Back in the day, we’d sit down on the carpet near the tv and I’m sure with Japanese homes being smaller, they made it for the Japanese audience which is why they made the cables so short. The Japanese are quite different than us US people.
Many Japanese families kept their Famicom on the floor, next to their TVs. So the short cable wasn't really an issue. This is actually how my brother and I played our older consoles, Atari VCS, until around the SNES era.
Good video on explaining all the different facets of how-to FDS in the many ways possible. I really couldnt find another video that explained things so well. Thank you!
If you perform the NESRGB mod and detachable NES controllers mod for the original Famicom, then it automatically becomes the best console to play Famicom Disk system games, especially since the design of both consoles match as intended. Also for those who don’t know, Lance Barr, who designed the NES and North American SNES, also designed the NES 2/AV Famicom. So even though the AV Famicom is a design preferred by many, it’s actually an American design.
And they cut the composite but shipped all n64’s a few years later with composite cables only. I remember going and buying a radio frequency modulator so my little brother could play it on his birthday.
Wow, this video feels really like it's from the early 2010's. I watched it through and it only occurred to me after I looked at the upload date. A very informational video still.
It amazes me that as big as the retro market is, nobody out there has marketed a FC to NES adaptor that somewhat resembles the old Honey Bee one. It’s the only one that would work for a FDS ram adaptor but also it seems like the most ideal one just for typical FC carts as well. Another idea… an extension with a ribbon cable? Then you could use any FC adaptor you already have. That couldn’t be so hard to make
what about doing it in europe ? i live in france which uses PAL/Sécam, and i really want to know if its possible to run a FDS on a PAL console, so, do you know if its possible ?
@@jaredt2590 i tried running FDS games & stuff on a emulator set on PAL mode and it seems to work fine, they just run slower & the screen is ever so slightly messed up. so who knows ?
Gosh, owning a Famicom Disk System in the US must be a real pain in the neck! If I lived in Japan though, I’m sure it would be a lot more straight forward.
@Famicom Data Recorder: When I was a kid, my friend from pre-school got NES, Family computer cartridge but no family computer console, he got adepter for the console so he can play japanese cartridge on his side loader, side loader was already modified to have the region lock disable, and also a family computer disk system, and he used the adapter you showed, on the side loader, so I actually play yumo kojo doki doki panic, before playing NES super mario bros.2, I also did play Super mario bros the lost level on the family computer disk system, then when I finially got Nes Super mario bros.2 I was weird it out, on why Super mario bros.2 was mario character in Yomi kojo doki doki panic.
The reasons why the controller cords on the Famicom are short are because the cords actually run into the back and then runs the entire length of the console inside to the front and also the culture in japan seemed to be to have the console on the coffee table or in front of you on the floor.
That is because in Japan things are different houses are smaller and because of that your living room will be smaller and most cases you'll be almost right up against the television or you'll be using the R F chord and sending it on the floor like we used to do back in the day therefore the cables were not required to be that long. We used to the same thing with the Atari 2600 but.. with your family, you know you can go into the RF module and make adjustments to change what channel this system will display a channel on
You missed a combo I like - I use an AV Famicom (mine has a NESRGB but that does not matter) and I use an original Disk Drive and Disk, and to play US games (and Famicom cart games) I use a Krikkz Famicom Everdrive loaded with US and Japanese games.
I'm using the original Famicom, namely for that microphone support, BUT I modded it to bejeesus and back. Cords running out the system were replaced with the female end of some high quality 7-wire NES extension cords (plus a microphone jack female end). The controllers themselves had their cords replaced with the male ends of the same NES extension cords (plus a microphone jack male end wired to run out the controller jack). A little extra internal wiring to said ports allowed full accessory support on the P2 port just like all official NES games did. And, of course, I did everything I could to add in full composite support. Eventually, I'll go the distance and get an NESRGB board installed in the thing, but for now composite is enough. Oh, and I added a power LED. Those things really do a lot to help diagnose basic power issues after all. But, the point remains that unless you're willing to do all that, the original Famicom isn't well suited out of the box for the task. Afterwards? It's my go-to. Oh, I do have that cartridge adapter, plus another one made by Retrofreak. I modded the first in a handful of ways for full compatibility, but the Retrofreak one is better built with a nice "well" for the base of your NES carts to sink into for full support. It also looks LOT nicer.
