If your Famicom didn't come with AC Adapter, or don't want to use the one that the Famicom came with, don't panic. You can use the 3rd party ones like RetroBit or Tomee, since they might have 100v-240V-AC input. But as for the output, it must be 9v-11V-DC, and the amp should be at least 700mA (most 3rd party AC Adapters have 9v-DC and 850mA).
@@NesuProps for amps, as long as it's the same as the original or higher you should be fine. for example, the original famicom AC adapter is rated at 850mA, so a 1.2A power supply would work fine.
@InnovaX5 The Famicom, AV Famicom, and Super Famicom all use the same power adapter: HVC-002 (the one that originally came with the Famicom). It stands to reason all the same replacements should work for any. Similarly, the NES (001) and NES 2 (101) use the same adapter, but the SNES one is different. For some reason.
@SeanOrange I want to clear something up as regards to NTSC and PAL connectors. While power and step down converters is a hassle, most PAL TV's will accept and understand the NTSC signal, only very old TV's will have trouble with this.
I’m not sure if I asked you this question on this channel before (I have a brain of a fish that’s for sure :P), but I’m curious if all Famicom (1983), AV Famicom and Twin Famicom can be powered on with the same AC adaptor? Thanks.
kevinhwsohn They can’t. I think the polarity is different, as well as the size. I also think the voltage is different. Funny thing - I just had a friend talk about doing a mod on his Twin Famicom to use 9V so it’s more compatible with a variety of domestic adapters.
@Dan122190 That unfortunately may be the case. I don't know your setup, but if you're trying to do this on an HDTV or something similar I'd make sure that you have the correct antenna selected ("Air" vs. "Cable"). Also, are you NTSC or PAL?
Thank god I remembered this video. I bought a famicom at PAX south and it came with an NES power adapter. I was about to use it, but I remembered this video, and I said NOPE.
Another thing I forgot to add in my comment is that a lot of people have trouble getting the super famicom to work on a usa tv so your video well help a lot of people out I no when I use av cable and I get a faint pink line in the middle of my LG tv and my regular tv maybe I should try a rf switch
So I used an ac adapter that came with my Super Retro Trio and it didn't turn on the famicom at all. I just ordered a gen model 1 ac adapter but I'm wondering if i fried it. I hope not
BeartheChair I hope not too; it would be surprising of a modern adapter used AC power that would fry it. Using the incorrect polarity could also cause problems.
@@SeanOrange thanks for replying. So what happened when I plugged it in and turned it on was it kinda made the screen jump but didn't do anything. This is an av modded Famicom I bought off Ebay from Japan. The av comes out of the controller port and I believe the RF is still there. Well when the genesis adapter gets here I'll know for sure. I'd imagine the console would pop if I blew the fuse so I'm gonna go ahead and rule that out. The adapter for the retro trio is a switching power adapter. Input 100-240v and output +5v-1.0A. Says DC 9v on the back of the console. I'm thinking it's just slightly off from what the famicom needs
How long is it until it isnt safe to have a twin famicom powered on through an US outlet without a step down converter? After a while it started to get hot on the top.
If you live in North America or Japan, or anywhere that has 100-120 V power, you’re good. If you have 240 V power, you’ll need a step down converter. Otherwise, just leave the adapter unplugged from power when you’re not using it, and it should last a good long time.
When you have a Dreamcast or PlayStation where the ac power supply is internal, are the power cables which is just a cord that goes from console to wall, exactly the same between jpn and USA? Or are those cords different internally? Just wondering if I have a jpn Dreamcast in USA, if it would matter which region cord/cable I should use with it.
Nah, you’re good. The only thing that would matter is polarity; in that case, if the cord is asymmetrical (e.g. square on one side, rounded on the other) just be sure to use the same kind, and don’t try to force a round peg into a square hole (somewhat literally) if you value your hardware)!
