Wanting to buy a turbografx, need some pointers please!

[Icedawg]

one of my biggest regrets is selling the TG16 I had (about 16 games, including a complete air zonk). I was looking up PC engine stuff today (because it looks cooler, and is smaller than the TG16) looks like I'd have to pay 70-90 for the default system alone. If I'm looking to just check out original PC Engine stuff (no cd, or super grafx ect) what should I really look to spend on a system?

Sorry for thread dropping but I didn't want to start a new subject lol

[theclaw]

Core Grafx is the best starter kit for that. It has added benefit of AV over early models. Be certain about your intentions. Good CD drives aren't cheap, and composite on an HDTV is not ideal quality.

[Breetai]

one of my biggest regrets is selling the TG16 I had (about 16 games, including a complete air zonk). I was looking up PC engine stuff today (because it looks cooler, and is smaller than the TG16) looks like I'd have to pay 70-90 for the default system alone. If I'm looking to just check out original PC Engine stuff (no cd, or super grafx ect) what should I really look to spend on a system?

Sorry for thread dropping but I didn't want to start a new subject lol

Looks like Dr. Claw got in before me.

Anyway, you might pay $70-90 for a regular PC Engine (white/red, black/blue or brown/orange... you choose!) with hook-ups and a controller, but that should hopefully include shipping and a few common games thrown in. R-Type (part I at least) and Dragon Spirit are a couple of really common and fun shoot 'em ups. Final Soldier is fairly common and AWESOME. All could be nice throw-ins for a base PCE at this price range. I personally think loose HuCards is acceptable if they are in a bundle at this price. Also, I would suspect basic shipping would ALSO be included in this price if you are not picky about condition, CIB, etc.

Remember that the white/red original PCE only has RF out and you'll need to turn your TV to probably channel 95 or 96 to get picture/sound. The Core Grafx I and II (black/blue and brown/orange) have composite out.

You can add-on a CD unit later. Both the original CD-ROM2/Interface Unit and the Super CD-ROM2 (it piggybacks to the back of the PCE and matches the Core Grafx II colour scheme) will work fine. Just remember that you will want at least a System 3.0 (Super System) card for the original CD-ROM2/IFU. The Super CD-ROM2 has System 3.0 already built in, and therefore required no card.

[retrosportsgamer]

Core Grafx is the best starter kit for that. It has added benefit of AV over early models. Be certain about your intentions. Good CD drives aren't cheap, and composite on an HDTV is not ideal quality.

I'm assuming it's not just me, but my PC Duo R definitely has a faint flicker on the far right when using a LCD. Worked great on a CRT so it isn't the japanese power base or anything.

[retrosportsgamer]

Sorry for thread dropping but I didn't want to start a new subject lol

Pfff, no apology necessary. This is the definitive racket boy TG/PC Engine thread.

[Icedawg]

I have a smaller tv in my room that my 7800 is currently hooked up to (no a/v) so I'd be fine with using that. Older consoles were just not made for 42 inch Plasmas.

I'm not the most patient person so buying from Japan would be okay but knowing how long it takes I'd rather find some alternatives. I've had a TG16 before, but was checking out the PC engine & some of the cooler looking games (not to mention a more compact system) and have been thinking of that for a bit.

I've seen a white system located in Canada that would be in the $80s total but without any games, some other auctions have the system/controller but without the hookups. And then a few more have like shipping being almost $40.. so I'm in a bind. I like the 7800 as of now and have been playing it a lot the past few days, PC Engine would be more expensive to get games for but would be better quality overall. I badly want Tiger Road and Street Fighter

[Breetai]

I'm not the most patient person so buying from Japan would be okay but knowing how long it takes I'd rather find some alternatives.

It's only about a week if you use EMS, but it's also more expensive that way. The other useful option is by sea mail. It's pretty cheap, but takes a month or two usually.

I've seen a white system located in Canada that would be in the $80s total but without any games, some other auctions have the system/controller but without the hookups. And then a few more have like shipping being almost $40.. so I'm in a bind. I like the 7800 as of now and have been playing it a lot the past few days, PC Engine would be more expensive to get games for but would be better quality overall.

To be honest, you don't need a power unit for a base PC Engine. It uses the same PSU as a model 1 Genesis. It also uses the same AV cord as a model 1 Genesis, although a Genesis cord will only get you mono sound. You should be able to find a stereo one by shopping around a bit.

I badly want Tiger Road and Street Fighter

Street Fighter? Good grief, why? Have you ever played it? There's a reason SFII was super popular while the original wasn't. Besides, it's on CD... not HuCard. Unless you meant SFII, which is on HuCard. It's dirt cheap, too!!! It was one of the most common PCE games, and holds its own to the SNES and Genesis versions.

[retrosportsgamer]

How does SFII work with the two button controller? Does it use the run key also?

I was playing some Madden duo cd and it used that format.

[Icedawg]

so the pc engine can use genesis hookups?

Idk i never played SF2 on the tg16 so it's just something I'd want to play. Can't make up my mind

[Breetai]

How does SFII work with the two button controller? Does it use the run key also?

It's pretty much like playing the Genesis/MD version of SFII with a 3-button controller. It uses Run, along with buttons I and II. The Select button switches between punches and kicks (same as start on the Genny/MD).

so the pc engine can use genesis hookups?

Idk i never played SF2 on the tg16 so it's just something I'd want to play. Can't make up my mind

Yes, it can use Genesis hookups.

Specifically:

The original white system, Core Grafx I and Core Grafx II can use the AC adapter for the model 1 Genesis (or Master System or Sega CD (either model)). I think it works with the Shuttle as well, but I really don't remember for sure.

The Genesis AV cables work on all models of the PC Engine except for the original one, as it only takes RF, and the original CD-ROM2 add-on, since it just uses standard composite cables.


Here's a fun picture:

I LOVE the look of the PCE pads. This photo is missing a few official 2-button pads, but it's still a cool photo.


The Shuttle pad is cool.


This, and the other two available 6-button pads, are useful for Street Fighter II' and the other games that use more than 2-buttons (Martial Champions, Forgotten Worlds, and.... ummm... anything else?).