Original FamiCom or A/V FamiCom?

[NightSprinter]

Which would be the better option to go for? I have an NES already, but would like to play some of the FC-exclusive titles, as well as make use of some accessories exclusive to the system (such as the daisy-chained pair of Arkanoid controllers for a VS game of Arkanoid II, or the DiskSystem). I know of one online store that has an New Famicom for cheap loose, and found an eBay auction with an original FC modded for stereo A/V output for twenty-five bucks.

[spacecadet]

Depending on how "cheap" cheap is, I'd go for the Famicom A/V. These are pretty rare, even in Japan. (They're not worth as much there as they are here, but you're lucky to find one for less than 6000 yen or so, even used.)

 

I personally think the original Famicom is cooler but it's dirt common. When I was in Japan a couple months ago, I actually had one in my hand ready to hit the register for - get this - 100 yen. I put it back because I was afraid I didn't have room for it in my luggage. (I've gotta stop doing that! It happens every time I go there.) It was so cheap, even my wife tried to talk me out of putting it back on the shelf. 100 yen is like 85 cents.

 

25 bucks is not bad for a modded Famicom here, though. But depending on the price of the Famicom A/V you're looking at, it may still be a better deal.

[NightSprinter]

Yeah, thing is the cheapest New FamiCom that I could find was at the Japan Import Videogames site for going for about $65 used. Keep in mind most of the 8-bit Nintendo games I'll play will probably be on the NES regardless, but I do want an FC as the person who told me of a mod he could do didn't include the 15-pin expansion port.

[bones]

...found an eBay auction with an original FC modded for stereo A/V output for twenty-five bucks.

I bought one of those A/V modded units last week, tho it hasn't arrived yet. Will post some impressions on it once the system arrives. Keep in mind that shipping is $35 to the US, so you're looking at $60 to get one of these to your door. Still not a bad price IMO

[Jagasian]

The A/V Famicom is compatible with most NES peripherials, as it uses removable controllers, unlike the original Famicom. Also, unless the original Famicom is modded to support composite RCA A/V, it will have inferior audio and video compared to the A/V Famicom.

 

I'd go with the more expensive A/V Famicom. I mean, you are talking about playing a game system that is around 20 years old, which means that you are a hardcore fan. So why cheap out and buy something less than the best, when it comes to something that you obviously care allot about?

[JB]

It's also worth noting that the RF output of the original FamiCom is tuned to japanese TV stations, which are at different frequencies than US stations. This makes it borderline incompatible with US TVs.

 

 

I wouldn't really consider the original FamiCom as a gameplay option, unless you were gonna mode it for AV out. In which case... there's a pre-modded system sold by Nintendo anyways.

[Scream And Fly]

The AV Famicom is the way to go. I've had one new in the box for years, but I can't bring myself to use it. Be aware though, that the AV Famicom does not include a power supply (I have no idea why), yet it DOES include TWO controllers. LOL!

[NightSprinter]

And again, I don't intend to play EVERY SINGLE game for the NES on the FamiCom. I just want to play a few of the things we never got here (Gradius II), and have some fun with the FDS on occasion.

 

Also on this note, Jagasian, I'm not "hard-core" as you describe it. My coursework keeps me from enjoying my games as much as I'd like. So despite the little Atari collection I have, I'm still just a casual gamer.

[Jagasian]

And again, I don't intend to play EVERY SINGLE game for the NES on the FamiCom. I just want to play a few of the things we never got here (Gradius II), and have some fun with the FDS on occasion.

 

Also on this note, Jagasian, I'm not "hard-core" as you describe it. My coursework keeps me from enjoying my games as much as I'd like. So despite the little Atari collection I have, I'm still just a casual gamer.

 

Anyone who wants to enjoy classic Famicom games on original hardware is hardcore in my book. But let me rephrase. If you are going to drink an old classic bottle of whine, don't use cheap glasses to drink from, use the fine crystal instead.

[NightSprinter]

Ok, you've derailed this with your insults enough already. Mods, if you can please either lock this thread (until I want it after the next request is granted) or moderate Jagasian's posts. I've honestly grown tired of his insulting banter.

Edited December 18, 2006 by NightSprinter

[madhatter667]

I would go with the A/V Famicom personally, or why not try and find a Twin Famicom (made by Sharp, 100% licensed goods), which smushed the Disk System and standard Fami together? The controllers on it are hardwired though, so that may present an issue, since you were wanting to use a special peripheral (I don't recall whether there is an accessory jack...this system gets pampered... like you, I only play a few things that didn't hit the states on it...but got the most interesting thing I could find for the sake of collection/preservation). Don't worry about your video on a US TV... it should be fine... Japan uses NTSC for the most part as well. I haven't had an issue displaying anything yet. Worst case scenario... there are multi regions TVs to be had (which I am hoping to get one of my own very soon).

[Jagasian]

Ok, you've derailed this with your insults enough already. Mods, if you can please either lock this thread (until I want it after the next request is granted) or moderate Jagasian's posts. I've honestly grown tired of his insulting banter.

 

Are you being serious?

