I thought the NES didn't care if it was AC or DC power as long as the voltage and amperage were correct. I also thought the Genesis adapter has a different plug at the end that won't fit?
In general you can use a DC power adapter in place of an AC adapter. The worst thing that can happen because of that variation is it will not work. AC adapter means that there is hardware inside that will convert the AC down to DC. No home electronic components actually run on AC it is just a more efficient way of delivering the current to your home.
I see a 3 in 1 adapter for sale, and it occurred to me that I already own an aftermarket original Genny adapter. Just wondering if I can stop looking for a NES adapter. I suppose I was looking for advice like "yeah I used one for a while and it got really hot so I quit."
Feel free to use the Genesis adapter to power the NES. NEVER use the AC NES adapter on a Famicom, Genesis, or any other gaming hardware, as it will eventually destroy the regulator, necessitating surgery to replace it.
The NES contains an internal bridge rectifier, which converts the AC input into DC inside the console. In layman's terms, this means the NES does not care what the polarity of the power supply is. This makes the NES compatable with any ~9V power supply, AC or DC, (+) or (-) tip.
Does the SMS power adapter also work? I've got one packed away that I could get out and look at, but I was just wondering if it also fits in the port and outputs same volts as Genesis 1.
from the 2nd link about the famicom (the NES can use the same power supply as the famicom, but again not vice versa):
Q3: What AC Adapters (other than the original) that I can commonly buy are compatible?
A3: The Famicom will run from a Sega MegaDrive/Genesis (Type-1) AC Adapter and the Sega Master System/SG-3000 AC Adapter, from your local area, with no need for a step-down transformer. (e.g., a USA AC-Adapter for people in the USA, or a European AC-Adapter for people in Europe, or a Brazillian AC-Adapter for people in Brazil, etc.).
Local AC-Adapters (designed to run on your local voltage specifications) of this type do not need a step-down transformer, as they are (after all) designed to be used locally. If you use one fro out of your area (such as a MegaDrive AC_Adapter from Japan, when you live in the U.K., then you will need an appropriate step-down transformer to convert the current, as normal.)
If in doubt, check the label on the AC-Adapter and look for its Input Voltage, then compare that to what is used in your locality.
You may also find aftermarket power supply units meant for those systems, or power supplies meant to be used on the four big consoles: The NES/SNES/Genesis/Mastersystem. These usually come with an assortment of configurable tips, and because they support all four systems (not merely the NES), they output DC current. (The NES can run on DC currrent too, but the stock Nintendo NES PSU outputs AC.) In fact, some aftermarket NES PSUs are DC-output... Just be sure to read the markings!
The PSU from the NEC PC-Engine/Turbographx-16 may also work.
You can also purchase an AC-Adapter that has variable settings: On these, you select the output voltage by some means, and the adapter has a fixed amperage rating. Look carefully at the output amperage when buying one, as they are often sold rated by maximum wattage, which is not very meaningful. Be sure to select one only if one of its settings is 9VDC or 10VDC out!
These usually have a switch (or a changeable tip) with which you set the polarity. Be doubly-sure you do so correctly, and that you understand how to use the product...
Feel free to use the Genesis adapter to power the NES. NEVER use the AC NES adapter on a Famicom, Genesis, or any other gaming hardware, as it will eventually destroy the regulator, necessitating surgery to replace it.
Comments
I see a 3 in 1 adapter for sale, and it occurred to me that I already own an aftermarket original Genny adapter. Just wondering if I can stop looking for a NES adapter. I suppose I was looking for advice like "yeah I used one for a while and it got really hot so I quit."
The NES contains an internal bridge rectifier, which converts the AC input into DC inside the console. In layman's terms, this means the NES does not care what the polarity of the power supply is. This makes the NES compatable with any ~9V power supply, AC or DC, (+) or (-) tip.
these links may be helpful
http://www.gametrog.com/GAMETROG/How_which_do_i_need_SEGA_AC_Power_Supply_Information_Specs_Model_mk-3025_mk-1602_mk-2103_mk-1479_mk-4122_aa-s95j.html
http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=6933.0
from the 2nd link about the famicom (the NES can use the same power supply as the famicom, but again not vice versa):
Q3: What AC Adapters (other than the original) that I can commonly buy are compatible?
A3: The Famicom will run from a Sega MegaDrive/Genesis (Type-1) AC Adapter and the Sega Master System/SG-3000 AC Adapter, from your local area, with no need for a step-down transformer. (e.g., a USA AC-Adapter for people in the USA, or a European AC-Adapter for people in Europe, or a Brazillian AC-Adapter for people in Brazil, etc.).
Local AC-Adapters (designed to run on your local voltage specifications) of this type do not need a step-down transformer, as they are (after all) designed to be used locally. If you use one fro out of your area (such as a MegaDrive AC_Adapter from Japan, when you live in the U.K., then you will need an appropriate step-down transformer to convert the current, as normal.)
If in doubt, check the label on the AC-Adapter and look for its Input Voltage, then compare that to what is used in your locality.
You may also find aftermarket power supply units meant for those systems, or power supplies meant to be used on the four big consoles: The NES/SNES/Genesis/Mastersystem. These usually come with an assortment of configurable tips, and because they support all four systems (not merely the NES), they output DC current. (The NES can run on DC currrent too, but the stock Nintendo NES PSU outputs AC.) In fact, some aftermarket NES PSUs are DC-output... Just be sure to read the markings!
The PSU from the NEC PC-Engine/Turbographx-16 may also work.
You can also purchase an AC-Adapter that has variable settings: On these, you select the output voltage by some means, and the adapter has a fixed amperage rating. Look carefully at the output amperage when buying one, as they are often sold rated by maximum wattage, which is not very meaningful. Be sure to select one only if one of its settings is 9VDC or 10VDC out!
These usually have a switch (or a changeable tip) with which you set the polarity. Be doubly-sure you do so correctly, and that you understand how to use the product...
Originally posted by: stardust4ever
Feel free to use the Genesis adapter to power the NES. NEVER use the AC NES adapter on a Famicom, Genesis, or any other gaming hardware, as it will eventually destroy the regulator, necessitating surgery to replace it.
Not eventually, immediately.