Famicom Dojo

Épisode 1 - Famicom and Disk System

16 juillet 2007

Sean and Vinnk review the Nintendo's first gaming console, as well as the Famicom Disk System attachment that was never released outside of Japan. Released two years earlier than the NES, this system served as the basis for Nintendo's rise to power -- even if it was heavily redesigned when it was brought to North America and the rest of the world.

Épisode 2 - The Battery Backup

7 août 2007

Sean and Vinnk take a look at how the Famicom Disk System revolutionized console gaming (despite never being released outside of Japan), and the subsequent advent of the battery backup cartridge.

Épisode 3 - Nintendo Has Moxy

27 août 2007

Grandpappy recollects the golden age of the Nintendo Entertainment System, and the crew answers viewer questions in their first mailbag.

Épisode 4 - Cartridges and Pins

24 avril 2008

Sean and Vinnk talk about the pin differences between Famicom and NES carts, Nintendo's big plans for an unreleased NES add-on, and its unintended consequences for compatibility with the Famicom!

Épisode 5 - Microphone Roundup

25 novembre 2008

Vinnk and Sean talk about the many uses of the Famicom Microphone and the games developed for it including Takeshi's Challenge, Atlantis no Nazo, Karaoke Studio, The Legend of Zelda, and Kid Icarus/Legend of Light: Palutenta's Mirror.

Épisode 6 - Twin Famicoms

24 décembre 2008

Sean and Vinnk bring to the fore the console that has been lurking around in the background all season, the Sharp Twin Famicom! Check out the features of the fully-licensed console, which melds the Famicom with the Famicom Disk System into one unit. Also, the shocking secret of NESter's true parentage revealed!

Épisode 1 - Denshimail: Famicom Power Adapters

10 mars 2009

Sean and Vinnk explain why using the NES power supply on a Famicom is a bad, terrible idea, and what alternatives you may have if your trusty Famicom adapter burns out.

Épisode 2 - Denshimail: Famicom Disk System Batteries

25 mars 2009

Sean and Vinnk talk about why the Famicom Disk System is able to use six AA batteries, and whether or not the battery tray is a viable solution for your gaming needs. Also — an "experiment."

Épisode 3 - Denshimail: Famicom Hookups

13 avril 2009

Sean and Vinnk talk about how to hook up your Famicom or Twin Famicom to your North American NTSC TV.

Épisode 4 - Denshimail: Famicom Homebrew

1 mai 2009

Sean and Vinnk field a question about homebrew Famicom games at No Brand Con 2009. Sean talks about the modded carts he saw at his recent trip to Midwest Gaming Classic, and Vinnk discusses the Playpower Foundation.

Épisode 5 - Denshimail: Rare Games

29 septembre 2009

Vinnk scours the Rising Stuff store for the rarest Famicom game/accessory he has available: the FMC Disk Checker! Also, Sean shares his collection of Rare games.

Épisode 6 - Sega Family Tree Special

27 février 2010

The NES explains to Jr. how he met his mother, albeit in a roundabout way that could potentially go on for years and years. Good thing the Famicom was there to keep him on track! Learn about the earliest, pre-Genesis Sega consoles, and some tips and tricks if you happen to own a Sega Master System.

Épisode 7 - Denshimail: Famicom Stacking

25 mars 2010

The Famicom is able to sit on top of the Disk System, but is there any way to keep it locked into that position like most of the other console add-ons known to man and woman? Famicom Dojo has the answers!

Épisode 8 - What Nintendon’t

13 mai 2010

With Sean indisposed, self-appointed Sega guru Sindra teams up with Vinnk to explain the rise of the Mega Drive and Genesis to de-throne Nintendo and its Famicom (oh, and NES) as the reigning video game super power.

Épisode 9 - Training Exercise: Sega Power Base Converter

8 juin 2010

Sean and Vinnk take a look at the Sega Power Base Converter add-on device that lets you play Sega Master System games on your Genesis and other backwards compatibility with Sega's 8-bit gaming machine.

Épisode 10 - Denshimail: Sega Power Base Compatibility

21 septembre 2010

Sean and Vinnk answer some questions about the Sega Power Base Converter's compatibility with different versions of the Sega Genesis, and one game that infamously can't be played: F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Épisode 11 - The Angry PC Engine Nerd

24 novembre 2010

Famicom Dojo gets a visit from the Angry PC Engine Nerd, who is more than happy to explain that HudsonSoft and NEC were the true forerunners of the 16-bit wars, despite weak performance of the PC Engine outside of Japan as the fable TurboGrafx-16.

