Messages

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Force Gear & Twinbee Returns]

Thanks!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbob Xpress: Bringing affordable "gamer's" games to the community! Nearly Gone]

I'd love a copy of Dracula X if there's any still available?? 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Obscure PC Engine hardware]

Here's something that I picked up in the 90s. I don't know if it's rare or not, but I've never seen another one ...

Arcade Stick: Multi-System Joystick

Compatible With These Systems Worldwide:

• Sega Genesis
• Sega MegaDrive
• Super Nintendo
• Super Famicom
• Turbo Duo
• PC Engine
• Neo Geo

Literally threw one of those out int he trash yesterday. A dude in Hong Kong was giving it away for free but when I got it it only had Megadrive connections and was fucking gross.

these joysticks < same with city boy and appollo are poorly designed and not durable at all, cheap at the time,  doubt there last more than a few years, let alone 20 years

The joystick was terrible. The guy listed it on a Facebook group and my friend helped me get it. One look at it and you could tell it was broken!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Obscure PC Engine hardware]

Here's something that I picked up in the 90s. I don't know if it's rare or not, but I've never seen another one ...

Arcade Stick: Multi-System Joystick

Compatible With These Systems Worldwide:

• Sega Genesis
• Sega MegaDrive
• Super Nintendo
• Super Famicom
• Turbo Duo
• PC Engine
• Neo Geo

Literally threw one of those out int he trash yesterday. A dude in Hong Kong was giving it away for free but when I got it it only had Megadrive connections and was fucking gross.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: J.B. Harold Murder Club solution? (Spoilers!)]

Finally finished it. After typing up all the places I had warrents for I realised I had missed a few clues.

Best way to finish the game? Write everything down.

Peace

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / J.B. Harold Murder Club solution? (Spoilers!)]

Can't figure out who the murderer is and how to make them confess. I've arrested everyone and have managed to make the following characters' portraits turn green:

Edward Robbins
Fred Robbins
Janet Robbins
Ralph Carrington
Shelly McDonald
James McBain
Stanley Howard

My stats are as follows:
Evidence: 87
Interview: 100
Interrogation: 83
Information: 100
Average: 92

I've searched the following places:
B. Robbins' House
E. Robbins' House
The Randle Clinic
Dr. Randle's House
S. Howard's Apt
The Carrington's
J. McBain's House
Shelly's Apt

Any tips on what I should do next? Edward and McBain have both said Harry Klien killed Bill. I assume I still have some evidence I need to find but I've looked everywhere!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: burned CDs on PCE Duo]

If for whatever reason you cant burn less than 12x, you can try one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-External-DVD-ROM-Player-Reader-Combo-CD-RW-Burner-Drive-for-Laptop-PC-/300716370805?hash=item460417ab75:g:Ql4AAOSw2s1UreVQ

BigusSchmuck - do you have this burner and if so, how low does it burn?

My external USB's lowest is x10, but I've like to go lower...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Honest question about Rondo of Blood]

Have you been let down by every other game on the console?

I'm not qualified to answer your first question, but I will say I was let down by Rondo.  It's a great game, but when I first played it I thought to myself "So this is the game everybody is bouncing off their cocks about?  Give me a break!".

My thoughts exactly. It's a good game but is it really that good? I must admit I'm not too familiar with the Castlevania series but it doesn't come across as particularly special. That said I'm only on stage 2...

[Buy/Sell/Trade / FS/WTT: Kiyuu Kiyoku Mahjong Idol Graphics Vol 1 (Game Express)]

Box, manual in good condition. Hu-Card has some marks on it.

$25 US (international postage included!)

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PCE games which can save to IFU/CD ROM 2/Duo etc?]

Take a look at this article

http://www.blackfalcongames.net/?p=190.

