Do I need a step-down transformer for Japanese 100 V consoles in New Zealand?

Yes. NZ is 230–240 V. Use a 230→100 V step-down transformer or an approved regional PSU rated at least 2× the console’s wattage, with ventilation.

Will an NZ TV show a Japanese console in color?

Color isn’t the main barrier—240p/60 Hz support is. SCART is uncommon in NZ, so many setups benefit from a reputable upscaler for stable HDMI.

Are JP21 and EU-SCART the same?

No. They share a connector shell but use different pinouts. Use the correct standard or a proper adapter, ideally into an upscaler that supports your cable.

What cable gives the best picture in NZ?

RGB (via a compatible upscaler) offers the sharpest 240p image on most modern setups, followed by Component/S-Video, then Composite.

Can PAL SNES games run on a Japanese Super Famicom?

Not directly. Cartridges and lockout differ. Match JP games with JP hardware to avoid errors.

Country Guide — New Zealand (NZ)

Play Japanese (NTSC-J) consoles safely with a clean picture
Last updated: 29 Aug 2025

TL;DR

Power (230–240 V): Use a 230→100 V step-down transformer or an approved NZ-regional PSU (≥ 2× the console’s watts; keep ventilated).
Video system: NZ is PAL-land. The hurdle is 240p/60 Hz support on modern TVs. SCART is uncommon; plan on an upscaler.
HDMI-only TVs: Console → (RGB/S-Video/Composite/Component) → Upscaler → HDMI → TV.
Region lock: Keep game region = console region to avoid errors.

1) Power in New Zealand

Mains: 230–240 V / 50 Hz · Plug: Type I
Rule of thumb: Treat JP 100 V hardware as 100 V-only unless you swap to a regional PSU.

Console quick notes

Famicom / Super Famicom: 100 V → step-down or NZ PSU.
Nintendo 64 (JP): Brick can run warm on the wrong voltage → step-down/regional PSU recommended.
GameCube (JP): Prefer a regional PSU (or step-down).
Wii (JP): May power on but not advised long-term → regional PSU or step-down.
PC Engine / CoreGrafx / Saturn / Mega Drive / Dreamcast (JP): Step-down is safest.
PS1 / PS2 (JP): Revisions vary; when unsure, use a step-down.
Neo Geo AES/CD: PSU specs vary (voltage/polarity) → verify first; if JP PSU, step-down。

2) Video & Cables (NZ)

Quality order: RGB/Component > S-Video > Composite.
SCART note: SCART is uncommon; route RGB through a compatible upscaler (JP21/EU-SCART adapters exist).
Modern TVs: Many drop true 240p support; expect to use an upscaler for stable HDMI.

Console highlights

Super Famicom / Saturn / PS1 / Neo Geo: RGB capable (JP21/EU-SCART). In NZ, use an upscaler that accepts these standards or a proper adapter.
N64 (JP): Composite/S-Video stock; RGB generally not stock (mods/special adapters exist).
GameCube DOL-001: Composite/S-Video; Component via Digital AV Out (then HDMI).
GameCube DOL-101: No Digital AV Out (HDMI via analog adapters only).
Wii: Component recommended; simple HDMI dongles exist.
Dreamcast: VGA 480p via VGA box → HDMI looks excellent.

HDMI-only TV — basic chain
Console → (Composite / S-Video / RGB / Component) → Upscaler/Converter → HDMI → TV

TV: Game Mode ON, motion smoothing OFF, prefer 240p/60 Hz-friendly processing.

3) Region & Controllers

Cartridges/discs: Most platforms are region-locked. Use JP software on JP hardware.
Controllers: SFC and SNES share the same connector and generally cross-work (minor exceptions exist).

4) Fast setup (Super Famicom on an NZ HDMI TV)

Power off everything; connect SFC multi-out to RGB (via upscaler), S-Video, or Composite.
If TV is HDMI-only, feed the cable into a reputable upscaler, then HDMI to TV.
Select the HDMI input.
Power sequence: step-down → upscaler → console.
If unstable, set the upscaler to 240p/60 Hz and turn off motion smoothing.

5) Troubleshooting

Black-and-white/rolling: TV may not handle NTSC 240p → use an upscaler.
No RGB over SCART: SCART uncommon; use an upscaler that accepts JP21/EU-SCART or the correct adapter.
Hum/noise: Reseat audio; try another input; reduce shared power strips.
No boot: Clean cartridge contacts; power-cycle; try another cable.

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