For those interested in the Shuttle:

[Necromancer]

nec released a gimped console that nobody asked for.

There were complaints that the PCE was too expensive, so there certainly was demand for a cheaper system.  Those that cared less about price still had the option of buying a CG, so what's the problem?

despite most of the best games being released on and nec pushing publishers to
release more games on the cd format to push cd hardware sales.

No doubt they did want devs to support the CD format, but they weren't asking them to abandon HuCARDs.  And take a look at what CD games were actually available when the Shuttle launched: there's only one (Ziria) that you'll find on anyone's "best of" list.

releasing the sg with no software support and abandoning it with 5 games.

Yep, that was a definite mistake.  But I doubt it hurt the company much, and it's impossible to say they "lost their way" when they never abandoned the original system.

re-releasing the same hardware in multiple variations

There are more hardware revisions for both the SNES and the Genesis, but what difference does it make when none of 'em were produced or marketed concurrently?

what was their plan?
throw enough shit at the wall and hope some of it sticks?

It's pretty obvious that the superflous stuff you're bitching about - the Shuttle, GT, LT, LA (which was Pioneer's baby and investment, not NECs), and even more obscure stuff you omitted - was never meant to be the main sales path.  They knew the core systems, cd add-ons, and eventually Duos were their bread and butter, but what's wrong with selling something low volume yet high profit to snag a few more sales?

[esteban]

of course i'm retarded, nec released a gimped console that nobody asked for.
despite most of the best games being released on and nec pushing publishers to
release more games on the cd format to push cd hardware sales.
releasing the sg with no software support and abandoning it with 5 games.
re-releasing the same hardware in multiple variations
pc engine
pc engine core
pc engine core 2
pc engine duo
pc engine dou r
pc engine duo rx

that's not counting the sg, shuttle, handhelds, laseractive, shuttle, scd
they could show sega a thing or two about 'upgrades'.

what was their plan?
throw enough shit at the wall and hope some of it sticks?
they obviously had no clear stratagy apart from the odd socket and lick of paint.

You forgot Super CD•ROM² (hardware).

All of these PCE products worked seamlessly with each other (EXCEPT FOR Shuttle—no upgrade path—and SuperGrafx—ugly, cumbersome dongle for IFU). BUT, we've already acknowledged that Shuttle was gimped and SuperGrafx was a misstep.


Dude, re-read my post. It provides a logical explanation for the Shuttle's existence (a budget PCE model), plus I countered your "NEC LOST ITS WAY" thesis.

Nintendo has a great history releasing different form factors of the same handheld (Gameboy) and I don't have a problem with it. Why should I? Nintendo had not "lost its way" by offering mini, jumbo, normal, novelty, etc. versions of Gameboy (pick a generation).

[Black Tiger]

of course i'm retarded, nec released a gimped console that nobody asked for.
despite most of the best games being released on and nec pushing publishers to
release more games on the cd format to push cd hardware sales.
releasing the sg with no software support and abandoning it with 5 games.
re-releasing the same hardware in multiple variations
pc engine
pc engine core
pc engine core 2
pc engine duo
pc engine dou r
pc engine duo rx

that's not counting the sg, shuttle, handhelds, laseractive, shuttle, scd
they could show sega a thing or two about 'upgrades'.

what was their plan?
throw enough shit at the wall and hope some of it sticks?
they obviously had no clear stratagy apart from the odd socket and lick of paint.

The Genesis/Mega Drive has perhaps as much as double as many hardware and accessory/add-on models as PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 and no less than 7 different game formats (not counting Mega-LDs).

That's just how things were done in Japan, where people appreciated video games much more than in other regions.

The Shuttle is just like the Top Loader NES, SNES Jr and Genesis 3 (who asked for those gimped consoles?). But instead of waiting until they had milked the market dry before offering a value based console, they provided the option early on. The government didn't ship one to every tax payer and then raise their taxes or anything.

The Famicom/NES had the Famicom Disk system, Famicom Network System, Famicom Data Recorder (freaking cassettes! ), Family BASIC set, Kaoroke Studio, Famicom 3D System, Barcode Battler II, Datach Joint ROM System, Famicom RF Booster, Famicom S.D. System, Family Robot, Family Trainer, Famicom TV-NET, Light Gun, Gun Sight, Multi-Box, Party Room 21 Controller, Power Glove, Turbo File (II), Hands Free Controller, LaserScope, NES Lockout, Miracle Piano, Roll 'n Rocker, Satellite, Super Chair, Teleplay Modem, Turbo Touch 360, U-Force, NES, NES Top Loder, Famicom, AV Famicom, Sharp Twins and the Famicom Titler (a gimped console that nobody asked for).

How many ROB, Basic, Titler, Power Pad, Network, Kaoroke, 3D, Piano, Part Room 21, etc games were released before those formats were abandoned?

What was Nintendo's plan? Throw ten times as much shit as the PC Engine at the wall and hope that some of it sticks? They obviously had no clear stratagy apart from the odd socket and lick of paint.


But here's a better question. What is your plan? Aggressively troll the PC Engine community by relentlessly trashing the console and games that this forum is based on, as well as those who dare to actually play games? You obviously had no clear strategy from the start, apart from scooping up rare collectibles and then flaming those who don't bow down and worship your prestigious collection.