@heavysaur Yes, totally. I miss the good old days! I remember when they announced the Wii would come packaged in with a game. I almost...did something in my pants. Lol! Thanks for watching.
Watching you and your collection makes me super jealous lmao......still have yet to pick up any new games for mine. Gonna end up biting the bullet and picking some up through amazon cause they just don't exist in the wild
@lovelorn8888 ha ha! For me it really was, yes. We didn't have Babbages and Electronics Boutique in my area when I was a kid. TRU was "the man." ha ha
Apart from the lack of 3rd party support, I feel like the controller port fiasco was the sin that the Turbografx-16 and Duo paid heavily for. I still love the damn thing, though. :)
Always been a huge TG16 fan boy, I have a turbografx16, cd add on unit, Turbo duo, turbo tap, duo tap, 5 controllers for each, avenue pad, hu card converter and 52 hu cards and 44 cd/super cd's. Just wish I could get Terraforming, Dungeon explorer 2 (us) and cotton 2 (us), I have the pc engine version of those 2 just not terraforming. Not looking to spend over 100 bux on anything thats for sure tho....LONG LIVE THE DUO!!!
Curious, when you orig. bought the TG16, why did you choose that over the Genesis, which was technically superior? I ask because I didn't get my genesis until christmas 92, at which point TG16/Duo wasn't even an option in my mind. It was between genesis and snes.
@giantsfan245 Genesis really didn't seem all that much more superior at the time. In '90 / /91, that comparison wasn't ever really concrete. And when I picked up mine, the SNES was not out yet. So....as I have said in my previous videos....watching the Toys R Us videos...I found the Turbo more appealing. Of course in the future, I had both SNES and Genesis and Sega CD. So,they all came eventually. :)
Nice system from a re-hashed company that deserved that 2nd chance. This time around they did everything by the book. Heck they even added 250$ worth of stuff with a 300$ system!!! And no, this doesn't make a 50$ system as 99.97% of us allready had those games >_< They pushed forward but it was too late... These systems are part of history now since the video game hobby became an industry & turned the latest systems into disposable commodities like the DVD players are... Ahhh the good old times!
@starwarsnerd95 Hu cards you need a converter on a U.S. system (which you can see in my Import reviews). Almost all Super CDs and regular CDs will play on an American System.
I bought a Duo right around '92. It was unheard of that a system came with 6 full games as pack-ins. Plus, as Chris said, you're also getting 3 pieces of hardware all in one nice, compact package. How could anyone resist such an amazing deal? I remember going home, popping in Ys, and just being blown away by the huge technological leap the system had over cartridges. I sold the system a couple of years later while saving up for a PS1, and I've regretted it ever since. :( Such an amazing system.
Chris, I noticed in the video you use a Avenue 3 Pad and not the original that came with the system. Would this be your recommended controller to use? What do you feel is the best controller for the duo system?
@kenbefound I got the Avenue 3 pad with my SuperGrafx and just started using it. Ha ha. So.....there is no real reason behind it other than that. You know? :)
Thanks Chris, this is such an awesome system. I heard Pete D. mention he is looking for the PC Engine DUO-Rx due to more stable sound capacitors. My understanding is it won't play US card (chip) games but it will play the U.S. CD based games?? Regardless these (Duo) puppies are hard to find. There are a couple on ebay for crazy prices. What would you pay for something decent? Thanks again!
Excellent review for an excellent system. Those wanting to pick one of these up but cant afford the American version, can always spring for the PCengine Duo Japanese unit. It will play USA CD/Super CDs as well. However, some sort of modding will be required to play the USA chip games. Thanks for another awesome review Chris!!
oh man thats a very open question but when im thinkin a good platformer like bonks. but ive heard some praise for ys book, from you and hcg, or a good 2d scrolling shooter like gradius. hmmm... the possibilities are endless haha
hey spida1a i've been looking for a good turbografx bundle sort of thing but i have less knowledge about what games are the best for the system got any suggestions or anything? thanks man and keep up the "good work". its odd how people always use that term.
@blaisetheman I would say.....definitely check out some of my Turbo Views episodes. I am sure you will find something in there you like (even if it is not a game that I enjoy for one reason or another). You know? What kind of genre do you like specifically?
Great video Chris! I'm a big fan of the TG16/PCE and have been since the early days.
The only US game I don't have is Dynastic Hero. I saw it on the babbages shelf when it was released and passed but regret that day to be sure. On a positive note, I picked up Magical Chase (new) on clearance for a mere $35. I still have the outer-box in great condition.
@mrchuck999 Excellent on the Magical Chase. I think I spent...like...$170 or something for it back in 2003. It was (along with Dynastic Hero) one of the last games I had to pick up. I'm thankful I did back then and not now. Ha ha. :) :)
@maleficus1000 Yes...mine "now" is actually starting to act up. It has trouble accessing the red-book audio and has to almost "warm up." After a little bit, it seems to be just fine. But, that means the transistors are probably starting to go.
Maybe this is a good thing. Then I can film a "how to fix" video (since there is a lot of documentation on the subject). Ya' know?
