NES/Famicom Appreciation Thread

so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...

In the case of the Famicom. Better sound for certain games. More competitively priced games in a lot of instances
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...

A mix of the following:

The biggest is to play games not released outside of Japan, back in the old days its quite common for games to not get released outside of Japan.

Play games uncensored - Games tended to get censored in Europe and I rather play the uncensored version if possible. Its mainly just little changes here and there but it makes the difference to me.

Not bothered about story, unless its an RPG where I always try and get a translated/US release since those are text heavy. Otherwise most games only have a couple of lines of text if that and even then its unimportant.

The other major factor is collecting. For the Famicom I much prefer the boxes and carts to Euro versions. They are far smaller which makes it way easier to store games, they get much better box art that looks far better (and often actually resembling the game its based on) and the manuals are often in full colour and illustrated really nicely, again unlike Euro games of the time.
 
Ettie said:
So, I happen to have a loose copy of Metal Storm, paid 5 bucks for it many years ago. (About 2000)

What on earth has happened to the price on this thing? $125 for a loose copy? Is the whole market going up like this? I had read that Metal Storm was unlikely to return because of licensing and code loss, maybe on GAF in fact, but that price seems outta control.

If this keeps up I'll be able to trade it for a car in another 5 years.
Click to expand...
Yep, many are like that. Doesn't often matter if its a good game, either. Lots of late cycle junky games are expensive because they just didn't sell as many copies.

BTW, I will gladly play $15 for your Metal Storm. Think about it -- it's TRIPLE your investment...!!!
 
AlexSA2 said:
Not to get too off topic but Stimpy's Invention on the Genesis is a very good platformer. A little easy but if you're even a slight fan of the show you should check it out. If you just like platformers you should still check it out. It's one of the very few co-op platformers too that's not simply taking turns.
Click to expand...

I'd second this, though all the Nintendo/Super Nintendo ones suck. Quest for the Shaven Yak on Game Gear isn't bad either.
 
Ugh, my 72 pin connector has been acting up again. Stock connector, recently removed it and fully cleaned it (bizarre boiling method) and it worked great for a while but has been getting iffy again. Last time the pins were visibly bent out of a straight line, but I wanted to avoid bending if I could help it, though I think I may have no choice now. Honestly, it is impressive that my NES works as well as it does for being 26 years old. Wasn't even that much dust in the case when I opened it.
 
Shadow Hog said:
I wasn't aware Return of the Joker was a $40 game, for instance.

Kick Master was $60 last I checked, and Shatterhand is around $30-40, too.

Also, today I learned Captain America and the Avengers on the NES is completely different from the arcade game ports the Genesis and SNES got. It actually looks kinda fun?
Click to expand...

I wonder what happened with Swordmaster? I literally watched that game explode in price. 15 dollar copy of the game, I say I'll get it later, and then Boom.


I think everyone that has classic games runs into a surprise value at least once. Mine was Bubble Bobble 2.
 
v1perz53 said:
Ugh, my 72 pin connector has been acting up again. Stock connector, recently removed it and fully cleaned it (bizarre boiling method) and it worked great for a while but has been getting iffy again. Last time the pins were visibly bent out of a straight line, but I wanted to avoid bending if I could help it, though I think I may have no choice now. Honestly, it is impressive that my NES works as well as it does for being 26 years old. Wasn't even that much dust in the case when I opened it.
Click to expand...
If blinking light win is A Real Thing That Will Actually Be Released consider getting that. If it fulfills its promise, it sounds like it will be a permanent solution.
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...

Mostly to play games unreleased in the states and to work on my Japanese. I also just love the look of the og Famicom and the Disk System. I don't like playing games on emulator so I always go with physical hardware when I can.
 
Huggers said:
Top loader/AV Famicom is your friend
Click to expand...

Timu said:
This, the original is a pain when it comes to pin connectors!!!
Click to expand...

Oh definitely, I eventually want to get an RGB modded toploader, but right now finances aren't infinite so I'd rather put the money towards filling out my game collection (trying to re-buy all the games I had as a kid that have gone missing/were sold). Cheap top loaders are still going for $100+ on ebay. Keep checking craigslist hoping for a good pickup. Check flea markets and such too but around here even those generally know the cost of retro stuff pretty well.
 
Teknoman said:
I wonder what happened with Swordmaster? I literally watched that game explode in price. 15 dollar copy of the game, I say I'll get it later, and then Boom.


I think everyone that has classic games runs into a surprise value at least once. Mine was Bubble Bobble 2.
Click to expand...
I still feel bad that I passed up a $50 CIB Shining Force CD because I didn't have a Sega CD at the time. Game has since ballooned in value considerably.

