TurboGrafx-16 CD System

[Nico87]

Just a simple question. Why are these systems so expensive on eBay? The TG-16 alone I can get for around $50, but I've been searching for a TG-16 with the CD attachment, and the TurboDuo, and prices seem to be around the $450 mark or more expensive. What's the deal here? Limited run? High demand? I'm going crazy here.

[123►Genei-Jin]

I don't have an answer for that question but I believe you'll be better off getting a Japanese PC Engine DUO-R and get someone to region mod it for you. The DUO-R is more reliable than the regular DUO (which is the same as the American TurboDUo) and prices are all around the $200 mark for a stock system.

[Nico87]

The PC Engine DUO-R can play NTSC CD games, right?

[sonoranreptile]

The price may depend on which system card comes with the CD unit. I have a TG16 with the CD unti but only the 2.0 system. I was looking to get the 3.0 system card, which will play all of the super CD games as the 2.0 will not, and just the card runs $150-200....

[tomaitheous]

The PC Engine DUO-R can play NTSC CD games, right?

Correct. It can play US CD games without any converter or modification. Hucards are a different story. It's cheaper to pickup a TG16 unit just to play US hucards.

[MrSparkle]

From what I have seen it's usually cheaper to get a duo than the cd attachment for the Turbografx. Not to mention it looks alot cooler than the CD attachment ;).

[Robocop2]

base TG16 units are ridiculously overpriced on the 'bay as well imo

[Ze_ro]

I believe you'll be better off getting a Japanese PC Engine DUO-R and get someone to region mod it for you.

http://24.79.9.107/second.jpg

--Zero

[Nico87]

Think I'm gonna get a region- and S-Video modded PCE Duo-R. Hope I can find one for around $300.

[jperryss]

I don't have an answer for that question but I believe you'll be better off getting a Japanese PC Engine DUO-R and get someone to region mod it for you.

Thirded. You'll have a hard time finding TG16+CD+3.0 card for less than a PCE Duo-R or RX, which has the 3.0 card basically built-in.

If you're shopping on eBay, yes most US prices are seriously inflated. There's a d-bag going by the name GameSquadStore who likes to charge $200 for TG16 (non-CD) systems and then put 'Turbo Duo' in the titles of the auctions so they'll come up in more searches.

The original black Duo (US and JP version) did have sound issues, mostly due to capacitor problems but not always. The two redesigns (PCE Duo-R and Duo-RX) did not have the same sound issues due to a redesigned board layout. Usually you can find a JP PCE Duo-R for less than a US Duo (probably bundled with a few goodies too). Figure $170-$230 shipped (shipping from JP isn't usually cheap).

CD games are not region-locked so US games will play on a JP console. Hucards are not cross-compatible so an unmodded JP system will not play US cards. You can either have the Duo-R region-modded (price varies, estimated cost seems to be $50 plus shipping) or buy a separate TG16 just for US Hucard duty. But if you want a single system for everything, PCE Duo-R + region mod is the way to go.

Then, you can pick up an Arcade Card Duo (again saving some cash since a different, more expensive card is required for non-Duo systems) and this will make all of the arcade card games playable (JP only).

[Nico87]

Thanks for a thorough reply there, jperryss. I'm having a hard time finding modded PCE Duo-R's.

I might go with

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-R-RGB-Connectable-Model-2g-New-Lens_W0QQitemZ190306303854QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f23bf6e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-R-RGB-Connectable-Model-2g-New-Lens_W0QQitemZ190306303854QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f23bf6e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

Seems good enough, plus the guy has loads of good feedback when it comes to selling Duo-R's. What's all this about a 3.0 card? Super CD games? Anyone have a list of those?

[jperryss]

I bought mine from Hit Japan (http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Engine-DUO-R-Console-6859-Import-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ360153530707QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item53dad2c153&_trksid=p4634.m335.l1262), but he's only got one for sale right now. I've also bought a lot of PCE gear from RisingStuff.com and wouldn't hesitate to buy a system from them, they are great to deal with. Base price is a little higher but they won't poke you on shipping like everyone else does, so it probably balances out.