Fantastic, thanks!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: DUO RX emits buzzing/humming sound from speakers]

is this system by chance RGB modified? With an RGB modified system this is a sign of a poor quality cable

No, it just uses the regular AV cable. I have 3 in total, 2 made the humming sound and the 3rd (which was of noticably better build quality) was fine. Although I've since noticed it's not outputting in stereo 

[Console Repair/Mod Center / DUO RX emits buzzing/humming sound from speakers]

My Duo RX emits quite a lot of buzzing from the TV speakers when playing games. No audio skipping or anything like that - just a constant hum. It gets noticably worse when the screen fades to white or there's a white background on the screen.

Compared to my Breifcase set up, the hum is much louder. I figured it was a capacitor issue but I've searched the forums for info but people are saying that DUO-R/RX don't suffer from capacitor issues. Any ideas, gang?

Thanks again!


EDIT - Tried a bunch of different cables and eventually found one that doesn't have this effect, so I gues it was due to a cheap cable. Sorry! 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What PC-Engine Stuff did you get today?]

I was in Japan last week and picked up a bunch of games and a Duo RX

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PCE games which can save to IFU/CD ROM 2/Duo etc?]

I don't know if anyone's bothered to compile a complete listing, but there's gotta be hundreds of 'em that use the save system; if it's a CD, odds are it saves at least high scores.

Here's a start: wayback.turbo.mindrec.com/files/gamesave.faq

Thanks! Actualy I was just curious about non-CD games which allow for saving?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Official PCE games that are 80-100% in english and no/little japanese required]

J.B. Harold Murder Club has an English option.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / PCE games which can save to IFU/CD ROM 2/Duo etc?]

Is there a list of PCE games which save data to the various CD units? I've noticed a few from my collection (only one I can think of right now is Bomberman 93) save data to the CD unit and thus bypass the need for passwords. I tried searching but couldn't find one..

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Henshin-Engine : A PC Engine Tribute Comic.]

So, y'all know how we're working on a game for Henshin Engine from that small teaser image I posted. We're a bit more comfortable with the progress of the game in the last few days that we are ready to share a bit of video with you. here's an early gameplay clip of the initial training stage and title screen.

The game is a 2D side-scrolling platformer and will start off following the events of the comic, but will actually be it's own adventure apart from the comic to some degree. the background visuals will get better, time is an issue so I am looking to pick up a person or two along the way for other tasks.

Let me know what you guys think, as this is something that's targeting PCE/Turbo fans. Is a game of such anime-flair something that interests you? I'd like to eventually have a shooter stage in place at some point to correlate with an event that happens in the web-comic, but we'll see how it goes.

Looks excellent!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Which Arcade Card for PCE + CdRom 2 (IFU)?]

Thanks! In the end I saw a bargain Duo RX at a store in Akihabara and ended up buying a Duo card!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Which Arcade Card for PCE + CdRom 2 (IFU)?]

Can I use a Duo card on a Cd-RomRom? Ive seen conflicting reports...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Henshin-Engine : A PC Engine Tribute Comic.]

Cool! I'll follow on IG

Any relation to DanVanDam? 

never heard of him!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Henshin-Engine : A PC Engine Tribute Comic.]

Cool! I'll follow on IG

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: For those who grew up with imported pce in Europe]

This was the basement to that shop.  Unfortunately all the retro stuff is no more and instead a den for selling blu rays and DVDs exist.  Plus an old CEX advert.

Scan taken from EDGE RETRO mag



I just remembered there was another shop I think they were a chain based and called the same name in Notting Hill Exchange.  They also ran a small videogame shop selling and trading retro games too.  But I hated the way they stuck the prices on the packaging with that really tough to remove glue that would just rip off the packaging if it was cardboard.

Yes! I remember this place. I had heard about CEX in magazines, but we had nothing similar (to my knowledge) in Newcastle. I was about 12 when I visited that basement and I thought I'd died and went to heaven. I remember seeing a NEO-GEO MVS home converted system and feeling like I was in a museum. I didn't have a lot of cash but I saw a copy of Lethal Enforcers for the Mega CD complete with gun for 11 quid. I was just about ready to buy it but I decided not to at the last minute for some reason. The guy in the shop probably thought I was a right spaz.