[NightSprinter]

Yes. Anything that's Nintendo-related that someone discusses, you've come in with bashing remarks. I only wanted some input because I've NEVER done the whole "import from japan" thing before, and just needed to find out what would be best for something that a person is doing for the first time. The comments you made were completely uncalled for, and way out of line. If you have something helpful to suggest, I'd be more than glad to accept the suggestion. But for the comments you have made, I offer this old saying as advice: "If you have nothing good to say, then it is best to say nothing."

 

Due to economics and the more helpful suggestions (including one off the forums by AtariBoy2600), I'll probably go with the pre-modded original FC.

 

Well, I guess the decision's made now.. so how's 'bout we close this one up mods?

[Jagasian]

The comments you made were completely uncalled for, and way out of line. If you have something helpful to suggest, I'd be more than glad to accept the suggestion. But for the comments you have made, I offer this old saying as advice: "If you have nothing good to say, then it is best to say nothing."

 

I've re-read my previous replies in this thread, and I cannot find a single sentence that could possibly be construed as offensive. Can you please quote an offensive sentence of mine, from this thread? If not, your personal attacks against me are unwarranted.

[Atariboy]

While I don't agree with you much, I don't see anything that you said that was wrong either.

 

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

[NightSprinter]

Anyone who wants to enjoy classic Famicom games on original hardware is hardcore in my book. But let me rephrase. If you are going to drink an old classic bottle of whine, don't use cheap glasses to drink from, use the fine crystal instead.

 

There, you have your proof. This discussion is now over.

 

Mods, please lock this thread immediately as to prevent any further attempts at a flamewar in my direction.

[Atariboy]

lol

 

Where's the insult or attempt to flame?

[Bill Brasky]

[Jagasian]

Anyone who wants to enjoy classic Famicom games on original hardware is hardcore in my book. But let me rephrase. If you are going to drink an old classic bottle of whine, don't use cheap glasses to drink from, use the fine crystal instead.

 

There, you have your proof. This discussion is now over.

 

Mods, please lock this thread immediately as to prevent any further attempts at a flamewar in my direction.

 

Regarding my "hardcore" comment, I meant that as a compliment. I think that many people around here would agree with me, considering that this is a classic gaming forum. When it comes to the NES and SNES, I consider myself a hardcore fan. Regarding my comparison of classic Famicom games to an aged bottle of wine, I was trying to make a point that such games are best experienced using the more pricey hardware. I was trying to justify the AV Famicom's higher price.

 

In all honesty, did anybody else interpret either of those sentences as "insulting banter"?

[JB]

Mods, please lock this thread immediately as to prevent any further attempts at a flamewar in my direction.

Heh.

 

If I were a mod, you'd've just guaranteed the thread stayed open.

Especially since there's nothing even uncomfortably warm going TOWARDS you, but there's some low-grade napalm coming FROM you.

 

 

In all honesty, did anybody else interpret either of those sentences as "insulting banter"?

No. I have no idea what he's rambling about.

[n8littlefield]

Anyone who wants to enjoy classic Famicom games on original hardware is hardcore in my book. But let me rephrase. If you are going to drink an old classic bottle of whine, don't use cheap glasses to drink from, use the fine crystal instead.

 

There, you have your proof. This discussion is now over.

 

Mods, please lock this thread immediately as to prevent any further attempts at a flamewar in my direction.

 

Regarding my "hardcore" comment, I meant that as a compliment. I think that many people around here would agree with me, considering that this is a classic gaming forum. When it comes to the NES and SNES, I consider myself a hardcore fan. Regarding my comparison of classic Famicom games to an aged bottle of wine, I was trying to make a point that such games are best experienced using the more pricey hardware. I was trying to justify the AV Famicom's higher price.

 

In all honesty, did anybody else interpret either of those sentences as "insulting banter"?

 

I can't find it either. I agree with you, if you're going all out and playing imports, you really should be able to pick up a nice system to play them on. The only thing I can possibly see is that you mispelled wine and make it whine...but I didn't even notice it until we started to analyze it.

I would have taken it as a compliment myself.

[Great Hierophant]

You should know that the AV Famicom provides a cleaner composite picture than any mod for the original Famicom. I know that certain mods produce the stripey graphics that a NES Top Loader is known for, although they are less noticeable.

[Jagasian]

The original Famicom also has relatively short cables for its controllers, which could be a problem considering that the controllers are permenantly attached to the system. Though that could be addressed with another hardware mod.

[NightSprinter]

Ok, now that was actually helpful Jagasian. That was something I didn't know 'bout the original FC. Yes, I'm going to admit I did act quite a bit like an ass.. but I've been under stress from finals this week. So I apologize.

 

Great Hierophant (btw, fancy seeing you on the V.O.G.O.N.S. (Very Old Games on New Systems) forums as well, if you are the same person), now that was something I didn't know about the pre-modded original FCs. That sheds some light on an issue.

 

Ok, it's the New-style FC then for overall cost-effectiveness..

 

So again, public apology for the behavior. I should be done with finals by Friday (got one more class today in 30 minutes, two homework assignments, and a final project I'm almost done with), and things will be a lot more relaxed for me.

[madhatter667]

I've got a final tomorrow... bummer. Nothing like the stress of a very weighty test over your head to set you on edge!