Épisode 12 - Training Exercise: The Turbo Booster and CoreGrafx

15 décembre 2010

Sean and Vinnk take a closer look at the TurboGrafx-16 and the Turbo Booster -- an enormous add-on that gave the console AV output capabilities... and little else! The Turbo Booster Plus gives it a bit more kick with some onboard RAM, but the feature wouldn't help with most games.

Épisode 13 - Retro 3D Special: Famicom 3D System

27 février 2011

Sean and Vinnk review the Famicom 3D System, the seven games that came out for it, and the ones that made it to the US and somehow managed to stay 3D.

Épisode 14 - Retro 3D Special: SegaScope 3-D

7 septembre 2011

The SegaScope-3D came out at the same time as Nintendo's Famicom 3D System, but Sega saw fit to release their peripheral in the US as well. Also in stark contrast to Nintendo, Sega developed all of its own 3D games.

Épisode 15 - The Neo Geo Affair

24 juillet 2012

Vinnk reveals his decade-long tryst with SNK's Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System, the one console in the 16-bit generation that made good on its promise of arcade-quality graphics on a home console, and the hefty price tag to back it up.

Épisode 16 - Denshimail: Famicom Controller Replacement

28 septembre 2012

Famicom controllers have nice, metal faceplates, but they're prone to scratching, discoloration, and the paint flaking off. Even if you can find a new one, how do you replace it when the controller cables disappear into the back of the system?

Épisode 1 - On the Go: AppBlaster (by AppToyz)

30 juillet 2012

Back at Tokyo Game Show in 2011, Vinnk and Sean reviewed the AppBlaster iPhone peripheral and the game Ghost Catcher. Flash forward 10 months, and Vinnk runs into a shelf full of them while out shopping in Japan.

Épisode 2 - Train Your Game: GameCube Menu Secrets

21 août 2012

Sean and Vinnk demonstrate some tricks with the GameCube System Menu -- a couple of which have been known since the system launched (and involves pushing buttons, as you will see), and one more recently discovered with the aid of a video editor and a NinDB user with a penchant for earworms.

Épisode 3 - On the Go: Sega Beena

4 septembre 2012

If you thought that Sega stopped making consoles after Dreamcast you were right. And also a little wrong.

Épisode 4 - On the Go: Retro Game Shop Walkthrough (Mangasouko)

18 septembre 2012

Vinnk travels to Mangasouko, a "recycle shop" a few train stops down from where he lives in Japan. This shop sells all kind of used things but the second floor is all retro games, comics, toys, etc. This is the Famicom Section. There are a few informational errors since Vinnk only made one take but please enjoy seeing the interior of a shop that still values the Famicom. The first rack of games are the ones deemed most popular and best selling. Beyond that rack all the games are in Hiragana order (Vinnk mistakenly said Katakana in the video).

Épisode 5 - On the Go: Vinnk Finds a Bio Sensor for N64

25 septembre 2012

Last time on Famicom Dojo on the Go, Vinnk visited a thriving retro game store that was in the process of expanding. This week he explores a type of store that is (sadly) a lot more common these days: a store with retro on the decline. This shop used to have a very large retro section but since the last time Vinnk visited about 3 years ago the store has relegated all its retro items to a single rack. If he visits again next year there probably won't be any retro games at all. He did however manage to find a bit of a treasure: the N64 Bio Sensor. After doing a bit of research, Vinnk found that it worked with the game Tetris 64, and clipped onto a gamer's ear to measure heart rate. WHY? We may never know...

Épisode 6 - On the Go: Anpanman

10 octobre 2012

Vinnk visits a Guru Guru Anpanman machine, and gets a sweet card. And his daughter really likes it.

Épisode 7 - On the Go: Hudson Soft BeePak and BeeCard for MSX

23 octobre 2012

This thin cartridge is the predecessor to the HuCards found in Hudson Soft's PC Engine and TurboGrafix-16 consoles. Made for the MSX in Japan, Hudson cut its teeth on these kinds of peripherals at the same time Sega was making a similar technology -- MyCards -- for their SG-1000 series of video game consoles. Both required an intermediary cartridge to play on the intended systems. BeeCards worked with BeePaks, while MyCards worked with the Card Catcher, or plugged in directly to the Sega Mark III and Sega Master System.

Épisode 8 - On the Go: UFO Catcher (Super Mario Bros. 3 for Famicom)

30 octobre 2012

Vinnk plays a crane game in Akihabara, trying to "catch" a copy of Super Mario Bros. 3 for Famicom.