But hey, at least a fellow GAF member sold me a disc-only copy (and copy of Game & Watch Gallery) for $40. Better than nothin'.
 
Teknoman said:
I think everyone that has classic games runs into a surprise value at least once. Mine was Bubble Bobble 2.
Click to expand...

Mine was definitely Tengen Tetris. As a kid I was always annoyed that I had the bootleg Tetris in the weird black cartridge, only to learn recently that because it was fake and the story behind it meant it was actually rare and worth a good bit.

Funny story, my parents actually stole it from the video store. They preferred it to the official Tetris, and the video store was the only place they could find the tengen version. So they rented it and said they lost it, paid in full and thats the copy I have today.
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...
The AV Famicom is superior to the US version, I prefer the varied cart colors with Famicom games as opposed to nearly all games being the same gray color, I can read or at least fumble through most any non-RPG game in Japanese, and there were a lot of interesting games released only in Japan. And yeah, the collectibility is nice!
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...

The AV Famicom has expansion audio support along with composite video output as opposed to RF only for the American Top Loader. It's the best version of the NES that exists (not including the Fami Titler) which is why so many people here own and love it.

Personally, I also love the look of Famicom carts and the rainbow of colors they come in.
 
v1perz53 said:
Mine was definitely Tengen Tetris. As a kid I was always annoyed that I had the bootleg Tetris in the weird black cartridge, only to learn recently that because it was fake and the story behind it meant it was actually rare and worth a good bit.

Funny story, my parents actually stole it from the video store. They preferred it to the official Tetris, and the video store was the only place they could find the tengen version. So they rented it and said they lost it, paid in full and thats the copy I have today.
Click to expand...

I was surprised to find it about 4 years back at a flea market. I saw it on the counter and asked for a price, expecting to hear something over $100 or something crazy.. "$25" is what they told me. I paid and told my friend let's get the hell out of here before they realize what they've done. *lol*
 
RoryDropkick said:
I was surprised to find it about 4 years back at a flea market. I saw it on the counter and asked for a price, expecting to hear something over $100 or something crazy.. "$25" is what they told me. I paid and told my friend let's get the hell out of here before they realize what they've done. *lol*
Click to expand...

Oh my. That sinking feeling when you find out how much they are worth now and remember you had like 4 of them just sitting around for years that are now lost to time. :c
 
Before RGB mods, AV Famicom was simply the best stock Famicom/NES console released.

Good quality composite through the SNES multi-out, top loading, and with a very simple adapter basically 100% compatible with all Famicom/NES carts worldwide, including Famicom Disk System and expansion audio. In 20 years of use I've found one game that didn't work (plus the unavoidable PAL speed issues).

It has NES controller ports and a Famicom controller port, so is compatible with all controllers worldwide.

With the advent of RGB and other mods, the field has been evened somewhat, but it remains at the top due to the controller compatibility.

Personally OG Famicom is my favourite. But AV Fami is the actual objective best NES.
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...

Personally, it's a system by system basis. I specifically look for what I think is the best version of a specific piece of hardware. In the case of the AV famicom, I get extra audio channels for Castlevania without any hassle. All my NES games play through a converter.

For the SNES, I went USA since I can modify it easily and play both Japanese and USA carts, and easily figure out a mother board version that gives the best video.

In the case of the PC Engine, I went Japanese because the games are affordable, the Duo R doesn't have capacitor issues, and it will still play USA discs without modification.

And so on. It's usually more about functionality for me and less about visual design.
 
D.Lo said:
Before RGB mods, AV Famicom was simply the best stock Famicom/NES console released.

Good quality composite through the SNES multi-out, top loading, and with a very simple adapter basically 100% compatible with all Famicom/NES carts worldwide, including Famicom Disk System and expansion audio. In 20 years of use I've found one game that didn't work (plus the unavoidable PAL speed issues).

It has NES controller ports and a Famicom controller port, so is compatible with all controllers worldwide.

With the advent of RGB and other mods, the field has been evened somewhat, but it remains at the top due to the controller compatibility.

Personally OG Famicom is my favourite. But AV Fami is the actual objective best NES.
Click to expand...

What about this?

DSC02341-Yamafuda-796x600.jpg


Also.. goddamn guys... I just searched Google images for "Titler" again to find an image to respond to this post... and again... I see drawings of Hitler with tits drawn on him, and tits with Hitlers drawn on them. I'll never learn :-(
 
Shadow Hog said:
I still feel bad that I passed up a $50 CIB Shining Force CD because I didn't have a Sega CD at the time. Game has since ballooned in value considerably.