Great thread

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo Everdrive v2.4]

Does it work with Arcade Cards?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: WD40 White lithium grease (spray) vs silicon grease (non-spray)]

Thanks guys! I'll buy a tube of silicone for now and I'll order a tube of white lithium online

[Console Repair/Mod Center / WD40 White lithium grease (spray) vs silicon grease (non-spray)]

Which is best for lubing up cd drives on consoles? White lithium spray or silicone grease? These are the only options I have where I live sadly.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Fried my Breifcase adapter...what to do now?]

I keep aftermarket adapters in stock for refurbished consoles in case this kind of thing happens. The only problem is that they have a power chord that is only about 2 feet long, so you have to plug it in close to the system.

You can buy them on eBay for $2.58 shipped;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140865743094 ...

...and they take 2-3 weeks if you live in a major city. Or you can buy one from me put together for $8 ($5 + 3p/h) shipped. (this one has been used for about a month so its only about 85% new. I will get it out to you on Monday). I try to keep 5-10 of theses in stock at a time, and will take it down to the Oakland PO (which cuts 1 day off ship time to you). 

It will get you back on the road, until you get you supply fixed. Send me a pm if you are interested.

If you want to fix your own power supply, because you want the system to stay original or if you have a sentimental attachment to it, as BlackTiger said, please go to the repair forums... But you said something about "it smelling like burning". I would post a new thread there and ask for the other tech's opinions. I know that a few people have sucessfully repaired them by replacing fuses, soldering, or replacing the big cap inside them. I wish you the best of luck with that.   

NOTE: This post was edited per a conversation with chop5, when he reminded me that I would have to add the new $1 plug and switch the polarity if its being used on a PCE Duo.

Thanks for the offer but I live in Hong Kong so I imagine it'll cost a fortune to send here Luckily I've managed to locate an official adapter over here so hopefully the machine is still working.

I was thinking though, considering these adapters are close to 30 years old would it be better to use an aftermarket adapter? At least an aftermarket one would have new components, for example. Is there not an increased risk of causing damage to the system should an original adapter short out or fry or something? I've got very little knowledge of electrical things so repairing it is sadly out of the question - I guess I could sell it for spares...?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Fried my Breifcase adapter...what to do now?]

I plugged in my IFU without using a step-down transformer earlier today by accident and heard the adapter buzzing and eventually smelling bad. Unplugged it after 10 seconds or so but after plugging it back in (with a step down) my IFU don't power up. Is it likely that the briefcase is fried too or just the adapter? I checked the PCE and that appears to be fine.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: So I just played Street Fighter II Champion Edition on the PCE for the 1st time]

I was suprised to see that the Megadrive version is also the same, but you press Start to change between kick and punch.

I've got a 6 button Megadrive pad but sadly no such pad for PCE

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CVG pics and Scans - Collecting PC-Engine in the early 90s in the UK part 2]

Not from the early 90s but I have some scans somewhere from an issue of Edge from 2004 (?) that had a 6 page feature on PC Engine. I'll try and dig it out.

Was that from Edge Retro by any chance? I was trying to scan that as well but it the pages were too big for my scanner.

It was from a regular issue of Edge but I guess it may be in Retro too assuming that it's a compilation of articles...?

Actually I think they're different articles, the PC Engine part from the Edge Retro was around 12 pages long.

So is the one I have....well, I thought I had scanned it over summer but apparently I just took photos with my iPhone. I'll upload em but they're a bit crap. I'll be home over Xmas so I'll do a proper scan then.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CVG pics and Scans - Collecting PC-Engine in the early 90s in the UK part 2]

Not from the early 90s but I have some scans somewhere from an issue of Edge from 2004 (?) that had a 6 page feature on PC Engine. I'll try and dig it out.

