I’ve created a master game list of potentials. That’s step one. Step 2 is deciding if I feel like playing PC Engine right now lol. It’s all about my mood
@@VideoGameEsotericait has both a great software library and also so many hardware iterations! And also many translation and some mods (gradius 2 with a metal ost?!) etc etc. And…the n64 core is nearly done you have time now 😂
I've never seen a PC Engine in my life, so to have a video covering the hardware in detail is great! Love the PC Engine CDs games, especially because of the amount of arranged music it has.
Turbo graphics/PC-engine is one of the most fascinating retro consoles since it was so rare here but so popular in Japan. I did not know about that briefcase but what a rad unit. As an elder millennial/Star Wars Generation/Oregon Trail Generation kid I for sure hooked up my NES and my Genesis with RF until I got a TV with more than one composite input. I even remember those little RF to coax bricks after antenna kind of fell out of favor and tvs came as cable ready. My dad always had a ton of coax and RF adapters and equipment like old premium channel descramblers.
It’s such a bummer TurboGrafx was such a bomb in the US. Had it been more successful I’m sure the PC-FX would have been entirely different and more successful due to having to cater to a US market
Yep this was the first incarnation of the cd add on before it was combined into the Duo / super cd rom attachment that loaded into the back of the PC Engine itself
Please do a series on PC Engine, think would surprise those not familiar with this console just how many amazing games are in the pce library! Easily my favorite system ever! Got my first one in 88, never stopped playing and collecting since! Keep up the great work, a big thank you from the UK for the brill vids, and wishing you, your family, and all your subscribers and viewers a very happy and healthy 2024.
I really like old school original hardware. as far as pc-engine/turbo I just have a turbo express that doesn't give out any audio these days (needs to be recapped) but I've got some classics for it like splatterhouse, devil and alien crush
My brother championed this thing, and he had most of their iterations up to the PCFX. He bought TG16, a Duo, an Express and an import Super GraFX, so he had a full spread. Great Stuff.
As a console and other hardware collector I love your videos! It is always interesting so see obscure hardware. I have a couple of PC Engine variants but I don't have this briefcase. Great job showing it.
discovered the pc-engine late in life as a poor european who didn't get to see it in mainstream shops, but i love everything about it, the industrial design, the colorfulness of those games, it's amazing how ahead of it's time this tiny thing was!
I swear to god for a time every console i opened up and some dried soft drink or pop residue in it. People were pouring drinks on their consoles everywhere. Even in Japan. That being said depite me loving the look of the PC Engine unit with briefcase I REALLY love the look of the original PC Engine Duo. Probably one of the most timeless console designs of all time.
Yes please do a series on the PC Engine and its numerous revisions. I have a Super CD-ROM 2, CoreGrafx II, Supergrafx, IFU30 briefcase inc CDRom2 & PC Engine, PC Engine GT, the rare PC Engine LT and more recently the Analogue DUO, but I still feel the need to buy the DUO -RX! There’s just something about the console and its games that make it seem so special even 33 years after its release. Owning these consoles on the day they were released would have been amazing back then!!
Love the Turbografx/PC Engine so much! It's such interesting hardware and has an amazing library of games. Such a shame that it never took off here in North America.
@@ynotwalk7391 while not 100% accurate i’d say most hu cards are like nes+ while the cd’s are def snes like, maybe even beter with rondo, street fighter (wait this was a hu vard right? 😂) , some of the neo geo conversion games…
@@VideoGameEsoterica Hudson game on a hudson console? But yeah, let me re-emphasize that i meant most hu cards i played and i def didn't play all. I guess r type is another good example of something way beyond nes (especially considereing the master system port and that the ms is generally seen as more powerfull than the stock nes?
Yes, I would be highly interested in a PC-Engine series. I currently have a Turbografx that was originally bought for my friend for Christmas 1991, a TurboDuo, an Analogue Duo, and a PC Engine mini. I also have a lot of US and Japanese games. I love anything relating to these gaming consoles.
The specs of the CD-ROM² drive’s power slot are intentionally the same as the original PC Engine so that you can use the original AC adapter. This gives it some continued purpose since the Interface Unit won’t even fit the old adapter. The same goes for the TurboGrafx-16 and the TurboCD drive, and since the specs of the TurboGrafx-16 AC adapter were different from the PC Engine’s, that difference is reflected on the back of the drives too (American drive says 10.5v, Japan: 9v).
❤ Yes, please do a PCE series. I never had one back in its time but many of my buddies did while I focused on the Mega CD instead ... got myself a Analgue Duo now, though. 😊
After like 2 years of bidding and shipping I finally got the whole PC-Engine/CD ROM²/Interface Unit set and it's probably my favorite looking console next to the Dreamcast
Agreed, this is classy and classic look. Retro-futurism in a sense. Love the system, do collect it and this video makes me want to get the interface unit and cd rom2.
I only ever played a PC Engine once, when I saw a demo unit at a Radio Shack (I think?). I'd definitely be interested in seeing a series, especially breaking down some of its best games. I might pick one up someday, as I want to start non-destructively portablizing consoles, and its tiny form factor would make it a perfect candidate. I've already got a Genesis 3 for the same reason.
