Japanese PS2 and step down cable?

[SupraLiam]

I'm going to buy a Japanese ps2 soon. I'd rather buy the console itself then mess around with a Eurpoean console etc...

I've read that you need a step down cable; after a quick search it's left me a bit confused. Where can I buy one? What type do I need? And is there anything else required to run the console that I need to know?

 

[sesselpupser]

I assume you're referring to the fact that Japan's mains supply is 100V and you're (presumably) in the UK where we use 230V, what you need is a step down transformer, which is basically a big brick that you'd plug in between the PS2 and the wall. I've never bought one myself and you'd probably be ok with a 230 to 120V step down but if you can get one that'll do 100V then do. But it's worth checking the console when you get it, or you could always just buy a Slim because if I remember correctly they came with an external power supply so you could get any UK supply to go with the Japanese console as the voltage output will be the same.

As for other things to consider, if you're using composite (or is it component?) video you'll need to make sure your TV can handle signals other than PAL. I think NTSC-J is a thing? I can't remember. Apart from that I think it's ok.

 

[Sanji Himura]

I assume you're referring to the fact that Japan's mains supply is 100V and you're (presumably) in the UK where we use 230V, what you need is a step down transformer, which is basically a big brick that you'd plug in between the PS2 and the wall. I've never bought one myself and you'd probably be ok with a 230 to 120V step down but if you can get one that'll do 100V then do. But it's worth checking the console when you get it, or you could always just buy a Slim because if I remember correctly they came with an external power supply so you could get any UK supply to go with the Japanese console as the voltage output will be the same.

As for other things to consider, if you're using composite (or is it component?) video you'll need to make sure your TV can handle signals other than PAL. I think NTSC-J is a thing? I can't remember. Apart from that I think it's ok.

To answer your question, yes, NTSC-J is a thing, though I think that if memory serves, it isn't too far different than NTSC-U/C.

Beyond that, however, I can't really answer you that contributes to the point.

 

[SupraLiam]

I assume you're referring to the fact that Japan's mains supply is 100V and you're (presumably) in the UK where we use 230V, what you need is a step down transformer, which is basically a big brick that you'd plug in between the PS2 and the wall. I've never bought one myself and you'd probably be ok with a 230 to 120V step down but if you can get one that'll do 100V then do. But it's worth checking the console when you get it, or you could always just buy a Slim because if I remember correctly they came with an external power supply so you could get any UK supply to go with the Japanese console as the voltage output will be the same.

As for other things to consider, if you're using composite (or is it component?) video you'll need to make sure your TV can handle signals other than PAL. I think NTSC-J is a thing? I can't remember. Apart from that I think it's ok.

I was going to buy a slim, so that's handy. I've heard people saying it won't really make a difference but I just wanted to make sure. That's really helpful though thank you!

As for NTSC-J I think I'm ok. So all is good.

 

[Grayfox]

You will need more than a step down plug.

You may need a step down transformer to change the line frequency as well as the voltage.
240v supplies normally use 50hz mains frequency
Japan/North America uses 110v @ 60Hz

 

[BobK]

You will need more than a step down plug.

You may need a step down transformer to change the line frequency as well as the voltage.
240v supplies normally use 50hz mains frequency
Japan/North America uses 110v @ 60Hz

Gonna need more than just a transformer to change the frequency. Since the power input of the PS2 is pure DC, the line frequency probably won't matter anyway.