I just picked up an FDS pretty recently and I am using it with my AV Famicom, works perfectly. Although I would love to take the microphone controller from the original famicom and slap a regular plug end onto it. I've seen videos on this before so I know its doable.
You don't need a TV for FamiCom. Inside the Famicom there is a screw to change frequens for rhe RF. Basicly you can use any TV with a RF input. An other option is to do a A/V mod on the Famicom.
I would assume so? It worked when he put it through the adapter in the NES. But then again, with it being a clone console it might not work. Guess the only way to know for sure is to try it for yourself
Famicom Data - Japanese homes are set up Differently than American homes. Japanese Famicom were Designed to be played CLOSE to the TV and Japan even SOLD Famicom branded TV by SHARP , and later SHARP made the Famicom TWIN System with origional Famicom game system & Disc system in one box , along with a Branded TV monitor.
The reason why the wires are short is Becky first of most Japanese households are small and most livings are like the us so most kids would be sitting on the floor closer to the tv and play their games
I dont know much about how FDS would work on a Twin Famicom. The one I have doesnt work and I havent gotten around to repairing it yet. Probably once summers over and I can film again I'll do a vid on it.
@@Jono1874 I just recently ordered mine and got a few games on the way for it as well but, I love your content so far! I love retro import stuff I will for sure be on the lookout for more famicom stuff from you!
I have the Toploader Famicom and Rad2X with the Everdrive N8 Pro. I play FDS Zelda English Patch, Akumajo Dracula FDS and Mysterious Murasamua Castle FDS. It even has the right audio for Castlevania III. Very happy with the setup. I really recommend the KryzsioCart from Ebay. It's like a cheaper Everdrive but no FDS.☹
I would disagree about the AV famicom having the best video output, in my opinion it's very fuzzy. There's much better video output on my twin famicom, also has the benefit of the disk system being built in (even though mine doesn't really work anymore since the drive is seized up, I just use one of the dongles to play fds images directly). The twin famicom also has the benefit of the microphone which was removed in the AV famicom. I can agree with you that the controller chords being as short as they are is a bit annoying, it was never a problem back in the day we would just sit close to the TV (TVs were much smaller back then anyway) but nowadays with bigger screen TVs it's not really feasible or comfortable to sit that close to the TV. I'm not a fan of the RF output on the original Famicom, it's nowhere near as much of a problem for me as it is for people in the US, but it looks terrible and noisy which is why I'm much prefer the twin Famicom. I did attempt an AV mod on my original Famicom but that didn't work out so well and still looked pretty terrible even though it did look much better.
I will teach you a 5th way to play it with the Original NES buy cheap: NES TO FAMICOM ADAPTER connected to FAMICOM TO NES ADAPTER, connected to A SECOND NES TO FAMICOM ADAPTER, but this time whitout his plastic case. The you connect the RAM Adapter plus FD Stick.
Or... Or... You could get an AV Famicom and a Famicom Everdrive. Solved. Done. Zero mods, zero weird hookups, zero adapters, no weird TVs. People will immediately point out the cost. Believe me, the money is well worth the invest compared to all mods, adapters, TVs, time invested, etc that you would end up wasting. Your mod may not result or work as you want it, you may hate to use so many adapters, weird tvs are old and may fail soon. Trust me. AV famicom, famicom everdrive, thats all. You can play US NES Games, Famicom Games, Games with special expansion/audio chips, ROM Hacks, Translations, and obviously, Famicom Disk System games (which also, some of them are now translated by the community). I do, i play all that. Dont even bother buying dog bone controllers, the american ones are expensive, and the japanese ones are 1 ft long. Just use your original US NES controllers. Best setup ever to play any NES/Famicom/FDS game.
I know how to make a nes to Famicon adapter! step 1. Get a robot game. Gyromite or stack-up work. step 2. Get a game screwhead. Nes carts don't use Philips screwheads. step 3. get a 3D printer step 4. unscrew the game using the game screwhead step 5. take out the top part out of the board. it should come out like a top-loader. step 6. make a plastic case with the 3D printer step 7. put the bottom part of the cart into the case. step 8. seal the case using the same screws as the cart And done! 8 steps. this is expensive however, so do this or buy one from eBay
Famicom Data - Nintendo should have Homologized the Famicom and NES better. making ONE system for both Regions with 720p output , Stereo, and S/vhs out . and Plug in game controllers. and game carts sized like JAPAN and NES console like the NEW Famicom in Japan.
@@jakescartoons6045 It's not so easy as you think. You can't connecting NTSC Consoles on PAL TV without complicating Stuff and i have no Idea how i have to make this.