@@VideoGameEsoterica I just installed the turbonanza mod and did a recap on the pc engine. It looks really good in svideo. I never cared for the reddish color of the rgb pallet.
I'd love to see more PC Engine content from you! I have a weird pseudo-nostalgia for the system. I never really played PCE/TG-16 games as a kid, even once I got into emulation. Mostly because the really interesting ones always seemed to be behind a heavy language barrier. My favorite game for the system isn't one I've played, but one I know by way of 00s forum breakdowns. Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki was an adventure game that was framed as an extra episode of the OVA series. It also had a sequel & rerelease on the PC-FX. One of those things that it seems there's actually less information on the internet about now than there was 20 years ago, as old forums and fan sites have been lost to time or incompletely backed up on the Wayback Machine.
Would definitely love more PC Engine content. Favourite so far is Ys 1+2, but it's a system I'm just getting into. Got a SNAC and controller on the way so would definitely be interested is seeing games to check out.
I have no objections about your statement, the PC Engine is so small and cute! Coupled with the briefcase interface it looks pretty indeed! I bought a Core Grafx a few years ago, and settled for a Duo-R later on. They are among my more recent purchases, and I like them a lot! I’m not the person who finds tinkering with consoles amusing, so Duo-R is the right machine for me. My taste in games is simple, I have a decent Hu-Card collection and I find the most enjoyment in Alien Crush.
I had the US TurboGrafx and the US CD add-on unit, plus a TurboExpress, all of which I understand are less common, and this is just much nicer looking. At the time I had no idea it was different in Japan. A PC engine/TG16 series would be great!
Id love a Series on the pc engine The briefcase unit is one of my favourite designs too :) such a cool little system if only the TurboGrafx had been more popular in the west
I bought a PC Engine recently. I did like the design of it, so neat and compact. I got a Krikzz Hu-Card for it, not going to get into collecting games, that would be expensive.
I have had a Briefcase for my pick for the longest time I just wish to mod the thing for RGB out had to send my CD unit out because of a cap issue... Now though I might upgrade my Turbo EDv2 to one of the better ones.
@@ynotwalk7391 tell me about it. The guy I sent it out to showed the mess inside and the small bucket of caps he replaced in it. It's a nightmare machine... I think he still has his shop open on eBay doing duos.
I had the briefcase setup, I had the Motorhome aswell (Coregrafx II+Super CDrom 2) , sold both.... nowadays I'm set with a Duo-R, a Supergrafx and vanilla PCE with the Terraonion Super SD System 3.
Ya. Had Ch. 3/4 RF with my Nintendo systems up to the N64. I then realized many years later that I could put the Composite into the VCR for a clearer pic (though the VCR was still connected via its RF)
The earliest white/beige PC Engine units had standard screws instead of NEC External Line Head AKA “GameBit” screws. It also has a different shape around the controller port (round) which was updated to match the shape of updated flat-top controller plugs. The oldest controllers have a round plug just like AvenuePad controllers. This is obviously inferior for blindly orienting the plug, which is why they changed it.
CoreII with TerraOnion SDS3pro attached SO many hidden gems just waiting for retro gamers to discover...Faves on card are Gamola Speed,Devil's crush/crash, Legendary Axe I&II CD: Gates/Lords of thunder, DracX, Spriggan MKII, Star Pariodier, Ys series...and so many more.
I owned the whole system before, but now have lost the CD-ROM. I agree that this is the prettiest gaming console. The design is still elegant by now. The person who designed this product should be awarded.
@@VideoGameEsoterica Yes, sort of lost. I sent it to the shop for repair but couldn't afford to get it back. When I got enough money, it was gone already.
Does the TG-16 CD unit fit in the briefcase and vice-versa? Looks like the connectors are the same at least. I've gotten various other PCE hardware over the years, but passed on the CD add-ons since they're apparently hard to RGB mod
Between my super graphics set up I also have an Nvidia shield tv 2017 model the K-1 tablet, and the original handheld shield packed with emulators. And yes, I have a PCE emulator on there, and I also have a MiSTer set up with the core. So yes, emulation, real hardware and FPGA I support all of it.
I have been collecting PC Engine for a while. I play on a Duo-R mostly but do dabble with it on the mister for that RGB out. I don't really want to get my Duo-R modded for RGB and tbf the Duo-R has the best composite I have ever seen. It is hard to pick a favourite game from my collection but I would probably go with Spriggan which is my favorite shooter on it.
Great Video! Curious, if you know of a good mod or way to get RGB out of the IFU (interface unit) ...you can mod the other NEC for RGB....but what about the actual IFU. As far as games the Gate of Thunder /Lord of Thunder rival Technosoft Thunderforce in terms of Music.
I bought a pc engine duo original from japan for $187 i had the capacitors replaced where the system is like new i got the official copy of rondo of blood from a trade i like playing my pc engine duo alot it's an awesome system to collect and have. Best regards Nikita.K
Always read about the pce in the uk mags so few years ago i finally went for it, and also got a terraonion super sd 3 for rgb, not having to deal with arcade/cd cards and instant full library (well cept for supergrafx) and i def loved it. Awesome machine. Unfortunately after recapping it now seems to crash after 1-2 hours 😢 might get it looked at, but with mister i am tempted to just sell it instead…tricky!
