Author Topic: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system  (Read 673 times)

spenoza

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The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« on: March 23, 2011, 05:52:18 AM »
So, while I definitely want to expand my Core with SuperCD capabilities, it occurs to me that there are other hardware arrangements. Those of you currently dabbling in the PCE market, what do you think a solid estimate is for building the following software compatibility setups? Meaning, if someone wants to get into the PCE market, what should their initial outlay be expected to be for the following capabilities? What hardware would you use to accomplish this setup and why? Are there cheaper or more expensive means to do this that are more or less practical? This is primarily only for JPN games, but if you want to explore how adding US games capabilities increases the costs and changes the options available, go ahead.

Hucard only

Hucard + SuperCD

Hucard + ArcadeCD

SGX only

SGX + SuperCD

SGX + ArcadeCD

*edit*
Here's the reason I think this is something worth discussing, and periodically revisiting with cost changes. The proliferation of emulators (including Virtual Console) has and will continue, hopefully, to get people interested in the PCE and even original systems. I think visitors might like to have an idea of current cost estimates to get into the hobby at a hardware level. Now, prices, especially on eBay, vary widely, but there's surely some kind of baseline we can establish as to what resources people need to bring to bear to get into this hobby.

Here's my obligatory disclaimer: I used to have a Turbo setup with ACD capabilities and a Kisado, as well as some very nice import games (original Rondo of Blood, bought new in Japan, for example). Many years ago I traded it all to get into Sega Saturn gaming (I couldn't afford a system new and the trade got me set up with a good batch of starting games and equipment). Well, now I have a Core, a single controller, and a few games. I'm just as curious as newbies to see what kind of cash I should expect to have to lay down to expand back into familiar territory.

If there's a better way to approach this than this way, please let me know.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2011, 06:01:19 AM by spenoza »
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soop

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2011, 06:10:40 AM »
Prices in GBP:

Hucard only - £40-60, Core Grafx/Core Grafx II

Hucard + SuperCD - ~£120 Duo R/RX

Hucard + ArcadeCD - ~£145 as above with arcade card

SGX only - ~£180

SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX

SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.


I believe this is the cheapest way to do it.  The CD-ROM and Super CD-ROM interfaces are generally expensive and come with other equipment, plus the cost of the RAU-30 in the case of the former and the SGX, mean that it's always cheaper to get a whole Duo console.

Duo is left out owing to more stability in R/RX systems.

nat

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2011, 12:52:42 PM »
Prices in GBP:

SGX only - ~£180

SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX

SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.

Man, shit is expensive in Europe. I got my SGX (loose) for $65 in 2006.

Tatsujin

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2011, 01:26:20 PM »
Lol, when I read that threads name, I thought someone is planing to build a "new" PCE system.
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Mathius

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2011, 05:33:41 PM »
Lol, when I read that threads name, I thought someone is planing to build a "new" PCE system.

I thought the same!
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spenoza

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2011, 06:43:03 PM »
Please, if you have a better topic/thread title, go ahead and change it. It wasn't the best wording, but it was what was in my brain at the time.
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Tatsujin

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2011, 06:48:45 PM »
Sorry was not meant in an offended way :)

But the "building" gave it this impression.
www.pcedaisakusen.net
the home of your individual PC Engine collection!!
PCE Games coundown: 690/737 (47 to go or 93.6% clear)
PCE Shmups countdown: 111/111 (all clear!!)
Sega does what Nintendon't, but only NEC does better than both together!^^

SuperDeadite

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2011, 12:05:59 AM »
Be a real man!
PCE-LT+CD-ROM2+ROMROM AMP+Virtual Cushion+3D Glasses :)
Plus have a SuperGrafx+SuperCD-ROM2+Duo Monitor for the lady.
Stronger Than Your Average Deadite

soop

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2011, 12:36:59 AM »
Prices in GBP:

SGX only - ~£180

SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX

SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.

Man, shit is expensive in Europe. I got my SGX (loose) for $65 in 2006.

Oops, sorry, that was for boxed -___-
I got mine boxed for £118 inc shipping, but $65 loose is amazing.

Necromancer

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2011, 03:18:36 AM »
Be a real man!
PCE-LT+CD-ROM2+ROMROM AMP+Virtual Cushion+3D Glasses :)
Plus have a SuperGrafx+SuperCD-ROM2+Duo Monitor for the lady.

No LaserActive?!?  We call that being a girlie man 'round these here parts.
U.S. Collection: 97% complete    155/159 titles

SuperDeadite

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2011, 04:17:15 AM »
Meh, LaserActive sucks for actual PCE games.  Composite only = lame.
Only useful if you're playing the 18+ LD games.

And nothing beats the ROMROM AMP+IFU.  Epitome of sexy 80's stereo
equipment!
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soop

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2011, 04:37:47 AM »
There were LD PCE games?!

Tatsujin

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2011, 04:40:57 AM »
There were LD PCE games?!

No,



because I wouldn't call them games.
www.pcedaisakusen.net
the home of your individual PC Engine collection!!
PCE Games coundown: 690/737 (47 to go or 93.6% clear)
PCE Shmups countdown: 111/111 (all clear!!)
Sega does what Nintendon't, but only NEC does better than both together!^^

Necromancer

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2011, 04:47:28 AM »
Meh, LaserActive sucks for actual PCE games.... Only useful if you're playing the 18+ LD games.

No argument there, yet I still want one.  Yes, I am le dumb.

Composite only = lame.

That's the best you'll get out of any of the PCE consoles without modding, so are they all lame?  Besides, I'll take the LA's composite out and a decent TV any day of the week (twice on Sundays) over squinting at the crappy LCDs (compared to today's tech.) in an LT or Duo Monitor.
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spenoza

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Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2011, 05:31:58 AM »
It appears that this thread has generated lots of USEFUL advice about the cost of entry to become a PCE fan... THANKS A LOT guys...  ; )
<a href="http://www.pcedaisakusen.net/2/34/103/show-collection.htm" class="bbc_link" target="_blank">My meager PC Engine Collection so far.</a><br><a href="https://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/" class="bbc_link" target="_blank">PC Engine Software Bible</a><br><a href="http://www.racketboy.com/forum/" c