PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide

brettlee · 11/21/2008, 02:52 AM

Hi Guys,

I've been wanting to own a PC Engine console for years. Having recently owned a GT, I just can't wait to see those great games on the big TV screen. My dilemma now is, which should I go for? I just want a system that plays HU Cards and all CD games.

I'm thinking between these 2 options..

PC Engine Core II + Super CDROM 2

OR

PC Engine DUO

I've heard that DUO's aren't that reliable. Reason I'm favoring it over DUO RX is the sleek black color and the extra headphone jack.
On the other hand, having a combo option would also be a good thing, in case the CDROM goes kaput, I could still easily get a replacement unit w/o any surgery..

What you guys think?

Turbo D · 11/21/2008, 02:59 AM

I would suggest the black duo. It's the best looking and the most practical; everything all together and ready to shebang. If you run into problems along the line, one of us will fix it for you.

Nazi NecroPhile · 11/21/2008, 10:26 AM

You can't go wrong either way, so I'd go with whichever is cheaper (leaning towards the CGII setup if they're equal). The caps will eventually need replacing on the Duo, but that's easily and economically remedied.

bust3dstr8 · 11/21/2008, 12:52 PM

From recent experience I am glad I have a Core/SuperCD. The sound caps started to go on the CD so I just
switched to the Core AV plug. The NEC console seem to have the sound caps fail at a fairly high rate,
with the Core/SuperCD at least you get 2 lives.

blueraven · 11/21/2008, 06:22 PM

I will always recommend a Duo.

Quote from: guest on 11/21/2008, 10:26 AMYou can't go wrong either way, so I'd go with whichever is cheaper (leaning towards the CGII setup if they're equal). The caps will eventually need replacing on the Duo, but that's easily and economically remedied.

Necromancer is right, however. I am currently replacing the caps on mine.

SuperDeadite · 11/22/2008, 06:59 AM

SuperGrafx+SuperCD-ROM2+Arcade Card= True Bliss

PCEngineHell · 11/22/2008, 10:41 AM

Yea, Honestly, the Supergrafx or Coregrafx with Super Cd Rom would be the most hassle free solution. Plus replacement lasers for the Super Cd Rom are far cheaper, and if one day you do need to replace caps on the Super Cd Rom, there is far less to do compared to a plane jane Duo.

CrackTiger · 11/22/2008, 04:29 PM

I always recommend a Duo as a single game-playing setup, since it's the cheapest and most convenient. Judging by your tastes, you should go for a black PCE Duo.

TR0N · 11/23/2008, 12:10 AM

All in one get a duo-r or rx they don't suffer from the sound issue.For wich the,pce duo and turbo duo do..unless you don't mind replaceing it's caps when it go's bad.Though if you don't mind what a coregrafx+scdr2 go's for then that's a safe bet on the setup.

When i had a coregrafx+scdr2 it worked well for me.

Keranu · 11/23/2008, 02:44 AM

Get one of those headphone jack to composite out cable things for your GT and then make some kind of mod to hook up a CD system to it. Or spend half a grand on a PC Engine LT.

brettlee · 11/23/2008, 04:15 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. I'm getting some offer for a Core II + Super CDROM2 with 2 HU and 2 CD games for USD 180 (Plus EMS shipping)
Is it a good deal? I must admit the setup look rather big and bulky, but heck, still it looks cool..

Quote from: Keranu on 11/23/2008, 02:44 AMGet one of those headphone jack to composite out cable things for your GT and then make some kind of mod to hook up a CD system to it. Or spend half a grand on a PC Engine LT.

Haha. Would that be possible to output Video from a earphone jack?? LT is just out of the question for me. Beyond my reach

PCEngineHell · 11/23/2008, 05:13 AM

Yea, that price sounds reasonable. Let us know how that works out.

CrackTiger · 11/23/2008, 01:18 PM

Quote from: brettlee on 11/23/2008, 04:15 AMHey guys, thanks for the feedback. I'm getting some offer for a Core II + Super CDROM2 with 2 HU and 2 CD games for USD 180 (Plus EMS shipping)
Is it a good deal? I must admit the setup look rather big and bulky, but heck, still it looks cool..

If that's the setup you want and price isn't a factor. Otherwise, you can get a complete in box black PCE Duo system with RGB mod, scart cable, PCE Tap, Dragon Knight and Tennokoe Bank for $170 plus shipping of your choice-

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-Engine-DUO-RGB-Connectable-Model-Boxed-2games_W0QQitemZ190268069071QQihZ009QQcategoryZ139971QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It's got a detailed description with great photos and you basically have some what of a warranty dealing through eBay/PayPal.