@@VideoGameEsoterica weird part is no active fan in the system right? Or could a badly replaced cap cause overheating somehow? And indeed the pce indeed heats up on left front side.
I’d check the power supply caps to make sure they aren’t getting too hot. It won’t need an active fan but maybe try running a fan across it and seeing if it freezes then
I have the same set-up as you... only my CD ROM drive isn't working. The console's RGB-modded but the mod doesn't work with key games like Street Fighter II, Vigilante and others. So, I prefer MISTer.
@@VideoGameEsoterica Is there anyone who could do an RGB-mod for you in the USA? Looking forward to the RetroTINK 4K review. I haven't bought it yet but it's imminent.
My only problems with the PC Engine line? All the different machines out there, some with incompatibilities with the expansions (simply due to not fitting), the other is the one controller port. But I can see how adding 2 would be hard in such a small form factor. But yeah, NEC was a hardware company and it showed, they knew how to design good hardware, so while not as big as Sony, they certainly were no slouch.
@@VideoGameEsoterica The funniest 2 where the first Super GrafX (The one that looked like an engine and was basically 2 PC Engines GPU's duct-taped together ) and the one that looked like a Horseshoe-crab the PC Engine Shuttle :P . I also loved that they were worried Americans would think the system would be weaker than a NES due to it's size, so they just made it twice as big with pretty much all empty space on one side :P .
From a substance perspective, there was likely a great sales opportunity missed because the duality of use would likely have been very popular across the globe. I suspect that lack of vision and corporate greed would have contributed towards it being lost to time rather quickly.
I'm new on the pc engine system, and have doubts: so I ear the hucards are region lock, the cd are too? are cd protected to piracy? or can we burn a CD and play it? so far thanks for you video I know there are 3 formats, hucard, CD and super CD, the super CD, how you can play the super CD? In japan stores I saw they sell the CD with the hucard of the same game, that's was normal? they include CD and hucard if you won't have the CD or the hucard act has memory, you need both to play the game? How many consoles are? and how they are better or advantage have each other than the lack of CD. and last, how memory works? some games need that to work like on the sega saturn? Would be nice a video to cover all these questions to understand that amazing console.
My cd rom drive doesn’t work but I agree that this is the prettiest console. It’s just cool. Btw the analogue duo is pretty nice as well. I got the black one and it’s beautiful.
I’d like to suggest covering some games that attracted me to the system: the remake of Ninja Gaiden with better graphics; the arguably superior port of Outrun; and finally, the mega ambitious ports of Fatal Fury 2 and Power Drift! Just suggestions, good luck, and congrats on your 30k!
Such an interesting little console. Always fascinated by how this seemed like "An NES that out NES'es the NES". I never had big favorites on the console, but Neutopia and Air Zonk are probably THE ONES. Also curious how the add-on seemed more important than the console itself. Hopefully that isnt just in my head as a casual observer, but PCE CD had more/better games, no?
@@VideoGameEsoterica Right? Amazing! I always looked to it's version of Street Fighter 2 to remind myself "wait a minute... this is punching way above it's weight limit!"
i love it to i got 3 IFU ( one RGB ) 2 pc engine units and 2 cd rom units sadly there are not so many games on the platform i can play ( Language barrier ) my Favoriets are Pac Land, Rondo of Blood, and Street fighter.
I've never owned a PC engine or turbografx. I have play many of the games either on software emulation or on the Mister. Please do a series on the titles particularly the cd titles.
@@VideoGameEsoterica Do you reckon you could do a round up of the current console cores and some examples of your favourite games. I for one would definitely love to see the current state of the mister project coming into 2024. I’ve had mine now for just over 2 years and cannot believe how far it’s come.
In terms of design and aesthetics it’s up there with the most beautiful consoles of all time. the Japanese Dreamcast (and North American) and the Japanese Megadrive (Model 1) being the other candidates.
@@VideoGameEsoterica oh no! I really don’t like Super Famicom / European Super Nintendo design 😂 it always looked so cheap and ugly to me! and complete opposite design language compared to Mega Drive consoles!
@@VideoGameEsoterica in terms of console body shape yes but I actually preferred the 2 tone purple buttons / switches on the North American SNES to the boring grey body / multi color buttons pad on European / Japanese model. either way SNES and NES for me were among the ugliest consoles! the N64,even Wii and specially Game Cube were the best looking Nintendo machines.
They pronounced CD-ROM^2 as CD ROM ROM My favorite game is Air Zonk. I have a Japanese PC Engine and I have TerraOnion Super SD System 3. Now I just use my MiSTer FPGA to play its games because it supports SuperGrafx.
I absolutely agree that PC Engine is one of, if not THE most beautiful console ever. I equally like the ugly HR Geiger-esque SuperGrafx-- only wish they had functional multi-controller taps on the top where they look as if something is missing. Too bad the SuperGrafx port of Stryder was never released.