But hey, at least a fellow GAF member sold me a disc-only copy (and copy of Game & Watch Gallery) for $40. Better than nothin'.
Click to expand...

Heh...well at least you dont have to live with the fact of seeing a stack of brand new Shining Force CD copies in a dollar store, at 1 dollar each (legit too, right into the little display case where they kept light up yo yos and lasers since yo yos were back in at the time), only having bought one. Just got into emulators, figured out how to play it on my PC, and was pretty proud at that.

lol I still cant believe how lame of a decision younger me made. I think I sold it long ago in the first BST thread on GAF for like 50 bucks too. I should have just asked my parents for 50 bucks and made out like it could have been an investment.
 
Teknoman said:
I wonder what happened with Swordmaster? I literally watched that game explode in price. 15 dollar copy of the game, I say I'll get it later, and then Boom.


I think everyone that has classic games runs into a surprise value at least once. Mine was Bubble Bobble 2.
Click to expand...

I have an opposite story. In my recently rediscovered NES obsession I've been all over ebay, and a few days ago I see a copy of Battletoads/Double Dragon (the cross-over game) sold for about $70. I remembered that I own it ... but then I remembered that I've just gone through and cataloged my collection and didn't see it. I also remember thinking the game kind of sucked, but I don't specifically remember selling it. Yet I must have done so. I don't think I've sold a single NES game since I started collecting more than 15 years ago -- except that one. I'm sure I got it cheap and I'm sure I must have sold it cheap. If it had it now, it would be the single most valuable game in my modest collection.

I could just fucking kick myself.
 
Peltz said:
What about this?

DSC02341-Yamafuda-796x600.jpg


Also.. goddamn guys... I just searched Google images for "Titler" again to find an image to respond to this post... and again... I see drawings of Hitler with tits drawn on him, and tits with Hitlers drawn on them. I'll never learn :-(
Click to expand...

It's got rgb with modification (it's only svid out of the box), but I'm not sure if it's really FD compatible? I think that's important for a lot of collectors. I guess there's no reason it wouldn't work physically, but I dunno where you would position the drive. I would also be curious if it has the same filtered audio issues as the Sharp Twin units.

Plus short connected pads and holy god the price.
 
Well, not counting rare insanely expensive 3rd party produced curiosities I guess.

Titler is huge and looks like a Fax Machine. I have seen one in person, at Mandrake. Stock unit does do s-video, but it is not compatible with NES controllers. Stock AV Fami wins over stock Titler in everything except s-video output unless you want to make business videos in 1989.

For a while, including mods, Titler was the clear winner because it was the only RGB moddable NES, but that time is over. Now it's just a massively expensive 80s curiosity.

sixteen-bit said:
Famicom Titler is such a nice collector's piece.

How is the RGB out? Same as the Playchoice color palette?
Click to expand...
No it's a much more 'normal' palate. It doesn't have RGB out, it just has a PPU that generates RGB so can be modded for RGB without major surgery like normal NES models.
 
D.Lo said:
Well, not counting rare insanely expensive 3rd party produced curiosities I guess.

Titler is huge and looks like a Fax Machine. I have seen one in person, at Mandrake. Stock unit does do s-video, but it is not compatible with NES controllers. Stock AV Fami wins over stock Titler in everything except s-video output unless you want to make business videos in 1989.

For a while, including mods, Titler was the clear winner because it was the only RGB moddable NES, but that time is over. Now it's just a massively expensive 80s curiosity.


No it's a much more 'normal' palate. It doesn't have RGB out, it just has a PPU that generates RGB so can be modded for RGB without major surgery like normal NES models.
Click to expand...

According to Magweasel, the rgb is incompatible with some games.

http://magweasel.com/2013/04/26/getting-the-most-out-of-your-famicom-titler/

Sounds like it is entirely a Sharp inhouse chip?
 
Peltz said:
What about this?

DSC02341-Yamafuda-796x600.jpg


Also.. goddamn guys... I just searched Google images for "Titler" again to find an image to respond to this post... and again... I see drawings of Hitler with tits drawn on him, and tits with Hitlers drawn on them. I'll never learn :-(
Click to expand...

Looks like a fax machine/NES hybrid.
 
redhairedking said:
They want $160. Some that come with just cables and a controller are going for around $125. I may go for it.

edit: I was only checking Amazon and prices are much, much better on ebay.
Click to expand...

That sounds pretty high. Try Yahoo Auctions Japan too, if you can. In a lot of cases you're ordering from Japan anyways. Prices will be lower, but you might have to pay a fee if you have to use a buying service. Heck, if you've got a buddy in Japan, it's definitely the way to go.
 