@@all-stargamer3333 You should at least try. For example, have you seen the PAL version of Sonic 1 on the Mega Drive? It's so unbearably slow compared to the NTSC and NTSC-J versions! In fact, most games released in PAL regions were never intended to run at 50 hz, so instead of a smooth 30 fps for example, you would get a sluggish 25 fps. Once you see the difference, you'll never unsee it.
Thanks for showing and explaining what you need for every version of NES/Famicom!
hey.....
is that kosmic former world record holder of super mario bros.????????????????????
How odd
"It looked like it went to school and graduated."
Okay, that gave me a good chuckle.
Back in the day, we’d sit down on the carpet near the tv and I’m sure with Japanese homes being smaller, they made it for the Japanese audience which is why they made the cables so short. The Japanese are quite different than us US people.
They usually played on a table with smaller TVs
Many Japanese families kept their Famicom on the floor, next to their TVs. So the short cable wasn't really an issue. This is actually how my brother and I played our older consoles, Atari VCS, until around the SNES era.
Good video on explaining all the different facets of how-to FDS in the many ways possible. I really couldnt find another video that explained things so well. Thank you!
The Sharp Twin Famicom is my preferred way to play Disk and Cart games.
If you perform the NESRGB mod and detachable NES controllers mod for the original Famicom, then it automatically becomes the best console to play Famicom Disk system games, especially since the design of both consoles match as intended.
Also for those who don’t know, Lance Barr, who designed the NES and North American SNES, also designed the NES 2/AV Famicom. So even though the AV Famicom is a design preferred by many, it’s actually an American design.
Interesting, I didn't know that! I've never liked the look of the new famicom/nes nearly as much as the original family computer
And they cut the composite but shipped all n64’s a few years later with composite cables only. I remember going and buying a radio frequency modulator so my little brother could play it on his birthday.
is there somewhere I could DM you or email you with a couple questions?
I'd be happy to help in any way I can. You can find me on twitter @cabazondinos or email me at Jonogyromite(at)gmail.com.
Mods are available for controller extensions and composite output.
Wow, this video feels really like it's from the early 2010's. I watched it through and it only occurred to me after I looked at the upload date. A very informational video still.
That's almost exactly what I was going for. I think the style is endeering.
It amazes me that as big as the retro market is, nobody out there has marketed a FC to NES adaptor that somewhat resembles the old Honey Bee one. It’s the only one that would work for a FDS ram adaptor but also it seems like the most ideal one just for typical FC carts as well.
Another idea… an extension with a ribbon cable? Then you could use any FC adaptor you already have. That couldn’t be so hard to make
What about the TwinFamicom tho @Famicom Data Recorder?
what about doing it in europe ? i live in france which uses PAL/Sécam, and i really want to know if its possible to run a FDS on a PAL console, so, do you know if its possible ?
The difference in frame rates may make it impossible.
@@jaredt2590 i tried running FDS games & stuff on a emulator set on PAL mode and it seems to work fine, they just run slower & the screen is ever so slightly messed up. so who knows ?
Gosh, owning a Famicom Disk System in the US must be a real pain in the neck! If I lived in Japan though, I’m sure it would be a lot more straight forward.
In Japan the apartments are so small a 1.5 ft cord is like from the living room to the kitchen. 😂
@Famicom Data Recorder: When I was a kid, my friend from pre-school got NES, Family computer cartridge but no family computer console, he got adepter for the console so he can play japanese cartridge on his side loader, side loader was already modified to have the region lock disable, and also a family computer disk system, and he used the adapter you showed, on the side loader, so I actually play yumo kojo doki doki panic, before playing NES super mario bros.2, I also did play Super mario bros the lost level on the family computer disk system, then when I finially got Nes Super mario bros.2 I was weird it out, on why Super mario bros.2 was mario character in Yomi kojo doki doki panic.
The short wires aren’t an issue you just buy a controller that you can plug in the expansion port.
The reasons why the controller cords on the Famicom are short are because the cords actually run into the back and then runs the entire length of the console inside to the front and also the culture in japan seemed to be to have the console on the coffee table or in front of you on the floor.
Dont you need to mod your region converter to get the expansion audio from the fds on your modded nes toploader?