IFU-30 is just the model number, not the name, though it does say “CD-ROM System” underneath. The official name of the base IFU-30 straight off the box is “Interface Unit CD-ROM System.” Yours is actually an IFU-30A anyway. The official name of the revised IFU-30A + CD-ROM² bundle is “CD-ROM² System.” It even has “CD-ROM² System” on the cover. The CD-ROM² System is functionally the Super CD-ROM² System without the Super part (no internal Super System Card 3.0), hence the name. The other IFU-30A differences are a different color on the back and some extra ground contacts for the CoreGrafx and later hardware. Supposedly they couldn’t bundle the CD-ROM² drive with the original Interface Unit because Japan had some kind of Hi-Fi tax on CD players and they needed to separate the cost of the other components to avoid having those taxed too. Eventually Japanese laws changed when they realized that they were depressing the technology since CD tech was for more than just music playback. That’s when we got the CD-ROM² System, Super CD-ROM² System, and all the Duo systems.
I'd love a series on the PC Engine!
One of these days
Yes!!!!
I’m considering it
@@VideoGameEsoterica i’m down!
I’ve created a master game list of potentials. That’s step one. Step 2 is deciding if I feel like playing PC Engine right now lol. It’s all about my mood
PCE is one of my favorite systems. Incredibly underrated in The West.
Horribly underrated. Hoping to maybe change that soon with a series
More PC-Engine videos please!. Thanks for showing this amazing hardware 😁👌
So much love for PC Engine today
@@VideoGameEsotericait has both a great software library and also so many hardware iterations! And also many translation and some mods (gradius 2 with a metal ost?!) etc etc. And…the n64 core is nearly done you have time now 😂
I've never seen a PC Engine in my life, so to have a video covering the hardware in detail is great! Love the PC Engine CDs games, especially because of the amount of arranged music it has.
Glad you enjoyed. I love a good hardware showcase
Turbo graphics/PC-engine is one of the most fascinating retro consoles since it was so rare here but so popular in Japan.
I did not know about that briefcase but what a rad unit.
As an elder millennial/Star Wars Generation/Oregon Trail Generation kid I for sure hooked up my NES and my Genesis with RF until I got a TV with more than one composite input.
I even remember those little RF to coax bricks after antenna kind of fell out of favor and tvs came as cable ready. My dad always had a ton of coax and RF adapters and equipment like old premium channel descramblers.
It’s such a bummer TurboGrafx was such a bomb in the US. Had it been more successful I’m sure the PC-FX would have been entirely different and more successful due to having to cater to a US market
Never knew that PC engine had a briefcase 😮😮😮Loved the turbo duo when I had it.
Yep this was the first incarnation of the cd add on before it was combined into the Duo / super cd rom attachment that loaded into the back of the PC Engine itself
Please do a series on PC Engine, think would surprise those not familiar with this console just how many amazing games are in the pce library! Easily my favorite system ever! Got my first one in 88, never stopped playing and collecting since!
Keep up the great work, a big thank you from the UK for the brill vids, and wishing you, your family, and all your subscribers and viewers a very happy and healthy 2024.
Only thing stopping me is every other PC Engine video I’ve done has done poor views. Always trying to gauge the audience!
I really like old school original hardware. as far as pc-engine/turbo I just have a turbo express that doesn't give out any audio these days (needs to be recapped) but I've got some classics for it like splatterhouse, devil and alien crush
Better recap it soon before the electrolytic fluid wreaks havoc. Sometimes the caps dry out. Sometimes they leak
My brother championed this thing, and he had most of their iterations up to the PCFX. He bought TG16, a Duo, an Express and an import Super GraFX, so he had a full spread. Great Stuff.
I do have some love for PCFX as well
As a console and other hardware collector I love your videos! It is always interesting so see obscure hardware. I have a couple of PC Engine variants but I don't have this briefcase. Great job showing it.
Glad you enjoyed it. Was a fun video to make
discovered the pc-engine late in life as a poor european who didn't get to see it in mainstream shops, but i love everything about it, the industrial design, the colorfulness of those games, it's amazing how ahead of it's time this tiny thing was!
There is a ton to love about it. One of my fav consoles
I swear to god for a time every console i opened up and some dried soft drink or pop residue in it. People were pouring drinks on their consoles everywhere. Even in Japan. That being said depite me loving the look of the PC Engine unit with briefcase I REALLY love the look of the original PC Engine Duo. Probably one of the most timeless console designs of all time.
Who’s drinking these sodas so close to the console lol
Yes please do a series on the PC Engine and its numerous revisions. I have a Super CD-ROM 2, CoreGrafx II, Supergrafx, IFU30 briefcase inc CDRom2 & PC Engine, PC Engine GT, the rare PC Engine LT and more recently the Analogue DUO, but I still feel the need to buy the DUO -RX! There’s just something about the console and its games that make it seem so special even 33 years after its release. Owning these consoles on the day they were released would have been amazing back then!!
Well I won’t be able to showcase them all as I don’t have them all but it seems like I should prolly do a series
Love the Turbografx/PC Engine so much! It's such interesting hardware and has an amazing library of games. Such a shame that it never took off here in North America.