The 3.0 card is an updated system Hucard (additional RAM I believe) which lets you play SCD games. TG16 CD systems require the card to be purchased separately, and it's not cheap ($50-100 lately). All Duo systems have 3.0 built-in to the console and no additional card is required. You can now probably see why going the Duo route is significantly cheaper and more efficient. :D

List of CD/SCD/ACD games here on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TurboGrafx-CD_and_PC_Engine-CD_games) (all regions). The Formats column shows whether they are CD, SuperCD, or ArcadeCD. ArcadeCD games require another Hucard to be purchased, which works similar to the 3.0 card but with a bigger RAM boost. A Duo system requires the Arcade Card Duo, but a TG+CD system requires the Arcade Card Pro which is a bit more expensive. The list of ACD games is fairly small compared to the others, and is mostly fighting games, but the ultra-rare schmup Sapphire you will see mentioned occasionally is an ACD game.

As far as buying a modded Duo-R, I don't see them too often. I bought mine stock and had it modded later.









Thanks for a thorough reply there, jperryss. I'm having a hard time finding modded PCE Duo-R's.

I might go with

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-R-RGB-Connectable-Model-2g-New-Lens_W0QQitemZ190306303854QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f23bf6e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-R-RGB-Connectable-Model-2g-New-Lens_W0QQitemZ190306303854QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f23bf6e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

Seems good enough, plus the guy has loads of good feedback when it comes to selling Duo-R's. I dunno if the US Hucards alone makes a base TG16 worth to get, though there are some games that do appeal to me. What's all this about a 3.0 card? Super CD games? Anyone have a list of those?

[Nico87]

Thanks again for your input! The thing is, I really want RGB-compatibility on my Duo-R. Or at least S-Video. After getting RGB cables for my SNES and my Saturn, I can't go back to AV. I just can't. I'm still trying my best to get a S-Video/Region-modded Duo-R, I found on a site (D-Link), but it was last updated in 2006, so fingers crossed.

[jperryss]

Thanks again for your input! The thing is, I really want RGB-compatibility on my Duo-R. Or at least S-Video. After getting RGB cables for my SNES and my Saturn, I can't go back to AV. I just can't. I'm still trying my best to get a S-Video/Region-modded Duo-R, I found on a site (D-Link), but it was last updated in 2006, so fingers crossed.

You mean D-Lite (Dean) at Multimods? Don't waste your time. I didn't deal with him personally but he was a regular here and on pcenginefx.com (great TG/PCE forum BTW) and burned quite a few people. Hasn't posted here or there in a long time.

If you can't find one pre-modded, your best bet might be to post a request to have it modded. There are a few people over there that do these mods. RedGhost did my region mod (original thread here (http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=6318.0), his mod site here (http://gametz.com/user/platinumfungi.html)). He does excellent work and is a great guy to boot.

[Nico87]

Thanks! Only problem is that I live in Norway, so I'd have to pay for shipping both ways, probably $100 combined, plus $50 for the modding, and $150+shipping for the system on eBay. The ideal solution would be to buy the whole lot together, a modded Duo-R from one guy, but I guess I can't have everything! Aaaand, I so badly want it to be S-Video compatible!

[jperryss]

Thanks! Only problem is that I live in Norway, so I'd have to pay for shipping both ways, probably $100 combined, plus $50 for the modding, and $150+shipping for the system on eBay. The ideal solution would be to buy the whole lot together, a modded Duo-R from one guy, but I guess I can't have everything! Aaaand, I so badly want it to be S-Video compatible!

Eek, I assumed you were in the US for some reason.

In that case, maybe reach out to this guy (he's in Europe). He posts on pcenginefx sometimes and he may be able to mod for you OR sell you a pre-modded unit.
http://www.retro-accessories.co.uk/

[tomaitheous]

Thanks! Only problem is that I live in Norway, so I'd have to pay for shipping both ways, probably $100 combined, plus $50 for the modding, and $150+shipping for the system on eBay. The ideal solution would be to buy the whole lot together, a modded Duo-R from one guy, but I guess I can't have everything! Aaaand, I so badly want it to be S-Video compatible!

