cartridgekid
Newbie
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 20
Location:
PSN: The_Ghost_Dog_69
|
Post by cartridgekid on Feb 5, 2015 20:20:59 GMT
I current own a model 1 PAL Saturn that I've had since launch with about 25 games and I'm looking to expand into NTSC Japanese titles. Question is, how do I best go about it?
I've narrowed it down to two options;
1. I purchase a Japanese Saturn console.
2. I purchase a model 2 Saturn console, fit a 50/60hz switch (I'll do this myself) and use the Action Replay 4-in-1 cart (I want to get one of these anyway, as I don't have a memory cart at present).
I'm edging towards option 2, as I can simply use one single console for both PAL and NTSC games, but any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by buckoa51 on Feb 5, 2015 20:48:33 GMT
Use a region free BIOS or switchless region mod rather than the Action Replay cart and you will have 100% compatibility.
A true NTSC Saturn does have some advantages, such as clean sync output (only really needed on some video processors) and a proper, on-spec 60hz output (a PAL console in 60hz mode can trip up some HDTVs with its strange refresh rate, yes that applies if you're using a scaler too).
|
|
cartridgekid
Newbie
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 20
Location:
PSN: The_Ghost_Dog_69
|
Post by cartridgekid on Feb 5, 2015 20:57:59 GMT
Thanks for the advice, I was not aware of any issues with HDTVs. The switchless region mod seems a bit beyond me, so I'm not sure on that one.
|
|
|
Post by gamesbluetiger on Feb 6, 2015 10:55:31 GMT
The switchless mod is definateley the way to go Buckoa51 has a site that offers this mod for a very reasonable cost. There is a bit of a waiting time for this at the moment but it is worth the wait. Here is the link to his site. www.videogameperfection.com/
|
|
|
Post by Antman on Feb 6, 2015 13:42:55 GMT
Buy a japanese saturn and an rgb cable.
|
|
|
Post by zyrobs on Feb 6, 2015 15:20:25 GMT
If you have a launch model, then it should be the one using a DIP bios chip. Those are easier to replace so you could install a region free bios - which is way more helpful than the switchless mod. And also those models should have the SW4 switch location on the motherboard, making it extremely easy to install a 50/60 switch as well. Those two will get your Saturn running all titles, plus you'll have the cart slot free, and you can use the high quality official PAL RGB cables.
But if you have no DIY skills then you might want to just buy a Japanese Saturn and a third party rgb cable that works on NTSC machines.
|
|
sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 2,660
Location:
|
Post by sych on Feb 6, 2015 15:47:44 GMT
I'd go with the option 2 but get a switchless mod with region & 50/60hz. The Action replay 4in1 is still worth getting too as it will add longevity to all your games.
|
|
cartridgekid
Newbie
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 20
Location:
PSN: The_Ghost_Dog_69
|
Post by cartridgekid on Feb 7, 2015 20:19:39 GMT
Thanks guys, lots to think about there. I've now got my eye on a Japanese Saturn with a few games. Can anyone recommend a suitable stepdown convertor (that doesn't blow up) and a decent RGB cable?
|
|
sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 2,660
Location:
|
Post by sych on Feb 8, 2015 1:29:28 GMT
Well depending where you buy your Japanese Saturn, the Jap power board can always be swappped for a PAL/UK one for usually an additional £15/£20 so if you really don't want a stepdown transformer then that's another option for you. My White Japanese Saturn currently runs with a UK Powerboard and its been fine for the past 3 years.
|
|
cartridgekid
Newbie
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 20
Location:
PSN: The_Ghost_Dog_69
|
Post by cartridgekid on Feb 23, 2015 22:23:28 GMT
After a few unsuccessful attempts (i.e. outbid with seconds to go or unwilling to deliver to Jersey) at purchasing a Japanese Saturn, I've managed to bag a model 2 with a multi-region mod and 50/60Hz switch, as-well-as some handy extras (a much needed pair of model 2 pads, 3d pad, back-up cart and a few games to boot). It should arrive within the next few days, so I'll finally post some pics of my collection in the relevant thread.
I will probably still like to get hold of a white Japanese Saturn one day. They're just too damn sexy to resist.
|
|
NeoGeoNinja
Shadow Warrior
Joined: August 2011
Posts: 6,616
Location:
|
Post by NeoGeoNinja on Feb 23, 2015 22:32:14 GMT
I will probably still like to get hold of a white Japanese Saturn one day. They're just too damn sexy to resist. They also turn yellow over an undisclosed time period. Bye!
|
|
cartridgekid
Newbie
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 20
Location:
PSN: The_Ghost_Dog_69
|
Post by cartridgekid on Feb 24, 2015 14:46:50 GMT
I will probably still like to get hold of a white Japanese Saturn one day. They're just too damn sexy to resist. They also turn yellow over an undisclosed time period. Bye! Aye, they do. But that undisclosed time will be one of much love and admiration. ...plus, I would probably keep it vacuum sealed in the original box, only to be examined and admired (while wearing gloves) once every year.
|
|
clockwise
Saturn Player
Joined: February 2015
Posts: 123
Location:
|
Post by clockwise on Feb 24, 2015 18:56:56 GMT
There are certain chemicals you can use to remove the "yellowness" of such consoles. So should be fine!
|
|
NeoGeoNinja
Shadow Warrior
Joined: August 2011
Posts: 6,616
Location:
|
Post by NeoGeoNinja on Feb 24, 2015 19:41:27 GMT
There are certain chemicals you can use to remove the "yellowness" of such consoles. So should be fine! It's not a 'permanent' solution though. Unfortunately
|
|