Little background, in Singapore the voltage carried in the outlets is a lot higher than back home. Instead of 120 volts, its around 200-240 volts. The result, plug in any surge protector or device that can't handle that and even with a voltage converter you'll only get a puff of smoke burst in your face. Check here for the different international standards.
It all started nearly a month ago, when my boyfriend believed that by plugging an American surge protector into a converter for Asia, we could plug all our American devices into one easy row of outlets, instead of dangerously overloading the power outlets in our bedroom. Boy were we off by miles. The result, a whine of electronic agony, then a pop and smoke rising from the eight power plugs which all now looked suddenly sad for some reason. Read about it in my first real post from Singapore: Sparks Fly.
Fast forward a month and I am setting up my Xbox 360, all excited to get my hands on the newest zombie game of the year, State of Decay. So blinded by fandom I plugged the converter in into the Asian surge protector, slapped in the plug for the Xbox AC adaptor and flipped the switch. Unlike Dr. Frankenstein who cackled with triumph when lightning struck, my words were entirely different when I realized the mistake I had made.
"Oh shit! Oh shit! No... crap! Oh shit no, no, no!"
But electricity moves at the speed of light and before I could slap my hand back down on the power switch the moment I realized my folly, the AC adaptor had already shrieked in agony, let out a sound like a balloon popping and smoke burst out in a tiny mushroom cloud from both ends of my adaptor. Thankfully it had done its job and protected my Xbox from any damage, but it had died valiantly in its effort... and I was royally annoyed at my stupidity.
I was left with a now unplayable game I had been waiting for months to get my greedy hands on... disappointment didn't begin to describe it... exasperated annoyance at my misfortune and stupidity was more like it.
Shopping for a replacement 'electronic gaming accessory' in Singapore is a annoying exercise in futility and after being spoiled by Best Buy, Amazon and Google Shopper it was even more obnoxious. For the first time in years I had to call stores to confirm if a product was present and most just wrote down my information promising to call back. Of the eleven stores called and left to call me back, none have done so... I expect to hear from them sometime between now and the energy death of the universe.
With the complete failure of this endeavour it was off to the mall to hit the ground running. The Singapore store Challenger is possibly the closest analogue to Best Buy or Circuit City that this country has. But unlike at home, they rarely sell replacement items for full sets, you either can buy the complete assembly of parts or they just kind of shrug at you. Two stores down and while I could see the exact AC adaptor I wanted, it could only be possessed with the purchase of an entire brand new Xbox 360.
I was ready to scream in rage, both at my own annoyance at myself and to the actual fact I had to make an effort to find what I needed. It was only after my third time trolling through another Challenger store, seriously they're as numerous as K-Mart or Wal-Mart are at home, that I achieved some success.
Sales people in Singapore are very aggressive, when compared to their American counterparts. Expect if your shopping in most stores, barring maybe clothing, to actually be stalked by a whole mob of sales people. They will stand very overtly behind you, remaining completely quiet, then the instance you show any interest in something they pounce on you. But ask for something they don't have in store, something they can't sell you and expect to blank shrugs and for them to suddenly scatter before you can ask a second round question.
Customer service leaves much to be desired in Singapore. It was only on attempt three that the kid behind the phone counter at least pointed me towards a store that could possibly provide me with the part I needed. From the way he clammed up as a much older employee walked by him I'd have to guess providing helpful information or direction on products a store does not carry or is held by a competitor is generally frowned upon.
But the mission finally had some concrete information I was dashing to a little out of the way store across from the massive Challenger store, a store called Playtecnix PTE LDT... long name, I know... It barely rated bigger than a supply closet, every ounce of space was covered in shelves stocked to the breaking point, boxes lined the floor with just enough space to allow one person to walk by single file, the distinct smell of some's very aromatic lunch filled the entire shop with stomach turning power.
At first I turned my attention to the younger man behind the counter. As an avid game shopper, I instantly turned to the gentleman expecting that he'd put down the hand held game he was playing to assist me. However instead it was a petite woman with a pair of thick rimmed glasses that stepped up to intercept me. I know that most game shops do employ women and anyone taking a dive into multi-player gaming will eventually run into a female comrade during even the most violent Halo or Call of Duty games. I guess because I was so focused on my mission, I was a bit taken a back when a woman who looked no older than my sister and dressed as if she had been lounging in an old arm chair just seconds before, glass of wine and reading a good hardback novel in hand.
I will admit right out, pastel sweaters are very off putting in a video game store!
I explained my problem, my stupid mistake and instantly like someone who had heard such tragic confessions and mistakes a thousand times before, she offered me her condolences with a knowing grin and then produced the part I so desperately needed.
Now for you gamers out there moving to Asia listen up because this is the wisdom she imparted to me:
- While the actual power plug for a Xbox or PlayStation can remain the same, only requiring a voltage converter to be plugged in, the actual AC Adaptor (the big black box on your power cord) needs to state very clearly its voltage range. Anything that doesn't hit between 200-240 is doomed. Heads-up, the Xbox 360 Kinetic is safe. If it doesn't say it, assume based on where you bought it, the device will ONLY match the local voltage.
- American laws on gaming content are some of the most lax in the world... I know surprising! Restrictions in Asian countries are very restrictive, however can be avoided by purchasing a game abroad or on an on-line site for download.
- Some gaming stations are region locked, meaning it can't be played outside the country of its purchase (less common on American purchased models, more so on European and Asia ones). It is good to confirm on your warranty that your system will work fine because if you log onto the internet, it could assume the device is stolen and lock it down.
- Warranty repairs are only covered in the country of your device's purchase. You'll have to hold out long enough to get it fixed on vacation, find a friend to deliver it for you or in some cases, sell it for almost nothing and have it stripped for parts.
- Return time in Singapore is 14-days. Anything after that is un-returnable no matter what. Don't bother to argue, they won't budge.
- Pirated game versions don't work on Xbox or PlayStation (unless you hacked your system by sacrificing your warranty). Don't listen to people trying to sell bootleg versions at the local market. First off, it the Xbox realizes you have a pirated copy, it can lock you from your system and damage the CD in the process. On the other-hand, game pirates are very good at artistically recreating the packaging and art on the front of the game CD. Only go to reputable places to buy if you're looking for used games, like malls, NEVER open markets or trading posts.
- Never declare that you are carrying video games when travelling or when ordering from abroad. On most airport x-ray machines, the cases just look like DVD's and most security forces will ignore them. If you do, you could have the Singaporean Media Development Authority confiscate your things, censor them or force you to send them back. Same goes for videos. This is the same government ministry that also made porn illegal in Singapore... don't ask how I found that out! If it contains anything ranging from violent gore (Gears of War), blatant sexuality or homosexuality (Mass Effect and Dragon Age) or condones violence or criminal activity (Grand Theft Auto), expect that it is either banned or highly restricted for people under 18.
And with that I departed with my new Asia speciality AC Adaptor for Xbox. I instantly dashed home, turned on my game and began smashing the heads of zombies with concerning glee.
However it was still several hours later than I intended because of my terrible attention to details like voltage and safety warnings!
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