Épisode 9 - On the Go: Aru Aru City Idol

2 janvier 2013

Outside a store in Aru Aru City, Japan, something you'd probably not see in many other countries. While out shopping a few weeks ago, Vinnk saw a mini idol concert suddenly spring up, complete with a (very) small group of die-hard fans that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

Épisode 10 - On the Go: Sailor Moon S

13 janvier 2013

Hiro plays against Vinnk's daughter in a fight to the virtual death! We named our retro review series Famicom Dojo after a small used game shop in Japan. Like many of the consoles and games we cover in these videos, the Famicom Dojo itself is a relic of the past: a literal "mom and pop" game store. While he is the face of Famicom Dojo, and has even appeared on this channel a few times, Hiro's mother is the real owner; even though she's in her 80s she and can still be seen cleaning game connectors with q-tips every day. She will also give Vinnk's daughter candies whenever they go into the store. Recently, when she saw Vinnk's daughter, she ran behind the counter and happily produced a Sailor Moon game for the Super Famicom. She was sure his daughter would be familiar with the series, even though Sailor Moon stopped airing in Japan a good decade before she was born. Still, she was right! Vinnk's daughter definitely wanted to play. This video is the result.

Épisode 11 - Famicom 30th Anniversary

14 juillet 2013

The NES tries to give the Famicom a gift for his 30th birthday, only to discover yet another shocking Famicom Family secret!

Épisode 12 - On the Go: Bomberman Misobon Roulette

14 juillet 2013

Hudson Soft may have gone to Konami, but Bomberman lives on. In arcades. Sort of.

Épisode 13 - On the Go: Used Game Treasures (Super Rambo)

1 août 2013

Japanese gamers take much better care of their games and systems than US gamers do. Sometimes you'll even find little extras hidden inside the case, like Vinnk did with this copy of Super Rambo for MSX.

Épisode 14 - Train Your Game: Minus World

8 août 2013

The Super Mario Bros. Minus World is very real! You can get there in three easy steps, and we will show you how. However, far from being a deliberately-created "secret level" the truth of its existence is actually much stranger. Plus, there's not just one! We show you how to get to them without hacks or emulators (Virtual Console notwithstanding) with our foolproof techniques.

Épisode 15 - On the Go: Famicom Games with Lights

20 août 2013

In Japan, Famicom cartridges varied in style far more than NES games did. Irem developed a particularly distinct style with its cream-colored cartridges and embedded LED beneath their logo, which glowed when the system power was turned on.

Épisode 16 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: MSX 2 (Panasonic A1 Mk. II)

27 septembre 2013

Vinnk sent Sean a boxed MSX 2! We show you the unboxing, and compare an original MSX version of King's Knight to the NES version.

Épisode 17 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Satellaview

3 octobre 2013

Somehow, Vinnk found a boxed Satellaview. These beasts are rare, since when the satellite service shut down you could essentially send it back for a refund: but only if you sent back EVERYTHING.

Épisode 18 - Train Your Game: Turtle Tipping

24 octobre 2013

Sean and Vinnk show you how to tap a koopa shell in level 3-1 of Super Mario Bros. so that you can get, like, a gajillion extra lives.

Épisode 19 - On the Go: Famicom Disk System Treasures (and Tribulations)

30 octobre 2013

Famicom Disk System collecting is a double-edged sword. No, that's not a floppy disk joke. Wait... yes it was. Floppy disks degrade over time, so it's a good idea to keep checking your disk collection periodically. But equally as troubling is making sure that you are actually getting what you think you're paying for...

Épisode 20 - On the Go: Super Play Computer (Famicom Clone)

11 décembre 2013

Let's Play Game. Everybody Gets Fun.

Épisode 21 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Family Trainer Series

17 janvier 2014

Two years after finding a complete, boxed Family Trainer in Akihabara, Vinnk has sent Sean the last pieces of his Family Trainer Collection. Watch Sean attempt to play the latest three games without the aid of an instruction manual: Takeshi's Castle, Takeshi's Castle 2, and Baby Kyonshi.

Épisode 22 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Hyper Olympic and Hyper Sports for MSX

24 janvier 2014

Konami released an arcade game by the name of Track and Field, and then a sequel called Hyper Olympic '84. Both were ported to consoles in various forms, but on the MSX they were known as Hyper Olympic 1 and 2, and Hyper Sports 1, 2, and 3 (respectively-ish) -- including the Hammer Throw, which was never seen on the Famicom/NES version.

Épisode 23 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Super Back to the Future II (Super Famicom)

7 février 2014

Ever since seeing JewWario's review, Sean has wanted his own copy of Super Back to the Future Part II for the Super Famicom. Vinnk finally delivers! Sean explains some of the history of the game, and reviews the first level as compared to contemporary Back to the Future games.

Épisode 24 - Denshimail: Back to the Future Part III Warp Code

10 mars 2015

We're back in 2015 to answer your questions (well, ours, really) about the existence of Back to the Future Part III on the NES Part II & III cartridge. We're not even sure if any human being alive has even gotten to Part III through legitimate means, so unless you want to be the first we recommend using this quick trick to enter the warp code to take you there.

