Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the games boxed with instructions?
A. Almost all the games on our site are boxed and with instructions as standard. If either of these was missing, it will be mentioned in the title of the game, and these are mostly cart games.
In the condition info section, there is a description of any extras that come with the game (ie registration card, spine card, sticker sheet, map etc.) along with any damage to the game (ie manual crease, sun fade etc.) So, if there is nothing mentioned, the game is boxed, with instructions and in good condition.
Q. Do the games come with spine and registration cards?
A. Some of the games we sell do contain both their spine and registration cards. But unfortunately, not all of them. (However, all new titles are of course complete.) Please check the condition information on the individual product listing. Generally, we find the condition of Japanese second-hand games much better than the condition of second-hand UK games. Must be something to do with throwing objects around being taboo in Japan… But sourcing all our games direct from Japan does mean they are often in very good condition. We are collectors ourselves and understand the need for a perfect copy. Please see the actual images link for the game too, where listed, to check the condition with your own eyes.
Q. I have been searching for (Tasty Title) but can’t see it on your site. Can you obtain a copy?
A. We love to help complete collections here at Genki being collectors ourselves. Please feel free to email us your wish list and we’ll do our utmost to obtain them. We have encountered countless, collectible and obscure titles including the Special Versions of Bomberman 93, Gunhed and Final Soldier, some Hacker titles also on the PC Engine, a prize version of Bangaio on the Dreamcast limited to the top five high scorers, the mythical Gundam for the Virtual Boy, Super Mario Brothers special collector’s version of the Game & Watch, Cotton 2 with cup for the Saturn…
Q. Will (Game no Title) run on my (System no Name)?
A. Please refer to our ‘Compatibility Guide’ for enlightenment.
Compatibility Guide
“Everybody should import. It’s as simple as that.” Retro Gamer Vol.II, Issue 6.
In their eternal wisdom, sometimes gaming companies find it necessary to add ‘regional protection’ to their consoles. Basically, this means a console will initially check after being booted up that the software inserted is from the correct regional area. These regional areas come in three main blocks: Japan, America and Europe. Asian software fits into the Japanese block in terms of region. Genki believes gamers should be free to play the software they want, not merely what the corporate boards decide to release in their region. Nor should gamers have to wait months, possibly years, for the release of triple-A software in their region. A classic title will always travel well, transcending cultural boundaries and regional block out. And recent trends suggest that unfortunately it is not merely the quirkier titles that aren’t being released in all regions.
Hardware Compatibility
Power supplies vary between the regions, so imported consoles may require a step-down convertor. The power supply in Japan is 110volts. The Japanese and American TV standard is the NTSC system which runs at 60Hz, so those playing imported titles in a PAL regions such as Europe and Australia which run at 50Hz, will also need an NTSC compatible TV. Most modern TV’s carry this NTSC capacity, usually listed in the manufacturer’s guide. Due to the differing refresh rates between the two regions, PAL region gamers are often sadly treated to conversions running slower than their NTSC versions. So, enjoy our fine array of NTSC software! (Although the situation has improved somewhat post – Dreamcast.) As a final word, connection of an NTSC machine to a PAL region TV will require a composite lead. Most NTSC compatible TVs should have the necessary red, white and yellow colour coded composite connectors. An alternative connector maybe available in the form of an RGB (Red Green Blue) scart cable. But as the composite cable is the default lead of consoles in Japan, it is available for use with all software.
Software Compatibility
Handheld Systems
Thankfully all handheld systems lack regional protection, so any title can be enjoyed on any system. The exceptions to the rule are the PC Engine GT/LT and Sega Nomad which are effectively, for regional protection purposes, the same as their bigger brothers and will only play software of the appropriate region, unless used in conjunction with a convertor.
PSP
The PSP has also thankfully proved free of regional protection as far as the software goes. The same does not apply to the UMD films though.
Dreamcast
Using a DC-X convertor regional protection can be bypassed. The DC-X is a CD which is booted up then allowing you to insert your desired import title. Simple!
Sega Saturn
Inserting a convertor into the cartridge slot turns the ST Key to open up the import world to Saturn aficionados. The cartridge slot is required for extra Ram cartridges in very rare occasions. Such software is clearly marked in the game info.
GameCube
The Freeloader disk allows GameCube owners to enjoy a plethora of Japanese only titles. Like any boot disk, the Freeloader tricks the GameCube into thinking it has a disk of native region inside thanks to the clever programmers at Datel.
PS3
The PS3 titles have so far been region free meaning US titles will play on a Japanese machine. Unfortunately, a Japanese PS3 will only play Japanese PS2 and Playstation games, however. With regards movies the Japanese PS3 belongs to Blu Ray Group A along with America and Asia and DVD group 2 along with the UK and Europe.
Wii
The Japanese Wii will only play Japanese Wii and Gamecube titles.
PS2/XBox/XBox360/Playstation
Unfortunately Genki knows of no safe way to play imported software on these systems other than owning a Japanese machine to play Japanese games. Therefore, Japanese titles will not run on a PAL or American console. There was a rumour about a ‘Blue Tac’ trick for older model Playstations, but Genki would leave the Blue Tac to the advertising posters adorning the office walls.