TmEE (Tiido) might be able to help you out (he's in Estonia). I'm pretty sure he hasn't done a mod for PCE/DUO, but the docs are online and he's really bright/intelligent guy who's done mod's for other systems.

[Nico87]

Argh, I'm really leaning towards getting a un-modded PCE Duo-R, and then just a TG16 for the HuCards later on. I've sent an e-mail to the guy over at retro-accessories, though.

[Nico87]

I decided to buy a regular Duo-R and a TG16. It's the healthy option for my collection anyway! Thanks alot for all the replies, specially yours jperryss!

Quick question - the Duo-R can't play Super CD games?

Aaand, I believe I've earned myself the honor of having a list produced by you, jperryss, of good NTSC PCE CD games, and japanese Hucards/CD's I can play without knowing the japanese language!

Also, why are some sealed games so cheap?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cosmic-Fantasy-2-for-Turbo-Grafx-16-CD-Duo-System-NEW_W0QQitemZ390046846877QQihZ026QQcategoryZ11988Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Turbo-Grafx-Cosmic-Fantasy-2-BRAND-NEW-SEALED_W0QQitemZ260393080417QQihZ016QQcategoryZ119 88QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Exile-for-Turbo-Grafx-16-CD-Duo-System-NEW_W0QQitemZ310138052031QQihZ021QQcategoryZ11988Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I also notice differences in the artwork, like the ones from the links above and http://interactivedistractions.com/images/upload/chris/wd/TurboWDCollection.jpg

[Press_Start]

Duo-R plays HuCards (jap), CDs (jap/US), and Super CDs (jap/US). You'll need the Arcade card to play the arcade games for the system.

As for the cheap sealed games, it's supply/demand. Boxes of them keep popping up within the last year. Good time to get one or two before resellers swipe them all and charge ya for 10x more.

[Nico87]

So there's no difference between the games with different artwork? It's not a Greatest Hits or whatever? $6 for a sealed retro-game seems kinda TOO cheap.

[Press_Start]

So there's no difference between the games with different artwork? It's not a Greatest Hits or whatever?

The only difference is those games don't have the outer cardboard box. Essentially, what you see is the case, manual, and game when they come out of the box.



$6 for a sealed retro-game seems kinda TOO cheap.

What you got to lose....besides $6? :wink 2:

[Nico87]

Ah, I see. So all the PCE games came with a cardboard box?

[LazingBlazers]

Too bad to hear about D-Lite... I'm totally out of the scene now, but I had some good dealings with him years ago.

Anyway, Nico87, since I'm a nice guy... name me a fair price on what you'd like to pay for a US TurboGrafx-16 unit in functional and normal cosmetic condition and I will sell it to you for that amount plus exact shipping to Norway. I'm a reputable guy, check my feedback here or on eBay; I'm simply willing to do someone somewhat of a favor.

The only catches are:

(1) You have let me know whether you're interested or not before tomorrow evening as that is when I'm going over by my parents' house and that is where I have a whole box full of these things.

-and-

(2) If you want cheap crap shipping you'll have to pay me via a money order issued in US Dollars. If you want to pay me via PayPal, you'll need to have your item shipped via a method that can be tracked online (i.e. Global Priority Mail).

Send me a PM if you're interested.

[Press_Start]

Ah, I see. So all the PCE games came with a cardboard box?

Only Turbo Grafx Hucards and CD had outer cardboard boxes, then they scrapped them when distributing Super CDs.

PCE games don't have cardboard boxes, just the case, manual, game, and spine card (I believe).

[jperryss]

PCE games don't have cardboard boxes, just the case, manual, game, and spine card (I believe).

I believe you're correct, as I've never seen a cardboard box for a PCE game. I also think only CD games included the spine card, but I may be wrong.