@spida1a Please do! My TurboDuo has also been acting up with redbook audio (very noticeable on Lords of Thunder), so I'd be very grateful if you put together such a video. I know a lot of others have reported similar issues with the cheap capacitors that the Duo was apparently built with.
Have you opened up your Duo before? I'm having issues just getting off a couple of the screws that seem stuck and now stripped on the bottom...
@spida1a - You should get that TurboDuo fixed ASAP. Once those problems start showing up, the capacitors are either drying up or leaking onto the motherboard. If they leak onto the motherboard, that's even worse because the electrolyte will, over time, corrode the motherboard and leave you with an unrecoverable TurboDuo.
I was about to get one of those things when I wanted to get into TurboGrafx gaming. Good thing I got a PC Engine Duo-R instead. It's much more reliable.
@Ace9921 I am actually planning in the next few months to do a "repair" video on my duo for the series. I figured that would help a lot of people perhaps on replacing those capacitors (that is...if the fix works for me). Ha ha.
Can you imagine companies nowadays doing what they did for the TurboDuo, packing in 5 games? WHOA! Talk about a jump start in your library! The best we seem to get today for the price point is an upcoming Xbox 360 Slim bundle which includes Forza Motorsport 2 and a voucher for a free download for Alan Wake. Crazy!
I had a turbo duo in '92-'93, but traded it in for a Panasonic 3DO about two years later. I still have my 3DO. I have picked up another TG16 but no CD yet.
I used to own a black PC Engine Duo and I must say it makes the original Xbox 360 seem like it is built like a tank. I had sound problems in my CD games and the AC adaptor port broke while I was moving to my new place! I would use a TG-CD/PCE CD add on with a Super CD-ROM card, a Super CD-ROM console, or a PCE Duo-R or RX instead. Either of those is what I am currently after.
@Soukyugurentai Go for the duo-r or rx the regular duo u.s or jpn suffers from sound issue problems.Unless you don't mind replacing the pce-duo/turbo-duo capacitor when the sound does go out.
@Soukyugurentai I see then figure i mention that just in case.Any time i see a person getting into the pce for frist time they all ways end up with a pce/turbo-duo.Then the person ask why !? By that point of coruse it's to late they either sell the console as is or try to have it fixed.Luckly for me i didn't fall for that when i heard about the sound issue problem so i went straight for the duo-r years ago.
Turbo Duo prices have gotten pretty high on Ebay. I ended up getting a PCE Duo and a power converter for about 1/4 the price Turbo Duos cost now. And I love it a ton. It also kept me from having to buy a HuCard converter for all those Japan-only games.
Wow it was only $299.99 when it came out? That's WAY cheaper than buying a Sega Genesis and Sega CD right? Witch you have to say is the opposite of what NEC did. I mean they charged like what 5.4 million dollars for the Turbo Express? I think 3 billion for the PCE LT in Japan! Something like that. Seriously the stuff was always way too expensive! I'm just realizing now that the TurboDuo was actually dirt cheap! Plus with all those extras it's a steal! Great video, lots of info!
@MN12BIRD Yes...but remember what else we had to choose from at this time. Nobody was QUITE into CD technology yet (and honesty couldn't have cared less which is why Sega CD really didn't light any fires) So, to most of us, the $199 or less for a SNES and the MUCH LESS by this time base Genesis was the pricing we were looking at. Duo was quite expensive at the time for something trying to grab a new audience . It is a shame, ha ha. But, regardless...I'm glad I had it eventually. :)
@spida1a PS...(ran out of characters with my blabber mouth, LOL...)...you're totally right about the Sega CD price along with the Genesis. Ha ha. I remember they used to put that in the ads: "Turbo Duo cheaper than the others combined." It's amazing Sega sold any with the price of the CD system. Ha ha.
@spida1a I'd like to see you review the Turbo Express sometime. And I have one question: Is the Turbografx CD compatable with the Turbo Express? I'd like to hear it answered in that vid sometime...
@spida1a But what of the PC-FX the system made by NEC the system that cost even more than The TurboDuo that came out in Japan and no one talks about, I like to see you get your hands on one of those(maybe get one from MN12BIRD he has all the neat stuff) and make a video about it since it like a Turbo system on steroids. Keep the videos coming I'm learning some history and building up my collection of TurboDuo games as I type this. Also what of the Arcade Card for the TurboDuo.
@loomp I never had a PC-FX system so...I am pretty much unaware of it. I saw one recently at Digital Press (and it was the first time I ever noticed one in person).
Arcade Card is in my possession. Although honestly, I have yet to even unwrap the thing. Ha ha. Might be fun to try sometime.
Oh and as to your message to me, check out my last couple videos and tell me how many people I have "responded" to. I don't get one here as much so...take no offense.
@spida1a No problem I would really like to know more about the PC-FX system if you can procure one maybe MN12BIRD can find one on his end, As for the Arcade Card you might to try to track down Strider and 3x3 Eyes that use the card, also you might contact John D at RetrowareTV see if he can donate any NEC hardware to you. Yeah you can't "responded" to everyone but no worries I understand your busy unlike me I broke a leg at work this holiday but people shop for me anyway.
