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NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: nadir on April 12, 2012, 08:54:22 AM

Title: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: nadir on April 12, 2012, 08:54:22 AM
Yo.

I want to buy a PC-Engine. I'm new to this and only read the Wikipedia article on the PCE. Here some questions:

1. Which is the setup you would recommend to someone who doesn't want to spend a fortune?
What do you think about this setup?

-PCE
-SuperCD
-Interface Unit
-optional: multiplayer hub
-optional:additional controllers

Anything missing here? Special cables? Or should I get a PCE Duo with everything already included?

2. Do you recommend the SuperCD addon or will I have more than enough to play with a basic PCE unit? I.e., will I be able to play most of the supposedly best games the PCE has to offer with just the basic PCE?

3. Unit JAPAN 0930 <= Does this PCE production series contain any flaws or anything I should know about? There's an eBay auction for the PCE + SuperCD + interface Unit going for less than $200. Hope you don't consider this advertisement, cuz it isn't. :>

I'm a bit in a hurry and don't want to spend hours reading background info. Which is why I made this thread. :>
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Arkhan on April 12, 2012, 09:02:26 AM
You need a system card 3.0 to really enjoy PCE CD games.

The Duo has this built in, as does the Super CD


What you want to do is find a

Duo-R/RX (preferably an R, as they are usually cheaper)
a Briefcase Unit + System Card 3.0 or the Arcade card pro

These are the easiest to find cheap.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: esteban on April 12, 2012, 09:13:35 AM
It depends on your budget. There are a few threads that deal with your situation ("newbie needs advice on hardware"), but here's the short version:

(1) $$$$$. You will most likely want to explore the AWESOME library of CD-ROM games at some point. So, you should definitely get a DUO-R or DUO-RX (Japanese models) since they have (thus far) the best reliability. You can play Japanese HuCARDS on this system. If you modify the system (or pay someone here to do it), then you can get a region switch installed that will enable you to play US HuCARDS. This would be nice for a handful of HuCARD games where the English-language version is more pleasurable to an English-speaker. If you don't want to get a region switch, you could always pick up a cheap TG-16.

(2) $$. Get a TG-16 and/or PCE CoreGrafx I/II. Some of the US HuCARDS have ridiculous prices, so you may want to get a PCE for the cheaper Japanese version. CAVEAT: Some games, like Neutopia I & II, Dungeon Explorer, etc. are more fun in English if you are an English-speaker. PROBLEM: You will explore the HuCard library until you finally realize that you MUST PLAY all the CD games! At this point, you could sell your base TG-16/PCE and invest in a DUO-R/RX.

NOTE: Option 2 is perfectly fine for folks on a budget. There are many wonderful, cheap HuCard games to occupy you. But, make no mistake, you WILL EVENTUALLY lust for the CD games.

(http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Bernie on April 12, 2012, 09:15:32 AM
http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=11562.0
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Nando on April 12, 2012, 09:42:46 AM
GO WITH BERNIES SETUP!!!!
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Colossus1574 on April 12, 2012, 10:20:55 AM
GO WITH BERNIES SETUP!!!!

Agreed, just grab an Arcade Card Pro and you'll be able to play ANYTHING under the "PCE" sun. If you can't lock up an ACPro cheap, then grab the 3.0 card since there's really only a handful of must plays in the Arcade lineup. Goodluck and welcome to the club (soon)!
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Necromancer on April 12, 2012, 10:43:49 AM
The short answer is that you want a Duo-R, but generally any CD system is okay for the right price; the CD add-on has gear issues and the original Duo has cap issues, but there's nothing to worry about if they've been refurbished or are cheap enough (compared to a Duo-R) to pay to have the work done.  Just don't waste your time with a huey only system, as you'll be missing out on many of the best games (not that there aren't a ton of cart gems too).
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: RegalSin on April 12, 2012, 12:26:04 PM
You just have to expriement and find the stuff, out. So far I would go with Bernies setup, because that is a really bellow the belt good price and he is selling it, right now.

