For the converter, I suggest you try to find one from
DB Electronics. I don't own one, but they seem to be well built and more reasonably priced than the older ones.
Or get an everdrive. Before getting a region modded system, I used a flashcart instead of having to mess around with the dang region converter. 'Twas much more convenient with the added bonus of being able to play translations, homebrew, etc.