Turbo Duo is awesome! I remember seeing all the cool games out in Japan, especially RPG and 'dating' games... haha... I could not play them due to language barrier, but PC Engine did have quiet a bit of fans and lasted a few years longer than US. What memories... Thanks again for great video Chris.
I can't decide if the Turbo Grafx-16 was trying to get attention or if they were trying to prove that their CD based console works better than the CD-I, Sega CD, or 3DO (which, through research, proves that those sucked, especially the CD-I).
Now this was a fantastic overview of the Turbo Duo. Your are very good with editing as well as narrating. Qualities that makes the video interesting wo watch. I learned a lot thanks. I guess the whole Turbografx line could've been more succesful in North America hadn't it been for Nintendos anti competitive measures (now illegal).
Hey Chris. Excellent review as always :) I was just curious. Have you ever had any problems with the capacitors in your Turbo Duo? Many of the people on the PC Engine FX forums including myself have had trouble with dead capacitors, which as a result affect the sound making it staticky, or the sound cuts in and out. I think the cap problem is due to the fact the sound capacitors are scrunched near the ac adapter port. Luckily someone on the board fixed mine.
spida1a, it is so obvious how much passion and knowlege you have for games. I love fantasizing about having a pinball collection like yours, hahaha. =D
Ahh the turbo-duo spida though you know my joke about the 3.0 card.They didn't sell it to retailers so you would buy the turbo-duo ~_^.I remember wanting a duo in it's day becuase i didn't have the super system card.Still it was to pricey for me in those days to get one.Though i'm glad i never got a turbo-duo any ways spida they are know for having sound issue problems,unless you replace it's caps of coruse.At least the duo-r&rx don't have that issue.
Nice use of Ys music. (: And wow, what a great selection of pack-in games! I would have been totally blown away if I bought a system back then with such an awesome pack-in library!
@Wyrdwad Speaking of Ys, I couldn't help but notice the infamous "Y's" misspelling on the TurboDuo box. If I owned a boxed TurboDuo, I'd first and foremost use a black marker to remove that apostrophe where it doesn't belong. :P
I love to see the hardware, I've aways been a hardware guy more so than games. I wish I had the cash right now to finish off my PC Engine CD-ROM2 console.
One of the main reasons why I wanted to get a tg16 was Ninja Spirit. I played that game for hours in the arcade by my house. I ended up getting the super system card for my tg16/cd player as well. One of these days I will have to buy a duo.
Great review of the system! I think the Turboduo looked really good for when it came out, I managed to pick one up on ebay for cheap because of a sound fault, and that it was a UK seller, I was able to fix it, play Ys Book I and II, then after a power cut it now no longer works :( I Wanna play Turboduo!!
wow what shit, they changed thecontrol? It took me forever to find a turbo 16 controller for cheap, i can't even imagine trying to track downa duo controller. I think i'll just get the cd addon and super fx chip.
The size difference with the leads is interesting, I know they made the original bigger to block grey imports from Japan. So would I be right in guessing that PC Engine controllers are compatible with the US TurboDuo?
(I only own a PC Engine Duo RX, So I wouldn't know :D)
Also are you ever planning on doing something on the Arcade Card Chris?
The controller port issue is pretty annoying. Like ya say Chris, for quick 2 player action it would be so much better to just have 2 ports. What were they thinking? :) Great review though man, well covered! :)
I was 11 years old in 92, and I remember hearing about the turboduo and other systems like neo-geo or 3DO. They seemed like legends and quite unattainable to get. I had an NES and some of my friends had a Sega Genesis. Very good review as usual!!
Great overview Chris. You'll have people lining up to get one of these machines! I'd wager the Turbo Duo is the best looking US released NEC console. It even beats the white Japanese Duo-R and RX and blue PC Engine Duo IMO!
Worked at Toys R US from 92 to 93 and always lusted after the DUO. But like many I just could not justify paying 300 bones for a console, remember I was making 4.50 per hour at the time. Had to settle for playing the in-store demo unit during my breaks. By the late nineties I was working a white collar corp job and so I picked up two DUOs and have been collecting games ever since. Long live the DUO! Great vid, keep them coming.
love the old school advert for this system ( it was never shown here in ireland , matter of fact , i dont think this console was released here at all ) , but this console really floored the opposition in terms of tech and quality .
it really should have sold better , but nec really didnt do much marketing tbh as i only ever heard of this system through your early vids on youtube.
I missed out on the TurboGrafx line. In my area, I don't even remember seeing them for sale at Child World (the only toy store chain we had locally). The only reason I even knew of the Turbo* name was due to seeing Bonk and the TurboExpress in one of the few GamePros my parents bought me. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't have gotten one. My father was under the belief (and probably still is) that videogames are a waste of time and money and "rot your brain". I envy those of you who got it.
