PAL, NTSC-U, NTSC-J: which region should you pick when you play in Morocco?

Retro consoles were sold in three main regions: PAL (Europe and much of the world), NTSC-U (North America) and NTSC-J (Japan). In Morocco you'll find all three. Here's what actually matters.

1. Games must match the console

Many home consoles refuse games from another region, either through a different cartridge shape or an electronic lockout. That's the case for the Super Nintendo (North American cartridges have a different shape), the Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation. Simple rule: console and games from the same region, unless you use an adapter or a mod.

Good news: the Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance are region-free.

2. Mains voltage

Moroccan mains power is 220 V. PAL power supplies are made for it. North American and Japanese consoles ship with 100–120 V supplies: never plug them in directly; use a proper step-down transformer or a compatible power supply.

3. Picture on a modern TV

PAL consoles often output 50 Hz, NTSC ones 60 Hz. Most recent TVs accept both through composite or SCART, but some composite inputs reject 50 Hz. For a sharp picture, an RGB SCART cable or an HDMI adapter makes a real difference.

4. Game speed

On some consoles, PAL games run slightly slower than their NTSC versions, with black borders. Most players don't mind; purists prefer NTSC.

Our advice

• To start simple: everything PAL.
• For a Japanese collection: NTSC-J, with the right power supply.
• If in doubt: every RetroGame listing shows the region, and we'll advise you before you buy.