PAL SNES Region Mod - Some questions

Started by Olof, February 24, 2012, 09:24:34 PM

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Olof

Hello everybody!
I'm Olof from Sweden. I'm in my mid twenties and I've been playing a lot of games all my life. I'm currently working in a game company named Easy in Stockholm where I do 2D art. SNES was the first console I owned and recently I started a small collection which I've been playing around a little bit with, fixing controllers, doing my own cases and so on. Time has come to do a region mod and I figure this place is where to go.


Region modding my PAL SNES
I plan to do the 2xswitch mod following this guy's tutorial
youtube.com/watch?v=3yUdi8CxBAw
youtube.com/watch?v=KdEtDipWj9c   (removed the embedded youtube links, took too much space)
http://mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/snes-switches-1.htm - 2xswitch mod

I wonder if I could use a switchless mod for the region lockout and just keep the 50/60hz switch, anybody care to explain this to me?
http://mmmonkey.co.uk/console/downloads/SNES%20Switch%20free%20Region%20mod.pdf - SNES Switchless region mod

From what I understood people want a switch for the region lockout so you play games like Super Mario RPG or Street Fighter Alpha 2. But since I got a PAL SNES it should matter because it doesn't play MarioRPG anyway. Or do I need the switch for any other PAL game?


Is there any way to play an NTSC Super Street Fighter Alpha 2 on my PAL SNES? I found a guide for MarioRPG, but reading here I figure they have two different special chips. I wouldn't mind doing modifications to the cartridge if it will work, since it's not a rare game.
http://mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/mariorpg.htm - MarioRPG Cartridge mod


I know it's a longshot, but is there any smart or easy way to adjust the cartridge slot of the SNES to fit the NTSC games? I'm fine with some chopping, but I'd really love to keep the classic look.
http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/45/16/81/dscn3411.jpg - Widened slot (and paintjob)




Probably when you read this I've already attempted to finish this projects, if they've failed I'll probably be back with a new one asking for more help and if it worked I'll probably drop in and see what else I can do with it :) Last time I soldered anything I was 12 so I'm having some doubts. Luckily I have a cousin who soldered audio equipment full time for some year, who will help me to do this!






Other Projects
I bought some broken equipment that I intend to fix. Broken controllers that needs some love and an really old PAL SNES that has graphic glitches. I figure the SNES has something wrong with the hardware since it cannot draw one of the layers from the game, usually status/health bars and popup text. Maybe I'll give up on it later.


I'm having my old airbrush shipped here from my hometown. The SNES with graphical glitches is in terrible condition so I'll probably give it a paintjob. It's a challenge since they don't really look well when painted. Big part of it since the game cartridge is always showing, making for an ugly contrast unlike the NES. I'll probably try some classic paint.


Making my own boxes. 85% of the games that I buy comes without manual or box. So I decided to print some myself. At first I was looking for someone to reproduce classic game boxes, then I figured I might as well make my own. While making my own I thought I might as well paint the illustrations myself. And a couple of sleepless nights later I'm finished with a Super Metroid custom box and I got started on 3 other games. The only thing I have left is to find a printshop that can make it in a better paper than I use now.

It's not a mod but if anyone's interested I'd love to show some pictures :)


edit: I seem to have posted this in the wrong forum. If any mod see it, could you help me and move it to the Import mods?

phreak97

Welcome to the forum!
How did you go with the mods? I've had a bit of experience with snes modding so I might be able to answer any further questions you have.

I'd love to see your video game artwork too!

Shadow_Zero

Hi Olof, I'm also curious how you are faring  :)
(also have the SNES switch mods on my list  ;) )

Quote from: Olof on February 24, 2012, 09:24:34 PM
I know it's a longshot, but is there any smart or easy way to adjust the cartridge slot of the SNES to fit the NTSC games? I'm fine with some chopping, but I'd really love to keep the classic look.
http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/45/16/81/dscn3411.jpg - Widened slot (and paintjob)
I'm also looking for some info on widening the cart slot to fit US carts. No one with a reply yet?
That white SNES looks fancy! Is that your own?