Chris, for someone who is very interested in getting into the TurboGrafx scene, what system would you recommend getting? While i know I can easily get a TurboGrafx and, with effort, find a TurboCD, I have yet to see a Super Card for sale online (heck first time i heard about it was watching Extra Episode 3). I know the TurboDuo is rare, but I wonder if that is the only way to get the "complete" TurboGrafx "package".
I kind of wish I never watched this video. I remember going to EB Games and the TurboDuo taken of the self and sent back to NEC. He said the last two days they had the system they tried to sell the TurboDuo for $50.00 dollars and they could not sell them.
My friend said why you want that System its dead. I said $50.00 and five games that's why.
Great video.
I still to this day wish I could have grabbed a TurboDuo at EB for $50.00
I've heard that the original Duos are dying nowadays via some sort of heat issue, which is why I opted for the more expensive Duo-R. Any truth to that?
Even though I play all of my games via emulation now, I still treasure my original TurbuDuo which I got on Christmas Day 1992 along with Dragon Slayer, Cosmic Fantasy 2, Exile, and Prince of Persia. Best Christmas ever!
What an impressive system, too bad the changed the controller ports and still only had one controller socket, if I had one of these babies I'm sure I'd use the headphone jack all the time, I always use headphones when I can. Too bad the TurboDuo never came out in Australia as far as I'm aware, I wish it had. But as far as I know NEC/Hudson didn't release their games system here, if they did they didn't do well.
Last time I actually something like this was at Anime Expo 2009, you'd be surprised how much it goes for if I were cross paths with again. Oh but that's not all, I also found a TG-16/Duo console at a store in West LA, along with a few games to boot. Man, that was the only console I actually missed out on during the late 80s/early 90s.
You gotta love that Duo. I am glad I got around to buying mine from TZD around 2000-01 or so. They can have bad sound problems, but it is usually an easy fix.
Mmm I don't know about that SNK. It's pretty risky stuff. If you don't have experience soldering and stuff, you could pull a trace or something. That type of repairs is best left to the teckkies on PCEFX
@Chantumon I actually did the capacitor fix. It really doesn't take much to learn how to solder. It is easier than most other things. Just use the work to melt, don't overdo contact to chip solder legs and use flux. I took electronics vo-tech in high school, which made it even easier for me.
Don't be afraid to try. Practice on a dead VCR or something.
The Duo-R system seems to be the most reliable setup. No bad capacitor problems. It also has slightly better error correction for the CD drive.
Too bad you're original system got damage =( Great work on the review. I wish i owned a Turbo duo.
Bylga 2 days ago
wow can you believe it......5 free games....today we need to announce a war to get something free.
heavysaur 1 week ago
@heavysaur Yes, totally. I miss the good old days! I remember when they announced the Wii would come packaged in with a game. I almost...did something in my pants. Lol! Thanks for watching.
spida1a 1 week ago
@spida1a hahahaha same here.........now what i do is buy the games first, wait for a new version or price drop then i buy the system.....
heavysaur 1 week ago
@heavysaur That's a great idea! Thanks for watching!
spida1a 1 week ago
Watching you and your collection makes me super jealous lmao......still have yet to pick up any new games for mine. Gonna end up biting the bullet and picking some up through amazon cause they just don't exist in the wild
sethious1 4 weeks ago in playlist TURBO VIEWS: TurboGrafx 16 / TurboDuo Reviews
@sethious1 Thanks for watching and commenting sethious!
spida1a 1 week ago
Spida you are a legend mate!!!
frozenintears 1 month ago
@frozenintears Ha! Hey, that sounds pretty cool. I didn't know that. Lol! Thanks for watching!
spida1a 1 week ago
@neogeouk Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!
spida1a 1 month ago
I still like the TurboGrafx-16 better... but I would love to get ahold of one of these.. but damn they go for way to much on ebay....
lovelorn8888 1 month ago
@lovelorn8888 Thanks for watching!
spida1a 1 month ago
@spida1a hey I have a question... what was up with toys R us back then? It was like the gamestop of today
lovelorn8888 1 month ago
@lovelorn8888 ha ha! For me it really was, yes. We didn't have Babbages and Electronics Boutique in my area when I was a kid. TRU was "the man." ha ha
spida1a 1 month ago
What's the music that start's playing at 7:18?
Altoguy1995 4 months ago
@Altoguy1995 That is from Ys Book I and II (I reviewed that as well....awesome game). :)
Thanks for watching!
spida1a 4 months ago
Apart from the lack of 3rd party support, I feel like the controller port fiasco was the sin that the Turbografx-16 and Duo paid heavily for. I still love the damn thing, though. :)
treismac 5 months ago
@treismac I agree. One of the things I hated about all iterations of the system. Boo! :)
Thanks for taking time to watch the video.
spida1a 4 months ago
Always been a huge TG16 fan boy, I have a turbografx16, cd add on unit, Turbo duo, turbo tap, duo tap, 5 controllers for each, avenue pad, hu card converter and 52 hu cards and 44 cd/super cd's. Just wish I could get Terraforming, Dungeon explorer 2 (us) and cotton 2 (us), I have the pc engine version of those 2 just not terraforming. Not looking to spend over 100 bux on anything thats for sure tho....LONG LIVE THE DUO!!!
