PC Engine prices in Japan?

[Original_Name]

So, come this time next year, I'm going to be teaching English in Japan via the JET Program (fingers crossed that I get placed in a cool but manageable city like Yokohama or Nagano). Although my reasons for doing this have way more to do with linguistic, sociological, and philosophical studies than burying myself in the nation's healthy supply of geek culture, I will be using a small portion of my savings to check out some of the cool gadgets that we didn't really get here, or that were just plain cooler in their native region.

I've had an eye out for a classic white PC Engine and CD-Rom^2 attachment on eBay and forums for a couple of years. They come up here and there, but they're often either prohibitively expensive, or have a ton of nicks and/or smoke and sun damage. I know that the PC Engine Duo is easier for a number of reliability and compatibility reasons, but the white PC Engine and CD-Rom^2 fastened into the Interface Unit has got to be the damned coolest-looking console setup of all time. The sleekness of the design combined with the convoluted nature of the attachments evokes an aesthetic akin to a cleaned-up version of cyberpunk.

So I'm planning on holding off on buying the combo until I'm actually in Japan -- seems like a great treat for myself once I've gotten my bearings, as a "Congratulations, you're actually doing this!" gift. I know that several members here live in or have spent significant time in Japan, or are big PC Engine buffs -- could anyone tell me what I should expect to pay in one of the less-prestigious retro shops in Japan (i.e., I'll probably never even step foot in a price-gouger like Super Potato) for a fully-stocked Interface Unit + Arcade Card Pro in nice, clean condition?

Also, everything about this thread reminds me -- Rest in Peace to my favorite Racketeer, Breetai.

[brunoafh]

You've probably already thought of it, but Amazon.jp is a pretty good way to gauge local Japan prices. A lot of the listings for retro game stuff on there are stores in the first place so there's that. Only issue would be searching and reading stuff, but by the looks of your post you should be alright. Just a quick thing I figured I'd mention until hashiriya1 or someone drops by.

Also that's cool you're doing the JET Program, good luck and have fun. I've had thoughts of applying for a CIR position after I get my degree but I don't think it's really the program for me (I have a significant other and pets that I won't leave).

[ninjainspandex]

hey you might want to talk to Pierre aka Toktugol he is in the JET program right now and he loves looking for games in Japan I bet he could give you alot of advice on this stuff you might want to PM him. He is on vacation now back in Canada so not sure if he is answering PMs at the moment though.