Which PC Engine set up should I get?

[Breetai]

Yeah, I've got a similar poll going in the Sega forum...

It will be a while before I start to rebuild a nice, refined console collection.
Basically, I am looking to have this stuff:

For the NEC part of my collection, I'm looking at a PC Engine/CD-ROM2 unit. Question is, which one IS the best? I am concerned about which looks the most aesthetically pleasing, but also about reliability. I love how the original IFU setup looks, but that damn second gear is crap... Both the Duo-R and the Super CD-ROM2 add-on have no known hardware issues. I plan to have at least two six-button control pads (RX or Ave6...), and a few 2-button pads that match the unit. I plan to have an Arcade Card as well. For the Super CD-ROM2 set up, I think I like the original PCE better despite the colour not matching.

PC Engine/CD-ROM2


PC Engine/Super CD-ROM2


PC Engine Duo-R/RX

[Bradtemple87]

I have always wanted a duo so there's my vote

[AppleQueso]

duo duo duo duo duo

[Breetai]

I have always wanted a duo so there's my vote

I'm kind of a sucker for original set-ups myself, but the darn first version of the CD-ROM is known for crapping out.

I'm honestly leaning PCE with Super CD-ROM2 add-on.

[Bradtemple87]

I have always wanted a duo so there's my vote

I'm kind of a sucker for original set-ups myself, but the darn first version of the CD-ROM is known for crapping out.

I'm honestly leaning PCE with Super CD-ROM2 add-on.

Yea I would use the model 1 as a last option, and the duo is so sexy

[brunoafh]

It's hard to make an argument for anything but the Duo-R, unless you really want to pour some money into the investment (then again your location says you may move back to Japan, so maybe you can find this stuff locally). The original set ups do look great though, gotta admit that. The PCE/Super-CD would be a nice set to own for sure.

The Duo-R is everything you need in one package though, no extra fuss. The only additional thing you'd need if you wanted access to every PCE game made is the Arcade Card Duo, and even then you're saving money by not having to get the Pro card.

[greg]

The PC Engine/CD-ROM2 setup looks cool because I like having things plugged into others, but the Duo/Duo R/Duo RX is so much more convenient to have. My vote is for the Duo.

[Inazuma]

I asked myself the same question and ended up getting a Duo-R.
But after that, I got a Supergrafx + Super CD-ROM 2 going and that's what I use now.

[Breetai]

The Duo-R is everything you need in one package though, no extra fuss. The only additional thing you'd need if you wanted access to every PCE game made is the Arcade Card Duo, and even then you're saving money by not having to get the Pro card.

No extra fuss for the PC Engine/Super CD-ROM2 set-up. The Super CD card is built right in, just like the Duo. The price for the combo is comparable to the Duo as well. Only one AC adapter. Plus, if the CD add-on breaks down, you only need to replace half the system. That would be the main advantage of it.

I asked myself the same question and ended up getting a Duo-R.
But after that, I got a Supergrafx + Super CD-ROM 2 going and that's what I use now.

Yeah... but I can't stand the look of the Super Grafx/Super CD-ROM2 set up. It looks like a toy vacuum cleaner, with a strange colour combination. Do I REALLY need the five(seven) games that it offers?


I have owned a Briefcase Unit, PCE/Super CD-ROM2, Duo and Duo-RX in the past (I have NONE now...). I just... can't decide which one to stick with in the long-term future. I WANT the original set-up, but that's probably a stupid idea considering the reliability of it.

[brunoafh]

No extra fuss for the PC Engine/Super CD-ROM2 set-up. The Super CD card is built right in, just like the Duo. The price for the combo is comparable to the Duo as well. Only one AC adapter. Plus, if the CD add-on breaks down, you only need to replace half the system. That would be the main advantage of it.

Oh wow, I wasn't aware that it was only one AC plug and that the Super CD Card was built in. I've never owned that set up. Pretty neat.

I think the Duo-R is still the more readily available and cheaper option, though. I don't blame you for wanting the original set-up honestly, it looks so nice. The PCE is a fine looking piece of hardware, and it looks much better paired with the original CD-ROM attachment than it does with the Super. It's hard to go with the most expensive and potentially unreliable option purely for the sake of aesthetics though.