TG-16, Duo, Super CD, PC-FX? I'm confused...

[EThugg]

Ok, can anyone explain to me the differences of these systems? I saw a site (wolfgames or something) that listed 'Super CD' games with the other games... what's a Super CD? Is a PC-FX whatsit the same as a TG-16? Turbo Duo is a TG-16 with a CD drive as well as card slot? I'm very comfused about all this. What games will work on a Turbo Duo exactly? What kinda territory lock-out is there?

I could probably look around and resaerch it, but as usual... I won't. Since there's so many brilliant minds here, I figured someone could explain this whole thang to me... the retard...

[Kinopio]

The TG16 is the american equivalent to the PC Engine. With a turbo duo, you can play all american hucards, and all CD games(besides the few games that require the arcade card). Basically, if you want to play everything, you should buy a turbo duo and a convertor to play japanese hucards. or buy a japanese duo and get a TG16 for like $30 on ebay.

EDIT- to clarify a few things

With CD games, there is no territory lockout. There is with hucards, however. A duo is a unit with both a cd player and a slot for hucards. If you have a duo, don't concern yourself if a game is super CD or not.

[Punky Skunk]

Super CDs are just an upgrade from regular Turbo CDs. You'd need an additional card to get them working if you had the basic TG-16 with CD attachment. Same with Super CD 2s. The Turbo Duo takes care of all that for you (yes, it plays cards and CDs).

The Turbo Duo doesn't play arcade card games or Super Grafx games, but it doesn't matter as that would be mostly worthless.

Regional lockout only for the cards (and I honestly don't feel it that necessary to care, either - most of the games left out are junk). The good news is that it treats both Japanese and U.S. CDs equally. The Turbo Duo is the answer to most of the world's problems.

PC-FX, I believe, is the successor to the TG-16/CD (?). Mainly a collector's item, as there aren't many real games for it apparently.

[sleeve]

Originally posted by EThugg
Ok, can anyone explain to me the differences of these systems? I saw a site (wolfgames or something) that listed 'Super CD' games with the other games... what's a Super CD? Is a PC-FX whatsit the same as a TG-16? Turbo Duo is a TG-16 with a CD drive as well as card slot? I'm very comfused about all this. What games will work on a Turbo Duo exactly? What kinda territory lock-out is there?

First off, go to Yoshi's site at www.pcesupergrafx.com for a great chart explaining what PC Engine/Turbo Duo games are playable on which system.

Super CD is the catch all term for CD-ROM games for the Turbo Duo. Here's the catch: there were multiple system cards released for the system. If you are playing CDs on a Turbografx 16 or PC Engine with a CD-ROM unit attached, you must be certain that you have the correct system card. Yoshi's site and www.pcecp.com will tell you which card you need for what game. Alternatively, you can buy a Turbo Duo (JP or US), which will allow you to play any Super CD requiring up to a System 3.0 HuCard. If you want to play Arcade CDs, you'll need an Arcade Card, which is a whole 'nother kettle of fish.

The PC-FX is an entirely different system made by NEC, separate from the PC Engine/Turbo Duo family. To my knowledge it is not compatible with any PCE games.

A Turbo Duo is a TG-16 with a CD-ROM unit attached. As I noted earlier, you can play any CDs, Japanese or domestic, requiring up to a System 3.0 HuCard. You can play Japanese HuCards with the aid of a converter or a mod. Watch out though -- converters are expensive.

Hope this helps -- if you have any questions, PM me. I just went through all this a couple weeks ago.

[EThugg]

Ok, so Duo is the way to go. Great. Now, or there any outstanding jap HuCard games worth finding a converter for? If so, what ones and where can I find a converter? (I just did a quick search on google, but turned up a few informational pages, nothing on where to get one, searched ebay, found one for $61 that might not even work...).

[Punky Skunk]

Originally posted by EThugg
Now, or there any outstanding jap HuCard games worth finding a converter for?

Photo Boy... that's about it. You did say outstanding after all. There are a few other good ones, but mostly stuff you can find on other systems and better.

If so, what ones and where can I find a converter?

I think you're basically screwed on that one. You'd be better off getting a PC-Engine, and ask yourself, is it worth it!? I'll answer for you: no, it isn't.

[EThugg]

I have Photo Boy 2 for PS2, and can probably find the 1st one on PSX, right? So I guess there's no reason to worry about the converter.

Thanks for the help everyone.

[Kinopio]

If you get a duo, you'll be all set for a LONG time. There are certainly many good Jap Hucards to be had, but the library available to a duo owner would satisfy almost anyone.

[Punky Skunk]

Originally posted by EThugg
I have Photo Boy 2 for PS2, and can probably find the 1st one on PSX, right?

Yep, you can.

[sleeve]

Originally posted by Rob
You'd be better off getting a PC-Engine, and ask yourself, is it worth it!? I'll answer for you: no, it isn't.

Before you take Rob's word sight unseen, think about a few things: there are many, many times more PC Engine HuCards available than TG-16 HuCards. If you buy a domestic Turbo Duo, you will be confining yourself to a very small portion of the PCE/Turbo game library (that is, unless you purchase an expensive converter). Most games can be found very easily and cheaply on eBay and elsewhere.

IMO, the long-term payoff is far greater if you opt for a Japanese PC Engine Duo. If you insist on playing American HuCards, you can always spring for a cheap TG-16. Don't let Rob make up your mind for you; there are tons of fun and interesting PCE games waiting to be discovered.