Yes in America is basically bombed sadly
the CD add-on is crucial for getting the best experience, though it has a small number of killer HuCards also
@@ynotwalk7391 while not 100% accurate i’d say most hu cards are like nes+ while the cd’s are def snes like, maybe even beter with rondo, street fighter (wait this was a hu vard right? 😂) , some of the neo geo conversion games…
Bomberman 94 (my fav HuCard game) def looks way closer to SNES then NES. Like near identical in graphical capabilities
@@VideoGameEsoterica Hudson game on a hudson console? But yeah, let me re-emphasize that i meant most hu cards i played and i def didn't play all. I guess r type is another good example of something way beyond nes (especially considereing the master system port and that the ms is generally seen as more powerfull than the stock nes?
Yes, I would be highly interested in a PC-Engine series. I currently have a Turbografx that was originally bought for my friend for Christmas 1991, a TurboDuo, an Analogue Duo, and a PC Engine mini. I also have a lot of US and Japanese games. I love anything relating to these gaming consoles.
I’m def considering it for sometime in 2024. Lot of love for PC Engine this morning. This video was a little bit of a test for a series
@@VideoGameEsoterica I'm so glad you made this. Thank you! Have a Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you too!
The specs of the CD-ROM² drive’s power slot are intentionally the same as the original PC Engine so that you can use the original AC adapter. This gives it some continued purpose since the Interface Unit won’t even fit the old adapter. The same goes for the TurboGrafx-16 and the TurboCD drive, and since the specs of the TurboGrafx-16 AC adapter were different from the PC Engine’s, that difference is reflected on the back of the drives too (American drive says 10.5v, Japan: 9v).
Such a gorgeous system, one I’d love to have one day. I have a TG16 but the PC Engine design is something special
It’s def a lot prettier than what we got here in the US
❤ Yes, please do a PCE series. I never had one back in its time but many of my buddies did while I focused on the Mega CD instead ... got myself a Analgue Duo now, though. 😊
I’m considering it. But there is a direct correlation between how many people ask for something vs how badly it does 🤣
I like the video before it even got started just because I love the PCE (SuperGraFx owner here with Super CD ROM 2 + Terraonion SSDS3)
So much to love about PC Engine
After like 2 years of bidding and shipping I finally got the whole PC-Engine/CD ROM²/Interface Unit set and it's probably my favorite looking console next to the Dreamcast
Nice. Welcome to the club!
Agreed, this is classy and classic look. Retro-futurism in a sense. Love the system, do collect it and this video makes me want to get the interface unit and cd rom2.
Retro modern looking
I'd love a TG/PCE series. I'm amazed by it's extensive library of shmups. It's my favorite console I've never seen in the wild.
It’s a shmup fans dream console
I only ever played a PC Engine once, when I saw a demo unit at a Radio Shack (I think?). I'd definitely be interested in seeing a series, especially breaking down some of its best games.
I might pick one up someday, as I want to start non-destructively portablizing consoles, and its tiny form factor would make it a perfect candidate. I've already got a Genesis 3 for the same reason.
Def time to play some PC Engine! Such a great library
I’m glad you’re covering this after I purchased my briefcase unit and games lol
Every time someone mentions the pc engine the prices on eBay go up.
Haha stupid prices. Always doing something dumb
@@VideoGameEsoterica I just installed the turbonanza mod and did a recap on the pc engine. It looks really good in svideo. I never cared for the reddish color of the rgb pallet.
It does tend to hue a bit warm for sure
I'd love to see more PC Engine content from you!
I have a weird pseudo-nostalgia for the system. I never really played PCE/TG-16 games as a kid, even once I got into emulation. Mostly because the really interesting ones always seemed to be behind a heavy language barrier.
My favorite game for the system isn't one I've played, but one I know by way of 00s forum breakdowns. Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki was an adventure game that was framed as an extra episode of the OVA series. It also had a sequel & rerelease on the PC-FX.
One of those things that it seems there's actually less information on the internet about now than there was 20 years ago, as old forums and fan sites have been lost to time or incompletely backed up on the Wayback Machine.
Maybe a series is already finished and just ready to debut 🤔
I lived the RF channel 3/4 life with my Atari 2600 Jr. and the NES!
I remember it well
Would definitely love more PC Engine content. Favourite so far is Ys 1+2, but it's a system I'm just getting into. Got a SNAC and controller on the way so would definitely be interested is seeing games to check out.
I’m seriously considering it
I have no objections about your statement, the PC Engine is so small and cute! Coupled with the briefcase interface it looks pretty indeed!
I bought a Core Grafx a few years ago, and settled for a Duo-R later on. They are among my more recent purchases, and I like them a lot! I’m not the person who finds tinkering with consoles amusing, so Duo-R is the right machine for me.
My taste in games is simple, I have a decent Hu-Card collection and I find the most enjoyment in Alien Crush.
Yes Duo-R is the most streamlined experience for sure
Dope briefcase. I'd love to see some weird and awesome highlights from the PC Engine. Great console.
I’m sure one day I’ll do a series
I had the US TurboGrafx and the US CD add-on unit, plus a TurboExpress, all of which I understand are less common, and this is just much nicer looking. At the time I had no idea it was different in Japan. A PC engine/TG16 series would be great!
Def less common. Anything TurboGrafx is gonna be less common
Id love a Series on the pc engine The briefcase unit is one of my favourite designs too :) such a cool little system if only the TurboGrafx had been more popular in the west
Series is done :) just hasn’t aired yet but it’s scheduled
When it comes to Shmups the PC Engine is right up there with the likes of the Saturn, Genesis Switch and 360 as an time Great Shmup console.
