Korean Job Discussion Forums

alphakennyone · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Location: city heights

I'm headed back to the States soon and I recently bought a DS here in Korea thinking I could just buy a new power cord in the states. Then I saw this on Nintendo's website:

In the past, travelers could play their Nintendo handheld systems all over the world, as they are self-contained units that can work on standard batteries. Our currently-produced portable systems, however, do not use standard store-bought batteries, and instead use a rechargeable battery that must be plugged into a wall outlet to charge. Because electrical standards vary throughout the world, using an outlet with an incorrect voltage could damage your system.

If you are moving to another country, it is highly recommended you purchase your portable game system in the country you are moving to.

If you are traveling to another country, your best option is to purchase a step-down transformer. With a step-down transformer, the power can be converted to meet the requirements of the Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy micro, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo DS Lite.

so I'll have to get a step-down transformer? Can't just swap for a different cord?

skconqueror · Joined: 31 Jul 2005

In my opinion, you don't need anything.. as you are going from 220 to 120. If you bought one in the U.S, you would have to get a step down converter as it is going the opposite way.. from 120 to 220.

Dodgy Al · Joined: 15 May 2004 Location: Seoul

Get a usb to ds cable.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

They are talking about US based systems going abroad and needing to step the voltage down from 220v to the 110v that the US systems use (hence the need for a step down transformer). Not using one would burn out the power pack.

Going from here to there you would need a step-up transformer (110v-220v) or a 220v circuit (like your clothes dryer would use).

Your toy may work when it is underpowered (220 input brick plugged into 110v) but would be very slow to charge.

It looks like it uses a power supply and not a direct plug into the wall so you may be able to get a new charger when you get home and solve your problem as well.
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bondjimbond · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Location: Seoul

Do what I did...

I got a USB cord for the DS (actually has two prongs... one for DSPhat/GBA, and one for DSLite) for 5,000 won at Yongsan... and later, also for 5,000 won, a USB charger (y'know... plug it into your outlet, plug your USB devices in for charging) that works on both kinds of voltages along with an adapter for North American outlets, for another 5,000.

The second doohickey is very versatile. Well worth it.