Question Re: PC Engine / Turbo Graphx 16 Compatibility?

[oldheadbanger]

I am wondering if Japanese HU card games, released for their PC Engine system, will work in a NEC Turbo Graphx 16 system (the standard North American model).

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Vlcice]

They're not compatible without an adapter.

[Aussie2B]

The CD games have no regional lockout, while the HuCards do. That's about all you need to know.

[Gentlegamer]

Not compatible because the pinouts on the cart slot are reversed in order between the PC Engine and TG-16.

CD games are region free, though.

[blue lander]

You can also rewire the card port internally with a switch that allows you to switch between PC Engine and TG-16 pinouts, but it's sort of messy. An external adapter is more expensive but much easier to use.

[jperryss]

^^^ What he said. Of course once the switch is installed, it's definitely easier to use than a converter. :D

Converters (there are a few different ones) can go for $75-$100 if you can find one. You might be able to get your TG16 modded with a external switch for less.

[Aussie2B]

Personally, I always have and always will recommend getting a TurboGrafx-16 for US cards and a PC Engine Duo for everything else. With everything considered, it should be the cheapest route to having access to the full library (minus SuperGrafx games).

[oldheadbanger]

OK, thanks for all the replies and help! :)

[c0ldb33r]

Personally, I always have and always will recommend getting a TurboGrafx-16 for US cards and a PC Engine Duo for everything else. With everything considered, it should be the cheapest route to having access to the full library (minus SuperGrafx games).
This is what I did, just be sure to pick up a turbobooster for the tg16 to get composite out. The only thing that sucks is that the controllers aren't compatible.

[Ze_ro]

(minus SuperGrafx games).
And the LaserActive games... though SGX and LD-ROM2 games are no big loss (Except maybe Daimakaimura and 1942).

Here's a good Compatibility Guide (http://pcenginefx.com/main/nec_compatibility_guide.html) that tries to explain everything.

Note that even with an adaptor, you can't play North American TurboChip games on a Japanese system, as there is still another region lockout in place on those systems (the general story is that NEC didn't want our crappy censored games being imported and ruining their reputation). In order to bypass it, you need to cut a trace on the circuit board.

If you want to do a region mod for one of these systems, I suggest you check out Multimods.com (http://www.multimods.com/). D-Lite sells an electrical 8-way switch that you'll need in order to do it... he also has some pre-modded systems for sale.

--Zero

[Mason P.]

What is everybody's opinion on me trying to get a PC Engine Core system and mod it with a US/Jap switch in it. I like the fact they are small and have AV built in. I really dont care abou the CD games.

[Robocop2]

I may be mistaken but I believe while you can play PC engine cards on a TG16 with an adapter; the PC eng has a lockout chip that prevents it from playing TG game with or without and adapter

[c0ldb33r]

I may be mistaken but I believe while you can play PC engine cards on a TG16 with an adapter; the PC eng has a lockout chip that prevents it from playing TG game with or without and adapter
Correct. On a TG16, you can play TG16 or PCE hucards. You just need the adapter. On a PC Engine you'll need an adapter and modification.