Does the Duo play Japanese CDs?

[bgarske]

I know you need a HuCard converter if you want to play Japanese PCEngine games, but will the CD's work natively? Thanks.

[FM-77]

Yes, all the CD-based games are region free.

[bt]

Yes, all the CD-based games are region free.

One small correction... there are a few (under 5?) Japanese SCDs that will
not play on the US system.  This appears to be due to a difference in the
Super System card version that was used between the US and Japan, and
not due to any region lock out, though (the Japanese card is 3.00 and the
US is 3.01).

Bonanza Brothers, A. III, Alshark and the Far East of Eden Demo on
the SCD RPG sampler are the 4 that come to mind that will not play.
There may be a few others that are escaping my memories at this point though too.

-bt

[akamichi]

Just to add a little bit more, another problem CD is Altered Beast.  Although the game loads and plays at first, the game won't work correctly without System Card v. 1.0.  Once you turn into the "beast", the game won't load the next section of the stage and you're stuck.

 IIRC there was no US ver of Syscard 1.0 so in a way it's region coded because of the Japanese system card "requirement."

[bgarske]

Thanks guys. I will keep this info handy when buying import CD's. Hopefully I will get that Duo soon!

[LMS]

why not just pick up a jap duo in the first place?

[bgarske]

Not sure. Can anybody give me the pros/cons of getting a PC Engine Duo? (I believe its call the Duo RX?)

[Odonadon]

Well there is the Duo, Duo-R, and Duo-RX (all different cosmetically).  A benefit to buying the Japanese unit is it can play all American CD/SCD's as well.  The R and RX are white, and come with 3 button/6 button controllers respectively.  Basically they are much cooler  

Here's a thread giving a bit of comparison:
http://www.pcenginefx.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=650&view=previous&sid=ff3db27456219211402f4bd83e2dfdd4

Having said all that, you'll still need a converter or region selector switch mod to play non Japanese hucards.

OD

[rolins]

Not sure. Can anybody give me the pros/cons of getting a PC Engine Duo? (I believe its call the Duo RX?)

The Turbo Duo (us) and PC-Engine Duo (jp), which are basically the same model, are more prone to audio problems compared to the DuoR/RX.
You can get one of these and they're cheaper and easier to find. Some people here have been using theirs for years without it breaking down.

I've had not so good experience with these models, so I suggest you try and find yourself a DuoR/RX for safe bet. They're somewhat harder to find and more expensive.

[bgarske]

So the DUOR/RX will work with North American TV's and audio systems right?

[grahf]

Sure will. Japan and US are both NTSC countries.