danklock3 5 months ago
@danklock3 Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
spida1a 4 months ago
Curious, when you orig. bought the TG16, why did you choose that over the Genesis, which was technically superior? I ask because I didn't get my genesis until christmas 92, at which point TG16/Duo wasn't even an option in my mind. It was between genesis and snes.
giantsfan245 6 months ago
@giantsfan245 Genesis really didn't seem all that much more superior at the time. In '90 / /91, that comparison wasn't ever really concrete. And when I picked up mine, the SNES was not out yet. So....as I have said in my previous videos....watching the Toys R Us videos...I found the Turbo more appealing. Of course in the future, I had both SNES and Genesis and Sega CD. So,they all came eventually. :)
spida1a 5 months ago
Nice system from a re-hashed company that deserved that 2nd chance. This time around they did everything by the book. Heck they even added 250$ worth of stuff with a 300$ system!!! And no, this doesn't make a 50$ system as 99.97% of us allready had those games >_< They pushed forward but it was too late... These systems are part of history now since the video game hobby became an industry & turned the latest systems into disposable commodities like the DVD players are... Ahhh the good old times!
Polywanacraka 8 months ago
is there any way to play japanese games on a us system or us games on a japanese system
starwarsnerd95 8 months ago
@starwarsnerd95 Hu cards you need a converter on a U.S. system (which you can see in my Import reviews). Almost all Super CDs and regular CDs will play on an American System.
spida1a 8 months ago
I bought a Duo right around '92. It was unheard of that a system came with 6 full games as pack-ins. Plus, as Chris said, you're also getting 3 pieces of hardware all in one nice, compact package. How could anyone resist such an amazing deal? I remember going home, popping in Ys, and just being blown away by the huge technological leap the system had over cartridges. I sold the system a couple of years later while saving up for a PS1, and I've regretted it ever since. :( Such an amazing system.
kotogoto00 9 months ago
@kotogoto00 Thanks for watching!
spida1a 9 months ago
Chris, I noticed in the video you use a Avenue 3 Pad and not the original that came with the system. Would this be your recommended controller to use? What do you feel is the best controller for the duo system?
kenbefound 11 months ago
@kenbefound I got the Avenue 3 pad with my SuperGrafx and just started using it. Ha ha. So.....there is no real reason behind it other than that. You know? :)
spida1a 11 months ago
Thanks Chris, this is such an awesome system. I heard Pete D. mention he is looking for the PC Engine DUO-Rx due to more stable sound capacitors. My understanding is it won't play US card (chip) games but it will play the U.S. CD based games?? Regardless these (Duo) puppies are hard to find. There are a couple on ebay for crazy prices. What would you pay for something decent? Thanks again!
kenbefound 11 months ago
Real clean production!
RadiumZ1 1 year ago
@RadiumZ1 Thanks my friend! Unfortunately, the microphone "cut out" during the shooting and I had to use the shotgun! UGH...HOLLOW!! Ha ha. :)
spida1a 11 months ago
Great review! I really need to buy a Turbo Duo!
Bylga 1 year ago
@Bylga Thanks for watching!
spida1a 11 months ago
@spida1a Thank you for all amazing videos.
Bylga 11 months ago
Ah if only I could go back in time, I would be all over the turbo grafx and tuboduo! Great systems!
gabbogabbo 1 year ago
I Wish I Could Find A TurboDuo. That System Looks So Cool.
80sMTV 1 year ago
Nice review, I am currently playing the turbo grafx 16 on my psp using a emulator. I cant figure out how to get the cd rom part working.
DJWrath1 1 year ago
Excellent review for an excellent system. Those wanting to pick one of these up but cant afford the American version, can always spring for the PCengine Duo Japanese unit. It will play USA CD/Super CDs as well. However, some sort of modding will be required to play the USA chip games. Thanks for another awesome review Chris!!
bernielindell 1 year ago
I really want one of these but I can't find one reasonably priced on ebay... I cant afford $1000 for a game system
NadrianATRS 1 year ago
AAAH... one controller port. Again ? :D
MarijnStevens 1 year ago
@MarijnStevens UGH! ;)
spida1a 1 year ago
you have great videos man!!
ElectricIndica420 1 year ago
@ElectricIndica420 Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoy watching them! :)
spida1a 1 year ago
That's pretty much the same size and shape as the PS3 slim. :P
Crashdance22 1 year ago
@Crashdance22 It is, yes. Ha ha. :)
spida1a 1 year ago
Aah, memories, memories...
I was working at Wendy's in '93 and saving up for this by working overtime.
Mine too came with Ninja Spirit instead of the constantly advertised promise of Dungeon Explorer.
Seems like someone at TTI told me that they ran out of DE and that was why they through in NS instead.
The one controller only port was just an excuse to squeeze more money out of us.
The mini DIN version on the Duo was probably done for the same reason.
None the less I still adore my Duo.
