About CRT Sempai

A Japanese Famicom and Super Famicom enthusiastic player with real hardware and CRT displays.
Let’s enjoy and explore the world of retro gaming together!

1. Who Am I?

Background: Born in Japan in the 1980s. I grew up during the golden era of the Famicom (NES) and Super Famicom (SNES). Despite various twists and turns over the years, I remain an active player who deeply loves these two iconic consoles to this day.

Sempai Gaming Timeline

  • 1989: Got my very first Famicom, heavily influenced by neighborhood friends.
  • 1993 (Transition to SFC): For about two years after the Super Famicom launched, I felt perfectly fine sticking with my original Famicom. But by 1993, every conversation around me and every new release in stores shifted completely to the SFC. Feeling this generational change—combined with the SFC’s initial price drop—I finally made the jump and picked up a Super Famicom.
  • 1997 (Deepening Passion for FC/SFC): I bought a next-gen console (PlayStation), but surprisingly, it just didn’t click with me. Instead, my eyes were opened to the charm of pre-owned FC/SFC games, which were dropping in price amidst the new console hype. This became a decisive turning point where I stepped away from mainstream trends and doubled down on these two 8-bit/16-bit powerhouses.
  • 2001: Left my childhood home—and my beloved game collection behind—bringing an end to roughly 12 years of nonstop, gaming-obsessed living.
  • 2022: While clearing out my parents’ house, I rediscovered my games, safely stored away. Powering them up, the tactile feel of the controller and the iconic 8-bit/16-bit soundscapes instantly brought back all my memories, reigniting my gaming soul. Since then, I’ve been expanding my software lineup at an accelerated rate, almost as if making up for those lost 20 years.
  • Present: I buy only the games I truly love or find intriguing, giving it my all as a dedicated “Gamer Dad” in between work and family life (Disclaimer: I’m by no means a pro gamer, but I thoroughly enjoy the gritty, trial-and-error process of beating a tough game!).

2. Why I Started This Blog

Growing Up & Overseas Passion: As I got older and had fewer chances to hang out with childhood gaming buddies, I discovered just how passionately Japanese retro games are loved overseas. I started this blog because I wanted to share the authentic vibe, culture, and charm of these games—exactly as Japanese kids experienced them back in the day—with international fans.

Overcoming the Language Barrier: Japanese-language software can be a massive wall for overseas retro gamers. However, as someone who grew up in Japan, lived through that golden era in real time, and still plays actively today, I felt I could accurately evaluate and share the exact level of the language barrier for each game. …It might sound silly, but I felt a sudden, burning personal mission:

“Who else can share this authentic passion and real-time experience with the world if not me?!” (Laughs)

Our Approach: My primary goal is to steadily share the pure experience of Japanese retro gaming. Reviews and visual captures on this site are based on playing Japanese-region titles (Famicom / Super Famicom) using actual hardware on CRT displays. I focus on bringing you authentic gameplay impressions, accurate LBR evaluations, and the nostalgic atmosphere of Japanese retro culture.

3. My Setup & Hardware Policy

Why I Stick to “CRT × Original Hardware”

  • Response Time: To ensure the absolute best lag-free control response for action games and SHMUPs.
  • Sensory Experience: To feel the excitement of the whole “ritual”—selecting a cartridge, slotting it in by hand, turning on the power, and watching the screen glow to life.
  • Made-in-Japan Pride: To appreciate the sheer quality of Japanese hardware that still works flawlessly after more than 30 years.
  • Fulfilling a Boyhood Dream: Because playing in an environment surrounded by stacks of cartridges—a dream I held as a kid—has finally come true, and playing here is pure bliss.

Choosing the Right Tool: For games where quick reflexes are everything, I regularly use CRT × Original Hardware. For long RPG sessions that require frequent saving or extended play, I flexibly utilize clone consoles (like the Retro Freak).

4. Favorite Games & Franchises

Favorite Genres & Titles: My favorite genres are action, SHMUPs, and puzzles. Action games make up over half of my software library—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of improving your skills over time and the sheer thrill of overcoming brutal traps through stubborn trial and error. Also, my favorite titles range from legendary hits to obscure gems, and I could talk about them endlessly! I’ll be sharing my top recommendations and childhood memories in detail through future blog posts and features.

Library Updates: I will continue to update and share my software collection and database over time, so please stay tuned!