I'm having a big problem with my hyperkin 60 to 72 pin adapter. Every time I start to play a famicom game on the NES toaster using the hyperkin adapter when I turn on the NES toaster the led light blinks what should I do to fix the problem?
@tomcatg1982 That's actually something we were going to cover in conjunction with the Super Famicom/SNES episode. The short answer is that you should never ever use an NES adapter with anything else because it only uses AC power. The Super Famicom and Famicom use the same adapter (HVC-002), so an NES plug would certainly fit. If you've really used it before, then that might mean that there isn't a fuse in the Super Famicom; I still wouldn't do it. Use a Genesis Model I adapter instead.
I am using an AV Famicom with a SFC power adapter. I don't use any transformers (yet) and it works fine, but after a few minutes the console starts to smell bad.
optimal solution is to use 500mA or more and 7 or more volts. I am using a AC/DC regulated (impulse) 1A universal adapter 3V, 4.5V 5V, 6V, 9V, 12V I I works great even on 6V ! and my famicom did not heat at all , 7805 regulator inside is cold like it is not even turned on :D and after a while CPU and PPU heated more then 7805 :)))
Yup, that can happen. If you can track down (or borrow?) a Model 1 Genesis adapter just to test out the Famicom itself to make sure it's fine, then try to find a permanent replacement. Mine burned out too, so... you know, it happens.
All the same information applies, but you'll probably need a step-down converter so you don't burn out your adapter. But then you have the whole NTSC-to-PAL problem which is sort of touched upon in Hookups.
I have a step down converter that converts AC 120v into 115v can I use tat on a famicom PS I am fully aware that the famicom ac adapter converts AC power to DC
For Europe? I don't really know. You at least need a stepd-down converter for the power, and -- if your TV doesn't handle NTSC -- some kind of NTSC/PAL converter (if such a thing exists). The good thing is that you'll be able to use them for ANY of your import gaming stuff, so it's a good investment if you plan on getting more Japanese/North American systems.
I am located in Australia an just recently bought a Famicom. How do i power this? It did not come with a power supply. I did also get a Famicom disk system which did come with a power supply. What recommendations do you have?
@Krosserdog Not being able to test this myself, mind you, I've heard that PAL TVs have no trouble with an AV NTSC signal -- it's the coaxial one which causes the problems. NES has both, but the NES 2 only has the latter (and the AV Famicom only has the former), and so on.
It IS only rated for 100V power, and the US uses 110V. So leaving it plugged in for prolonged periods of time might eventually burn out the adapter. (I think this happened to my first one.) People have also reported to us that their cartridge slot seems to get warm, and wondered if that's normal. (We've not tried it experimentally yet.) So I'd just leave your adapter unplugged from the outlet when not in use, but otherwise you should be fine.
I have what I assume to be the adapter for a Model 1 Genesis. I have absolutely no knowledge what so ever of power adapters. On the back it says: Input: 120v AC 60hz. 20W Output:10v DC 1.2A Would this likely work? Or is there an exact recommended power outlet for this system?
Chrono Gear Solid If the pin fits, it should, but I would check the polarity of the center pin (positive or negative). It's also a bit overpowered for what the Famicom needs. We updated our Famciom information in a new video, including exact specs for the Famicom and Genesis adapters: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kizTv0SmD20.html
@tomcatg1982 Yup! We were either going to roll it into the episode, or do a separate Denshimail about it. If we do it as a Denshimail, we will certainly use your RU-vid screen name in the video! ;)
@davidle3272 You're in luck! The AV Famicom and Super Famicom use the same power supply (HVC-002) as the Famicom, so all of the same advice that applies to the regular Famicom here applies to those two systems. The same warnings about using an NES adapter also apply, however... ;) We'll be doing a video on the Super Famicom, and the AV Famicom after that, so I'm sure we'll release official updates to this video once the time comes. Great question!
