Japanese SNES with the Universal Adapter - Question

Deleted User · Feb 22, 2020

If I insert a universal adapter on a Japanese SNES to play a US cartridge, does it need a Japanese cartridge to bypass the region lock? Aren't NTSC-J and NTSC-U basically the same?

Note: I have the Datel version, one with the switch and the other without. I've become aware there's newer adapters without the second slot, but they cost far more than what I paid for the Datel version (£12 = $15.55).

In person, it looks like this:

(Not my picture)

Yeah, not very aesthetically pleasing, but it's better than cutting the SNES to fit a US cartridge.

JuanMena · Feb 22, 2020

Isn't SNES region locking based on the shape of the cartridge itself?

Also... I think that indeed you need a JP SNES to play JP Cartridges because of their particular cartridge shape.

JP and EU consoles can't be played on american territory due to a voltage change... or so I knew.

Wouldn't be easier to get one of those 3rd party top loaders to play your JP cartridges?
Also... emulators dude.

Minox · Feb 22, 2020

From what I gather the JP and US Super Nintendo models are essentially the same system other than case and cartridge sizes. Passthrough adapter or cutting the tabs off would allow for SFC games to play on a US console without needing anything additional.

JuanMena said:
JP and EU consoles can't be played on american territory due to a voltage change... or so I knew.

Japan essentially has the same voltage levels as the US, the main reason why the games can't be played on a US console is because the cartridges are a different form factor.

JuanMena · Feb 22, 2020

I live in Mexico... and I remember literally trading cartridges in the flea market near my house... we traded games we didn't liked fot other games.

Most of the games my dad and I traded was because they where all in Japanese / Chinese.
So I don't know what's preventing JP Snes games from booting on NTSC Consoles. I did it most of the times without any problems. Maybe it's just me or maybe I'm remembering things the wrong way... but definitely I stumbled upon MANY JP / CH games.

Recently (2012) I got this console in the flea market that it's kinda like a bootleg top loader, it's black and I honestly can't remember the correct name of the console itself. But it has 4 ports, 2 for the SNES Gamepads ~~and 2 for those bootleg Chintendos controllers.~~
EDIT: I have a SEGA clone that has those 9 Pin inputs... confusing everything again :wacko:

OP could get one of those consoles and play JP games on it.

I have it "safely" thrown in a box, and to get the right name I have to get other boxes out.
I remember checking out the value of the bootleg top loader I have and it costs 60 usd.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

HEY! FOUND IT BY ACCIDENT! I'M TALKING ABOUT THIS ONE:

Now... I really remember connecting gamepads with this kind of inputs:

2M-Wired-9-Pin-Universal-Game-Controller-For-Nintendo-TV-Video-Game-Console-Joypad-Joystick-Gamepad.jpg

enarky · Feb 22, 2020

Absolutely don't get that clone console. Friends don't let friends play on clone consoles. Yuck.

For OPs question, lockout chip for US and JPN is identical. If a game doesn't work the adapter fucks something up. If you're not interested in playing PAL games you could just get a "dumb" extender like this and be good with it, no adapter (or slot cutting) needed. If you don't have two left thumbs and you don't mind a little soldering you can even build it yourself, instructions here.

nitrostemp · Feb 22, 2020

i kinda wanna try making the DIY adaptor.

Deleted User · Feb 23, 2020

enarky said:
Absolutely don't get that clone console. Friends don't let friends play on clone consoles. Yuck.

For OPs question, lockout chip for US and JPN is identical. If a game doesn't work the adapter fucks something up. If you're not interested in playing PAL games you could just get a "dumb" extender like this and be good with it, no adapter (or slot cutting) needed. If you don't have two left thumbs and you don't mind a little soldering you can even build it yourself, instructions here.

That's interesting, as I saw that DIY adapter just a few minutes ago on eBay. It looks better than the Universal Adapters, now that I think about it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274283090591

godreborn · Feb 23, 2020

I thought the only region locking was the shape of the cartridge. snes carts have these two indentations that fit around some plastic pieces in the cartridge slot. you can break them off with pliers. that's what I did as I have a few Japanese games including ys iv and dragon quest vi. they play and run without a problem.

Japanese SNES with the Universal Adapter - Question

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