Chitown B said:
so those of you who buy the Japanese versions of consoles: why?

Is it just to play games that weren't released here?

To play games with different text (but then it would be Japanese - so do you learn Japanese? or just don't know what any character is ever saying and miss story?)

Or is it just for the physical items, to collect them?
Click to expand...
It seems odd to ask this question in the NES / Famicom thread of all places. NES and Famicom are almost like two different machines.

-different games that never came here (hundreds of them)
-variations of games that did come here... Some with superior sound and visual enhancements
-completely different designs and paradigms for how the machines work and the carts look
-different accessories

And it's not an either/or thing. I collect for NES and Famicom. Actually at this point, it seems really strange to collect NES and not get into the Famicom. It's part 2 of the world of NES (or is that part 1?)
 
The only thing that sucks about Famicom games is how hard it is to change their batteries if they have a save function. I want Kirby so bad in that awesome pink cart... But I'd probably destroy it getting in there to put in a new battery!
 
Mercutio said:
That sounds pretty high. Try Yahoo Auctions Japan too, if you can. In a lot of cases you're ordering from Japan anyways. Prices will be lower, but you might have to pay a fee if you have to use a buying service. Heck, if you've got a buddy in Japan, it's definitely the way to go.
Click to expand...

Yeah I found a system in great condition on ebay with two controllers, all cables, and 5 games for like $125 including shipping. So much better than the Amazon prices. I don't know anyone in Japan and don't really want to deal with a forwarding service, so ebay may be the way to go for me.
 
Mercutio said:
According to Magweasel, the rgb is incompatible with some games.

http://magweasel.com/2013/04/26/getting-the-most-out-of-your-famicom-titler/

Sounds like it is entirely a Sharp inhouse chip?
Click to expand...
Indeed it was Sharp developed.
The same chip was in the Fami/TV combo I believe, and it actually used native RGB in that case.

BocoDragon said:
It seems odd to ask this question in the NES / Famicom thread of all places. NES and Famicom are almost like two different machines.

-different games that never came here (hundreds of them)
-variations of games that did come here... Some with superior sound and visual enhancements
-completely different designs and paradigms for how the machines work and the carts look
-different accessories

And it's not an either/or thing. I collect for NES and Famicom. Actually at this point, it seems really strange to collect NES and not get into the Famicom. It's part 2 of the world of NES (or is that part 1?)
Click to expand...
All true. I love me some NES as well.
 
BocoDragon said:
It seems odd to ask this question in the NES / Famicom thread of all places. NES and Famicom are almost like two different machines.

-different games that never came here (hundreds of them)
-variations of games that did come here... Some with superior sound and visual enhancements
-completely different designs and paradigms for how the machines work and the carts look
-different accessories

And it's not an either/or thing. I collect for NES and Famicom. Actually at this point, it seems really strange to collect NES and not get into the Famicom. It's part 2 of the world of NES (or is that part 1?)
Click to expand...

1lMJa.gif
 
JLynn said:
Guys, what is your opinion of the Twin Famicom?
Click to expand...

There are two versions. The second has longer controller cables and looks a little different. Both will probably need a belt replacement. Both, to my knowledge, also need a modification to the sound circuitry... there's a funky filter in there that makes the system sound not as good as a regular Famicom or AV Famicom.
 
Mercutio said:
Yes, that was the actual price on a really nice (open) Tron Bonne. Alas, it is already sold.
Click to expand...
The company who runs the comic convention in Winnipeg does these little mini conventions periodically through the year, and they did their pop culture one last weekend when I was there. There was some dude who had a huge table of games and he wanted $350 CAD for Tron Bonne. I think tears welled up in my eyes.

He also wanted $110 for Turtles in Time and $90 for Super Castlevania IV and a bunch of other outrageous prices ($175 for a piss yellow OG Famicom with like 6 common games). I can't imagine he sells many at those prices? I hope.
 
Lambtron said:
The company who runs the comic convention in Winnipeg does these little mini conventions periodically through the year, and they did their pop culture one last weekend when I was there. There was some dude who had a huge table of games and he wanted $350 CAD for Tron Bonne. I think tears welled up in my eyes.

He also wanted $110 for Turtles in Time and $90 for Super Castlevania IV and a bunch of other outrageous prices ($175 for a piss yellow OG Famicom with like 6 common games). I can't imagine he sells many at those prices? I hope.
Click to expand...

Those are the dumbest prices I've ever heard. Nobody's going to buy. But I guess he doesn't have to sell as many if he sells only one at inflated prices? I actually bought a bunch of Turtles stuff at GCG... Hyperstone Heist was $50, Turtles in Time was $40.
 
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