I gave some questions on Turbografx CD, DUO, and cards>&g

[Parpunk]

ok i have a few easy questions im sure someone can help me out with>

1. Are there DUO games made to be played only on a duo? Or can all the games that say DUO on them be played in a turbografx cd?

2. Im thinking about getting a TG 16 with cd add on instead of a DUO. would that be a better move? Will it limit me to playing certain games?

3. Also what do i need to play japenese card games like tonma, and others?? What do i need to purchase?

4. What are some of the best Turbografx CD or DUO Games?

Any info would be gretly appreciated thanks!

[InsaneDavid]

Here you go (http://pcenginefx.com/main/nec_compatibility_guide.html).

[Parpunk]

ok cool thanks bro. and about my otehr question. what do you think would be the best set up?? turbo Duo, or TG 16 with CD add on and upgrade card 3.0?

[InsaneDavid]

ok cool thanks bro. and about my otehr question. what do you think would be the best set up?? turbo Duo, or TG 16 with CD add on and upgrade card 3.0?

I like the TurboDuo but some of the other tech people will chime in about the audio problem due to the board design and say to get a PCEngine Duo-R or PCEngine Duo-RX, but then you need a converter for US TurboGrafx-16 HuCARDs. I've never had this overheating problem myself but there are cases of it out there. The TurboCD attachment was simply not built to last although if you're going to be playing burned games it is said to have better compatibility.

Personally I'd go for a TurboDuo.

[6502]

I prefer the Turbo + CD attachment over the Duo, although it seems most other people like the Duo better. I've had two Turbo-CD setups and one PC Engine + CD suitcase setup and haven't had any problems with any of them. One of the Turbo-CD setups has seen fairly constant use since I bought it in 1990 (less a couple of years while I was in college), and it still works perfectly. Some people claim they're somehow less durable than Duos, but that hasn't been my experience at all.

The only problem with the CD attachment is getting your hands on a System Card 3.0, which you need for any SuperCD games. The US version isn't that common and somewhat pricey as a result. If you also want to play Japanese HuCards, I'd recommend either modding your Turbo or getting a converter, then buying a Japanse system card since they're much cheaper. And if you're getting a Japanese system card you might as well get the Arcade Card Pro so you can play all CD games. You need the Pro card for non-Duo systems. It's more expensive than the Arcade Card Duo, but not that bad.

The Turbo region mod is a little more involved than most other systems. Not that hard if you're used to that sort of work, but you can find people online that will mod it for you if you don't want to do it yourself. Even paying someone to mod your Turbo is probably cheaper than buying a converter.

[Parpunk]

ok now if i bought a turbo duo would i have to go through all those system cards etc? or will the duo already have all that stuff built in? and will the duo play everything BUT japenese hu cards, and if thats the case can a converter be bougt to work on the duo to play japenese hu cards? Also if so how much d they run? thanks!

[Trebuken]

Super Grafx + Super CD-Rom2.

[InsaneDavid]

ok now if i bought a turbo duo would i have to go through all those system cards etc? or will the duo already have all that stuff built in? and will the duo play everything BUT japenese hu cards, and if thats the case can a converter be bougt to work on the duo to play japenese hu cards? Also if so how much d they run? thanks!

The TurboDuo has the System Card 3.0 built in internally. Yes, a converter can be used with a TurboDuo to allow usage of Japanese HuCARDs as well as the Japanese Arcade Card (for the handful of Arcade CD's). Converters range in price greatly. Most of the time they're big money but I have seen them go for next to nothing. Basically they switch the order of eight pins that differ between TG-16 and PCEngine HuCARDs.

[Aussie2B]

Depending on the circumstances, it may be cheaper to get a Japanese PC Engine Duo-R or RX and just buy a stand-alone TurboGrafx-16 for US hucards. That's the route I've taken, and I'm happy with it. I prefer to do everything legit instead of dealing with system mods and third party converters.

[InsaneDavid]

Depending on the circumstances, it may be cheaper to get a Japanese PC Engine Duo-R or RX and just buy a stand-alone TurboGrafx-16 for US hucards. That's the route I've taken, and I'm happy with it. I prefer to do everything legit instead of dealing with system mods and third party converters.