That is because in Japan things are different houses are smaller and because of that your living room will be smaller and most cases you'll be almost right up against the television or you'll be using the R F chord and sending it on the floor like we used to do back in the day therefore the cables were not required to be that long. We used to the same thing with the Atari 2600 but.. with your family, you know you can go into the RF module and make adjustments to change what channel this system will display a channel on
You missed a combo I like - I use an AV Famicom (mine has a NESRGB but that does not matter) and I use an original Disk Drive and Disk, and to play US games (and Famicom cart games) I use a Krikkz Famicom Everdrive loaded with US and Japanese games.
what do you use to power the disk system? is the official one ok to use in US? it does say 100v tho
They really just need to remake the entire library without the annoying loading and disk flipping and put it on a FDS Mini so everyone can enjoy it.
My Famicom is av moded and I have a controller that plugs in the front of my console :p it's still an option
That sounds like a great way to do it. Plus asthetically it's probably the best way considering the color schemes match.
@@Jono1874 but I still ordered a fdsstick cause of your video ;) thanks
I have Nintendo Switch Online
@@MoyanoJerald same but I like that og feeling on a crt
I'm using the original Famicom, namely for that microphone support, BUT I modded it to bejeesus and back. Cords running out the system were replaced with the female end of some high quality 7-wire NES extension cords (plus a microphone jack female end). The controllers themselves had their cords replaced with the male ends of the same NES extension cords (plus a microphone jack male end wired to run out the controller jack). A little extra internal wiring to said ports allowed full accessory support on the P2 port just like all official NES games did. And, of course, I did everything I could to add in full composite support. Eventually, I'll go the distance and get an NESRGB board installed in the thing, but for now composite is enough. Oh, and I added a power LED. Those things really do a lot to help diagnose basic power issues after all.
But, the point remains that unless you're willing to do all that, the original Famicom isn't well suited out of the box for the task. Afterwards? It's my go-to. Oh, I do have that cartridge adapter, plus another one made by Retrofreak. I modded the first in a handful of ways for full compatibility, but the Retrofreak one is better built with a nice "well" for the base of your NES carts to sink into for full support. It also looks LOT nicer.
I just picked up an FDS pretty recently and I am using it with my AV Famicom, works perfectly. Although I would love to take the microphone controller from the original famicom and slap a regular plug end onto it. I've seen videos on this before so I know its doable.
In the us will you need a different ac adapter to use it?
You don't need a TV for FamiCom. Inside the Famicom there is a screw to change frequens for rhe RF. Basicly you can use any TV with a RF input. An other option is to do a A/V mod on the Famicom.
where do you buy the family adapter? i need one for everdrive n8 pro and the disk system
I got it on eBay last year. Its one of those items that isnt always around so you'll wanna make a saved search so it'll ping you when it pops up.
I don’t know if you own one but can you also be able to have the FDS work on a Super retro trio plus using a famicom converter?
I would assume so? It worked when he put it through the adapter in the NES. But then again, with it being a clone console it might not work. Guess the only way to know for sure is to try it for yourself
@@monicaevans27 ok I saw someone test that in a video and It didn't work
*smile slowly fades as he lists all the reasons why the disk system is actually really delicate and is the equivalence of a baby*
Famicom Data - Japanese homes are set up Differently than American homes.
Japanese Famicom were Designed to be played CLOSE to the TV and Japan even SOLD Famicom branded TV by SHARP , and later SHARP made the Famicom TWIN System with origional Famicom game system & Disc system in one box , along with a Branded TV monitor.
The reason why the wires are short is Becky first of most Japanese households are small and most livings are like the us so most kids would be sitting on the floor closer to the tv and play their games
Out of curiosity how come the Sharp Twin Famicom isn't on here? Or would you not recommend that for FDS gaming?
I dont know much about how FDS would work on a Twin Famicom. The one I have doesnt work and I havent gotten around to repairing it yet. Probably once summers over and I can film again I'll do a vid on it.
@@Jono1874 I just recently ordered mine and got a few games on the way for it as well but, I love your content so far! I love retro import stuff I will for sure be on the lookout for more famicom stuff from you!
Ah another method would be to get a Sharp Twin Famicom.
Use a famicom adaptop and use it with the nes
I'd bet there is another... You'd just need an adapter... But it probably wouldn't require mods to the actual hardware... The NES's expansion port
You forgot the twin fami
I have the Toploader Famicom and Rad2X with the Everdrive N8 Pro. I play FDS Zelda English Patch, Akumajo Dracula FDS and Mysterious Murasamua Castle FDS. It even has the right audio for Castlevania III. Very happy with the setup. I really recommend the KryzsioCart from Ebay. It's like a cheaper Everdrive but no FDS.☹
3:39 YES!