PC Engine
PC Engine CDs will play on an American Turbo Grafx without any boot CD or a degree in soldering being required. The only problem area is trying to play Arcade Duo games due to the Arcade Card being required. The bad news is HU Cards are not directly compatible with an American Turbo Grafx and require a convertor to run. PC Engine Hu Card convertors are proving trickier and trickier to hunt down.
N64/Super Famicom
The difference between Japanese and American carts was purely in shape for both of these consoles meaning a simple bridge adaptor is required to overcome these size differences. To play NTSC software on a PAL machine requires a different type of convertor with the regional code being read from the domestic cart and the import cart sitting in the back as in the N64 compatible Ultra 64 SFX or Universal Games Adaptor also for the Nintendo 64.
Mega Drive/Mega CD/32X
The Mega Drive also requires a convertor to play imported titles. Although the region lock-out code was programmed on to the carts, not in the machine and some early titles lacked this regional protection code, the problem is that Japanese cartridges are bigger than the American and PAL equivalents meaning that they won’t fit into the cartridge slot of USA/PAL machines. Convertors are also available for the Mega CD, though are quite uncommon.
Neo Geo AES/CD
Japanese Neo Geo AES/CD software title will run on any system from any region. Good old SNK!
What’s this PC Engine all about?
A. Please check out our guide to NEC’s baby here:PC Engine Compatibility Guide:
Japanese electronics giant NEC released the PC Engine HE System (known as the Turbo Grafx in the US) initially in 1987. The Engine utilised credit card size Hu Cards as the storage format for games.
Grandiose plans for it to be the hub of a home entertainment system incorporating a keyboard, printer and disk drive were thankfully shelved to concentrate on games. It was the release of quality titles from Hudson Soft and Irem (in particular ‘R Type’) that really got the Engine purring. This snowballed bringing the quality of Namco and Taito on board and leading to the release of the unprecedented add on CD Rom unit.
The PC Engine Core Grafx was released in late 1989 – essentially a PC Engine with AV port different colour scheme, later to be followed up by the Core Grafx 2: again, changes were purely cosmetic besides the AV port.
This was followed up in 1990 by the release of the Super Grafx – a larger, souped-up Engine with a superb version of ‘Ghouls and Ghosts’. Unfortunately, only six games were released for the system: Alydnes, Battle Ace, Darius Plus, Ghouls and Ghosts, Granzort and 1941. Whilst the system is fully compatible with PC Engine Hu Cards, Super Grafx titles will only work on the Super Grafx. NEC followed up with the release of the PC Engine Shuttle designed for younger players, but the higher price put many potential gamers off. It was also lacking in any CD Rom connector ports making it Hu Card only.
CD ROM 1988 saw the first CD Rom unit released for any console in the form of the PC Engine CD Rom. This connected up to the PC Engine base unit working in parallel together.
The Super CD Rom unit was released soon afterwards with rear connectivity and added processing power. As was a Super System Card increasing load speed and buffer memory, allowing those with the standard CD Rom unit to be able to play the new Super CD Rom format.
The PC Engine Duo combined the standard Engine and CD Rom unit negating the need for system cards. It can also play Super CD games too. The Duo R changes were again mainly cosmetic although slightly more substantial than previous updates: more rounded, streamline shape, change to white in colour and cost cutting measures of removing the headphone, expansion port and battery pack connector. Whilst being Genki’s ‘playtest’ machine (^^), the Duo R unfortunately only has one joypad port therefore requires a multitap for multi-player Bomberman mayhem. The very last Engine compatible machine was the Duo RX released in 1994 which came with six button controller.
Further system cards in the shape of the Arcade Card were released: one version to boost the Duo up to arcade grade performance, another to do the same for the standard PC Engine/CD Rom combination thereby containing the system card too. Gaming legend has it that a fire delayed the launch of the Arcade Card and undermined its level of support. But a high release price did nothing to help.
Imported PC Engines are designed to run on the Japanese standard NTSC television, also used in America. This means for it to work in the UK, the television needs to be NTSC compatible. Most modern TVs will have this NTSC mode capability, but if in doubt please review the TV’s manual. Japanese software will not play on a US Turbo Grafx system without a convertor, yet PC Engine Duo’s will play CDs from both Japan and the USA.
Handhelds The PC Engine GT (or Turbo Express as it was called Stateside) is a handheld version of the Engine utilising NEC’s expertise in the field of LCD screens. Fully compatible with Hu Cards meaning it benefits from a vast library for a handheld. It can also be connected to a TV using the connector cable. The PC Engine LT has a gorgeously detailed 12cm screen and elitist price being released at 99,950 Yen! Its lack of battery supply and size makes it more like a laptop Engine than a true handheld. It remains today the Rolls Royce of the laptop world – essential desert island hardware.
PC Engine FX Powerful CD based unit released late in 1994, the FX attracted plenty of anime stylised cartoon adventures with some real classics hidden away. Not compatible with previous PC Engine software.
With approaching seven hundred games released for its various formats over the years and so many diverse genres, PC Engine – we salute you!
Many thanks to Mr. Richard Gibbs for his permission to use his seminal PC Engine Guide Book to help us negotiate the minefield of the PC Engine’s history.