Buying an import Dreamcast console

[Onyxthecat]

Ok so I already have a dreamcast and I know it will play copies of import games no prob. But I'm interested in building a nice DC library of US and JP games. I already have a good start for US games and have about 15 back ups of imports. I'm on vacation for another 9 days so I havent gotten to play any yet so heres the thing. I really want to dl the games, see if I like them, then BUY the actual copy. I know I can use a boot disc or a mod chip but really, I wanna put a game in and have it load and play it, no extra shiz. Plus I suck with a soldering iron to do the mod chip and I don't wanna fry my DC or another for this. Is buying a JP Dreamcast worth it or should I really go the mod chip route and hope for the best? Thanks

[brunoafh]

Japanese Dreamcasts aren't usually too expensive, you can probably find one on eBay for under $200. Finding a modchip may be tough, I'm not sure of any reliable sources to get one or how much they are. Installing it would probably be easy, it would be the most hassle free once installed, and it would be cheaper than buying a new Dreamcast. There is also the Utopia Boot Disc, which is a simple program you can burn onto a CD-R and it will enable you to boot imports, but I hear it isn't the most reliable and doesn't work with some games. It's worked for me with the few games I've tried it with though. Lastly, you can check here for a pretty interesting option. Apparently if you do a bit of wiring in your Dreamcast, you can change the region at will via disc.

[Onyxthecat]

Holy hell! Now that is awesome and $$ saving! I think that may be the best option as I don't feel like spending over $150 for a JP Dreamcast. Thanks so much for that link brunoafh, I'll be posting in the future when I do this.

Also the link in the post to the region changing program didn't work for me.

[Reprise]

Yeah brunoafh is right about the Utopia boot disc. I'll be honest, it sucks and I don't understand why it's the most renowned and recommended boot disc. Yes, it boots copied games, but that's pretty redundant now that 99% of rips are self-boot. The Utopia boot disc won't boot a lot of the imports I have. Personally, I find the Codebreakers cheat disc to be fantastic at loading imports. I've had no problems what so ever. In addition it even lets you boot mult-disc games such as D2 when you are informed to insert the next disc (multi-disc games don't work with Utopia when changing discs, with the exception of games like Shenmue that ask you to save your game prior to changing discs).

Anyways, enjoy your Dreamcast once you get it

[jinn]

I got some DC chips. http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=23751

The region changer works great. I have Changes a NTSC-U to PAL60. If you have any question on how to do this let me know. FYI if you change to JPN and want to play a USA game you have to change the DC back to USA.

[s1mplehumar]

PM incoming.

[brunoafh]

The region changer works great.

You've tried that method? Good to hear from someone that it does work. I may give it a go myself.

Also the link in the post to the region changing program didn't work for me.

Hmm, I'm not sure why. I just tried it and it worked for me.

[Onyxthecat]

I got some DC chips. http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=23751

The region changer works great. I have Changes a NTSC-U to PAL60. If you have any question on how to do this let me know. FYI if you change to JPN and want to play a USA game you have to change the DC back to USA.

Cool I'll let you know in a week or two if im interested in a chip or mod service since that seems to be not a bad deal

[jinn]

I got some DC chips. http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=23751

The region changer works great. I have Changes a NTSC-U to PAL60. If you have any question on how to do this let me know. FYI if you change to JPN and want to play a USA game you have to change the DC back to USA.

Cool I'll let you know in a week or two if im interested in a chip or mod service since that seems to be not a bad deal

Would you like me to put one on hold for you. This will be my last batch of DC chips and will not be restocking them again.

[Onyxthecat]

Japanese Dreamcasts aren't usually too expensive, you can probably find one on eBay for under $200. Finding a modchip may be tough, I'm not sure of any reliable sources to get one or how much they are. Installing it would probably be easy, it would be the most hassle free once installed, and it would be cheaper than buying a new Dreamcast. There is also the Utopia Boot Disc, which is a simple program you can burn onto a CD-R and it will enable you to boot imports, but I hear it isn't the most reliable and doesn't work with some games. It's worked for me with the few games I've tried it with though. Lastly, you can check here for a pretty interesting option. Apparently if you do a bit of wiring in your Dreamcast, you can change the region at will via disc.

Just a thought, the link says to solder a "wire" to the points on the motherboard. What kind of wire? Any kind? Does it even matter as long as theres a solid connection between the two points?