Épisode 25 - Nintendo Family Computer (HVC-001)

17 mars 2015

We've gone back to the Famicom well to do our most comprehensive review of the hardware yet. If you were tired of watching three or four different videos for this information, and always wanted to know just WHY you have to tune a North American TV to such bizarre channels to get an RF signal to work properly, then this is is the video for you.

Épisode 26 - Duck Hunt Player 2

24 mars 2015

If you're bored of making the game glitch out by playing too many levels after you pointed your Zapper at a lightbulb and pulled the trigger for untold hours, you can try this trick instead for a challenge in this classic NES game. Phil Bond takes time out of his busy Sherlock-watching schedule to help us out. And by us we mean... well, just watch.

Épisode 27 - Wii to Wii U Identity Transfer

1 avril 2015

A lot has changed for the Wii since the Wii U launched, making it even more appealing than ever to transfer your Wii Identity to your Wii U. But the process is not without its perils. Find out what you have to know to make your transition as smooth as possible, and what you'll be giving up once you do.

Épisode 28 - On the Go: Sega and 3DO Disc Variations

8 avril 2015

Vinnk has a problem. To be fair, it's a problem that some game publishers hope their customers have. Vinnk has bought several inconsequential variations of a handful of games for no other reason than to have them. But sometimes you find something so strange that you have to keep collecting in hopes that you'll solve a mystery.

Épisode 29 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Link Between Worlds 3DS XL

15 avril 2015

It's about time Sean sent something to Vinnk! In Japan, Vinnk has a very particular problem with Nintendo hardware: the 3DS and Wii U are the only consoles that are still region-locked. Will Vinnk be able to join the rest of the English-speaking gaming world now?

Épisode 30 - Famicom Dojo Snacks: N64 Mystery Pak, Love Hina, Parenting

21 avril 2015

Vinnk packages up some bite-sized videos that were originally (timed) exclusives for our Facebook page, but have now been presented to you here for the omnoms.

Épisode 31 - Famicom Data Recorder and NES Programmable Series

28 avril 2015

We reveal the mystery behind the NES Programmable Series of games, and how their Japanese Famicom counterparts were able to save data with the aid of the Family Keyboard and Famicom Data Recorder. We also demonstrate alternatives to using this technology, as well as run down the contemporary ports that don't require additional hardware to use all of the game features.

Épisode 32 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: ASCII TurboFile

5 mai 2015

The TurboFile by ASCII Corporation is an off-cartridge storage device developed at a time when the Famicom Disk System was not yet released, and battery backup cartridges were still too expensive to produce. It could only save one game at a time, and there way no way to know which game it was if you owned several that were compatible, but that didn't stop ASCII from making several variations -- not only for the Famicom, but other consoles as well. We didn't have one when we did our review of the Famicom Data Recorder, but supposedly it is compatible with Castle Excellent. Is that true? We find out!

Épisode 33 - Don't Blow It (Cartridge Cleaning)

14 mai 2015

Cartridges get dirty. What's the best way to get them clean? Famicom Dojo has the answers! Blowing on cartridge contacts as a way to remove dirt and grime is a 30 year habit that some of us still can't quite seem to break. This will actually damage not only your games but your consoles in the long run. Use this method to clean your games, rather than corrode your collection.

Épisode 34 - On the Go: Gaming Generations

19 mai 2015

Vinnk hasn't been to a retro shop in the US for a long time. So much is different. Cartridges are the wrong size and color. There are no Sega Saturn games to speak of. And he can run into people he knows... and they speak English!

Épisode 35 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Famicom AV Mod

24 juin 2015

Vinnk sends Sean a Famicom modded with AV outputs, but did Sean get exactly what he thought he was getting? We compare the video output of different Famicom systems using our trust Mother cartridge (or Earthbound Beginnings, as it's now known on Wii U Virtual Console). There were some other cool things in the box, but you'll just have to watch to find out what they are!

Épisode 36 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Parodius

9 juillet 2015

At the last MAGFest he attended, Sean played a game called Parodius on the original Game Boy. Turns out it's an entire series of games that released several versions on many different consoles. Parodius Da! for Famicom and Game Boy is just one of many. Check out a couple of the side-scrolling shooters that these games parody, and watch Sean try (and fail) to play Parodius itself!

Épisode 37 - Stuff Vinnk Sent Me: Kunio-kun Series

31 juillet 2015

While perhaps the best-known title to come out of the series was River City Ransom (as it was known on the NES), Technos created several Kunio-kun games over the life of the Famicom. Here are just a few of them, how they came over to the US, and the peripherals they supported on the Famicom that we totally promise we will review more in-depth eventually.