Or you could buy at TurboDuo and then a PCEngine CORE Grafx for Japanese HuCARDs, basically the flip-flopped route. I know a few people who have done that back when you could get a CORE Grafx for like $20 on eBay.

[Mr. Smashy]

The best solution is a Super Grafx with a region switch modification, a Super CD-ROM 2 unit, and an Arcade Card Duo. Of course, that kind of setup usually doesn't come cheap.

Personally, I stick with the TG16 CD unit, region-modded, with the System Card 2.0, Super System Card 3.0, and Arcade Card Pro. I'm not a fan of the converter boards and I prefer the TG16 since accessories for the system are more common than Duo accessories where I live.

Also, I'd suggest against getting a Duo from one region and then getting a TG16 or PCE from the other region just because saving your progress in certain HuCard games is a pain unless you have a Turbo Booster Plus or the Japanese equivalent. I don't like password saves when better methods are available.

How many people here have a Duo with 5 Duo controllers?

[c0ldb33r]

I don't mean to derail this thread at all, my question is kind of related.

What would you tg16 guru's recommend for someone who only wants to use Hucards?

I've always loved Blazing Lasers and have always wanted a Turbo Express.

Is it worth the added expense to get a Turbo Express? Is there anything wrong with them that would make you want a stock tg16 instead?

[staxx]

The turbo express lcd screen (though at the time was the best) doesn't show off all the colors, resolution, small screen so that text can be tough to read and frame rate as a TV. If you want to see all the colors, graphics etc you should get a TG16. Another problem with the turbo express is even though it is portable, it eats batteries like no tomorrow (a way to compensate for this is by using the ac adapter or buy the 15 min rechargeable batteries).

[InsaneDavid]

Also of course, if I remember correctly, all the PCEngines and the TurboDuo use the same size controller port. Only the TurboGrafx-16 used the larger one. This allows you to use the larger assortment of PCEngine accessories such as the awesome ASCII Stick Engine, which is basically an NES Advantage for the PCEngine.

[Parpunk]

woah cool. sounds sweet! Alright some other quick questions>

1. Can the Pd engine Duo r and RX play ALL US cd games without any converters etc.??

2. Basically if i buy a Pc engine Duo and counting the US TG 16 i already have. i can basically play ANY game made for the turbografx systems? whether it be cd, card, or duo games? (thats basically he set up im looking for)

3. And after looking on ebay this is the only thing i could find>> is this what you guys are talking about? whats the difference between a duo r and an rx?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-R-with-4-games-very-good-condition_W0QQitemZ110044326530QQihZ001QQcategoryZ 123439QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4. Also whats a good price to pay for a duo R with a game or two and 2 controllers? Thats the only one i found on ebay. Anyone know anyone that has one for sale? any help would be awesome thanks!

[Aussie2B]

Yeah, an R or RX will be able to play all the US games. With that and a TurboGrafx-16 you'll be able to play everything but Super Grafx games, which most people tend to ignore. :P There are hardly any Super Grafx games, and I think only a couple are regarded as being particularly good. The difference between the R and the RX is that the RX came with a (crappy) 6-button controller. Seriously, that's about the only difference I remember.

As for a good price, others will have to give suggestions on that since I got mine from Japan Yahoo auctions from a friend with connections. It was a present, but I think it came out to about $120 shipped with a few accessories, around 15 games, and a second broken RX that I gotta fix or sell whenever I get around to it. o_O I think the chances of getting a deal like that are pretty slim on eBay, though.

[Parpunk]

hmmm thanks a lot for the info bro. well anything beats the $500.00 that the freakin turbo duo's have been going for. it freakin sucks too. i usedto have a turbo duo and then i sold mine with like 8 games and i only got $200.00!!!! for it. man i wish i kept it. thi sucks lol. But hopefully i can find a duo R sometime. thanks a lot for the info. anyone else know a decent price for one? thanks!

PS The Duo R will also play the US CD Games too? i have monsters lair and really wanna play it but still have no duo.

