Would it be possible to make Japanese games play on an American system?

[Destroyer2000]

?? I once heard about this computer program that transfered and translated the data to where you wouldn't need to import a Japanese system to play it. Anyone know anything about it? I want to play the two Kenshin games.

[Vyse]

It depends on the system as to how, but yes, you can, but not translate.

[shooraijin]

I have an enabler CD for my Dreamcast that does this. You insert the enabler, let it boot the Dreamcast, and then it alters the operating system in software to allow you to boot any game at that point (not permanently -- you have to boot with the enabler for every non-US/Canada game you wish to run).

Some games intended for the PAL television standard (most of Europe) may not work properly with this approach, or might look funny, but since Japan is NTSC like the USA, this is not an issue.

[HeavensTek]

you'd have to hack your system and use a chip.....i did that on my PS1 awhile back....lemme copy/paste the FAQs on chipping....

PS2 MODS

What is a Mod or Mod Chip ?
When installed in your gaming system, a PS2 or XBox, a mod chip will allow you to play imported games as well as backups of your own games made on CD-R or DVD-R Media.

Can I have the PS2 chipped to play Import Games?
Some web sites sell chips or Mods for the PS2 but it is your decision. Mods will almost certainly invalid your Console Warranty, and it is illegal. As a Mod will also modify the reaction of the Console you may get incompatibilities and unusual reactions.

Is Modding illegal ?
A Chip is a device which circumvents copyright protection. The UK Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act deals with such devices as a civil offence.

Does Modding invalid your Console Warranty ?
Almost certainly yes.

Why would I need a mod chip to play imports and backups?
The PlayStation 2 checks the country code on the PS2 CD Roms / DVDs before it allows the game to start. If the country code on the disc does not match that of your PlayStation 2, it will not allow you to play the game. Similarly, the console checks to make sure you have inserted an original disc.

Does a Mod Chip work on all PlayStation 2 models?
There are chips that will work on all PlayStation 2 models but some will only work with certain versions of the PS2.

Why are there so many different kinds of mod chips?
As Sony continue to enhance their consoles so Mod chip developers meet the demand with new and more sophisticated chips.

Is it hard to install a Mod Chip?
To install a Mod Chip you need to know how to solder. The typical installation time quoted is 30-60 minutes - from unscrewing the first screw to putting the last screw back in. The installation requires you to solder from 4 to 23 wires to your PlayStation 2, depending on the version mod chip. In any event safety and competence with soldering and electrics will be necessary and some expert guidance.

Are there other solutions for playing my backups and imports?
Yes there are external Neo Keys and several other plug-n-play devices such as the combination of the Fliptop shell and the Swap Magic disc set.

Things you should check before you consider a Mod.
If you are still determined to Mod your Console you will need to find out what kind of PS2 Mod chips are compatible with your system. For this you will need to determine what version of PS2 you have . This is indicated on the information plate on the rear of the PS2 - detailing Model; Region (PAL/ NTSC); Serial and maybe Date.

here's some info on installation if you really feel construsctive....

http://www.expert-guides.com/library/ps2_install.asp?adid=40350

=)

[HeavensTek]

ooo....enabler ....even better idea....

here's one

http://www.success-hk.com/pp/item_detail.asp?itemID={AB292F51-523C-43F3-A768-CFF83BBA8C73}

[Destroyer2000]

O...k....thanks.

How much would it cost to import a Japanese PS and two games? Also, would I need to import like a power cord for it?

[Azier the Swordsman]

There is a disk for Gamecube called Freeloader that allows you to play any Gamecube game from around the world on your US system.

http://store.videogamecentral.com/gaimcofrwfor.html

[glitch1501]

my friend plays naruto 2 on his gc with the freeloader, it works

[Bobtheduck]

I didn't think dreamcast cared where the game came from... I played homebrewn dreamcast stuff all the time until I got distracted by my shiny new PS2... There are picture viewers, movie viewers, text readers, emulators, ports, and original games you can find on one website <snipped by the evil stuffed bear from mercury> Yeah, that's it. That one that I just typed, *looks around, runs out*

PS2, X-box, and the Cube require mods...

[shooraijin]

> I didn't think dreamcast cared where the game came from...

The DC does have, and does check, country codes. The homebrew stuff you're talking about had no country codes embedded in it (and not all DC systems can run them; I think systems manufactured after 10/2000 (?) have different firmware that checks for this and refuses to run these non-encoded titles).

EDIT: Here's how Dreamcast regions work (so-called "area symbols"). http://mc.pp.se/dc/ip0000.bin.html
Also see http://www.netbsd.org/Ports/dreamcast/faq.html#cd-r_bootable for which DCs will not boot CD-Rs (this might be just a hardware rather than area firmware issue with these late model DCs, now that I think about it).

> Also, would I need to import like a power cord for it?

Japanese power is (nominally) 100V. While it would probably work okay at USA voltages of 115~120V, this is asking to burn a power supply out early. I don't know the specs of the PS2's power supply subsystem, but if you're going to shell out the bucks and invest the time to import a Japanese unit, it would cost you around $30 to buy a step-down transformer, which is comparatively cheap insurance.

For my Japanese home computer collection, I have a unit I bought at Fry's that's a two-way JP<->USA power converter box. Set the switch in the back to what your input voltage is (in Japan, set it to 100V; if you're using it States-side, set it to 117), and on the front is a plug with a 100V line and a plug with a 117V line. Your Nihon no PS2 should be connected to the 100V line. I think it was $29.

The unit I own is particularly nice in that it's fuse-protected to boot, although as OldPhil and I can attest when we blew the fuse out demonstrating one of my Japanese computers at a vintage computing festival, the fuses are a little tricky to find. Still, replacing a relatively uncommon fuse beats replacing a very rare box.

[TheMelodyMaker]

Many years ago, before Super Mario Bros. 3 was released for the North American NES, my cousins somehow managed to get a hold of the Japanese version of it; and it worked perfectly fine except that after a while it started to get hot. I never really understood why until I took my electronics course; apparently the circuitry inside the Japanese cartridge was designed to run only on 50 Hz (100V) power, but the NA NES runs on 60 Hz (120V). When the resistors do their work to limit that extra voltage, it is converted to heat.

Therefore, in the case of cartridge-based games, I'd say it can be done -- even if a little risky. ^_^

[shooraijin]

That's why I use a step down transformer with my systems (see my post *elbows*).

[Mr_Anderson]

i no nothing about these chips:eh:, but i have heard its possible.