Was that from Edge Retro by any chance? I was trying to scan that as well but it the pages were too big for my scanner.

It was from a regular issue of Edge but I guess it may be in Retro too assuming that it's a compilation of articles...?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CD-R brands and my SCD system]

Yeah Imgburn/DVD Decrypter is great. You should be fine software wise, it's your drive that's problematic I guess.

4 different drives on 4 different systems....everything else (DC/PSX/PS2) burns fine. Surely it's a problem with the ISO and not the drives. Or maybe burning at low speeds is ironically resulting in poor burns..?!

I'll try ripping a legit game and seeing if that works

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CVG pics and Scans - Collecting PC-Engine in the early 90s in the UK part 2]

Not from the early 90s but I have some scans somewhere from an issue of Edge from 2004 (?) that had a 6 page feature on PC Engine. I'll try and dig it out.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CD-R brands and my SCD system]

I've heard that some burners don't work well at slow speeds.

For me, 16X has always been fine.

What burning software are you using? It's strange that you're getting burn errors. That's a degree of failure much more severe than what we're talking about when we mention overly-fast burning speeds and bad media. If the drive that burned it can't even read it, something seriously wrong is happening.

If you're looking to test your setup, you shouldn't use a patched game like Dracula X. Try ripping one of your real CDs with TurboRip and burning a copy of it. That will rule out the possibility of your rip being bad.

I've been using ImgBurn.

And thanks, that's a great idea, I'll try that

ps. x16 on an ancient CDROM2 briefcase.....good idea or bad idea?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CD-R brands and my SCD system]

I bought these Taiyo Yudens from amazon UK - but I wonder, are they 'decent' discs because I see people mentioning that you shouldn't use discs with green dye...? Maybe I'm getting confused.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TAIYO-YUDEN-WHITE-INKJET-PRINTABLE/dp/B001UAT9LK

ANYWAY, I've had an absolute nightmare trying to burn PC-CD games without getting burn errors. I've never had as many problems with .isos for DC/PS/PS2 as I've had with PCE.

I've tried 4 different drives on 4 different PCs and I always get burn errors for example with a pre-patched English version of Dracula X I found on a popular iso site. Other games have caused problems, too. In fact the only one that has worked was an iso of Star Paradier.

On 2 set ups I was burning at x4 and on the other 2 I was using x10. All resulted in burn errors during verification. The only time a disc has burned without any errors was when I burned at x16...BUT ISN'T THAT TOO FAST?!

Anyway I thought I'd try the discs I burned despite the verification errors and I had mixed results. Most of them booted up but it took a looooong time to load. I'm not talking minutes here but noticably longer than an original game. As such I panicked and figured they were causing the drive to do more work so I stopped using them. Even Star Parioder, which burned fine, didn't boot the second time I tried it. I'm probably (definitely) being a bit too paranoid but I don't wanna fuck up my console cos I was too cheap to buy original discs (unless someone out there can 100% guarantee it'll be fine! )

Ugh, it's a minefield, man.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Price of Gates Of Thunder and Star Parodier $$??]

Dude... you must be a troll account.

And star parodier isn't a US release.

But seriously... visit pricecharting.com and ebay sold item history. Spread the word. It seems like this is some mystical secret that nobody knows. Here are some other mystical secrets: the sky is blue. Grass is green. Water is wet. And DoxPhile is the shit.

A bit rude.

I never said Star Parodier was a US release. This is the PC Engine forum after all. Does a game have to be a U.S. release because it's sold in USD? If you were gonna call me out of anything I figured it'd be that I wrote Gates instead of Gate of Thunder.

