WTB PCE Duo-R

[OC2010]

Hey! New to the forums and looking to get back into the awesome PCE library! I had a TG16 in my youth and loved every minute of it. I want to have this be the first addition to the "man-cave" retro gaming library! Any help beyond eBay is appreciated... Though I know it is likely the route needed. Thanks!

[SavagePencil]

Which games, specifically, are you looking to pick back up?  JP or US?

The person in this link is selling a Duo-R:  https://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=21138.0

[SignOfZeta]

Why don't you want a Turbo Duo?

[SavagePencil]

Perhaps you could enlighten (maybe worth a sticky?) as to the benefits of a Duo vs. a Duo-R vs. a Duo-RX?  I've only ever had US Duos, and seem to remember hearing things about the others being different, but can't remember what the issues were.  Reliability?  Power supply?

[OC2010]

Which games, specifically, are you looking to pick back up?  JP or US?

The person in this link is selling a Duo-R:  https://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=21138.0

Hello! I would want to be able to play both, so would need a switch if it didn't already have 1.

To answer the question below... It is about durability and history of breakdown. Plus, the Duo-R gives me access to all CD games except I would need just the Arcade card.

[crazydean]

The Duo, Duo-R, and Duo-RX will allow the play of all games except the arcade games. Also, keep in mind that disc games are region free as well as the Turbo Everdrive. You only need a region switch if you plan to play original US HuCard games.

[OC2010]

The Duo, Duo-R, and Duo-RX will allow the play of all games except the arcade games. Also, keep in mind that disc games are region free as well as the Turbo Everdrive. You only need a region switch if you plan to play original US HuCard games.

I would like to be able to play US HuCard games as well. As you said, the Arcade card would be the only thing I would need on the CD side. I am looking for a Duo-R because of the lack of the capacitor issue and lens problems. The Duo-RX just tends to be a bit on the expensive side...

[SignOfZeta]

Perhaps you could enlighten (maybe worth a sticky?) as to the benefits of a Duo vs. a Duo-R vs. a Duo-RX?  I've only ever had US Duos, and seem to remember hearing things about the others being different, but can't remember what the issues were.  Reliability?  Power supply?

I'm just messing with you. Most one post noobs lately seem to be only interested in the Turbo Duo because they couldn't afford one when they were 12 and it's somehow made them into money spending collectard monsters. There is literally no technical reason whatsoever to own a US Duo specifically. It's just more money and often more problems.

[OC2010]

I'm just messing with you. Most one post noobs lately seem to be only interested in the Turbo Duo because they couldn't afford one when they were 12 and it's somehow made them into money spending collectard monsters. There is literally no technical reason whatsoever to own a US Duo specifically. It's just more money and often more problems.

I don't plan on being a "one post noob..." However, without a PC Engine to talk about on said PCEngineFX forums, I would likely have nothing to say.

[Necromancer]

I wouldn't turn down a refurbished original Duo.  There's nothing inherently wrong with their blazing lazers and they're just as reliable as an R/RX once they've been recapped.

[Bernie]

I kinda like the Turbo Duo, but alas, they do need some work to get em right.    Out of the box, the Duo R is more reliable....for now...

[SignOfZeta]

At this point a large percentage of black Duos have already had enough work to last them for the next 20 years. However price on the US ones is still a problem and probably always will be.

[OC2010]

Thanks for all the input all! I know I am ultimately going to go with a Duo-R with a switch and Arcade Card. I want to own one too much to pass it up! But I have decided today to start my retro gaming collection with an all-in-one system: the Cyber Gadget Retro Freak. I don't have much space and am working with a teacher's salary. So, having 14 consoles under one roof is helpful.

It does TG16, PCE, and PCE Super Graphics, along with NES (through adapter), Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Mk III (through adapter), Sega Master System (through adapter), GB, GBC, and GBA... And all Roms for each as well via SD Card. Then it spits it out in 720p with various filters and the ability to add in scan lines. It's pretty sweet if you're not a purist. All of this for about $200. Check it out if you haven't seen it! Reviews are quite good and there are plenty where you can see gameplay for each console it boasts!

I will get the Duo-R after I have about $700 to drop on it. But, until then I will at least be able to play all but the CD games!

[SavagePencil]

Sounds like you found a good fit!  Come back and talk about the games you're playing, and don't ignore the JP library...lotta good stuff there that never saw our shores!

[Necromancer]

You're doing it wrong if you think a region modded Duo-R is $700.

To each their own, but I"d rather emulate on a PC.  I'd rather not get locked in to some proprietary thing that may or may not ever get updated, especially if it can't play CDs.