Épisode 38 - Famicom Friday: NES Remix (Wii U)

21 août 2015

Famicom Friday is a day when we explore a video game we've never played before, and give you our thoughts about what we've just experienced. It's a great way to get through our Pile of Shame! This week we're pulling one from the That's Orange archives to bring to Famicom Dojo for the first time: NES Remix. This game is nearly two years old now, but Sean's thoughts about it still stand.

Épisode 39 - On the Go: PlayChoice-10 Minus World

28 août 2015

When Sean went out west last summer, he found a PlayChoice-10 arcade at Ground Kontrol. The arcade had Super Mario Bros., and since we had just released our Minus Worlds video the year before, he knew exactly what he had to do...

Épisode 40 - Famicom Friday: Time Lord (NES)

3 septembre 2015

On Famicom Friday, we explore a video game we've never played before, and may be new to you! After talking about it on the Famicom Dojo podcast, Sean decided to seek out a copy of Time Lord... and play it!

Épisode 41 - Dojo Snacks: Eraser Cleaning, Disc Recasing, SNES Sound

Vinnk shows you how to clean up your aging hardware to look (almost) as good as new, a little surprise he found when trying to fix one of the broken jewel cases for a disc game, some surprising sound quality from Super Famicom game Down the World (also with Super Turbo File compatibility), and a little treat if you stay all the way to the end! Dojo Snacks are videos posted first to our Facebook page of fun little items of note that Vinnk finds, which we eventually wrap into a nice snack box for you to consume later on YouTube. If you're hungry for more, please like our Facebook page for a first taste!

Épisode 42 - On the Go: Star Ocean (Super Famicom)

18 septembre 2015

In our last Dojo Snacks, viewers challenged Vinnk to look up another game with full voice recordings as part of its sound. But does Star Ocean truly hold what he seeks?

Épisode 43 - On the Go: Kirby Toys at Space World

30 septembre 2015

Life imitates Art at Space World.

Épisode 44 - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES-001)

18 novembre 2015

Épisode 45 - Yokai Watch, Capcom Mobile Charging, Mario Art

2 décembre 2015

Épisode 46 - Sega World

4 mai 2016

Not to be confused with Space World, Vinnk hits up a new, enormous arcade. Fans of the podcast will note some sights that we've discussed recently, plus a (very) brief look at some pre-Famicom Dojo days!

Épisode 47 - Sansuu 1-Nen (and 4-Nen): Keisan Game (Famicom)

23 mai 2016

Vinnk took his daughters to Famicom Dojo while his wife and new son were napping. So he could feel that he was doing something a bit more educational than just having them play games he tried the educational title Sansuu 1 Nen: Keisan Game (算数１年　けいさんゲーム) which is a math game made for 1st graders (in Japan that is ages 6-7). It was actually pretty fun despite some convoluted control. But when Hiro suggests that we try the 4th grade level game (Sansuu 4 Nen: Keisan Game (算数4年　けいさんゲーム), that’s when it gets crazy.

Épisode 48 - Tsuppari Oozumou [Bumping Pro Samurai] (Famicom)

2 juin 2016

Vinnk is back at the Famicom Dojo shop for his very first Famicom Friday (also the first about an actual Famicom game). After getting briefly distracted by a square-button Famicom (more on that in another video), and the voiced intro to Tenka no Goikenban: Mito Koumon (水戸黄門 天下の御意見番), he settles on Tsuppari Ōzumō (つっぱり大相撲) a wacky sumo wrestling game. No sumo games have ever been localized for the NES, so Vinnk is going to explore whether or not that is a good thing.

Épisode 49 - Mysterious Murasame Castle [謎の村雨錠] (FDS)

9 juin 2016

Mysterious Murasame Castle has been on the 3DS Virtual Console in North America for almost two years now (August 7, 2014), but back when the release was announced, Sean finally cracked open his Famicom Disk System copy that had lain dormant for eight years, and finally played it for the first time!

Épisode 50 - Famicom Robot Amiibo (Wii U)

14 juin 2016

Sean got a new box of stuff from Vinnk, and one of the precious cargo inside was a Famicom Robot Amiibo! We explore what, if anything, makes it different from the NES-colored R.O.B. Amiibo released in North America.

Épisode 51 - Super Punch-Out!! 3-in-1 Pirate Cart (Super Famicom)

21 juin 2016

Vinnk made another trip to the Famicom Dojo shop to dig out some treasures. He found an interesting 3-in-1 Super Famicom pirate cartridge with Wildsnake, Super Punch-Out!!, and NBA Live '95. But how can that be? Super Punch-Out!! was never released on a standard Super Famicom cart.