-Mark

[Ascending Wordsmith]

Yes, the Duo-R will play American disc games.

[InsaneDavid]

hmmm thanks a lot for the info bro. well anything beats the $500.00 that the freakin turbo duo's have been going for.

I'm still waiting to see proof that TurboDuo's have been selling for that much. Granted, I know people have been hording them lately and not as many are coming up for sale as in years previous, but come on. If someone would show me that kind of cash I would glady sell them my TurboDuo.

[NEOFREAK9189]

Personally I have PC Engine Duo-R also play u.s.a cd games and soon I get mod to play u.s game or get turbo duo

[Ze_ro]

Basically if i buy a Pc engine Duo and counting the US TG 16 i already have. i can basically play ANY game made for the turbografx systems? whether it be cd, card, or duo games? (thats basically he set up im looking for)
Well, you'd still need an Arcade Card to play those games that required it... and you'd be unable to play the SuperGrafx exclusive games, but that's not a huge loss.

Regarding the Arcade Card, there are apparently two different versions: The Arcade Card Pro, and the Arcade Card Duo... If I understand things correctly, the Arcade Card Duo was a cheaper version of the card that left out some of the bits that the Duo already had built in... so either one will work on a Duo, but anyone with a combo system will have to use the Pro version (which is slightly more expensive).

While this topic is around, here's a question of my own: Let's say I go the TG16 + TurboCD route, and I buy a Japanese game that requires the System 3.0 card.... do I need a Japanese System 3.0 card (with a converter), or will a North American card work the same way?

--Zero

[Mr. Smashy]

Let's say I go the TG16 + TurboCD route, and I buy a Japanese game that requires the System 3.0 card.... do I need a Japanese System 3.0 card (with a converter), or will a North American card work the same way?

--Zero
A North American card will work the same way. I'd say that having at least one North American system card is preferable if you want to get into some of the memory management options.

[InsaneDavid]

All the mentions about the SuperGrafx are pointless, that wasn't the question. The SuperGrafx was an entirely different game system but it supported PCEngine HuCARDs and CD drives / accessories because the PCEngine platform was so massively popular at the time. It's more of a backwards compatible thing where the SGX supported the PCEngine back library and add-ons.

It's like asking "what's the best classic GameBoy to get?" and having someone respond "a GBA-SP" - they're honestly entirely different platforms.

[MarioMania]

Answer me this - If somehow I get a Turbo-Duo for cheap..and i want Dracula X on it, Will it work out of the box, or do I need a System 3.0 card

[Putney]

Answer me this - If somehow I get a Turbo-Duo for cheap..and i want Dracula X on it, Will it work out of the box, or do I need a System 3.0 card

Yep, it'll work out of the box. I have a US Duo and no system card, and it boots up a CDR of Dracula X just fine.

[InsaneDavid]

Yep, it'll work out of the box. I have a US Duo and no system card, and it boots up a CDR of Dracula X just fine.

Okay, but let's get something straight before we play "haha, I don't have to pay for this high value game, I can just play a pirated copy of it!" - TurboDuo and TG-CD systems are notorious for being hit and miss with CD-R duplicates. Some systems play them with no problem, some systems simply won't, some play them with varying degrees of success.

You will have no problems playing originals, however.

[MarioMania]

I don't want to play a CD-R, I want the real thing

Anyways, Now I know it will play in a Turbo-Duo..How about TG-16 with the CD-ROM, Can Dracula X be playable with out the System Card..Would the CD Drive read it as a game

[InsaneDavid]

I don't want to play a CD-R, I want the real thing

Anyways, Now I know it will play in a Turbo-Duo..How about TG-16 with the CD-ROM, Can Dracula X be playable with out the System Card..Would the CD Drive read it as a game

Yes, but with the TG-CD you'd need a System Card 3.0.

To stop all the confusion, the TurboDuo basically has a System Card 3.0 built into it. This allows it to play all CD games from both regions. (except for those few that require an Arcade Card) With a TG-16 + TG-CD or a PCEngine + PCEngine CD (anything other than a flavor of 'Duo) you will need a 3.0 System Card to allow this functionality.

