Retro shopping in Japan... Success!

Post by **Flak Beard** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:35 am

One thing I forgot to ask, will I need some kind of power converter to use the PC Engine back in the states? I've heard that it's ok since it's such a low power consuming machine, but I'd hate to damage the machine accidentally. Hopefully these converters can be gotten cheap?

Post by **gradualmeltdown** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:00 am

Advice for hunting :

To help with any language barrier when hunting print out pictures of the cover art front and back. Most spines have the publisher such as Capcom or SNK. Also some stores such as Super Potato have that sections are generally separated by hiragana such as a section with games that begin with "Sa" and "Chi" or "RA" Other have sections by genre such as shooter or racing.

The first time I went I spoke no Japanese and I was still able to find a heap of good stuff. Speaking a little basic Japanese can really open up what you will find. Often amazing games are right in front of you, but its all a huge mess until you can filter through it.

The Japanes Duo-R I have runs at 100-110 per the manual. If you can afford it why not get something to step it down from 120v to 100v

http://www.adaptelec.com/tj150d-stepdow ... f4a2e75833

Post by **D.D.D.** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 12:37 pm

Flak Beard wrote:One thing I forgot to ask, will I need some kind of power converter to use the PC Engine back in the states? I've heard that it's ok since it's such a low power consuming machine, but I'd hate to damage the machine accidentally. Hopefully these converters can be gotten cheap?

I've been using a power converter for years on all my import machines that didn't have the power source for 100~120 built-in.
Hopefully it's been the good thing to do but also, my friend never used a power converter for his Duo, SNES, or PS1 and they still work today. I still use my power converter just because I know electrically I should, that and paranoia.

Post by **marurun** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:04 am

Electrical service varies in both the US and Japan. In the US it can range from 110 to 120 volts, and in Japan from 100 to 110 volts, depending on where in the country you are. I didn't have any trouble with my American devices in Japan, and vice versa.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:44 am

I just played Harmful Park via ePSXe, and now I have to add another game to my list lol.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:30 pm

In regards to the map posted...

http://akiba.ascii24.com/akiba/news/200 ... 3.jpg.html

Can someone tell me where (or if) Super Potato is numbered on there? Also, what about Sofmap?

Post by **gradualmeltdown** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:24 pm

This map is more complete. That map only shows the very small tourist area of Akiba

http://ahtalk2007.ah.funpic.de/wbb-pic/ ... ba-Map.pdf

It is a little confusing but works ok. The gray number "1" is Super Potato as labeled in the map key. On the same block the number 4 in light blue. On this side of the block that leads back to the main street there is a second level shop that has a nice and cheap selection of stuff.

Here is another cool map for hunting.

http://akiba-ch.com/map/

A bit better organized. I recommend "Retro Game" from this map, very cool pile of wierd stuff on 2 floors. There is also another great shop literally 2 building from "retro Game" that is a bit cleaner and also is great. Visit both of these before Super Potato to compare price.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 10:07 am

BUMP... Spoils!

Website · Post by **Lodestar** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 4:16 pm

I want Doremi Fantasy....

Post by **metaleggman** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:34 pm

A friend of my sister's is an exchange student at UC Berkeley, so when she went back to Japan for Spring break, she bought me four Saturn games complete: Marvel Super Heroes Vs Street Fighter, Parodius (the talky one), Samurai Showdown 3, and Strikers 1942 II, all for 50 bucks. I believe she got them at a bookstore. She does't live near Tokyo mind you, yet she still found me some awesome games.