Épisode 52 - Super Game Boy 2 (Super Famicom)

8 juillet 2016

Not many peripherals warrant a sequel, but the Super Game Boy is an interesting exception. The Super Game Boy 2 was released in 1998, extremely late in the Super Famicom's lifecycle. We take a deep dive into its features, why it was released, and what's so special about it compared to the original cartridge.

Épisode 53 - JRA PAT and Super Famicom Modem [スーパーファミコン専用 通信モデム]

12 juillet 2016

About 2 years ago, Vinnk purchased a strange controller and a Super Famicom Modem by NTT (スーパーファミコン専用 通信モデム [NDM24]) but just recently he found some software to actually use it, a “game” called JRA PAT (Japan Racing Association Personal Access Terminal). Vinnk explorers this rare and mostly forgotten peripheral, and discovers some interesting facts about it.

Épisode 54 - Konami GUN SIGHT (Laser Invasion) w/ Famicom Light Gun // Stuff Vinnk Sent Me

27 juillet 2016

After several months, and lots of orange tape, Sean finally got his own Famicom Light Gun! We give a quick overview of the peripheral, and try it out on a GUN SIGHT — otherwise known as Laser Invasion on the NES.

Épisode 55 - Super Game Boy 2 LAN - How to Game Link Multiple Cartridges // Denshimail

10 août 2016

We may have missed a few details in our previous Stuff Vinnk Sent Me video about the Super Game Boy 2, and/or lacked the hardware to answer the most common viewer question: do two Super Game Boy 2 cartridges work when linked together? The answer on this episode of Famicom Denshimail!

Épisode 56 - Mario Paint (Super Famicom) // Sara Plays

17 août 2016

Vinnk liked to joke that our kids would one day take over Famicom Dojo. But at six years old, Sara was ready to make her first YouTube video. Welcome to Sara Plays Mario Paint on Famicom Dojo!

Épisode 57 - Crap Systems - Famiclone Handhelds: Game U, Game Poke FC // Keep or Heap

12 septembre 2016

Vinnk spent all of 1000 yen ($10, batteries included) for unboxing and gameplay footage from three randim rip-off game systems.

Épisode 58 - Pokemon Stadium (N64) - Original Japanese-exclusive Version // Sara Plays

9 septembre 2016

Pokemon Stadium on the N64 is Sara's current favorite game. This is not the game that was released in the US, which was actually the Japanese Pokemon Stadium 2, so there is a good chance you haven't seen this game before. We hope you enjoy her video!

Épisode 59 - TARDIS Console Rooms - LEGO Dimensions Doctor Who Level Pack (Wii U) // Train Your Game

3 octobre 2016

Sean explores the depths of the TARDIS -- or rather, a version of it from the LEGO Dimensions Doctor Who Level Pack, starring Peter Calapdi. Current TV show cannon establishes that the each TARDIS Console room is stored like a "desktop theme", and can be recalled at any time. This game is no different!

Épisode 60 - Vinnk's Birthday - Nintendo Switch Edition (2017)

4 mars 2017

Nintendo Switch day was also Vinnk's birthday! So his family decided to top themselves from last year, and threw Vinnk a Switch-themed birthday party.

Épisode 61 - Nintendo Switch Launch Day Special (2017) - Unboxing and Review

7 mars 2017

On March 3, 2017, Sean waited in line at Best Buy for his new Nintendo Swtich. Vinnk ordered his from Amazon Japan. Sean got to set his up right away that night at Phil Bond's place, while Vinnk... Join us for our third Nintendo Launch Day special, where we unbox and give our first impressions of the Nintendo Switch! SeanOrange is a retro game fan from the US. Vinnk is a retro import fan who took things one step further and moved to Japan. Together they make Famicom Dojo: a web series dedicated exploring the Japanese history of video games and consoles from the other side of the Pacific.

Épisode 62 - Instant NES Collection and Recasing (Spring Dojo 2017 Preview) // Stuff Vinnk Sent Me

15 mai 2017

It's taken a few months, but between Midwest Gaming Classic and scouring some retro gaming stores, Sean has put together an "instant" Nintendo Entertainment System collection for a friend... who makes a surprise visit to Sean's house! Also, how to quickly re-case an NES that has seen better days.

Épisode 1 - Famicom Dojo's Hiro Reacts to the NES // Gamers React

22 mars 2017

Here at Famicom Dojo, we spend a lot of time marveling over the Famicom, and how foreign it must seem outside of Japan. But what's just as foreign is this gray little toaster with these monotone cartridges called the "NES" to those who grew up with a little cream and red system called the "Family Computer". Vinnk returns to Japan with his "instant" NES collection, and shows it off to Hiro, the proprietor of the eponymous Famicom Dojo retro store in Kyushu, to get the reactions of a long-time (Japanese) Nintendo fan. Famicom Dojo is a web series dedicated exploring the Japanese history of video games and consoles from the other side of the Pacific.