Im from a country with 220v. Can i use famiclone Ac Adapters or i need a 3rd party adapter to use my famicom ? I have the original Adapter but is horrible use a 3kg converter for 110V. The famiclone AC adapter says: Input: AC 220V 50/60Hz Output: DC9V 850Ma (+)----------C-----------(-)
i hooked my famicom up to my tv with an NES RF adapter, and the famicom ac adapter, but i can't get it to work on my tv. I tried channel 95, 96, 45, and 83 and none of them work. Could there be a blown fuse in my famicom? or is there something else?
That uses a different adapter with a different plug. It also doesn’t draw power constantly like the Famicom one, so you can either use the FDS adapter fine in the US, get a stepdown converter if you REALLY need to, or just use the batteries.
can you tell me what cables the twin famicom uses from another console? i'm getting a used one off of amazon, and i'm worried it won't come with any cables, i know which ac adapter to use, i just need the tv cables-
@SeanOrange I have just checked out the site. However, they don't have the famicom titles that I am looking for. So, I sent them a message asking them to look for those carts for me in japan. Thanks.
Is this one of those two-prong adapters that has separate plugs for the NES and the SNES? The NES plug should fit into your Famicom. The output looks like it's okay and won't burn out your system. Still, try at your own risk!
How about the Famicom AV Console? I have an official Famicom / Super Famicom Adapter as well as a Tomee "3-in-1 NES/SNES/Genesis Model 1" input AC 120V 60Hz / Output DC9V-850mA. I'm just worried about the official one burning out over time and was hoping I have a good new backup one. Seems that genesis model 1 and Famicom Adapters are becoming harder and harder to find.
Something happened! I bought a super famicom from a dutch website, it came with a power adapter that just said 240v, and it worked perfectly! It doesn't even get slightly warm after hours of playing! Now it probably won't work with a regular famicom, but would it be safe for use with an american NES?
I'm getting a Famicom soon, and every source I've checked during my research seems to suggest a different solution for the power supply issue. A lot of places say you *shouldn't* plug the Japanese adapter straight into a north American outlet without a converter because it could damage your system over time. But you say here that the power supply converts the ac and dc inside itself so that couldn't occur? I don't want to drop $30 on a converter if I don't absolutely have to, but I don't want to take any risks damaging the system. I have a Genesis model 1 adapter I could also use---and there are absolutely no negative side effects doing that?
The best option today that didn't exist as much when we made this video is to import an adapter with the Famicom's specs, but takes 240-100V power. We're not electrical experts. Anecdotally, the worst we experienced using an original Famicom adapter on the US power grid was the power supply eventually burning out, but the console itself is fine. People have reported both using a Famicom supply and the Genesis alternative that the console gets hotter than they are comfortable with. Our recommendation is to only keep a console on as long as you are playing it, and unplugging the power supply from the outlet or power strip when it is not in use. There's always risk. Even if you do everything right you may be subject to a power surge or something.
Yeah, that's a valid point. I suppose there are always risks. I had heard that about the power supply eventually burning out, but it's helpful to know that the console itself would still likely be fine in either case. I'll keep your advice in mind about unplugging the adapter when I'm not playing it. Thanks!
Hey Orange, I was curious if the disk system also uses the same Ac Adapter as the famicom. or if it has its own type? Also does the Super famicom use the same adapter? I recently bought a famicom and a disk system -on ebay of course. But I don't even know if they work yet, for it didn't come with any Ac adapters. When I checked ebay for them there were quite a few that said "famicom/super famicom/virtual boy." So I'm led to assume they all share the same type? or are these sellers crazy?
@tommyle63 Well, like this video says, you shouldn't really need a step-down converter to use Japanese electronics in the US. Even though the voltage is slightly higher here, I've never had a problem, and have been using consoles here for years. However, I've had people mention to me that the cartridge slot gets really warm when they are playing games, and I never keep my consoles plugged in when I'm not using them.
