NES:Region Free Controller Mods

There exists some differences between controllers from PAL regions and NTSC regions. Essentially, PAL controllers have additional pull-up resistors which are required to work on PAL consoles.

Put most simply:

• PAL controllers will work on NTSC consoles.
• NTSC controllers will NOT work on PAL consoles without modification.

This page describes the methods to allow you to use NTSC controllers on a PAL console.

(Option 1) Mod the PAL Console

This option involves bypassing the diodes on the PAL console's controller ports and bridging the pads, thus allowing all controllers to work on the console. Global Garage's video covers this method.

1. Disassemble your console and pull out the small circuit boards attached to the controller ports (no need to detatch them).
2. Locate the six diodes on the top side of the board.
3. On the underside of the board, solder a small piece of wire to bridge the two pins of each diode.
4. Test and reassemble your console.

(Option 2) Mod the NTSC Controller

Completed NTSC controller mod

This option involves modifying the NTSC controller to allow it to work on any console. Old School Shaun's video covers this method.

1. Disassemble your controller and pull the circuit board out of the shell.
2. On the backside, locate the pads in the upper right corner.
3. Solder a 3.3k ohm resistor from each of the two marked left-hand points to the point on the right.
4. Test and reassemble your console.