I would disagree about the AV famicom having the best video output, in my opinion it's very fuzzy. There's much better video output on my twin famicom, also has the benefit of the disk system being built in (even though mine doesn't really work anymore since the drive is seized up, I just use one of the dongles to play fds images directly). The twin famicom also has the benefit of the microphone which was removed in the AV famicom.
I can agree with you that the controller chords being as short as they are is a bit annoying, it was never a problem back in the day we would just sit close to the TV (TVs were much smaller back then anyway) but nowadays with bigger screen TVs it's not really feasible or comfortable to sit that close to the TV.
I'm not a fan of the RF output on the original Famicom, it's nowhere near as much of a problem for me as it is for people in the US, but it looks terrible and noisy which is why I'm much prefer the twin Famicom.
I did attempt an AV mod on my original Famicom but that didn't work out so well and still looked pretty terrible even though it did look much better.
I will teach you a 5th way to play it with the Original NES buy cheap: NES TO FAMICOM ADAPTER connected to FAMICOM TO NES ADAPTER, connected to A SECOND NES TO FAMICOM ADAPTER, but this time whitout his plastic case. The you connect the RAM Adapter plus FD Stick.
Or... Or... You could get an AV Famicom and a Famicom Everdrive. Solved. Done. Zero mods, zero weird hookups, zero adapters, no weird TVs.
People will immediately point out the cost. Believe me, the money is well worth the invest compared to all mods, adapters, TVs, time invested, etc that you would end up wasting. Your mod may not result or work as you want it, you may hate to use so many adapters, weird tvs are old and may fail soon.
Trust me. AV famicom, famicom everdrive, thats all. You can play US NES Games, Famicom Games, Games with special expansion/audio chips, ROM Hacks, Translations, and obviously, Famicom Disk System games (which also, some of them are now translated by the community).
I do, i play all that.
Dont even bother buying dog bone controllers, the american ones are expensive, and the japanese ones are 1 ft long. Just use your original US NES controllers.
Best setup ever to play any NES/Famicom/FDS game.
I'll just use my Mister
That HoneyBee Family Adaptor has become my white whale, I’ve been hunting one for awhile.
There are many other Famicom/NES to NES/Famicom adapters out there than just the HoneyBee.
I know how to make a nes to Famicon adapter!
step 1. Get a robot game. Gyromite or stack-up work.
step 2. Get a game screwhead. Nes carts don't use Philips screwheads.
step 3. get a 3D printer
step 4. unscrew the game using the game screwhead
step 5. take out the top part out of the board. it should come out like a top-loader.
step 6. make a plastic case with the 3D printer
step 7. put the bottom part of the cart into the case.
step 8. seal the case using the same screws as the cart
And done! 8 steps. this is expensive however, so do this or buy one from eBay
OR GET A TOP LOADER. NES AND FAMICON GAMES WORK WITH THE TOP LOADER. AND ITS NOT NTSC LOCKED.
Christ, this sounds like a nightmare
Famicom Data - Nintendo should have Homologized the Famicom and NES better.
making ONE system for both Regions with 720p output , Stereo, and S/vhs out . and Plug in game controllers.
and game carts sized like JAPAN and NES console like the NEW Famicom in Japan.
720p didn't exist in the 80s.
I think what you're describing is basically the RetroUSB AVS.
Well any TV I'd play NES on doesn't support 720p so...
For me as European is it more terrible to use a Disk System because PAL.
@All-Star Gamer: yep because you going to have game speed issue, the speed issue will be fix if you used a Pal version of the Adapter.
You can not use a disk system on a PAL NES unless you modify the disk drive unit.
Here’s my advice: reject PAL consoles and instead import from Japan or North America.
@@jakescartoons6045 It's not so easy as you think. You can't connecting NTSC Consoles on PAL TV without complicating Stuff and i have no Idea how i have to make this.
@@all-stargamer3333 You should at least try. For example, have you seen the PAL version of Sonic 1 on the Mega Drive? It's so unbearably slow compared to the NTSC and NTSC-J versions! In fact, most games released in PAL regions were never intended to run at 50 hz, so instead of a smooth 30 fps for example, you would get a sluggish 25 fps. Once you see the difference, you'll never unsee it.
But like, use a Famicom
this is horrifying
Better yet, save your money and emulate