Hi friend, I just got a super famicom and one of those ac adapter from ebay, the one with 2 inputs. My question is, is it safe to use? And can I also use that on my famicom? On the description it says super famicom and famicom. Also can I use the nes rf on the famicom? Thanks
I just purchased 100-240v AC/DC 10v 1A converter switching power charger supply adapter.Input:100-240v, Output:10v DC 1A.Polarity:inside x(+) outside I(-).inside positive, outside negative.Will this ac/dc adapter compatible with an AV famicom console? the famicom ac adapter polarity:(+)------(o-------(-) Centre Pin Negative.i dont want to fry my AV famicom console.(i wanted the Universal adapter 100-240v for traveling).
Hi. Famicom has no power. Famicom power supply only has less than 1 VDC power. I already replaced the power supply's capacitor. Any idea how to fix it? Thank you. God bless, Proverbs 31
Hi. It turns out the problem was the wire near the barrel jack. I just looped the wire and taped that area. The adapter's fine now, outputting +14v dc using the multimeter (though it's a 10v adapter- not sure why there's an extra +4v). I'll be measuring a transistor. The unit's fuse seems fine. Thanks again. Will keep in touch for the step after the transistor (if it's fails).
You can buy step-down transformers with more than enough capacity for old consoles (100W for example) for less than $20. I would get one. However the electronics that go most bonkers due to voltage differences are reportedly those with resistive components (hair dryers, obviously, run much hotter and get damaged when moving from 110/120V US to 240V as in Europe).
Depends. What's the amperage? 1.2 or 1.3 would match the Genesis model 1 and NES adapters respectively. People do complain about them getting hot, thought, so be careful.
Here’s A Tip That I Just Learned, Tip: If You Don’t Have A Stepdown Transformer, You Can Use A Model 1 Sega Genesis Power Supply For North America (120 Volts), The Sega Genesis 1 And The (Super) Famicom Both Output DC, I’ve Been Using The Genesis 1 Power Supply With My (Super) Famicom, And I Didn’t Have Any Problems With The Power Supply.
@SeanOrange OH! I remember: the NES used AC, whereas the SNES uses DC. They almost certainly didn't want to risk mixing those two up, as it would have been bad news for the SNES -- kind of like the Famicom.
Both my Original NES power adapters died on me so I got a Radio Shack 9v AC to DC adapter. I have used it to power the following: Sega Master System (both american and japanese), Sega Model 1, Sega CD model 1, American NES, American NES 2, Famicom, and Super Famicom. Oh and I havent burned down my house score! :D I use a walmart universal adapter for my Twin Famicom.
I bought a famicom from a guy with about 50 cartridges, It's been a year now and I'm going nuts, can't find any info on the mega drive model 1 question, and I hate the idea of that beauty collecting dust out of fear of not burning it up with the wrong adapter. Please Help!!!
Hello, friend! Yes, you can plug a Famicom in European territory using a Megadrive MODEL 1 power brick. It has the same polarity and voltage output. Hope it was helpful! Cheers from Madrid, Spain
thank you so much! do I need a power converter or will a standard wall socket converter suffice? (g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1vB0FIXXXXXX5XXXXq6xXFXXXM/Universal-3-Pin-US-Plug-Home-Travel-Adapter-Portable-Electrical-Wall-Socket-EU-AU-UK-Brazil.jpg)
If you have a Famicom/Super Famicom you only need a European MD1 power brick in order to plug it in the standard European system (220 V). However, if you live in the UK for example, you will need the specific adaptor if your power brick is from another European region (here in Spain we only have two rounded prongs, instead of the huge 3-pronged socket, typycal of the UK). If the power brick is from the same region as where you live, there's no need in buying another adaptor. Hope it helps, pal.
I'm from Romania, we also have the two, nothing more, so .. this is great, if I had known how simple it was I would of bought one sooner. Now I know, and I have 50+ cartridges that will probably keep me busy for a few months. Thank you so much, you rock!