It’s got one of the best shmup libraries ever. Which is funny when you realize the PC-FX got exactly ONE shmup
And a mediocre one at that.
At least it exists
We need to open that alternate universe portal where the PC FX was also a Shmup beast.
NEC and Hudson took everything that worked on PC Engine…and ran away from it
I bought a PC Engine recently. I did like the design of it, so neat and compact. I got a Krikzz Hu-Card for it, not going to get into collecting games, that would be expensive.
Yes the games are very expensive now
I have had a Briefcase for my pick for the longest time I just wish to mod the thing for RGB out had to send my CD unit out because of a cap issue... Now though I might upgrade my Turbo EDv2 to one of the better ones.
Yes it def benefits from RGB modding
working on those first (white) CD-ROM drives can be a nightmare
it's a tiny little box filled with wires
Hence why I didn’t open it lol. Mess inside
@@ynotwalk7391 tell me about it. The guy I sent it out to showed the mess inside and the small bucket of caps he replaced in it. It's a nightmare machine... I think he still has his shop open on eBay doing duos.
TurboGrafxfan on eBay, and it seems he still does OG CDs, duos, GTs, and game gears. He is US based.
I had the briefcase setup, I had the Motorhome aswell (Coregrafx II+Super CDrom 2) , sold both.... nowadays I'm set with a Duo-R, a Supergrafx and vanilla PCE with the Terraonion Super SD System 3.
Motorhome lol. I’ve never heard that one
Ya. Had Ch. 3/4 RF with my Nintendo systems up to the N64.
I then realized many years later that I could put the Composite into the VCR for a clearer pic (though the VCR was still connected via its RF)
The good old days of chaining your console through the vcr
The TG16/ PC Engine is a great retro gaming story.
I really should just do a series
The earliest white/beige PC Engine units had standard screws instead of NEC External Line Head AKA “GameBit” screws. It also has a different shape around the controller port (round) which was updated to match the shape of updated flat-top controller plugs. The oldest controllers have a round plug just like AvenuePad controllers. This is obviously inferior for blindly orienting the plug, which is why they changed it.
Like trying to plus in USB A
CoreII with TerraOnion SDS3pro attached
SO many hidden gems just waiting for retro gamers to discover...Faves on card are Gamola Speed,Devil's crush/crash, Legendary Axe I&II CD: Gates/Lords of thunder, DracX, Spriggan MKII, Star Pariodier, Ys series...and so many more.
Star Parodier is always a good time
I owned the whole system before, but now have lost the CD-ROM. I agree that this is the prettiest gaming console. The design is still elegant by now. The person who designed this product should be awarded.
Lost it? Hard item to misplace lol
@@VideoGameEsoterica Yes, sort of lost. I sent it to the shop for repair but couldn't afford to get it back. When I got enough money, it was gone already.
@phuang3 bummer
Does the TG-16 CD unit fit in the briefcase and vice-versa? Looks like the connectors are the same at least. I've gotten various other PCE hardware over the years, but passed on the CD add-ons since they're apparently hard to RGB mod
Between my super graphics set up I also have an Nvidia shield tv 2017 model the K-1 tablet, and the original handheld shield packed with emulators. And yes, I have a PCE emulator on there, and I also have a MiSTer set up with the core. So yes, emulation, real hardware and FPGA I support all of it.
Haha I am the same
I have been collecting PC Engine for a while. I play on a Duo-R mostly but do dabble with it on the mister for that RGB out. I don't really want to get my Duo-R modded for RGB and tbf the Duo-R has the best composite I have ever seen. It is hard to pick a favourite game from my collection but I would probably go with Spriggan which is my favorite shooter on it.
I collected a lot back in the day but now I rarely add anything. Prices have gone wild
More PC Engine vids, please!
Lotta love for the console this morning
Great Video! Curious, if you know of a good mod or way to get RGB out of the IFU (interface unit) ...you can mod the other NEC for RGB....but what about the actual IFU. As far as games the Gate of Thunder /Lord of Thunder rival Technosoft Thunderforce in terms of Music.
I’m sure you can get RGB out somehow but I haven’t read up much on it
I bought a pc engine duo original from japan for $187 i had the capacitors replaced where the system is like new i got the official copy of rondo of blood from a trade i like playing my pc engine duo alot it's an awesome system to collect and have. Best regards Nikita.K
Rondo is worth owning the hardware for alone
Always read about the pce in the uk mags so few years ago i finally went for it, and also got a terraonion super sd 3 for rgb, not having to deal with arcade/cd cards and instant full library (well cept for supergrafx) and i def loved it. Awesome machine. Unfortunately after recapping it now seems to crash after 1-2 hours 😢 might get it looked at, but with mister i am tempted to just sell it instead…tricky!
Crashes eh? That’s an odd issue. Def sounds heat related
@@VideoGameEsoterica weird part is no active fan in the system right? Or could a badly replaced cap cause overheating somehow? And indeed the pce indeed heats up on left front side.
I’d check the power supply caps to make sure they aren’t getting too hot. It won’t need an active fan but maybe try running a fan across it and seeing if it freezes then
Growing up in California, PC Engine just wasn't marketed enough in the US. It was either NES, SNES, or Sega Genesis, that's it.
