System Modifications - Poll

[BlueBMW]

As someone who does repairs and modification work, what do you guys think of modifying our Turbo / PCE systems?  They are becoming rarer and rarer as time goes on, so I can understand wanting to preserve factory original hardware.  But there are also a lot of benefits to the player when you have a system that's region switched or RGB modded.

Personally, I dont mind most modifications that dont significantly alter the appearance of the console.  I like tasteful clean mods that improve functionality (like region switches and A/V jacks etc)

Tell me what you all think.

[henrycsc]

Beamer, I have no issue with doing whatever you want with your hardware. 

I would caution people who may have something in really great condition with box and inserts (particularly if everything has matching serial numbers) on modding the system (other than needed repairs).  In those cases, I think you could sell your setup to a collector who wants everything original and buy a loose system to mod (and probably pay for some of the mod work).

There are enough loosies out there that I don't think region modding them is going to affect the market either way.  I've even considered having an LT modded, and it's one of the rarer setups.

[DragonmasterDan]

As someone who does repairs and modification work, what do you guys think of modifying our Turbo / PCE systems?  They are becoming rarer and rarer as time goes on, so I can understand wanting to preserve factory original hardware.  But there are also a lot of benefits to the player when you have a system that's region switched or RGB modded.

Personally, I dont mind most modifications that dont significantly alter the appearance of the console.  I like tasteful clean mods that improve functionality (like region switches and A/V jacks etc)

Tell me what you all think.

My opinion on it is this, anyone is free to do whatever they want with their hardware.

With that said, US Turbo Duos and Turbo Expresses are fairly uncommon. I see modding them as defacing them. Obviously if you have a scratched up, beaten Duo with a missing HuCard door then any mods made to it aren't going to effect the historical significance of the hardware. But a nice clean US Duo that now has a region switch coming out of the side of it, or an S-video out is a bit of a problem.

For more common hardware (US TG16s, Japanese Duos, PC Engine LTs) I don't have a problem with modding, these things aren't rare enough to warrant keeping them in original condition for historical purposes as there's lots of unmodified ones out there.

Any repairs made to the hardware (replaced lasers, replaced caps) are done to retain functionality and I have no issue with as well.

[TR0N]

I'm for mods on any model since it gives the pce more use and i don't see any problem with it.

[SignOfZeta]

For more common hardware (US TG16s, Japanese Duos, PC Engine LTs) I don't have a problem with modding, these things aren't rare enough to warrant keeping them in original condition for historical purposes as there's lots of unmodified ones out there.

I'm pretty sure LTs are significantly more rare than US Duos.

As for the poll, I went with "All of the above and Region switches ok". Any mod that ends up with the system seeing more use is a good mod.

I replaced the LED in my Duo R with a blue one, but that's about as far as I'd go with the cosmetic stuff unless you had a really good idea. Most cosmetic mods to systems are just gross, but once you see the blue LED in there it really looks like it came that way. It kinda matches the logos on the system.

[bernielindell]

The way I see it, if it improves your gaming experience, mod it. 

[TheClash603]

I generally only like repairs of broken systems, and would rather keep stuff original.  However, I have no problem with other people doing what they want to do, because other people can do whatever they want.

Also, I haven't seen it done much outside of a U.S. toaster NES, but some of those paint jobs and cut ups look so damn cool, I can't argue them.

[DragonmasterDan]

I'm pretty sure LTs are significantly more rare than US Duos.

I wrote LT but meant GT.

[Necromancer]

Beamer, I have no issue with doing whatever you want with your hardware. 

I would caution people who may have something in really great condition with box and inserts (particularly if everything has matching serial numbers) on modding the system (other than needed repairs).  In those cases, I think you could sell your setup to a collector who wants everything original and buy a loose system to mod (and probably pay for some of the mod work).

There are enough loosies out there that I don't think region modding them is going to affect the market either way.  I've even considered having an LT modded, and it's one of the rarer setups.

This, pretty much.  It's your stuff to do with as you please, but I would rather mod a used console than one that's new / nearly new, especially if you're gonna paint it.

[thrush]

My thoughts count for little on this topic as I have never done any electronics modifications myself, but I feel that modding is inherently worthwhile.  There is something to be said for maintaining pristine originals as well, but I'd rather see any piece of hardware active in the wild than looking perfect behind a pane of glass, and the more rare/vintage the machine becomes the more I'd like to see it still going.

[turbogrfxfan]

Mods are cool if ur into it. I have a tgcd and a duo r so I don't need a region mod. I like everything original. Its up to the person but I think in time the modded systems will decrease a system instead of increasing

[toppy]

I think rarity and collectible condition (e.g., owning a complete retail package) affect my opinion. Cosmetic condition (e.g., absolute mint, but loose, unit) comes third.

Of course, this is a spectrum, and not black and white. If someone discovers PCE games on the Virtual Console and wants to "keep it digital", more power to them. But I think there is something to be said about handling the HuCard, gripping the original TurboPad, seeing the industrial design up close. If you only play on VC, you are no less a gamer, but you are missing a small but significant aspect of the experience. I figure most here will agree with that.

So at the other end of the spectrum, you may have someone who has a CRT TV shrine set up in the basement for all the old consoles, to be played exactly as they were two or three decades ago. Then you may have someone else using S-Video or RGB mods for everything they've collected. Both types are "hard core" in their own way (keeping it real Vs. making it all it can be), but by the reasoning in the first example, there is something to be said about playing it "as it was"...

But really, everyone wins here. The losers are the ones who only play current-gen stuff.

[Necromancer]

But really, everyone wins here. The losers are the ones who only play current-gen stuff.

Heh, quoted for truth. 

[TheClash603]

But really, everyone wins here. The losers are the ones who only play current-gen stuff.

Heh, quoted for truth.  

But it's hard to play the TG16 when I have my 3DS in my hands?

I kid, I kid.  I'll have to play some Splash Lake tonight to make my 3DS remember who's boss.

I'd like to see someone do some mods like this to a TG16 http://www.coderetard.com/2008/04/23/sweet-nes-custom-paint-jobs/ or http://www.mistershape.com/blog/2006/08/zelda-nes-mod.html I have seen much better NES examples, but wasn't able to find them in a quick search.  Anyone on this site have artistic capabilities that would try to do a fully painted/cut TG16 mod?  I'd love to see a Bonk or Alien/Devil Crush system.

[bartre]

personally, i gotta say that i'm a fan of any mod IF DONE WELL.
your average joe schmo, nah, not gonna bother.
painting and the like are my main issue, as those usually go horribly horribly wrong from what i've seen, though when done well they can be pimpin.