I wouldn't spend your money on any more stuff until you're sure you can get the Famicom to work. Because if you get a disk system but can't get the Famicom to to display on the TV, all you'll have are a bunch of Disk System games you can't play! So what's the problem? Are you SURE your TV can handle NTSC?
@tommyle63 I see Sean already replied and I agree. It is okay to use the Famicom power supply in the US, just unplug it when you are done using it or it will get hot. I try not to leave mine plugged in for more than a few hours.
@Jp4rk Well, since the 1601 is the Genesis itself, the 1602 is what you're looking for. ;) However, its specifications differ slightly from the Famicom adapter's. The plug is the same size, but the voltage differs (9V for Sega, 10V for Famicom) as well as the amperage (1.2 for Sega, 0.850 for Famicom). The safest bet is to find a Famicom adapter, but the Sega one might work for a while. Try it at your own risk!
No, but it literally uses a Famicom adapter, so any of the solutions that work with the Famicom (including the Genesis Model 1 adapter) will also work with the SuFami.
+Duke Xander M. Campilan Campilan Yes. In fact, the Super Famicom came with the exact same model HVC-002 power supply as the Famicom; Nintendo didn't make a new one for it. The only reason the SNES one is different from the NES is they switched it back to DC power, like the Famicom. If not for the plug size differences, it would work in a Famicom or Super Famicom just fine.
+That's Orange thanks, you helped out a lot... But I'm still a bit worried because the back of the Super Famicom says DC in and the back of the Famicom says AC adapter...Does this matter?
Sean thank you so much and its funny because it was until the other day I watched your video I stopped using a nes adapter with my super famicom I just hope I didn't do any damage to it. And I well be getting the right adapter for Thx again and can't wait for your episode about it
The early cutscenes in this video expesily Vinnk screeming "GAAAAAAAA"!!!!!!!! and the wire chewer ("HUH" or "WHA") is SO FUNNY. You should include thoose in more videos. Ignore the misspelled words.
Yup, we are. I think I just got the amps wrong when I tried conversion with the GameCube. As long as it's 10VDC, 850mA, it should be ok right.. *crosses fingers*
You're talking about it the other way around. DC power supplies shouldn't hurt a unit expecting AC power, such as an NES. (In fact, all power going into your house is already AC.) However, if you use the unconverted AC power in a Famicom, you WILL definitely fry it, no ifs ands or buts.
There is less of a problem using DC power on a device that expects AC power (such as Famicom adapter on an NES), but I still won't recommend it. Just because the NES doesn't burn out immediately doesn't mean it's doing some kind of damage over time.
Well, you're going to have bigger problems than the plug fitting, because Europe uses the PAL format, whereas Japan and North America use NTSC. -- even if you could make the plug fit, your TV isn't going to understand the radio signal. Unless, of course, you can find an NTSC television. But you'll need a step-down converter for that too.
Please can somebody help? I'm in the UK, I've just bought a Famicom. I don't understand all this Voltage AC DC output input stuff. Please can someone just tell me a specific product that I can buy which will be compatible and safe to use to convert my Famicom power? A link to a product would be very nice and greatly, greatly appreciated. I've looked all over and I just don't know what to buy! Also, would a UK Sega Genesis power lead work with a Famicom?
Monkey Man That's what I was hoping for, to get an answer from Orange dude. I've tried to look up the answers but I just get confused. I've seen forums explaining what I need, but it's unclear to me. I just wish someone could tell me, "This step down convertor is what you should buy, buy this one, it works fine and won't fry your famicom.. Link here." I know it seems lazy but I don't feel like I'm asking a lot. There must be people on the internet who have purchased the right step down convertor.
@Betamaster64 Left a reply on your channel! The short answer is that I wouldn't use that adapter: it'd be better if you can find a Sega Genesis Model 1 adapter. And if that means you need to get a whole Sega Genesis to do it, then hey you'll also have a Genesis now! ;)