Épisode 2 - Super Momotarou Dentetsu (PC Engine) Sara Plays

Sara returns to Famicom Dojo to show us how to play Super Momotarou Dentetsu ("Electric Train", get it?), a game series that was never released outside of Japan. But, fear not! Sara will translate as she goes, as best she can. (And Vinnk will clarify as necessary via subtitles.)

Épisode 3 - The Samurai Spirits Shodown - Super Famicom vs. Sega Genesis | Pile of Shame

Pile of Shame kicks off with two variants of the same SNK game that have on Sean's pile for years: Samurai Spirits for the Super Famicom, and Samurai Shodown for Sega Genesis.

Épisode 4 - Kid Dracula - Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula kun (Famicom)

After a surprise visit from Vinnk, Sean plays a "classic" Castlevania game: Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula kun. You play as a young "Kid Dracula", avoiding the random traps of his own castle, and encountering a cast of... colorful enemies.

Épisode 5 - Conjoined - Atari 2600 Homebrew (AtariAge)

Not satisfied with directing a horror film in 2014, Joe Grisaffi partnered with Jason Santuci to create a homebrew Atari game. Still not content to merely make a rom, they joined forces to create a Kickstarter campaign to create a physical copy that can by played on an actual 2600, reaching over 5 times the pledge goal. Vinnk received one of 50 specially-boxed copies, complete with instructions, and couldn't wait to play it. (Don't worry; Sean got one too, but loose.)

Épisode 6 - Smash TV (NES) w/ Dual NES Advantage | Pile of Shame

5 mai 2017

Sean never owned his own copy of Smash TV as a kid, and despite buying it years ago as an adult has never really tried to play it. Now, armed with two NES Advantage controllers and rose-colored glasses, he's going to give this arcade classic another shot. No pun intended.

Épisode 7 - Play Computer Favorite - Famiclone

10 mai 2017

Vinnk finds the updated version of a Famiclone he reviewed in his previous Dojo Snacks installment, and he can't help but buy it and try it out! Will he be able to make it through all 30 built-in games with his sanity intact?

Épisode 8 - Wisdom Tree Arkade - The Plug and Play NES Collection

24 mai 2017

Vinnk backed a project by Wisdom Tree to release their 8-bit games on a Plug n Play device that looks like an NES controller went out to a '50s diner. The Kickstarter was funded, and now Vinnk tries out all of the games on the device.

Épisode 9 - Famicom and Disk System - DVD Commentary

16 juillet 2017

On the 10th anniversary of the upload of our first-ever episode of Famicom Dojo, we wanted to share the DVD version of the episode WITH the DVD commentary! If you haven't gotten the Season 1 DVD before now, we hope you will find this to be a special treat... if not encouragement to pick up the disc for yourself. Our 10th Anniversary celebration is just beginning! We hinted at one of our upcoming videos during the commentary, as it turns out. Can you guess which topic we'll be covering? (Or, more accurately, going back to cover?)

Épisode 10 - Super Russian Roulette (NES) - Kickstarter Homebrew by Batlab Electronics

30 août 2017

Super Russian Roulette by Batlab Electronics is a party game played with a controller and the NES Zapper; use the controller to load the gun and spin the chamber, and the Zapper to tempt your fate. Or, you can use the Zapper to shoot any number of things on the screen! (Only if you're using a CRT.) Vinnk and Sean unbox the game, play a few rounds, and open up the cartridge to see what they might find inside!

Épisode 11 - Transformers: Human Alliance (Arcade) at Knuckleheads

6 septembre 2017

In the last part of our Wisconsin Dells On the Go trilogy, we pay a visit to indoor tourist trap extraordinaire Knuckleheads to explore the arcade. And what do we find, but a well-made on-the-rails shooter for Transformers game!

Épisode 12 - Atari 2600 VCS - Video Computer System

11 septembre 2017

40 years ago today, Atari released its Video Computer System (aka VCS), and went on to define the second generation of video gaming. Ultimately, it would also unwittingly help to bring that era crashing down, but before that fateful day it would spawn a love for gaming that would survive.

Épisode 1 - Bayonetta 1 + 2 "Non-Stop Climax Edition" Unboxing

7 mars 2018

Nintendo is doubling down on is support of Platinum Games. Ahead of the release of Bayonetta 3, they've put together this wonderful special edition of the original Bayonetta, and the previously Wii U exclusive Bayonetta 2.

