Modding vs. buying an import system

[saturnfan]

I know some people here on the forums are big into modding their systems to play imports, but I highly prefer just importing the system since it provides a hassle free way to play imports. I don't have to take my systems apart or fumble around with action relay menus, I just pop the disc or cart in and start playing. Having the system all so adds to my overall collection, so that is a plus too.

As for the modding, the only real advantage I see to it is that it saves a lot of space for those who have little to spare. And perhaps saving money too, I am not sure what the costs are involved in modifying a system. I can't imagine that it is to much though.

Thoughts?

[AppleQueso]

If you're the type who keeps all of their systems hooked up, modding provides a nice way to save a bit of space. It's often more cost effective than buying a new console as well, though that really depends sometimes.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I only have 2 systems that are set up to play Japanese games. One is a JVC X'Eye that I modded the cart portion of, and the other is a Japanese Saturn. I did use an Action Replay for playing Japanese Saturn games until I got the system. I didn't go out looking for one, but got it free. Can't beat that.

JY

[Breetai]

Some systems have region protection issues and are worth importing for that reason. For example, the Mega Drive, PC Engine, Saturn, DC, PS1, PS2, etc.

Some systems have no region protection, so there is absolutely no reason to import them other then collection purposes. The Super Famicom and N64 are good example of this (modding these systems to play imports, in the case of JP games on a North American system, is VERY minimal). Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, 3DO, Game Boy, Game Gear, PS3, etc. In the case of systems like a Neo Geo, I think it would be crazy to import one if you already have the domestic version. They look identical and play games from any region.

Personally, I like the Japanese systems because they look cool. Having a Famicom sitting next to an NES is a pretty cool thing.

[Hatta]

Generally adding a switch is cheaper than shipping a console from overseas.

Also, I don't have any personal connection to the japanese consoles. If I have a visitor over, they're probably not even going to notice a famicom since they don't recognize it. But see an NES and it's "Oh sweet, Nintendo!"

[gennss]

I have to jp systems. I use a boot disc on my dreamcast when I want to play a US game. But honestly, it feels the same either way.

As for the Saturn, it limits me on playing Arcade type games, and text heavy games become off limits. Ie: no rpg's, no resident evil.

[CRTGAMER]

For the PS2, a mod without the chip. HDAdvance and a Flip cover, play all regions in the hard drive. PAL games a little tricky, but games like ICO have a 60hz mode.

I wrote a Guide.

[Josh]

I unfortunately have NEVER imported, though I do want to get in the scene.

As for right now, I can see myself buying a freeloader to play imports, IE: The Action Replay on Gamecube. But if I had enough money, then I'd go ahead and buy a Japanese system. I'm just very hesitant about it since I play very text heavy games, and don't know a symbol of Japanese.

[noiseredux]

some systems just need import loaders. Like GameCube's Free Loader, or the PS2 equivalent.

[Breetai]

I unfortunately have NEVER imported, though I do want to get in the scene.

As for right now, I can see myself buying a freeloader to play imports, IE: The Action Replay on Gamecube. But if I had enough money, then I'd go ahead and buy a Japanese system. I'm just very hesitant about it since I play very text heavy games, and don't know a symbol of Japanese.

A lot of action games (racing, fighting, shoot 'em up, beat 'em up, platformers, etc.) use English in their menus. In fact, sometimes they are 100% English. The ones that aren't are usually pretty easy to figure out.

It might be worth it to get familiar with the "katakana" letters. There aren't so many. You can just print out a chart and match what you see on the screen to them. Katakana is pretty much just for foreign words (usually English when playing video games), so it's not bad at all.

Start= suta-to= スタート. Sound it out quickly: SU TA--- TO. It is "start" with a Japanese accent.