the same or higher amperage as the original foreign power supplies.

Both Megadrive/Genesis and SNES support RGB. You would need to use RGB for 60Hz as kyo has said, any other video standard (RF, Composite Video, S-Video) would give a black and white picture because of the NTSC colour carrier not displaying properly on a PAL television. You need to make sure that your TV supports 60Hz though (most modern TVs do..)

CRT is definitely the best, not only for lack of lag, but for compatibility and simply the best picture quality.