The only reason why a person would want to buy a Duo is to play the
Game express games. They ironicness, that they run but with graphics missing ](*,)
just in time for the release of the Duo. The Turbografix itself is a personal preference.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: SignOfZeta on April 12, 2012, 12:32:22 PM
Duo R.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Keith Courage on April 12, 2012, 12:43:48 PM
Yeah, if you get a pc engine you will always be thinking about what if I had a CD drive for this thing. Usually a Duo-r or pc engine duo is the way to go since they have the super 3.0 CD card built in. However, if you can find yourself a good working pc engine with CD add on and a super CD card for a good price then that would work as well.

Whatever you do don't buy a TG16 or pc engine alone and then plan on getting the CD add on for it later. It's difficult to find people selling just the CD add on by itself without a system included as well.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 12, 2012, 03:31:38 PM
LASER ACTIVE. 
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Tatsujin on April 12, 2012, 03:52:02 PM
Duo R.

For pure convenient and stable playfun, I'll have to 2nd that.

PLUS an Arcadecard DUO.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: TR0N on April 12, 2012, 08:12:49 PM
Duo-R or RX nuff said.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: kazekirifx on April 12, 2012, 09:29:42 PM
LASER ACTIVE. 

like
+1
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: esteban on April 13, 2012, 07:50:25 PM
Thread title: "entry-level setup"?

Answer:

LASER ACTIVE


like
+1


Awesome. (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: PunkicCyborg on April 13, 2012, 10:24:04 PM
Thread title: "entry-level setup"?

Answer:

LASER ACTIVE


like
+1


Awesome. (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)

Honestly if it wasn't pricey, this would be the best because you can play Laserdiscs as well and Laseractive games so this is really the ultimate set up.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Ji-L87 on April 13, 2012, 11:52:20 PM
Thread title: "entry-level setup"?

Answer:

LASER ACTIVE


like
+1


Awesome. (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)

Honestly if it wasn't pricey, this would be the best because you can play Laserdiscs as well and Laseractive games so this is really the ultimate set up.


Let's not forget about Mega Drive & Mega-CD games...I would like to have one : s But I already have an LD-player sooo....
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: RegalSin on April 14, 2012, 01:19:10 AM
Quote
if you get a pc engine you will always be thinking about what if I had a CD drive for this thing.

And if NEC/Hudson had decided to do a trade in deal, and keep the suitcase model they would have problaby been around alot longer. But nnoooooo everybody wants everything to be accessable, portable, and cheap during the super 80's. One of the reasons why the media giant, SONY became a giant was by making great products but without  internal compenents. They kept everything seperated. Then when it came to America, they decided to make everything portable, which gave us the famous failing green screen, after the ever so popular Volume:-llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll+
and of course Mute:
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: esteban on April 15, 2012, 12:29:34 AM
...
Volume:-llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll+
...


This is the best use of bolded, green text, ever! (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)

I'm serious.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: nadir on April 16, 2012, 05:55:07 AM
Thanks for everyone who helped, I'm going to get a PCE DUO-R in this case. :>
And an Arcade Card expansion later on!
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Tatsujin on April 16, 2012, 01:33:54 PM
...
Volume:-llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll+
...


This is the best use of bolded, green text, ever! (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)

I'm serious.



It almost look like the real deal. ASCII ART FTW.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Nando on April 16, 2012, 05:48:56 PM
after the ever so popular Volume:-llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll+
and of course Mute:


I've no clue what the f*ck you are talking about, but OMG that's f*cking brilliant!
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: esteban on April 16, 2012, 11:39:41 PM
...
Volume:-llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll+
...


This is the best use of bolded, green text, ever! (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)

I'm serious.



It almost look like the real deal. ASCII ART FTW.


Seriously!  (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)



Quote from: Nando link=topic=11561.msg221214#msg221214

I've no clue what the f*ck you are talking about, but OMG that's f*cking brilliant!



Indubitably!  (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: rcantor77 on April 17, 2012, 12:33:48 AM
This is all down to preference really...