Épisode 2 - Ninja Hattori-kun (Famicom)

28 mars 2018

Based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series of the same name, the Ninja Hattori-kun ("Little Ninja Hattori", for non-Japanese speakers) was developed for the Famicom by Hudson Soft, and would go on to become the fifth best-selling Famicom game of all time.

Épisode 3 - Ranma 1/2: The Missing Bride Sara Plays

25 avril 2018

Sara is back to play "The Missing Bride", one of the many Ranma 1/2 games released in the 1990s (or, as Sara says when "mama was in middle school"). Instead of picking something easy like a fighting game, she's going to play a PC Engine Super CD-ROM2 title that requires a LOT of reading.

Épisode 4 - NES vs. NES Classic Edition - Unboxing and Review

2 mai 2018

At long last, Sean finally got his own NES Classic Edition (thanks, Phil), and set about to find out how it stacks up against the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and some of the smallest retro consoles ever made.

Épisode 5 - Famicom to NES Controller Adapter by RaphNet (w/Super Russian Roulette)

23 mai 2018

Sean reviews the Famicom Controller to NES Adapter by RaphNet Technologies -- what it can do, what it can't do, and what he wishes it can do -- using Super Russian Roulette as an example. After playing Vinnk's copy of Super Russian Roulette (the homebrew Zapper game for the NES), Sean went on a quest to find out if there was a way to use the Famicom Light Gun. He settled on the Famicom Controller to NES Adapter by RaphNet Technologies, but does it do the job? (Originally uploaded 2018/04/03; the original version had some sound sync issues that make parts almost unwatchable.)

Épisode 6 - Top 10 Favorite NES Classic Edition Tricks and Glitches

30 mai 2018

The NES Classic Edition is such a faithful reproduction of its 30 built-in NES games, that all of the glitches and exploits of the original games still exist unaltered. In keeping with some of the Virtual Console releases of these titles, some features that never worked on the original cartridge version.

Épisode 7 - Vinnk’s Top Famicom 5 | Pile of Shame

18 juillet 2018

Vinnk Piles on the Shame with five Famicom titles that he has owned for a long time, but never played. Explore these 8-bit gems with him on his Twin Famicom, and see if any are worth importing!

Épisode 8 - Super Smash TV (Super Famicom) | Pile of Shame

29 août 2018

Vinnk returns from Japan (by foot??) with his copy of Super Smash TV for the Super Famicom, and helps Sean to reduce his Pile of Shame even further!

Épisode 9 - RetroN 5 Experiments - Unboxing, Review, and Compatibility Tests

31 octobre 2018

Sean opens up his new RetroN 5, and finds out what it can do!

Épisode 1 - Howard Phillips on the Famicom and Nintendo AVS Prototype | On the Go

24 avril 2019

Howard Phillips visited Milwaukee, WI for Midwest Gaming Classic 2019 as part of his project with Frank Cifaldi to help preserve Nintendo's history with the Video Game History Foundation. Hopefully-soon-to-be-infamous packrat Phillips is bringing a wealth of physical documents to Cifaldi's project, which they will work together to compile and digitize over the next five years. In this clip, Howard Phillips discusses his impressions of the Family Computer (AKA Famicom), The 1984 attempt to bring it to the US as the Nintendo Advanced Video System (AVS), and his impressions unboxing one of the first NES consoles shipped to America in 1985.

Épisode 2 - How to Download Famicom Nintendo Switch Online from the Japanese eShop

22 mai 2019

For the first time ever, you can import Japanese Famicom games to play on a non-Japanese Nintendo home console, and it's absolutely free*! (*Well, you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership... but who's counting?) We show you how to set up a My Nintendo profile to access the Japanese eShop so you can download the Family Computer Nintendo Switch Online channel tany Switch in the world!

Épisode 3 - RetroN 5 Experiment - Four Player NES Games

5 juin 2019

While working on another video, Sean thought he'd try out something on the Retron 5 that didn't occur to him when we did our Keep or Heap review; controller adapters like the NES Satellite and NES Four Score probably don't work with the Retron (and can't even be plugged in unmodified), but one of the console's built-in features SHOULD make that unnecessary. But is he right?

Épisode 4 - Let’s Go, Meltan! - Evolve Melmetal with Pokemon Let’s Go

26 juin 2019

What kind of free-to-play game doesn't let you buy your way out level grinding? The kind that connects with another game on the Nintendo Switch!

Épisode 5 - Famicom Mini and Disk System Classic Box Mini Case

25 juillet 2019

We review the miniature emulation box inspired by the Family Computer 34 years after the console's original release. Also, surprise! There's something here for the Famicom Disk System too. Sort of...