Your favorite PCE CD system? Current going prices?

HuMan · 10/10/2016, 03:35 AM

This has probably been done to death, but I couldn't find a similar thread and I'm curious to know what the consensus is today, given the increasing market prices on PC Engine stuff and aging hardware.

I like sticking with Duo systems because they're all in one, play Super CDs and tend to just work. I previously had a Duo-R, but a friend of mine wanted to get into PCE so I traded it to him, then I recently got a plain black Duo and finished fixing it today. also have a white PCE because it's awesome.

That said, I have wondered about the CD-ROM2 + IFU and Super CD add-on systems. Also the Core Grafx units. Are Duo systems generally recommended instead of the alternatives? Does anyone here love their add-on combo systems? What are prices like on such systems? I've heard the original CD-ROM2 is prone to failure, is this true?

Thanks.

esteban · 10/10/2016, 05:19 AM

Before price was an issue, I would promote my TG-CD (because it is awesome, despite the derision it gets from folks who can't appreciate its aesthetic charm) and my reliable SUPER CD•ROM.

Recently, I finally got an IFU BEEFCASE w/cover.

THEY ARE ALL THE BEST.

Except TG-CD does not have region mod and I don't have a way to play System Card 3.0 or higher on it (it doesn't matter, though).

majors · 10/10/2016, 09:11 AM

Duo is just too damn sexy regardless the fact it is the all-in-one-in-done solution. I've always priced a complete Duo setup @ $200 but who knows what ebay fools pay for it now days. All systems are prone to age...so cap's and lasers need to be fixed for all,

The Shuttle, Core(s), "briefcase" are all novel to show off at cons(that is why I have them) but the stock Duo is by far the best to get to play games.

Wise man once said, "Any obey is better than no obey"

Nazi NecroPhile · 10/10/2016, 09:59 AM

In terms of aesthetics and for nostalgia, my favorite is the TurboDuo I've owned since '93. For someone buying today, an OG PCE Duo (recapped) is probably the best, cheapest option.

Duo-R: tend to cost as much or more than a recapped Duo for no functional difference.
Duo-RX: even pricier than an R for no gain in usefulness.
Pioneer LaserActive: the only way to play the LA games (not that they're all that great), but it's bulky, hard to ship, and pricey as hell.
NEC LaserActive: functionally identical and even more spendy, but it's cooler because it's NEC.
Briefcase: a cool looking setup (preferably with the matching white PCE), but it tends to cost more once you factor in the cost of a Super System Card and the differential between an Arcade Card Pro and an Arcade Card Duo. Also, there's no replacement blazing lazers for 'em, and there's a few Games Express games that can't be played on 'em.
Super CD add-on: another cool looking system (preferably with a matching CGII) but they're pricey and often need caps.

The last two have the added bonus of being able to be paired with a SuperGrafx, but that makes for a rather expensive system just to gain access to a handful of SGX games.

HuMan · 10/10/2016, 12:19 PM

Ah yes, I forgot the best combo of them all, SGX + Super CD. It looks so ridiculous and probably costs a fortune when combined, but it's definitely cool.

I've thought of getting an IFU + CD-ROM2 setup for my white PCE, but I don't know if it'd be worth the occasional repairs and cost of parts. They kinda look big in pictures, they're not right? Anyone got a pic of one sitting next to a duo?

csgx1 · 10/10/2016, 12:48 PM

One thing I love about Turbo/PCE is all the hardware variety and the various combinations that are possible.

My favorite setup is the Turbografx CD just because it was my first Turbo CD system I owned. Also because I always wanted one when they were originally sold in stores but could never afford it then.

I think PCE Duos/Rs are always recommended since they are easy to find, pretty reliable (original Duos usually need recap), and probably cheapest overall for a CD system now days.

For me, the Duo/R/RX are my least favorite out of all the CD systems. I love the interchangeability of the CD attachments and PC Engine combos. 2nd favorite setup is the Supergrafx + briefcase CD-ROM² + RAU-30. Huge and cumbersome, but so much awesome!

esteban · 10/10/2016, 01:03 PM

Quote from: HuMan on 10/10/2016, 12:19 PMAh yes, I forgot the best combo of them all, SGX + Super CD. It looks so ridiculous and probably costs a fortune when combined, but it's definitely cool.

I've thought of getting an IFU + CD-ROM2 setup for my white PCE, but I don't know if it'd be worth the occasional repairs and cost of parts. They kinda look big in pictures, they're not right? Anyone got a pic of one sitting next to a duo?

The IFU is small...just double the width of a PCE and add 2-3" (?) to the rear footprint. EVEN with a cover, it is slim and smart and awesome.

I'm not saying it is the best option, but it is fun as hell.

Otaking · 10/10/2016, 02:05 PM

Ever since I picked one up near it's release my favourite console of all time is the Japanese PC Engine Duo.

Dicer · 10/10/2016, 03:18 PM

In order of slickness

Duo-R(X)
Duo
IFU briefcase setup
CGII with SuperCDrom addon

But really, they are all kinda awesome.

edamame · 10/10/2016, 05:24 PM

I thought about getting a Duo for a long time, but I decided to get a briefcase setup because I really love the look of the original white PC Engine.

PukeSter · 10/10/2016, 07:28 PM

Duo-R, personally.

Favorite singular PCE console is the Coregrafx II

Johnpv · 10/10/2016, 08:29 PM

I just love the look of the Turbo/PCE Duos. I know the R/RXs are more reliable and will probably have to get one of those down the line. For now though I will continue to adore the look and styling of the OG Duo.

kosko99 · 10/11/2016, 09:38 AM

Duo-R and the black model are nnnnngh but goddamn the briefcase looks awesome.

This question feels the same as "who do you like more? mom or dad?"

xcrement5x · 10/11/2016, 02:33 PM

LaserActive. Just because you can have SEGA and PCE in a single unit, and everything is front loading so it's a lot easier to stick in a media cabinet and go and play. LD playback is okay, but the real benefit is having something that does 2 systems in one nice box.

ginoscope · 10/11/2016, 03:33 PM

Not taking price into account my favorite setup is the TG16 CD. It just screams the 90s because it looks like a discman mated with a game system. It is also the setup I had when I was a teen so I am partial to it. As far as reliability nothing beats a recapped PC Engine Duo for best value.

WoodyXP · 10/11/2016, 06:17 PM

Quote from: Otaking on 10/10/2016, 02:05 PMEver since I picked one up near it's release my favourite console of all time is the Japanese PC Engine Duo.

That's my favorite as well. I like the old-school sexy.

Nazi NecroPhile · 10/11/2016, 06:35 PM

The all black US version is even sexier.

CrackTiger · 10/11/2016, 06:55 PM

After getting an orange led installed in my TurboDuo, it's once again my favorite and the perfect balance of PCE and Turbo aesthetic.

Gypsy · 10/11/2016, 07:51 PM

Quote from: guest on 10/11/2016, 02:33 PMLaserActive. Just because you can have SEGA and PCE in a single unit, and everything is front loading so it's a lot easier to stick in a media cabinet and go and play. LD playback is okay, but the real benefit is having something that does 2 systems in one nice box.

Laseractive is sexy, but I can't justify the cost.

I went the briefcase route and have no big regrets. Did take me awhile to find a working CDROM2 in original condition though. I really like how it looks together with the original white PCE unit. The main thing that does suck is the cost difference in arcade cards. However, I'm not missing a ton there, so I'm not getting an arcade card pro any time soon.

munchiaz · 10/13/2016, 06:24 PM

I have a Duo-R but i really like the look of the PCE Duo