And thanks for the link. I searched ebay and a few other sites but I didn't wanna base it on that since the ebay prices were all over the place and I tried Digital Press but I couldn't find either game.

are you in hk still? using the retro game facebook page? some times hong kong can be cheaper for pc engine games ( and other retro games)  some times more expensive, especially ones with acquired local taste


note that there are rip off extortion yahoo auction seller/ stores in hk, just like ebay ( ones with hundreds of listing, but no one buys), just avoid them and go for the decent ones

example of cheaper game

https://hk.f1.page.auctions.yahoo.com/hk/auction/1121132724?r=1236198469

winds ( lords of thunder) usually command in uk around gbp30/ USD40, here i brought for HK$200 ( US$25)

here ebay decent seller price, real auction

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Winds-Thunder-Turbo-Duo-JP-GAME-/311429259944?hash=item4882a162a8

local taste , Dynasty Wars/ Tenchi o Kurau (Japanese: 天地を喰らう commands high price due to cultural preferences, usually up to HK$600/ USD80, but it seems ebay prices are cheaper

while the much sought sequel on ps1 and saturn is even more expensive at HK$800 to 900 ( usd120) with spine card

Thanks for the advice. Yes I'm still in HK - can you PM me the Facebook page please?

Otaking: as far as I'm aware no spine cards.

I just wanted to check to make sure it was a fair price and it seems to be!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Price of Gates Of Thunder and Star Parodier $$??]

Dude... you must be a troll account.

And star parodier isn't a US release.

But seriously... visit pricecharting.com and ebay sold item history. Spread the word.

A bit rude.

I never said Star Parodier was a US release. This is the PC Engine forum after all. Does a game have to be a U.S. release because it's sold in USD? If you were gonna call me out of anything I figured it'd be that I wrote Gates instead of Gate of Thunder.

And thanks for the link. I searched ebay and a few other sites but I didn't wanna base it on that since the ebay prices were all over the place and I tried Digital Press but I couldn't find either game.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Price of Gates Of Thunder and Star Parodier $$??]

What's a fair price for these games? My local store has them for $42 US a piece. Worth it or rip off?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What PC-Engine Stuff did you get today?]

White 5 player multi-tap

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine top 25 games featured in this months Retro Gamer magazine (UK)]

Not gonna lie, I thought this was about the list itself, and not trying to shill the magazine.

I wasn't sure if it was in some way affiliated with this site so I didn't want to rob them of profits.

Anyway, here's the list.

25. Bloody Wolf
24. Gekisha Boy
23. Side Arms
22. Magical Chase
21. Parodius Da!
20. Dragon's Curse
19. Vigilante
18. Bomberman '93
17. Super Star Soldier
16. Salamander
15. Bonk's Revenge
14. Outrun
13. Galaga '88
12. SF2:CE
11. Gate Of Thunder
10. Lords of Thunder
9. Splatterhouse
8. Gradius
7. Blazing Lazers
6. Soldier Blade
5. Parasol Stars
4. Ninja Spirit
3. R-Type
2. Devil's Crush
1. Akumajou Dracula X: Chi No Rondo

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / PC Engine top 25 games featured in this months Retro Gamer magazine (UK)]

Top 25 PC Engine Games
- R-Type or Ninja Spirit? Parasol Stars or Devil's Crush? We reveal what you selected as the best PC Engine games ever

https://www.imagineshop.co.uk/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/3771/s/retro-gamer-issue-145/?utm_source=RetroGamer&utm_medium=cover&utm_campaign=Product-Widget

Big fan of this magazine, although living in Hong Kong means I rarely get a chance to read it but my chance this months ace issue (featuring an interview with Yu Suzuki on Space Harrier) was available when I visited home this summer

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CD ROM necessary?]

I have the briefcase and it's awesome - I love, love, love it. Sexy beast that it is. I was in a similar situation to the OP and when I was in Japan I was able to pick up a briefcase for a decent price and it's definitely a worthwhile purchase. Lots of good games 👍

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TurboExpress/Pc Engine GT spotted in Hong Kong movie]

Cool finding! Is that a chick playing or a dude btw? :S

It's a cute guy.