Duo_R · 11/23/2008, 06:41 PM

Do you want 2 AC adapters or do you want 1? Do you want a more expensive Arcade CD card, or a cheaper one?

oldskool · 11/23/2008, 10:48 PM

I like the Duo -R. System doesnt look bulky, does everything you need and is hassle free, and not only that, it's beautiful!

brettlee · 11/24/2008, 12:38 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 11/23/2008, 06:41 PMDo you want 2 AC adapters or do you want 1? Do you want a more expensive Arcade CD card, or a cheaper one?

I want something that's compact and doesn't take much space, so ideally one AC adapter to power both console and cd unit. I really like the DUO cause of the shape and color. But I've heard about problems with it and ideally I should get one that's just been refurbished (new caps + new lens)
The Core II and SuperCDROM2 setup isn't that bad, cause it's using a single AC Adapter (Core is getting power from SuperCDROM2) and if in the future, if I ever get a SuperGrafx, I could also use the SuperCDROM with it.. Hmmmm, but then again, I don't really see the point of getting a SuperGrafx since there were only like 5 games released for it and they aren't that great. Maybe just for collection sake.. :p

PCEngineHell · 11/24/2008, 12:44 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 11/23/2008, 06:41 PMDo you want 2 AC adapters or do you want 1? Do you want a more expensive Arcade CD card, or a cheaper one?

The cheaper Arcade Card Duo works on the CoreGrafx/Super Cd Rom combo also....2 AC versus 1 isn't that big a debate item. Just plug them both into a extension cord, and unhook it when not in use.

brettlee · 12/06/2008, 02:49 PM

Hey guys. I worked out a deal with the seller. Here's the package :

PCE Core II
Super CDROM 2
2CD + 2HU games
Arcade Card Pro Duo

All for USD 200. Good price? I think it is. But unfortunately the US currency is quite high at the moment

PCEngineHell · 12/06/2008, 03:45 PM

Yea as long as its in good shape,thats a good deal. Let us know how it goes.

brettlee · 12/18/2008, 04:18 AM

Quote from: PC-ENGINE HELL on 12/06/2008, 03:45 PMYea as long as its in good shape,thats a good deal. Let us know how it goes.

Hey guys, I received the PCE package 2 days ago, and boy am I sooo happy with it. Not many games I've got, but when I first popped in Pomping World, I was instantly hooked! The other Fatal Fury 2 port isn't that great (though I got it brand new sealed) The graphics OK, but the sound effects is just lame. They could've done better like what they did for SFCE. Here's a pic of my temporary PCE rig

Another game I got hooked wast CyberCore. I'm just a sucker for shooters. Anyway, I kept dying at the first boss. I think I suck. LOL

Overall, this is my first experience with the PCE, and I'm amazed at what this little console can pull off. Amazing graphics and sound for an 8-bit machine.. I'm loving it so much.. Now what I need is more titles. Any good Arcade CDROM games to recommend?

Another thing I noticed is that the AVouput of the CoreII had 8DIN instead of 5DIN, so I'm guessing it is already RGB modded? The seller couldn't confirm that as he got it from his supplier. But I don't think I can confirm either, because I don't have an RGB monitor or Scart ready TV..

Cheers guys.. I hope you now welcome me as one of your aligible PCE members here..

termis · 12/18/2008, 08:12 PM

Nice setup. If you want a "wow" piece for you ACD card, get a hold of Sapphire. Though you'd probably want to go with the bootleg version of the game, since the real deal is gonna cost you double what you paid for that whole setup. That game's definitely a technical tour-de-force for an 8-bit system.

I can't recall the number of output pins on the DIN plug of the Coregrafx, but I'm sure someone else can confirm here.

Ceti Alpha · 12/18/2008, 08:23 PM

Nice rigs brettlee!!

I've always had a thing for the SuperCDROM2. Enjoy!

brettlee · 12/18/2008, 09:13 PM

Quote from: termis on 12/18/2008, 08:12 PMNice setup. If you want a "wow" piece for you ACD card, get a hold of Sapphire. Though you'd probably want to go with the bootleg version of the game, since the real deal is gonna cost you double what you paid for that whole setup. That game's definitely a technical tour-de-force for an 8-bit system.

I can't recall the number of output pins on the DIN plug of the Coregrafx, but I'm sure someone else can confirm here.

Hey termis, thanks for your suggestion. I've played Sapphire before, but that's on the recent PCE compilation series for the PSP. Hmm I might consider getting the bootlegged one just to see how it shines on the real system.

brettlee · 12/18/2008, 09:19 PM

Quote from: ceti alpha on 12/18/2008, 08:23 PMNice rigs brettlee!! I've always had a thing for the SuperCDROM2. Enjoy!

Thank you ceti, I'm diggin' it. Just took it out last night for another spin. This time with Dragon Saber. Awesome soundtrack!. Oh one thing I noticed (that is with the crappy PS2 monitor though) is that the audio tracks from the CD are somewhat softer than the PCE's sound. Is this normal? I have yet to try in on a proper TV. Hoping to do it this weekend when I get back..