I never saw a TurboGrafx growing up unless it was in magazines
I have the same set-up as you... only my CD ROM drive isn't working. The console's RGB-modded but the mod doesn't work with key games like Street Fighter II, Vigilante and others. So, I prefer MISTer.
For my Tink 4K review I’m using this as the “Worst signal style to scale” on composite. Cause why not
@@VideoGameEsoterica Is there anyone who could do an RGB-mod for you in the USA? Looking forward to the RetroTINK 4K review. I haven't bought it yet but it's imminent.
I’m sure someone could. I mean I could. I just haven’t seen the need with MiSTer
I’m hoping for the analogue pocket to properly play the pc engine with a completed open fpga core
Yes on the CD side it’s not there quite yet
Up until that time it is by far the prettiest beast. Agreed!
I have a soft spot for the Sega CD model 1 too
My only problems with the PC Engine line? All the different machines out there, some with incompatibilities with the expansions (simply due to not fitting), the other is the one controller port. But I can see how adding 2 would be hard in such a small form factor. But yeah, NEC was a hardware company and it showed, they knew how to design good hardware, so while not as big as Sony, they certainly were no slouch.
It def seems to have the most revisions and variations of any one console. At least as far as I can tell
@@VideoGameEsoterica The funniest 2 where the first Super GrafX (The one that looked like an engine and was basically 2 PC Engines GPU's duct-taped together ) and the one that looked like a Horseshoe-crab the PC Engine Shuttle :P . I also loved that they were worried Americans would think the system would be weaker than a NES due to it's size, so they just made it twice as big with pretty much all empty space on one side :P .
Haha they must have had a poor opinion of us. Sony was making cd players and tape decks smaller all the time and selling them to us
From a substance perspective, there was likely a great sales opportunity missed because the duality of use would likely have been very popular across the globe. I suspect that lack of vision and corporate greed would have contributed towards it being lost to time rather quickly.
I'm new on the pc engine system, and have doubts:
so I ear the hucards are region lock, the cd are too?
are cd protected to piracy? or can we burn a CD and play it?
so far thanks for you video I know there are 3 formats, hucard, CD and super CD, the super CD, how you can play the super CD?
In japan stores I saw they sell the CD with the hucard of the same game, that's was normal? they include CD and hucard if you won't have the CD or the hucard act has memory, you need both to play the game?
How many consoles are? and how they are better or advantage have each other than the lack of CD.
and last, how memory works? some games need that to work like on the sega saturn?
Would be nice a video to cover all these questions to understand that amazing console.
HuCards have diff pinout setups per region. Discs are region free
My cd rom drive doesn’t work but I agree that this is the prettiest console. It’s just cool.
Btw the analogue duo is pretty nice as well. I got the black one and it’s beautiful.
Duo looked fun and I kind of wanted one but I also do not need another way to play PC Engine haha
Compared to the MegaDrive - SEGA CD combination, this looks indeed one era ahead in terms of design.
I will say Sega CD Model 1 is a fun design too.
I’d like to suggest covering some games that attracted me to the system: the remake of Ninja Gaiden with better graphics; the arguably superior port of Outrun; and finally, the mega ambitious ports of Fatal Fury 2 and Power Drift! Just suggestions, good luck, and congrats on your 30k!
Thanks in 30K. A fun moment today
it's unfortunate how fussy early PCE hardware can be
my interface unit setup looks pretty but has several major issues
It’s so old now it’s bound to encounter issues here and there
@@VideoGameEsoterica
true, but the ifu setup is notorious
OG Duo is just as notorious for breaking sadly
Such an interesting little console. Always fascinated by how this seemed like "An NES that out NES'es the NES". I never had big favorites on the console, but Neutopia and Air Zonk are probably THE ONES. Also curious how the add-on seemed more important than the console itself. Hopefully that isnt just in my head as a casual observer, but PCE CD had more/better games, no?
It went from an NES competitor to a SNES and Genesis competitor in its life. Straddled two generations
@@VideoGameEsoterica Right? Amazing! I always looked to it's version of Street Fighter 2 to remind myself "wait a minute... this is punching way above it's weight limit!"
It was a very versatile design hardware wise
Yes the music felt like magic when we first got games on cd rom
i love it to
i got 3 IFU ( one RGB )
2 pc engine units and 2 cd rom units
sadly there are not so many games on the platform i can play ( Language barrier )
my Favoriets are Pac Land, Rondo of Blood, and Street fighter.
Yes the language barrier is def an issue
Yes please to series.
I’m considering it :)
I've never owned a PC engine or turbografx. I have play many of the games either on software emulation or on the Mister. Please do a series on the titles particularly the cd titles.
I pretty much exclusively use MiSTer now for all PC engine stuff
@@VideoGameEsoterica same also snes, mega drive and now N64. It’s been such a fantastic machine.
Yes it’s become my de facto way to play so many systems
@@VideoGameEsoterica Do you reckon you could do a round up of the current console cores and some examples of your favourite games. I for one would definitely love to see the current state of the mister project coming into 2024. I’ve had mine now for just over 2 years and cannot believe how far it’s come.
