Wanted - SNES Mini/Jr/101 disassembly photos

Hi guys. First post here, I'm looking for some decent photos of a disassembled SNES-101 - but more specifically, the console's case, not the PCB. It's odd but I haven't been able to find anything like this so far. I'm considering the acquisition of one of these little guys but I'd like more info on the top half of the case re: dust doors, inserts, etc. so I can better decide between the US and JP models.

Thanks!

btw, I am really enjoying the pixelly post icons on the forum, they are delicious.

 

Welcome to the forums!

I'm pretty sure they are the US and JP models are the same, other than the tabs in the cartridge slot area that are used for "region lock". They can easily be removed from the US model with a saw or dremmel or anything else that can remove plastic, and the US version can then play SF games.

Hopefully someone can get you some photos.

 

I thought some games had some type of security that prevents it from running on a different region console even with the tabs cut or an adapter.

 

US and JPN systems and games are the same.

Pal games on a ntsc system and vice versa is where region locking comes up.

 

The tricky part is, I like the design of both Japanese consoles better. The original model has that darker gray area around the cartridge; I was hoping this was a separate insert and that I might be able to fabricate a replacement with a US slot instead of enlarging the stock top or having to use an adapter. The Jr revisions seem to be the ones to get for the best video quality though and obviously the differences are much smaller... Still hoping there might be a way to do something similar though.

 

The SNES mini would be the same deal since it uses the exact same motherboard and components. The only other differences aside from the cosmetic ones are a different power jack and a missing filter capacitor on the SNES mini.

 

Here you go. An SNES Mini American version

 

Go for the US version, it will play US and JP carts with just the tabs removed. The JP vesion would need an adapter or the slot widening to play US carts.

 

I got a fairly good deal on my SNES Mini, which is why I got it over the Jr.

Took a dremel to the tabs inside of the cart slot and it was playing SuFami games happily. Nice compact hardware revision.

 

Thanks vvv! So it looks like there is a separate assembly for the dust doors, but the whole outside surface is one piece... Darn. I guess I could remove the embossed Super Nintendo marking and stick an SFC logo on there and 3d print some buttons that aren't purple.

It seems to be cheaper right now to import a Jr in good condition than it is to find a reasonably priced US model. Guess I'll have to keep watching for a good deal.

 

Uh nope, SFC Jrs tend to go for considerably more than an SNES mini. A good SNES mini shouldn't cost you more than $50.

 

Kinda depends where you live tbh. I paid £52 delivered for my SNES Mini, but they aren't plentiful in the UK like they are in the US.

 

Yeah, I'm in Canada and they're far less common than they are in the US. I've never even seen one in person, so I doubt I can find one locally. I have been watching eBay, but so far the shipping costs from US sellers are about double the shipping costs from Japan. Right now, the cheapest working unit I see (that includes an AC adapter and a controller) is $70 USD, plus $16 USD for shipping, so about $110 CAD - probably more depending on taxes/duty at the border. The other problem is, most of the listed consoles that were evidently well-cared for (i.e. that don't say "you have to blow in it to make it work") are usually bundled with 3-4 games that I have no interest in playing. Usually NBA Jam, Jeopardy, and Mario Paint without a mouse.

 

I cut the tabs on my SNES Jr. last night. I was surprised by how easy it was; I expected I would have to drill holes in it or something. I tried a few games and they all work, and they look really good - much better than on the Super Famicom. I noticed a weird problem with the video output, but I don't think it has anything to do with cutting the tabs, and it's pretty minor. I need to investigate that issue further.

 

On my Mini, I just removed the entire cartridge assembly off with the only disadvantage would being no dust cover. I did the same with my N64. I need to play more SNES instead of being amazed at my New 3DS XL and its browser capabilities (based on Netfront NX 3.0 iirc)...

 

I wanted to keep the cartridge assembly on to prevent dust from getting inside. The places where I removed the tabs are not very noticeable, even looking inside with the cover open. I'm pretty happy with the result. Now I have no excuse not to play Sutte Hakkun (other than it being hard).

 

I see. I heard its on the Wii and Wii U VC in Japan. But IDK if i should play it on my Shield or an emulator of some kind...

 

I literally just cut out where the tabs were so there are two 3~4mm wide cuts where the tabs used to be. Super tidy.

 

LOL. An even tidier way is just to cut them out using a pair of flush cutters. That way your cuts are right alongside the walls and don't leave a mess.

 

I just used wire cutters. It doesn't look perfect, but like I said, the marks aren't very noticeable. I might try to sand it down a little bit, though I don't have any sand paper at the moment. It's functional, anyway.