Also worth mentioning that some of the later US Hucard games included a box but no jewel case. Which is annoying to me and is one reason I'll hunt down the PCE version if it's practical.

[Tron 2.0]

base TG16 units are ridiculously overpriced on the 'bay as well imo
Agreed is just alot of price gougeing as of late for the (TG16+CD attchment).Nothing rare about the unit at all,dunno i guess sellers must think there is demand becuase of the wii vc.

[Nico87]

Exile, Lords of Thunder, Vasteel, Ys Books 1&2, Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, and Cosmic Fantasy 2 on it's way!

[jperryss]

Exile, Lords of Thunder, Vasteel, Ys Books 1&2, Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, and Cosmic Fantasy 2 on it's way!

That's a great set of games to start with (dunno about Vasteel as I've never played it). I'd recommend locating the 4-in-1 Gate of Thunder disc with both Bonk games and Bomberman included on it.

[Press_Start]

Exile, Lords of Thunder, Vasteel, Ys Books 1&2, Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, and Cosmic Fantasy 2 on it's way!

That's a great start. I'd recommend playing Ys first.

BTW, did you buy the game with box and map?

[Nico87]

No map, no box. As far as I can see, none of the auctions on eBay has the map included, except for one factory sealed with a BIN price of $500. There's one auction with the box, $178. I got my copy for $40. Really wish that the TG games didn't come with cardboard boxes. My collection's gonna look weird. Some with the cardboard, some without :(

[Ze_ro]

Really wish that the TG games didn't come with cardboard boxes. My collection's gonna look weird. Some with the cardboard, some without :(
What bothers me more is how some HuCards didn't come with jewel cases, so even us folks who don't care about boxes will have weird looking collections :(

Oh well, could be worse... could be a 3DO collection. ;)

--Zero

[Tron 2.0]

Exile, Lords of Thunder, Vasteel, Ys Books 1&2, Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, and Cosmic Fantasy 2 on it's way!
Congrats man also note if you find the u.s version of the game to be too expensive for ya usely,the jpn version will be cheaper.

[Nico87]

Yeah, JP games usually are cheaper, but I haven't read enough into imports for the PCE to find out which games that can be played and doen't require you to read japanese.

[jperryss]

Congrats man also note if you find the u.s version of the game to be too expensive for ya usely,the jpn version will be cheaper.

And they come with jewel cases for consistency. :D

[jperryss]

Yeah, JP games usually are cheaper, but I haven't read enough into imports for the PCE to find out which games that can be played and doen't require you to read japanese.

I've got quite a few schmups that are perfectly playable (it's surprising how much English is actually in the JP games). Super Star Soldier is one in particular that the JP version can be found much cheaper (I paid $15).

The Bonk games (PC Genjin in JP) are very playable, but the first two games aren't that expensive and maybe not worth trying to hunt down a JP copy. Bonk 3 is WAY cheaper; They go for $75-150 US, I paid $33 for complete JP version.

[Nico87]

Thanks for the heads-up! Yeah, Bonk 1 & 2 are fairly cheap, and I might get the 4-in-1 cd you mentioned above. Bonk 3 is expensive, yes. Seen 'em go for $200 BIN on eBay.

Anyway, is there ANY other way to connect a TG16 to a TV without using the coax RF adapter? My tv (32" HD-Ready) have no ports for it, and nor does my 24" CRT. The NES had AV ports, so I'd suppose the TG16 has something aswell?

[LazingBlazers]

[SNIP]

Anyway, is there ANY other way to connect a TG16 to a TV without using the coax RF adapter? ...

Yes, there's an accessory called a TurboBooster; it plugs into the back of your TurboGrafx and gives you composite video and stereo sound output. For reference, there's also a TurboBooster Plus that has the same capabilities as the regular TurboBooster but it has the ability to save your games just like the TurboCD unit... I'm assuming it's a battery backup. Otherwise you can internally modify your TurboGrafx to have composite outputs. I don't know how to do it, but I'm sure the schematics are out there.

