Power convertor for Japanese consoles in US.

[TooBeaucoup]

Just curious what people are using to play import systems in the US. I have a Japanese Playstation that's been sitting around for a while, no real reason to hook it up ever, but I recently ran into a nice white Saturn as well which I think are really cool looking. Just curious what kind of adapters any of you all with import systems use for AC power. Trying not to blow my sh/t up. LOL!

[FinalBaton]

Personally what I'd use is the Powerbright VC100J. It's cheap and super solid, does what it's supposed to do and at a 100w handling capacity, it should handle quite a few consoles. You could always go with the 300w or 500w units I guess if you think you might run out of headroom (but I think consoles only draw a few watts). Not sure if powerbricks would phisically fit that socket well tho but you could pair it with a good 100v power bar (you'd need to for multiple JP consoles anyway, since it's only got one socket. But this unit is good at where it counts).

This is what I use for my JDM turntable and I'm super happy with it. great build quality for the price it seems. you can buy these for $30 USD.

https://www.powerbright.com/product/vc100j

[Austin]

This is what I use for my JDM turntable and I'm super happy with it. great build quality for the price it seems. you can buy these for $30 USD.

https://www.powerbright.com/product/vc100j

Good tip, I may grab one of these. Thanks!

[TooBeaucoup]

Personally what I'd use is the Powerbright VC100J. It's cheap and super solid, does what it's supposed to do and at a 100w handling capacity, it should handle quite a few consoles. You could always go with the 300w or 500w units I guess if you think you might run out of headroom (but I think consoles only draw a few watts). Not sure if powerbricks would phisically fit that socket well tho but you could pair it with a good 100v power bar (you'd need to for multiple JP consoles anyway, since it's only got one socket. But this unit is good at where it counts).

This is what I use for my JDM turntable and I'm super happy with it. great build quality for the price it seems. you can buy these for $30 USD.

https://www.powerbright.com/product/vc100j

Thanks for the suggestion. Amazon Prime has that unit for $19.99 right now. I think I'll grab it. Looks like the Saturn draws 12 watts and the PS1 17 Watts, according to the back of each console.

[Taiyaki]

I think might depend on the console but generally I just swap the PSU for an American system PSU, but you have to check that they are compatible. For example the Super Famicom actually would use an American NES PSU if I remember well (please verify before trying) as an example. This may not always work though.

I used to use power converters but they run hot and eventually die.

[thebigcheese]

I'd double check that they aren't already compatible first. At least these days most systems will take anywhere from 110 - 220 v specifically (I think) to accommodate the Japanese power grid, but they often use the same plug as in the US and that voltage range is already compatible.

[ApolloBoy]

For example the Super Famicom actually would use an American NES PSU if I remember well (please verify before trying) as an example.

Don't use an NES PSU on a Super Famicom unless you want to blow a fuse.

Also don't the PSX and Saturn use the exact same power supply boards across North America and Japan, right down to the same components? IIRC literally the only difference is that the Japanese systems use non-polarized plugs whereas the North American models use polarized ones.

[fernan1234]

I'd say you don't need any stepdown converters for virtually all systems. For several years in the US I've used the following internal PSU or voltage regulator rated for 100V Japanese systems without a single issue of any kind: Super Famicom, N64, Mega Drive, Saturn, DC, PS1, PS2, PS3, PCE, PC-FX.

The only system that ever gave me problems was an original Famicom overheating, and that only when used with a NESRGB+RAM Adapter. Using a switching power supply at 9V or 7.5V solved that problem.

edit: it is true that this may shorten the lifespan of some systems, especially the older and more fragile ones.

[FinalBaton]

Your systems will work just fine indeed, but there's no denying that feeding them 20% more voltage than they expect will put a heavier strain on them and will shorten their lifespan some

[bigbadboaz]

Yeah, I never understood "plugged it in and it works just fine" as the only necessary answer. There's clearly more to consider with sophisticated electronic equipment.