Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

[Opa Opa]

Polarity also matters as well or you could mess up your voltage regulator. Usually there is a range, but you don't want to try to max it out. Sometimes running with more than the typical voltage, even though it can handle it, makes it run extremely hot.

I've never had it get hot to be honest. Of course I don't play longer than a few hours at a time. I'll be sure to keep a watch on it.

[CRTGAMER]

Broken NES Adapter-
Input-AC 120V...60 Hz...17 W
Output-AC 9V...1.3A

Sega Gen Adapter-
Input-120V...60 Hz...35 W
Output-9V...DC 1.2A
---
The input wattage difference is twice that the nes would normally get. Do you think that's safe?

Looks like you have the right one, note that NES has the unique AC output. You can also use DC as long as it doesn't exceed 9 volts and has enough milli amps or at least 1 amp.

Hobie's Adaptor Guide

NES Model 1 US
9v AC, 1.3A
Note this is AC. The NES steps the power to 5v DC internally and pretty much any 5-9v DC with a plug that fits will work as long as it provides enough amperage. This is why you should never use an official NES power brick with anything else as it will fry, but a Genesis brick will work fine on a NES.

[Hatta]

It's the output that matters because that's what's going into the console. The voltages match (9V) and the amperages are almost identical. In fact the Genesis one is slightly lower so it will not overload the NES for sure.

It's the output voltage that matters. The output amperage is actually the maximum for the AC adaptor. The actual output will depend on the load. (Remember V=IR)

[Opa Opa]

@crt
Thanks.

[CRTGAMER]

@crt
Thanks.

Anytime. Actually Hobie gets the credit, a great guide!

[Opa Opa]

Anytime. Actually Hobie gets the credit, a great guide!

Well, thanks to Hobie as well.

[Hobie-wan]

Anytime. Actually Hobie gets the credit, a great guide!

Well, thanks to Hobie as well.

NP. The Genesis adapter might be working a little harder to provide the extra 0.1 amp, but it should be ok as long as you're not playing for 12 hours at a time in a hot stuffy room.

When using a replacement adapter, the voltage and polarity need to match, but if the amperage is the same or higher on the brick it's fine. The device will only pull as many amps as it needs. The brick will waste a bit more power, but it won't hurt the device if it's over.

[bacteria]

All the 9v AC on the NES does is get converted into DC (on the video board) and fed to a 7805 to convert it into 5v DC. The NES actually runs off 5v DC.

That means you can easily just power your console just by wiring 7+ volts DC into the 7805 directly. The only thing about this though is the reset and on/off buttons then won't work, although of course isn't hard to wire them to the DC input voltage to do the same thing.

[Hatta]

If you do that, replace the power jack with something that won't fit the original.

[bacteria]

Yes, good idea - can be any male/female 2 connection plugs.