Nico87, when I was over digging through my Turbo stash, I saw at least one spare TurboBooster in there. If you're interested, drop me a line with a fair offer and we'll work something out.

[Bratwurst]

Anyway, is there ANY other way to connect a TG16 to a TV without using the coax RF adapter? My tv (32" HD-Ready) have no ports for it, and nor does my 24" CRT. The NES had AV ports, so I'd suppose the TG16 has something aswell?

Yes, you can make your own cable and tap into the various pins in the back of the system for composite video/audio.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119413

[Tron 2.0]

And they come with jewel cases for consistency. :D
That's for sure i just bought me a jpn soldier blade eariler on ebay.Beside it being,cheaper it does come with the jewl case while the u.s version doesn't.

[Nico87]

Seems like a fair amount of the PCE imports are like $40-$50 which is annoying, seeing as the customs limit here is $30.

Anyway, more recommendations for imports are welcome!

On my to-buy list (JP):

Coryoon
Magical Chase
Air Zonk
GunHed
Super Star Soldier
Soldier Blade
Nexzr
Star Parodier

Looks like I'm turning into a shmup whore :(

..and that my biggest collection of games will be for the TG16/PC Engine!

[j_factor]

So there's no difference between the games with different artwork? It's not a Greatest Hits or whatever? $6 for a sealed retro-game seems kinda TOO cheap.

$6 is extra-extra low, but those two games are cheap because Working Designs was still selling them new on their website all the way up until they shut down (and they apparently had extra stock that was sold off).

[jperryss]

Well you have two titles on there that are known to be pricey. The JP version of Magical Chase goes for $100-150 (US version complete is well over the $400 mark if you can actually find it) and Nexzr is probably a $75 title. The import versions of the rest of those are reasonable from what I recall.

I highly recommend these guys. Great to deal with, good prices (won't poke you on shipping) and if they don't have something you're looking for, just email them and they can probably get it). I've gotten nearly all my PCE games from them.
http://risingstuff.com/store/




Seems like a fair amount of the PCE imports are like $40-$50 which is annoying, seeing as the customs limit here is $30.

Anyway, more recommendations for imports are welcome!

On my to-buy list (JP):

Coryoon
Magical Chase
Air Zonk
GunHed
Super Star Soldier
Soldier Blade
Nexzr
Star Parodier

Looks like I'm turning into a shmup whore :(

..and that my biggest collection of games will be for the TG16/PC Engine!

[Nico87]

Woooo, got my Duo-R today already! Only took 4 days from Japan to Norway, and when I tracked the shipment online yesterday, it said it was in customs in Bratislava, Slovakia, so I was mildly surprised when I came home from work to see that it was in the mail! Having some fun (well, not really!) with F1 Triple Battle and The Davis Cup, while I'm waiting for the more sophisticated games to arrive! :D

I've fallen in love already. Those of you who are still to own a PCE Duo-R, I can highly recommend a seller on eBay by the name of doujindance. Very friendly seller, good communication, and FAST shipping.

http://myworld.ebay.com/doujindance?ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1181

[bust3dstr8]

If you are looking into Nexzr you might want to get the tournament soft version, it's
usually a lot cheaper. I think mine was about $30 shipped from Japan.


http://thm-a01.yimg.com/image/a5626ab8fcffa6de

[Tron 2.0]

Woooo, got my Duo-R today already! Only took 4 days from Japan to Norway, and when I tracked the shipment online yesterday, it said it was in customs in Bratislava, Slovakia, so I was mildly surprised when I came home from work to see that it was in the mail! Having some fun (well, not really!) with F1 Triple Battle and The Davis Cup, while I'm waiting for the more sophisticated games to arrive! :D

I've fallen in love already. Those of you who are still to own a PCE Duo-R, I can highly recommend a seller on eBay by the name of doujindance. Very friendly seller, good communication, and FAST shipping.

http://myworld.ebay.com/doujindance?ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1181
Congrats man that's what i mostly run my pce games on a duo-r.It'a realy good model there...and no sound issue to worry about unlike what the regular duo has.