Which model DUO should I get?

[jimid2]

Okay, I've got the bug - now that I've had a taste with my new TurboExpress and TG16, I'm starting to think I want to play Gate of Thunder and Y's again, so I'm thinking about buying a DUO. Since I already own a TurboGrafx, I figure a PC Engine Duo is the way to go to ensure I can play any HuCard I want, especially since there's no region protection on the CD-ROMs, but I'm wondering which model PCE Duo I should buy... Is there any real substantial differenct between them in terms of quality or reliability? Does the original Duo play all the same games as the Duo R or RX? And just what are the differences, if any, between the Duo R and Duo RX? Also, if I want to get just ONE card for maximum compatibility with all games, is the Arcade Card the way to go?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice! 

[Necromancer]

I'd shoot for a Duo-R (or Duo-RX if the price is right), as they aren't much more expensive than a Duo.  Some believe that they are a little more reliable, but it doesn't really matter since HOP-M3s are cheap and readily available.  All Duos have a v3.0 system card built in, so they can play 98% of the PC Engine library right out of the box.  You'll only need an Arcade Card (Duo or Pro) to play the handful of Arcade Card games, and Games Express releases should come with their own system card.

[termis]

Some people swear by their Duo-R/Xs as they are supposedly more reliable on the sound department, but I've had no problems with my regular Duos --  (and if sound does start to go, that looks like an easy fix as well). 

The things that the original has over the latter models are that it has a headphone jack, and I like the looks of it better than the latter models but that's obviously a personal taste matter.

I did have to replace my laser eye once on the PC Engine Duo, but that happens to any model over time.

[FM-77]

R. More reliable. Cheaper than RX, but it is identical to it.

[vestcoat]

Since all Duos have the 3.0 system card built-in, it doesn't matter what kind of arcade card you get.  The Arcade Card Duo (blue) is easier to find than the Pro (red) and it's about half the price.  The Pro is only needed if you have some archaic CD-rom attached to a PCE.

Keep an eye out for a Turbo Booster plus if you want to save files while playing your US Turbochips.

[jimid2]

Thanks Guys! a Duo R/X it is... Now, to find one at a fair price with reasonable shipping... 

[vestcoat]

Thanks Guys! a Duo R/X it is... Now, to find one at a fair price with reasonable shipping... 

Jimid, just to double check, you know that thumpin_termis was referring to a Duo-R or a Duo-RX, right?  (There is no R/X.)
They're the same thing and people swear by both of them.  The only difference between them is the logo and the RX came with a highly coveted, 6-button controller.   

[jimid2]

Jimid, just to double check, you know that thumpin_termis was referring to a Duo-R or a Duo-RX, right?  (There is no R/X.)
They're the same thing and people swear by both of them.  The only difference between them is the logo and the RX came with a highly coveted, 6-button controller.   

Thanks vestcoat - ya, I was just stealin' thumpin's shorthand; I know the R and RX are two different packages of the same basic hardware (well, I know now )  What I meant is that I'll look for an R or an RX.