[MarioMania]

Cool..But I didn't get my answer answered..will Dracula X be playable on the TG16-CD with out the System 3.0 card

[InsaneDavid]

Cool..But I didn't get my answer answered..will Dracula X be playable on the TG16-CD with out the System 3.0 card

No. :roll: As I said in my prevous post, anything non-'Duo will require a System Card 3.0 for dual region compatibility (Super CD-ROM2).

[MarioMania]

Thank you, that's all I wanted to know..

[Parpunk]

ok good question WHATS A GOOD PRICE FOR A DUO R???

[InsaneDavid]

ok good question WHATS A GOOD PRICE FOR A DUO R???

You can pick them up on eBay for about $200. Here's one in the USA (http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Engine-Duo-R-System-Japanese-Turbo-Duo-w-box_W0QQitemZ160044784796QQihZ006QQcategoryZ62054Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). Seem to be easier to find right now than the Duo-RX, PCEngineDuo and way easier to find than a TurboDuo.

[MarioMania]

Cool..But I didn't get my answer answered..will Dracula X be playable on the TG16-CD with out the System 3.0 card

No. :roll: As I said in my prevous post, anything non-'Duo will require a System Card 3.0 for dual region compatibility (Super CD-ROM2).

InsaneDavid - I'm not a TurboDuo Buff, I was just asking..I didn't know that. Now I do, I don't like people rolling there eye's at me..It Just didn't know about it

[InsaneDavid]

InsaneDavid - I'm not a TurboDuo Buff, I was just asking..I didn't know that. Now I do, I don't like people rolling there eye's at me..It Just didn't know about it

I had already answered the question in my previous post...


Yes, but with the TG-CD you'd need a System Card 3.0.

...which was the reason for the tone of my response. If "with the TG-CD you'd need a System Card 3.0" then you would assume that without a System Card 3.0 the game would not run in a TG-CD.

[Mr. Smashy]

Cool..But I didn't get my answer answered..will Dracula X be playable on the TG16-CD with out the System 3.0 card

No. :roll: As I said in my prevous post, anything non-'Duo will require a System Card 3.0 for dual region compatibility (Super CD-ROM2).

InsaneDavid - I'm not a TurboDuo Buff, I was just asking..I didn't know that. Now I do, I don't like people rolling there eye's at me..It Just didn't know about it

Actually, the Dracula X will play in a TG16 CD system with a 2.0 card. It's just a different game than with the 3.0 card. I have no idea what InsaneDavid means with his "dual region compatibility" remark.

[MarioMania]

Can someone explain to me what's the diffents between System 2.0 & 3.0 do..I''m new at the hole Turbo thing...I might get the System

[InsaneDavid]

I'm done with this thread, g'night everyone.

[Aussie2B]

Heh, I can understand InsaneDavid's frustration, but at the same time I do know just how confusing matters involving the PC Engine can get.

Dracula X is NOT a "different game" without the 3.0 card. It's simply got a little bonus level with bizarre looking graphics, and at the end you're told that you need to upgrade the card in order to play the real game. Essentially, it's a fancy way of giving you the same message that other Super CD-ROM2 games will give you with a static screen. The developers of Dracula X really went all out in all regards with the game, so it's no surprise that they'd even put in extra effort into the wrong system card error message.

The difference between the 2.0 and 3.0 cards is that the 2.0 can't play Super CDs. There's really not much reason to limit yourself in that regards, so the focus should be on getting a 3.0 card or a system with it built in.

[MarioMania]

Ok, ley me explain something..I havn't play a Turbo Games since '92. When at the Mall they had Turbo Zone...I never even own a TG-16 in my life..the 2nd time I played it at Videts..they had PC Engine SF II CE playing with a 6 Button Controller..Don't go getting all worked up at me..I never ever own a a System or a Game..I was a NES & Super NES Guy in the Early 90s

[Mr. Smashy]

Dracula X is NOT a "different game" without the 3.0 card. It's simply got a little bonus level with bizarre looking graphics, and at the end you're told that you need to upgrade the card in order to play the real game. Essentially, it's a fancy way of giving you the same message that other Super CD-ROM2 games will give you with a static screen. The developers of Dracula X really went all out in all regards with the game, so it's no surprise that they'd even put in extra effort into the wrong system card error message.

