Two models of the white PC Engine?

[TurboXray]

I noticed that there are two models, or pics of them floating around the net. Is this common knowledge? And if so, which one is the original/release one? You can tell by looking at the controller port on the front. One is just round, while the other has a flat edge on the top:

[CrackTiger]

I had one with the CD-ROM CIB, which I believe was sold at retail as a set. It did not have an rf output jack. There was nothing there but more white plastic. This is probably a third variant though.

[deubeul]

Never noticed that 

I'd love to learn more about it.

[ccovell]

Never noticed that.  The earliest & proto PCE had the round ring around the joypad port.

[Vecanti]

Interesting. The CoreGrafx and CoreGrafx II have the round ring.  The picture though on the cover of the white PCE box has the ring too.

[TurboXray]

My white pce has the round ring. The other one looks like a 'class' ring or state champs ring, or such.

[CrackTiger]

My white pce has the round ring. The other one looks like a 'class' ring or state champs ring, or such.

The round ring is shaped like the early controller plugs. The newer one is shaped like the newer plug (DuoPad, CoreGrafx pad, etc) which pretty much became standard.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

I never noticed that before.

[csgx1]

Interesting, I didn't know there were any subtle differences.  Looks like I also have the round ring version. 

I hope we don't start seeing gougers raising their BIN prices and stating B.S. like...."Ultra rarez championship ring port variant" in their ebay auctions.

[esteban]

Ha! I just learned something...  it makes me want to inspect other hardware for variations.

[roflmao]

Interesting thread!  Mine has the flat-top.

[ApolloBoy]

Mine has the round ring and was made around October-November '87.

[roflmao]

Mine has a flat-top. I guess that means it's a later edition.

[shubibiman]

Do you think it's linked with the 2 models of white PCE controller ?

[esteban]

Do you think it's linked with the 2 models of white PCE controller ?

So, this means that the original PCE did not have auto-fire turbo switches. Can anyone identify the point when turbo became a standard?

[cr8zykuban0]

hmmmmm interesting