Psycausis 1 year ago
Now I just need to get one.
BlackMegaManXtreme 1 year ago
Can this system play Japanese import CD games? I'm thinking about playing Rondo of Blood.
BlackMegaManXtreme 1 year ago
@BlackMegaManXtreme Sure will! Go for it.
spida1a 1 year ago
7:11 haha that made me lol AND!!!
dde12321 1 year ago
@dde12321 Lol. :)
spida1a 1 year ago
oh man thats a very open question but when im thinkin a good platformer like bonks. but ive heard some praise for ys book, from you and hcg, or a good 2d scrolling shooter like gradius. hmmm... the possibilities are endless haha
blaisetheman 1 year ago
hey spida1a i've been looking for a good turbografx bundle sort of thing but i have less knowledge about what games are the best for the system got any suggestions or anything? thanks man and keep up the "good work". its odd how people always use that term.
blaisetheman 1 year ago
@blaisetheman I would say.....definitely check out some of my Turbo Views episodes. I am sure you will find something in there you like (even if it is not a game that I enjoy for one reason or another). You know? What kind of genre do you like specifically?
spida1a 1 year ago
Great video Chris! I'm a big fan of the TG16/PCE and have been since the early days.
The only US game I don't have is Dynastic Hero. I saw it on the babbages shelf when it was released and passed but regret that day to be sure. On a positive note, I picked up Magical Chase (new) on clearance for a mere $35. I still have the outer-box in great condition.
mrchuck999 1 year ago
@mrchuck999 Excellent on the Magical Chase. I think I spent...like...$170 or something for it back in 2003. It was (along with Dynastic Hero) one of the last games I had to pick up. I'm thankful I did back then and not now. Ha ha. :) :)
Take care.
spida1a 1 year ago
Good one Chris. I have to PC-E Duo-R at home in nice grey.
Konuvis 1 year ago
@Konuvis Oh, excellent. I love the grey one.
spida1a 1 year ago
The PC-FX is so boring and lame. It's just about all silly story games with anime chicks.
I don't recommend one unless you like retro gaming novelty items.
Firebomber7 1 year ago
@Firebomber7 Yeah, that is what I found with it also. I didn't bother picking it up myself. :(
spida1a 1 year ago
have you had audio problems with your duo?,mine sorta does, only when I play cd games though.
maleficus1000 1 year ago
@maleficus1000 Yes...mine "now" is actually starting to act up. It has trouble accessing the red-book audio and has to almost "warm up." After a little bit, it seems to be just fine. But, that means the transistors are probably starting to go.
Maybe this is a good thing. Then I can film a "how to fix" video (since there is a lot of documentation on the subject). Ya' know?
spida1a 1 year ago
@spida1a Please do! My TurboDuo has also been acting up with redbook audio (very noticeable on Lords of Thunder), so I'd be very grateful if you put together such a video. I know a lot of others have reported similar issues with the cheap capacitors that the Duo was apparently built with.
Have you opened up your Duo before? I'm having issues just getting off a couple of the screws that seem stuck and now stripped on the bottom...
thetuwrhk 1 year ago
@spida1a - You should get that TurboDuo fixed ASAP. Once those problems start showing up, the capacitors are either drying up or leaking onto the motherboard. If they leak onto the motherboard, that's even worse because the electrolyte will, over time, corrode the motherboard and leave you with an unrecoverable TurboDuo.
I was about to get one of those things when I wanted to get into TurboGrafx gaming. Good thing I got a PC Engine Duo-R instead. It's much more reliable.
Ace9921 1 year ago
@Ace9921 I am actually planning in the next few months to do a "repair" video on my duo for the series. I figured that would help a lot of people perhaps on replacing those capacitors (that is...if the fix works for me). Ha ha.
Take care.
spida1a 1 year ago
i found this all together w/o the box
TheNews1990 1 year ago
TurboDuo too perfectly lost against Nintendo & Sega in US game market. Almost games were import version of Japanese original versions.
doujindance 1 year ago
How Did Your 1st TurboDuo Stop Working From The Flood? Did It Happened Back Then Or Few Years Ago?
80sMTV 1 year ago
Can you imagine companies nowadays doing what they did for the TurboDuo, packing in 5 games? WHOA! Talk about a jump start in your library! The best we seem to get today for the price point is an upcoming Xbox 360 Slim bundle which includes Forza Motorsport 2 and a voucher for a free download for Alan Wake. Crazy!
SoulWarrior265 1 year ago
Interesting and informative video Spida1a. Keep 'em coming!
daxomni 1 year ago
I had a turbo duo in '92-'93, but traded it in for a Panasonic 3DO about two years later. I still have my 3DO. I have picked up another TG16 but no CD yet.
drunkeykong12 1 year ago
Hey Chris, do you intend to do a an overview of the Turbo Express at some point?
fthetm 1 year ago
A thorough, in-depth, and well-composed review.. as usual! Always love your vids. 8D
TrueSoreThumb 1 year ago
I used to own a black PC Engine Duo and I must say it makes the original Xbox 360 seem like it is built like a tank. I had sound problems in my CD games and the AC adaptor port broke while I was moving to my new place! I would use a TG-CD/PCE CD add on with a Super CD-ROM card, a Super CD-ROM console, or a PCE Duo-R or RX instead. Either of those is what I am currently after.
