:diskkun:
Sorry for semi making this my welcome page but I purchased a CRT TV, eight Famicom carts at a local game store for cheap and I remember that actually the Famicom/NES actually has good titles that I liked for it. I had a Twin Famicom years back with the turbo buttons and it was cool, but at the time I wasn't into the Famicom.
After selling my video game collection years back to pay for college (no regrets) I'm slowing getting back into the game. There are different Famicoms out there. I was planning to get the AV Famicom since the controllers are removable plus small footprint. At the same time I want to get different viewpoints from Famicom owners.
One big thing that I need is AV out, no RF. That's why I didn't want the original Famicom but I was told they are modded units out there with modded AV. Also I can't say I'm the biggest fan of the hardwired controllers.
How are your experiences with FDS games crapping out on you?
Sorry for these stupid questions, I just need honest guidance. Maybe I should go for another Twin Famicom, but I dunno. I'm planning to get a Famicom by early next month.
Twin Famicom is probably best non-modded but an AV-moded Red & White Famicom plus FDS is at least as good (my preferred choice). The controller cords are a bit on the short side but you can just extend the video/power cables if necessary, and/or use external controllers. Just make sure you get a good AV-mod. AV Famicom is nice with NES-style controller ports and AV, but it's expensive and has no microphone (if you are going to play games that use that).
I never had an FDS game go bad on me, and I have quite a few.
I wonder how this one is, kind of pricey:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-Famicom-AV-Mod-Refurbished-Boxed-complete-/331255948941?pt=Video_Games&hash=item4d2064a68d
Much as I love the old red-n-white Famicom and its controllers, for convenience you'd probably be best going with a little grey AV Famicom. It's composite-only, the machine itself is very compact, and the controllers are removable so if you have a lot of spare NES controllers you can just use those. This is especially convenient since it means you don't have to keep the machine next to you while you play.
+1 for av famicom - ease of use, controller options++, doesn't look retro
+1 for original fc - cheap, easy to mod, look retro
I have had bad experience with twin famicom, but I just bought another one :upsetroll: so I will see how goes
- bad experience was bad video signal, price and size
- also, seller had exchanged with non-original disk system
- comes with av out already which is good though
controller leads are a personal pref, small leads means I don't have to move to change games 8)
Post Merge: July 13, 2014, 06:17:05 pm
don't be afraid of untested famicom that look dirty and can get with few games
- may be cheapest option
twin - expensive
av fami - expensive
They are all great. I have one of each (actually a couple of each), but I mainly use the AV Famicom. I like the red and white look of the original better but the AV is a lot easier to use (having the controller plug into the front also extends the range a bit compared to the red and white, where they are hard wired into the back). The Twin is a beauty too but heavy and takes up a lot of space. The Twin and red and white ones seem to have been designed mainly with kids sitting on the floor in front of a TV in mind, which makes them a bit difficult to use if you want to sit on a sofa with a bit of space between you and the TV.
Sitting close to the console is not a problem at all. On the contrary I would say it's rather convenient. 1) Easy access to RESET/POWER switches. 2) Easy access to cartridge as hvc01 said. 3) If you have FDS, easy access to the FDS drive. When playing FDS games you often need to flip disk sides.
But the cords ARE a bit short on the red & white and I agree there are some inconveniences involved as well. For example if you are playing two player you'll have sit quite close to each other unless you are using external controllers.
You can extend power/AV cords so you don't have sit so close to the TV and it's also possible to extend the controller cords if you really need to.
From my point of view I would just recommend getting the cheapest AV (new, gray) Famicom you can find. It represents the best value for money in my opinion, plus the picture quality is stellar.
Yes, I very much enjoy my AV Famicom! It's compact (fits anywhere), has removable controllers, the expansion port still exists, it has the standard AV multiout port and it's stylish.
Out of all of my Famicom systems, I definitely prefer my Twin Famicom.
Especially after modification, I installed Tim Worthington's NESRGB board into mine, as well as a Multi-Out port in the rear.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/2nrk11y.jpg)
And as for hard-wired controllers, I did away with those.
(http://i61.tinypic.com/nzrrd1.jpg)
That sounds like a dream setup - but it's serious bucks right?
In terms of budget - an old red and white-AV modde, or even a clone is definitely cheapest - while the above kind of set up the most expensive.
An AV (gray) Famicom can still be pricey (doesn't have to be if you buy one from someone here), but a great middle ground I think.
Does those controller ports work with con II microphone and Zapper?
Quote from: P on July 14, 2014, 08:27:50 am
Does those controller ports work with con II microphone and Zapper?
Yes, I removed the proprietary (hard-wired) connectors, and installed 90 degree pin-headers in their place. I terminated NES extension cables to the pin headers, and the microphone is 100% operational.
It's just a matter of knowing the pin-out.
(http://i60.tinypic.com/157yz2f.jpg)
Thank you for you wisdom and different viewpoints about the system. :)
What I will do is pick up an AV Fami unless someone wants to give me a good deal on an AV Modded original Fami.
If you guys don't mind, later tonight I'll make a WTB thread. I need to update my profile since I'm in the US.
I prefer getting one from a forum member since ebay is my last resort, ehhhhh...
Oh yes, no clones!
A little late to the thread.
I've never had a Twin Famicom, but I have 2 unmodded originals and an AV and I will vouch that the AV Famicom is the nicest I've used. The picture quality is so nice and the system so compact. I would go so far to say it's the best model I've used compared to any NES/Famicom out there. It should have been like this from the start.
You just have to look around for a good price. I lucked out on Ebay for $50 back in March.
The pros and cons have been laid out well in previous posts already, but I'll just chime in with how much I love my AV Famicom. It's my recommendation for anyone who can afford one. It's the finest 8-bit console ever built by Nintendo, on either side of the Pacific.
Well said! There's a reason everyone wants them!
AV Famicom + 2 USA dogbone controllers + Everdrive N8 + HDTV = Many hours of 8 bit goodness. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I personally much prefer the NES controllers, but the good thing with the AV Famicom is that it's so set up and play ready. I guess all Famicoms are in a sense - but I mean that you have a great picture and set up without having to do any mod work at all.
Thanks to senseiman I'm getting an AV Famicom on my way within my budget. Here comes Castlevania III and Super Contra and other shooting games.
Now I need a NES to FC converter, I just don't want to pay money for a FDS just to play Zanac!