Game Axe
Color: Buying Guide
For those
interested in the Game Axe, continued reading for a guide on buying
and owning a Game Axe.
Buying
a Game Axe: The best way to find a Game Axe is on e-Bay, where
there is usually one up for auction once a week. Expect to pay
anywhere from $60 to $140 for the system (though the latter should
include power supply, two controllers, A/V cords, NES-to-Famicom
adapter, and some games. Shipping costs, which run from $9 to
$17 dollars, should also be factored in. Always insure the package.
Once you secure
a Game Axe, it's time to buy some parts. The parts mentioned above
(sans games, since you probably have those already) are necessary
to get the most out of the system, and should be purchased if
they aren't already included. A/V cables and controllers shouldn't
run more than seven dollars a piece, shipping included; surf e-Bay
for the best deals. A standard nine-volt adapter should work fine;
I was sent an Atari Jaguar adapter, which works fine (Do NOT use
an adapter more powerful than nine-volts, or you'll have a hundred
dollar paper weight on your hands). NES-to-Famicom adapters are
hard to come by and are usually more than ten dollars. See if
you can get one with the system, if NES gaming is your goal.
There are
a few more accessories you may consider purchasing. Apparently,
Game Axe screens are easily scratched (though I've never had any
problems), so a replacement screen or two may not be a bad idea.
Most screens run a little over five dollars with shipping, though
there are good deals to be found. Having a replacement screen
on hand isn't a bad idea.
Another accessory
is an extension cable. If you got controllers with the system,
chance are you're getting Innovation Famicom controllers, which
have a cable less than two-feet long. An extension cable will
run around $5 without shipping.
Owning
a Game Axe: You may have guessed that the Game Axe is an investment,
and somewhat risky. You paid more for it than a Playstation, it
has no warranty, and support for it is limited. Here are a few
pointers for keeping your Game Axe in one piece:
Don't break
it!
This should seem obvious, but I can't tell you how many games,
systems, and accessories I've seen keep haphazardly or heard terrifying
stories about. I've seen and heard of Gameboys being left in driveways
(and run over, of course), NES systems used as ashtrays, and games
left in damp cardboard boxes. I've cleaned out games so notoriously
dirty that it would make a collector cringe at the thought of
putting it in their system. While I doubt anyone would go through
all of the trouble to buy a Game Axe and intentionally damage
it or leave it in a hazardous situation, people are morons when
it comes to these things. Treat your Game Axe well.
Case it.
Get a case to put your Game Axe and accessories in. Since there
is no official case for the system, some improvising will be necessary,
though this shouldn't be too hard. A large camera case should
work, or a small knapsack. Personally, I use a bag that was put
out by Nintendo to promote the Nintendo 64; it fits the system,
power adapter, controller, converter, portable ear bud head phones,
and three games snuggly, perfect for trips to school.
Protect
your screen.
A new Game Axe should have a plastic film over the screen to protect
it during shipping. Keep it for as long as you can. The film should
continue to stick to the screen, effectively protecting it from
dust and scratches when not in use. It'll save on replacement
screens in the long run.
Clean it.
When your Game Axe gets dirty, don't be afraid to clean it. If
the case gets dirt in the buttons or cracks, use a soft toothbrush
to work the dirt out out. If the screen gets dirty, use a lint-free
cloth or a CD cleaner and wipe the dirt off. If a more serious
cleaning is needed, lightly spray some diluted rubbing alcohol
(the kind in CD cleaning kits) on the screen and gently wipe it
off. Let the screen dry.
For the pins
and connectors, standard NES cleaning procedures are in full swing.
Use some diluted rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip (or a foam applicator,
included in cartridge cleaning kits) for game and converter pins.
Wet the Q-tip with the alcohol and scrub the pins with the end,
trying to get as much of the dirt off as you can (if you see black
on the Q-tip, there's dirt left). Either air dry the pins or use
a dry Q-tip to get the moisture off of the pins.
For connectors,
use the appropriate cleaning card and follow the directions (which
likely involve wetting the cleaning end of the card with solution,
or diluted alcohol, and inserting it into the connectors). Let
the connectors air dry.
Owning a
Game Axe can be a great experience, as long as you know how to
buy and maintain one. Responsibility doesn't mean the less fun,
but it will pay off in the long run.
Back
to the Game Axe