Soukyugurentai 1 year ago
@Soukyugurentai Go for the duo-r or rx the regular duo u.s or jpn suffers from sound issue problems.Unless you don't mind replacing the pce-duo/turbo-duo capacitor when the sound does go out.
Progearspec 1 year ago
@Progearspec
I used to have the regular one and learned the hard way. Thanks for the suggestions though. I am already aware of the Duo-R/RX
Soukyugurentai 1 year ago
@Soukyugurentai I see then figure i mention that just in case.Any time i see a person getting into the pce for frist time they all ways end up with a pce/turbo-duo.Then the person ask why !? By that point of coruse it's to late they either sell the console as is or try to have it fixed.Luckly for me i didn't fall for that when i heard about the sound issue problem so i went straight for the duo-r years ago.
Progearspec 1 year ago
Turbo Duo prices have gotten pretty high on Ebay. I ended up getting a PCE Duo and a power converter for about 1/4 the price Turbo Duos cost now. And I love it a ton. It also kept me from having to buy a HuCard converter for all those Japan-only games.
sunburstbasser 1 year ago
Great retrospective Chris!
SplatterTrigger 1 year ago
Wow it was only $299.99 when it came out? That's WAY cheaper than buying a Sega Genesis and Sega CD right? Witch you have to say is the opposite of what NEC did. I mean they charged like what 5.4 million dollars for the Turbo Express? I think 3 billion for the PCE LT in Japan! Something like that. Seriously the stuff was always way too expensive! I'm just realizing now that the TurboDuo was actually dirt cheap! Plus with all those extras it's a steal! Great video, lots of info!
MN12BIRD 1 year ago
@MN12BIRD Yes...but remember what else we had to choose from at this time. Nobody was QUITE into CD technology yet (and honesty couldn't have cared less which is why Sega CD really didn't light any fires) So, to most of us, the $199 or less for a SNES and the MUCH LESS by this time base Genesis was the pricing we were looking at. Duo was quite expensive at the time for something trying to grab a new audience . It is a shame, ha ha. But, regardless...I'm glad I had it eventually. :)
spida1a 1 year ago
@spida1a PS...(ran out of characters with my blabber mouth, LOL...)...you're totally right about the Sega CD price along with the Genesis. Ha ha. I remember they used to put that in the ads: "Turbo Duo cheaper than the others combined." It's amazing Sega sold any with the price of the CD system. Ha ha.
Thanks for watching and commentin', as always!
spida1a 1 year ago
@spida1a I'd like to see you review the Turbo Express sometime. And I have one question: Is the Turbografx CD compatable with the Turbo Express? I'd like to hear it answered in that vid sometime...
IvoryGecko1993 1 year ago
@spida1a But what of the PC-FX the system made by NEC the system that cost even more than The TurboDuo that came out in Japan and no one talks about, I like to see you get your hands on one of those(maybe get one from MN12BIRD he has all the neat stuff) and make a video about it since it like a Turbo system on steroids. Keep the videos coming I'm learning some history and building up my collection of TurboDuo games as I type this. Also what of the Arcade Card for the TurboDuo.
loomp 1 year ago
@loomp I never had a PC-FX system so...I am pretty much unaware of it. I saw one recently at Digital Press (and it was the first time I ever noticed one in person).
Arcade Card is in my possession. Although honestly, I have yet to even unwrap the thing. Ha ha. Might be fun to try sometime.
Oh and as to your message to me, check out my last couple videos and tell me how many people I have "responded" to. I don't get one here as much so...take no offense.
Thanks for watching!
spida1a 1 year ago
@spida1a No problem I would really like to know more about the PC-FX system if you can procure one maybe MN12BIRD can find one on his end, As for the Arcade Card you might to try to track down Strider and 3x3 Eyes that use the card, also you might contact John D at RetrowareTV see if he can donate any NEC hardware to you. Yeah you can't "responded" to everyone but no worries I understand your busy unlike me I broke a leg at work this holiday but people shop for me anyway.
loomp 1 year ago
It would be fun to talk to a developer of the system to see why they would only make a one player port system again and again
mrserv0n18 1 year ago
@spida1a Well, there was the Neo Geo. For $600 with games that costed $250 new...Oh wait, noone bought that. :) Never mind.
anupsanju 1 year ago
@anupsanju those nowadays are like triple that.
arkmainable 1 year ago
@MN12BIRD
You mean Yen, not dollars
Rimsa 1 year ago
Great Video!!
Gambenoful 1 year ago
Turbo Duo is awesome! I remember seeing all the cool games out in Japan, especially RPG and 'dating' games... haha... I could not play them due to language barrier, but PC Engine did have quiet a bit of fans and lasted a few years longer than US. What memories... Thanks again for great video Chris.
fvgotch 1 year ago
I can't decide if the Turbo Grafx-16 was trying to get attention or if they were trying to prove that their CD based console works better than the CD-I, Sega CD, or 3DO (which, through research, proves that those sucked, especially the CD-I).