I’ve been considering it yes
I miss owning this thing!
Can always grab another haha
@@VideoGameEsotericabut I fell in love with playing on my Analogue Pocket and MiSTer. It’s hard to go back ❤ Keep up the great work here on YT
Haha it is very hard to go back
My favorite game would probably be R-TYPE, for the CD the WORLD HEROES 2 port.
R Type is a classic
In terms of design and aesthetics it’s up there with the most beautiful consoles of all time.
the Japanese Dreamcast (and North American) and the Japanese Megadrive (Model 1) being the other candidates.
Both very attractive designs indeed. Super Famicom is another one that does it for me
@@VideoGameEsoterica oh no! I really don’t like Super Famicom / European Super Nintendo design 😂 it always looked so cheap and ugly to me! and complete opposite design language compared to Mega Drive consoles!
It beat the SNES that’s for sure
@@VideoGameEsoterica in terms of console body shape yes but I actually preferred the 2 tone purple buttons / switches on the North American SNES to the boring grey body / multi color buttons pad on European / Japanese model.
either way SNES and NES for me were among the ugliest consoles!
the N64,even Wii and specially Game Cube were the best looking Nintendo machines.
NES was odd. Trying to look like a vcr player
They pronounced CD-ROM^2 as CD ROM ROM
My favorite game is Air Zonk. I have a Japanese PC Engine and I have TerraOnion Super SD System 3. Now I just use my MiSTer FPGA to play its games because it supports SuperGrafx.
The strangest choice ever
“See-you-pah She-Dee Rome-ooh Rome-ooh”
Translation: Super CD-ROM²
I'd love PCE videos -- I care a lot more about PCE than N64
Then you’ll enjoy the 11 week series coming soonish
pretty sure they say romrom in japan as opposed to rom2
i also rate the aesthetics of this unit very highly
Romrom is such a weird term
Where’s the obi on that Dracula X? Might as well throw it away.
In the manual lying flat I think. Where I keep all of them
Plus the real star of the show is Dead of the Brain
Uh no I think you’ll find CatPen is the star of the show
You are gonna hate the RetroTink review then
@@VideoGameEsoterica can I refuse to be part of it then
PCE is beautiful
It’s a charming looking console for sure
I still never saw this consoles in real world 😢
Unless you were in Japan back in the day not surprising
@@VideoGameEsoterica I'm in Europe but I've always hoped to see one at some convention
One day. Or buy one. Worth it!
@@VideoGameEsoterica what a shame that this console wasn't sold worldwide at the times
Pc engine เนี่ยเล่นกับลูกกับแฟนจะสนุกมากนะ มีBomber man แล้วหนึ่ง
I absolutely agree that PC Engine is one of, if not THE most beautiful console ever. I equally like the ugly HR Geiger-esque SuperGrafx-- only wish they had functional multi-controller taps on the top where they look as if something is missing. Too bad the SuperGrafx port of Stryder was never released.
SuperGrafx is such an odd design. Pure 90s
IFU-30 is just the model number, not the name, though it does say “CD-ROM System” underneath. The official name of the base IFU-30 straight off the box is “Interface Unit CD-ROM System.” Yours is actually an IFU-30A anyway.
The official name of the revised IFU-30A + CD-ROM² bundle is “CD-ROM² System.” It even has “CD-ROM² System” on the cover. The CD-ROM² System is functionally the Super CD-ROM² System without the Super part (no internal Super System Card 3.0), hence the name.
The other IFU-30A differences are a different color on the back and some extra ground contacts for the CoreGrafx and later hardware.
Supposedly they couldn’t bundle the CD-ROM² drive with the original Interface Unit because Japan had some kind of Hi-Fi tax on CD players and they needed to separate the cost of the other components to avoid having those taxed too. Eventually Japanese laws changed when they realized that they were depressing the technology since CD tech was for more than just music playback. That’s when we got the CD-ROM² System, Super CD-ROM² System, and all the Duo systems.
Too many names lol
This is such a sexy looking console and makes the new Analogue Duo (of which I got recently) look so ugly! 🤣
It would have been fun if analogue used this as the inspiration
That's not a GX-4000! 😅
Haha no it is not. I actually don’t have one
What horrible people don’t want to see episodes about PC engine what is wrong with them?
Haha they just never tend to do too well
แค่ไม่ได้วิธีไปต้องเอาเกมส์ฉันไป
Damn, so close Im the 6th person to like this video but I’m gonna get there lol 💪
Haha well I’m glad there is a like race going on
😅It’s all good fun And what we get out of it is a great video of someone who is passionate about retro games. VGE you are a legend bro.😎
Glad you enjoyed :)
I've heard the CD-ROM² is supposed to be pronounced "ROM ROM " but that sounds silly. How is yours so white
I have no idea how it’s stayed so white. Probably lived it’s life in the briefcase away from light
fun fact: the pc engine briefcase is what is actually in the pulp fiction briefcase scenes 💜😈
hows your "gears" on the cd unit? i had mine replaced +full recap
but it could be blown out of proportion in regards to failure rate
i STILL use RF often 😂😂😂
i used rf up until the 3do/n64 era
Hahaha nice
Working lol. I’d have to check