Video Game stores in Akiba?

[Ertai87]

This isn't really on topic, but I figure this is probably the best place to ask since this is probably the place on these forums with the most Japanese natives.

I bought a Famicom in Japan a couple weeks ago and brought it back to Canada to find that it wouldn't work for some reason. I have a friend who's going to Japan in July who I've given it to to bring it back for me. I don't have the reciept and it's about 2 months between buying and returning, so I'm not expecting any more than half of what I paid, but does anyone know of any places in or around Akiba where my friend could bring it to? Also, she's only learning Japanese herself, so what should she say to the clerk when she brings it in? Thanks.

[aishiteru333]

The video game settings are from Japan. Games in bought in Japan only work in Japan. In this continent you have to have NTSC or something like that. Something with an N... They have to be that format or they wont work on your PS2, X Box, or what ever it is that you play it on.

BTW, I don't know where your friend could take it to return it. Sorry! You should place it in eBay or something. Pretty hard to get your money back at this point...

Also, this doesn't belong in this thread. It would mostly likely be Misc...

[Manhattan_Project_2000]

The video game settings are from Japan. Games in bought in Japan only work in Japan. In this continent you have to have NSTC or something like that. Something with an N... They have to be that format or they wont work on your PS2, X Box, or what ever it is that you play it on.

BTW, I don't know where your friend could take it to return it. Sorry! You should place it in eBay or something. Pretty hard to get your money back at this point...

Both Japan and North America use the NTSC format. So this isn't the issue.

[aishiteru333]

Both Japan and North America use the NTSC format. So this isn't the issue.

Gomenai! I was aware of different formats, just not sure if Japan had any difference.

This was such an issue with video game torrents on a site.

Thanks for the correction!!!

[Ertai87]

Gomenai! I was aware of different formats, just not sure if Japan had any difference.

This was such an issue with video game torrents on a site.

Thanks for the correction!!!

Yeah, what you're thinking of is region locking. The current-gen video game consoles have region locking so, for example, the early Japanese release of Super Smash Brawl wouldn't be able to be imported. I know about that stuff. Back in the day, though (and to this day on handhelds, btw, so go out and buy Japan-only DS games without worry!), region locking wasn't an issue. I don't know if it's a cartridge vs. CD thing or what.

My problem is that the system won't work with my TV. The system works and the TV works and the RF switch works and the TV works with the RF switch and the RF switch works with the console, but the 3 won't work together. I know the system works cause the fuzz on the TV is different when the console is on or off, but I can't get it to be no fuzz.

Can't I bring the system to a Book Off or old used game stores or something? I know in North America used game stores will buy old games from customers which is how they get their inventory. I bought this system from a used game store in Akiba, so I know such places exist, but I don't know where or what they're called.

[Manhattan_Project_2000]

Yeah, what you're thinking of is region locking. The current-gen video game consoles have region locking so, for example, the early Japanese release of Super Smash Brawl wouldn't be able to be imported. I know about that stuff. Back in the day, though (and to this day on handhelds, btw, so go out and buy Japan-only DS games without worry!), region locking wasn't an issue. I don't know if it's a cartridge vs. CD thing or what.

Well, PS3's aren't region specific. You can play import titles without any modding.

My problem is that the system won't work with my TV. The system works and the TV works and the RF switch works and the TV works with the RF switch and the RF switch works with the console, but the 3 won't work together. I know the system works cause the fuzz on the TV is different when the console is on or off, but I can't get it to be no fuzz.

Try GameFAQ's. They had some fairly in depth guides for NES repair, so I imagine they'd either have a guide for the Famicom or you could try what the NES guide says.

Can't I bring the system to a Book Off or old used game stores or something? I know in North America used game stores will buy old games from customers which is how they get their inventory. I bought this system from a used game store in Akiba, so I know such places exist, but I don't know where or what they're called.

Do you live near a flea market? I don't know if they ever migrated that far north, but they tend to have at least one decent used-game store that deals with inports. Most large cities will also have a decent used-game store that deals with inports, but I can't really say for sure.

[Ertai87]

Nope, no go on the flea market. If I can't return it back in Japan, I know some people who might be able to help me out, but it's not that important so I'd prefer to get some of my money back if possible.

Edit: Checked GameFAQs. There's something there. I'll try it, but if it doesn't work I'd still like to know if it's possible to send it back to Japan and if I can sell it to a used game store or something. Thanks

[MistressPookyChan]

You might get better luck if you put this in the gaming forum.

[Ertai87]

OK. Can a mod move it for me or do I have to repost?

[MistressPookyChan]

moved!

[suzumi]

In Japan, if you want to return something you usually need to bring the recipt with you or you can't return it. And the time period that you can return it in, is usually a year.

[Ertai87]

Not to return, just to trade in. Like, in North America (I'm from Canada), if you go to a used game store, you can give them your old games and systems and they'll give you a percentage (usually 50%) of what they'll resell your game for, usually about 3/4 of the original price for popular games, about 40% for not-so-popular games. So, I'm hoping I can do the same thing with stores in Japan. Does such a system exist with used game stores in Japan? I know such stores exist, because I bought the Famicom used in the first place.

[MistressPookyChan]

My friend used to sell back some games he bought, but I *think* he just got store credit.

[███]

That's why you didn't get a receipt.

[Datenshi]

I'd say the easiest thing to do is bring it to a nearby Book Off, though you have no say in the price and usually they give you next to nothing.

Speaking of Akiba specifically there's a Retro Game specialty shop called Super Potato Retro-Kan near the station on the same street where the Animate is, if I remember correctly, which is probably the most famous place where you can buy and sell old games. It's a fun place just to visit, in any case.

http://www.superpotato.com/free_html...bout_shop.html

[Ertai87]

Ah. That's kinda poor I looked on eBay and might just end up listing it there...