Oh, come on. It has a game intro screen and a stage intro. It has unique stage design, character design, and music. You control your character, defeat enemies, and save some girl at the end. Sure, it's a fancy way of telling you that you should probably be using a Super System Card. Still, it's a shame that somebody here doesn't know a video game when they see one.

[InsaneDavid]

Dracula X is NOT a "different game" without the 3.0 card. It's simply got a little bonus level with bizarre looking graphics, and at the end you're told that you need to upgrade the card in order to play the real game. Essentially, it's a fancy way of giving you the same message that other Super CD-ROM2 games will give you with a static screen. The developers of Dracula X really went all out in all regards with the game, so it's no surprise that they'd even put in extra effort into the wrong system card error message.

Thank you Aussie2B. An extended "this game is designed only for use with the Super System 3.0 Card" message is really all that it is. That does not count as "Dracula X will play" or "just a different game." So I guess that error message I get when I try to boot Take The "A"-Train III without the memory expansion is a "different game" hmm? There are quite a few games that have "special" error messages that tell you that you need the 3.0 card (or a 'Duo family system which has it built in) but these should NOT be counted as being compatible without it.

That's like saying if a Mega Drive cartridge says "Warning! This game is for use only in Japan!" when used in a Genesis system, that the game "works" because it booted.


Oh, come on. It has a game intro screen and a stage intro. It has unique stage design, character design, and music. You control your character, defeat enemies, and save some girl at the end. Sure, it's a fancy way of telling you that you should probably be using a Super System Card. Still, it's a shame that somebody here doesn't know a video game when they see one.

...and it's one freaking level. Wow, I'm so glad I dropped $300 for a game so I could play ONE LEVEL due to misinformation! It's called an easter egg. :)

MarioMania - here is a guide to what will play where and what is required (http://pcenginefx.com/main/nec_compatibility_guide.html). This is the same link I posted in my first post in this thread, second post total. None of my comments in this post were directed at you.

Sorry we've been crapping on your thread, Parpunk.

[MarioMania]

thanks for the Info dude..

A better Example would be if you try to play 4meg games on the Saturn without the RAM cart

[Aussie2B]

Yeah, I think the crucial point here is not whether you want to call the bonus a "game" or not, but rather to not be misleading when trying to provide people with information. I wouldn't go telling people that the original Final Fantasy is two games in one because it has a little bonus sliding tile puzzle. :roll:

[Parpunk]

ahh thread crapping lol. its no big deal guys i dont care :-) I got my info that i needed. And learned a little more in the process. i can totally feel your pain though mariomania because it is quite confusing and im new to the whole TG thing too. i dont even remeber them when i was a kid? i was only 6 years old in 1992 lol. So the TG is all new to me. As i was a nes/snes kid as well. But anyways thanks for all the info everybody! :)

[Ze_ro]

An extended "this game is designed only for use with the Super System 3.0 Card" message is really all that it is. That does not count as "Dracula X will play" or "just a different game."
Just out of curiousity, is there any way to get that bit to play on a TurboDuo? Would using a System 2.0 Card do the trick?

Oh, and I didn't see it mentioned anywhere in this thread, but there are a handful of japanese CD games that actually require the System 1.0 Card in order to work. Altered Beast is the only one that comes to mind at the moment.

--Zero

[InsaneDavid]

Just out of curiousity, is there any way to get that bit to play on a TurboDuo? Would using a System 2.0 Card do the trick?

That's a very interesting question... I wonder if the HuCARD slot will override the internal Super CD-ROM compatibility.

[Mr. Smashy]

Just out of curiousity, is there any way to get that bit to play on a TurboDuo? Would using a System 2.0 Card do the trick?

Yes, using a 2.0 card does the trick.


That's a very interesting question... I wonder if the HuCARD slot will override the internal Super CD-ROM compatibility.

Yes, it does.