I mainly use a Duo-R and that is definitely the best option for all round game compatibility... but you might want to look at getting the RGB mod done on it though.

But if money is tight then look at just getting an Original/Core/Core II and then when funds are available upgrade it with an IFU-30 (CD-ROM2 System) when you can.

Alternatively, buy yourself a Super Grafx now and then upgrade it with a Super CD-ROM2 System later down the line.

There are so many different options to help any budget that it does come down to how much is in your pocket now... whatever you choose it will be the best thing you ever did and you will love it. Enjoy. 8)

Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: soop on April 17, 2012, 03:09:44 AM
This is all down to preference really...

I mainly use a Duo-R and that is definitely the best option for all round game compatibility... but you might want to look at getting the RGB mod done on it though.

But if money is tight then look at just getting an Original/Core/Core II and then when funds are available upgrade it with an IFU-30 (CD-ROM2 System) when you can.

Alternatively, buy yourself a Super Grafx now and then upgrade it with a Super CD-ROM2 System later down the line.

There are so many different options to help any budget that it does come down to how much is in your pocket now... whatever you choose it will be the best thing you ever did and you will love it. Enjoy. 8)



I still say Supergrafx.  Not that much more than a Core II.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: TheClash603 on April 17, 2012, 02:18:09 PM
I love when these threads start and Laseractive is suggested.  Definitely not the most cost friendly set-up, but it is by far and away the most enjoyable.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: Jibbajaba on April 17, 2012, 04:14:28 PM
Thanks for everyone who helped, I'm going to get a PCE DUO-R in this case. :>
And an Arcade Card expansion later on!

That's the best option.  I bought a Duo-R that was already modded for RGB and had a region switch added.  Add an arcade card to that and you can play everything (except SuperGrafx and LaserActive games, of course.)
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: city41 on April 19, 2012, 04:19:24 PM
I currently have a TG16 and a Turbo Express. I know I'll need a cd system and Japanese system sooner or later. I'd love to get a SuperGrafx with a Super CD ROM 2 system just because it looks so bad ass (and the slight bonus of SG games). But that's looking pretty expensive (on eBay anyways) any chance of getting that setup for less than $600ish? If not, I'll probably just get a Duo.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: soop on April 20, 2012, 04:04:49 AM
I currently have a TG16 and a Turbo Express. I know I'll need a cd system and Japanese system sooner or later. I'd love to get a SuperGrafx with a Super CD ROM 2 system just because it looks so bad ass (and the slight bonus of SG games). But that's looking pretty expensive (on eBay anyways) any chance of getting that setup for less than $600ish? If not, I'll probably just get a Duo.

Yeah, 600 is loads.  You can probably get it boxed for under that.
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: soop on April 20, 2012, 04:56:22 AM
This is from a quick search on eBay.  600 exactly, though the shipping may be different for you.  And then a Super Grafx only for $99

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC-Engine-SUPER-CD-ROM-Console-Boxed-PCE-JAPANESE-Video-Game-0408-/360448318989?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ec64de0d

$230 + $80 = 310

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC-Engine-SUPER-GRAFX-Console-Boxed-Grafx-PCE-JAPAN-0318-/300659248726?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4600b00e56

$210 + $80 = 290

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEC-SuperGrafx-Super-Grafx-TurboGrafx-System-No-AC-Does-not-Work-/180851657257?pt=Video_Games&hash=item2a1b994a29

$99 + ??? = 130?
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 20, 2012, 05:21:51 AM
If you're gonna spend $600, why not just ask BMW about one of his 1000000000000000000000000000 LaserActives?
Title: Re: [entry-level setup] So..which PC-Engine setup should I buy?
Post by: city41 on April 20, 2012, 06:44:41 AM
Yeah that $99 SuperGrafx has no AC adapter and the seller says it doesn't work. There are some other SG's that are about $160 and shipping from America (I'm in America, so cheap shipping for me).

But yeah, as much as I'd love to go this route, a Duo is much more logical.