Better than an ugly woman.

I apologize to the less-attractive citizens of the world.


Truth.

It's a chick!!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TurboExpress/Pc Engine GT spotted in Hong Kong movie]

I'm glad you guys appreciate it as much as I did when I saw it! 

Esty, we need to add this to the pop culture thread.

Where is this thread? I searched but nothing came up.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / TurboExpress/Pc Engine GT spotted in Hong Kong movie]

So I'm currently watching this terrible HK action movie called "Lethal Panther 2" staring Yukari Oshima, and I noticed she's playing what looks like a PC Engine GT in one scene (see attachement).

Linky https://youtu.be/tSGzXX2sVmA?t=1h1m16s

Not a terribly interesting post, but no one else in my office cares about PC Engine and I felt the need to share my amazing discovery with someone.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE Interface Unit = which AC adapter do I need?]

Thanks guys!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PCE Interface Unit = which AC adapter do I need?]

Ok so my IFU AC adapter has bit the dust. In order to get it to work I have to wriggle the cord around the connection on the main adapter and its very frustrating to say the least.

I'm trying to find a replacement but to be honest I'm a bit confused.

My adapter is Model AD-IF30 with an output of 9V. However I've read online that the output should be 12V? Also, I've seen different model numbers including IF30A. Will IF30A work with my IFU?

On the other hand, is it worth forking out for a vintage official adapter or just going for a modern 3rd party one like this http://en.retrogamesupply.com/products/power-supply-for-nec-pc-engine-interface-unit

The one in the link states -

Power supply perfectly designed to replace the original power adapter.
Extends the life of your console by providing a regulated voltage.
Reduce the heat emission of the console.
No need to use a 110V transformer for your Japanese or U.S. consoles.

Thoughts?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Replacement for Super CDROM2 power supply?]

There's also this one

http://en.retrogamesupply.com/collections/pc-engine/products/power-supply-for-nec-pc-engine-interface-unit

edit - description from the site...

New power adapter for NEC PC Engine Interface Unit

Power supply perfectly designed to replace the original power adapter.
Extends the life of your console by providing a regulated voltage.
Reduce the heat emission of the console.
No need to use a 110V transformer for your Japanese or U.S. consoles.
 110-240V 50/60Hz

Original power adapter : 9V (unregulated => around ±3V) 1.45A max
This model : 9V (regulated) 1.5A max

Will it really extend the life of the console??? Also, shouldn't it be 12v and not 9..? AND how can it not require a stepdown transformer for those of us living in 240v countries?

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: WTT Arcade Card Pro,Pachinko controller and some games]

PM sent Rosser

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Current price of Dracula X?]

this is the largest retro game store in hong Kong, 19﹣21 SHING YIP ST SHING YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING，G／F NO.5 7 ROOM尋寶園 - https://www.facebook.com/preciousdepositshk?refid=18&ref=m_notif¬if_t=group_comment_reply&__tn__=%2As&__nodl&_rdr

Wow, I've never heard of this place before. Thanks for all the links

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Current price of Dracula X?]

How much does Dracula X go for these days? I have the opportunity to buy it for $130 US - is this a good price? Thanks!

seems like you in Hong Kong, US$130 ( HK$1000) is a bit pricey for castlevania, in the shops, I have seen it as low as HK$800 in shop with spine card some time ago, however, most gamers in hong kong use a facebook group to avoid a lot of the expensive stores, I have seen it as low as HK$600 without spine card

if you use the commonly used online auctions in HK, avoid the rip off seller with hundreds of listings and no bids, the gamers avoid this seller like the plague due to stupid prices

Yep, indeed I'm in HK. $1000 is the cheapest I've been quoted from a store. The guy said he doesn't have any copies of it yet and needs to "order it from Japan" first. My friend in Japan did a price check and the cost was $120 US.

Facebook groups, huh? Any chance of a link?