Best way to run NTSC/JAP Mega CD games on a PAL machine

[JulioBaptista]

Pretty sure there was a Lunar related thread about this. Just dug out my PAL MD2 with Mega CD2. Looking at getting a couple of import Mega CD titles but have no idea of the best way to get them running.

Is there an Action Replay cart or similar that would be compatible with both the MD and Mega CD?

Thanks for looking

[sj33]

Well there is a CDX converter cart, but they are pretty damn rare these days... plus there are differen versions, each running some games but not others.
There is also a multibios mod, but it's probably not worth the effort.

The best, easiest way to run imports is to make an ISO of your games, then patch the ISO using SCDConv. SCDConv lets you patch the game into whatever region you want... then just burn to CDR and enjoy. The MegaCD had no copy protection, so you don't have to worry about that. You also protect your originals that way.

You may run into some problems with some games designed for 60Hz... mainly music sync issues... only way to fix that would be to install a 50/60Hz switch into your MegaDrive... but the same would apply with the CDX or Multibios anyway.

[JulioBaptista]

Thanks for that mate. Read something about that software in GamesTM. Will try and hunt down a US Lunar and give it a go.

[m0nk3y]

If you can find a Datel AR CDX+ cart, you should be well away. However, these aren't perfect. You can also use SCD Conv to patch ISOs to PAL region. But that's a bit long winded, and isn't perfect either.

The only other way is the MultiBIOS mod. I'm wanting to do this too, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to get hold of Arakon. So, if there's anyone here with an eprom writer who could put 3 128k files on a 27C240, your help would be muchly appreciated

EDIT: Damn, I take ages to type. Yeah, you're gonna have to add a switch to the MD to switch between 50/60Hz, that should sort out audio synch issues. And add a Eng/Jpn language switch whist you're at it.

[JulioBaptista]

Gonna be harder than I thought. No idea and no confidence to do it myself. Might have to look into Console Passion or eBay.

Thanks for the help

[sj33]

Certainly the Multibios is the best way... bios that can boot into any of the 3 regions, can't get better than that.

Dunno bought you though, but I'd not wanna risk my MegaCD on that just to avoid using SCDConv. But it depends, maybe you'll find a good installer.

[buster_broon]

my datel cdx runs all my japanese/us games on my pal mega cd machine

but nowadays its worth its weight in gold

[Fastware]

A switched Megadrive and a CDX cart are the best way to run import Mega CD games.

It's what I've been using since 1993 and I've had no issues at all.

[dj898]

thought one of emulator is the best convenient way to run MegaCD?

[Team Andromeda]

Some games won't work with the CDX though. Games like Funky Horrror band, or Dracula Unleashed (USA import) won?t work

[Kotatsu Neko]

Although I have a US CDX/Multi-Mega with a CD Plus cart for running import CDs (as well as a cart convertor for JP MD carts), my fav way to play now is on my Xbox... I always had some compatibility issues with the CDX, so random when buying games as some just didn't work on the machine, and I think it also had a slightly dodgy laser and would not load some games on occassion.

With the Xbox all those issues go away, and I get nice clean RGB output, plus save states should I want them. Yeah I know the real thing has appeal, but I still have a shelf full of MD carts and MCD/SCD CDs, and I'm still trying to complete my collection.

[JulioBaptista]

Seen a couple of Universal Adapters knocking around. I know that they wont help the Mega CD situation but are these good for running JAP/NTSC games on my MD?

I dont want to pick one up and find that the only thing that works is Sonic 2 US

[sj33]

Seen a couple of Universal Adapters knocking around. I know that they wont help the Mega CD situation but are these good for running JAP/NTSC games on my MD?

I dont want to pick one up and find that the only thing that works is Sonic 2 US

Well you gotta be careful, many of them act as nothing more than passthrough's, and don't bi-pass the territory protection found in a lot of later games (such as the Honey Bee ones).

There are carts with little language and Hz switches on them, which basically tricks the machine into thinking it's running at whatever language/Hz you set it to.
You can also use an Action Replay/Game Genie and use codes.

Switches would be the best solution of course.

[dj898]

There are carts with little language and Hz switches on them, which basically tricks the machine into thinking it's running at whatever language/Hz you set it to.
You can also use an Action Replay/Game Genie and use codes.

Switches would be the best solution of course.

you mean MagicKey III?

btw were there MagicKey I and II?
cheers

[wheelaa]

The best ones are the Mega Key, Nitro 2 and Datel Professional Adaptor (has a switch on the side). I have these 3 and have yet to find any import game that won't work on a uk md with at least one of these. They'll also run jp games on us hardware too.