DrSage207 1 year ago
Can I have your Turbo Duo please :)
Commentator9000 1 year ago
Awesome system overview man. I just got a TG16 myself but I've still got my eye out for a Duo. Keep these vids coming man!
TheAlfredEffect 1 year ago
It's a shame that we Europeans never got the Turbografx-16
Evilclown1986 1 year ago
@Evilclown1986 it was released in Europe
under the name, turbografx
im not sure what games it had except for some of the early ones like vigilante annd victory run .
arkmainable 1 year ago
@arkmainable I have NEVER seen or heard of one in my whole life. Maybe it just never reached Sweden then
Evilclown1986 1 year ago
@Evilclown1986 no, it was only released in france.
arkmainable 1 year ago
bucci u like the sega saturn?
blacksixspeed 1 year ago
Now this was a fantastic overview of the Turbo Duo. Your are very good with editing as well as narrating. Qualities that makes the video interesting wo watch. I learned a lot thanks. I guess the whole Turbografx line could've been more succesful in North America hadn't it been for Nintendos anti competitive measures (now illegal).
KetilsGEEKTV 1 year ago
Hey Chris. Excellent review as always :) I was just curious. Have you ever had any problems with the capacitors in your Turbo Duo? Many of the people on the PC Engine FX forums including myself have had trouble with dead capacitors, which as a result affect the sound making it staticky, or the sound cuts in and out. I think the cap problem is due to the fact the sound capacitors are scrunched near the ac adapter port. Luckily someone on the board fixed mine.
Chantumon 1 year ago
BEST SYSTEM EVER MADE.....
jlchambers82 1 year ago
spida1a, it is so obvious how much passion and knowlege you have for games. I love fantasizing about having a pinball collection like yours, hahaha. =D
airthrow 1 year ago
I'VE GOT THE POWER!!! The TurboDuo power, that is...
WaddleJrJr 1 year ago
Ahh the turbo-duo spida though you know my joke about the 3.0 card.They didn't sell it to retailers so you would buy the turbo-duo ~_^.I remember wanting a duo in it's day becuase i didn't have the super system card.Still it was to pricey for me in those days to get one.Though i'm glad i never got a turbo-duo any ways spida they are know for having sound issue problems,unless you replace it's caps of coruse.At least the duo-r&rx don't have that issue.
Progearspec 1 year ago
Nice use of Ys music. (: And wow, what a great selection of pack-in games! I would have been totally blown away if I bought a system back then with such an awesome pack-in library!
Wyrdwad 1 year ago
@Wyrdwad Speaking of Ys, I couldn't help but notice the infamous "Y's" misspelling on the TurboDuo box. If I owned a boxed TurboDuo, I'd first and foremost use a black marker to remove that apostrophe where it doesn't belong. :P
MP1983 1 year ago 2
Excellent video as always Chris. : )
jboypacman 1 year ago
great
laceiba1976 1 year ago
I'd love to see how you do a review of Andre Panza Kickboxing lol.
PCEngineGaijin 1 year ago
You make really great videos man.
I love to see the hardware, I've aways been a hardware guy more so than games. I wish I had the cash right now to finish off my PC Engine CD-ROM2 console.
PCEngineGaijin 1 year ago
wish I had me one of those sexy beasts. :P
TheLoadingScreenz 1 year ago
Nice overview
Vayr0n 1 year ago
I wonder if you could mod the multi-tap into the system... not that I would want to hack up the case.
shaurz 1 year ago
I love this show.
sosoyo180 1 year ago
WIN!
SlavjanA 1 year ago
One of the main reasons why I wanted to get a tg16 was Ninja Spirit. I played that game for hours in the arcade by my house. I ended up getting the super system card for my tg16/cd player as well. One of these days I will have to buy a duo.
lotsofgames 1 year ago
h aha "hey whats going on over there?"
jomommasmelz 1 year ago
The paafekuto PC-Engine/Turbo system, no question about it.
Tubewings 1 year ago
The TurboDuo looked like a great system to own. Too bad I missed out on it.
Oh well, at least I bought Ys Book 1 & 2 on the Virtual Console, so I didn't miss out entirely. Great game.
InAnimateGamer 1 year ago
ohhhh yeah!
I've been waiting for this video!
Thanks spida1a
VideoBox100 1 year ago
sooooo want to get my hands on one of these babies.
MoreDakka101 1 year ago
Love your reviews!
frejden 1 year ago
Great review of the system! I think the Turboduo looked really good for when it came out, I managed to pick one up on ebay for cheap because of a sound fault, and that it was a UK seller, I was able to fix it, play Ys Book I and II, then after a power cut it now no longer works :( I Wanna play Turboduo!!
WendeXTX 1 year ago
Awesome review/overview of the Duo. :-) Glad the good games are on Wii VC, cause I've been short on cash, and really want a DUO. "sigh"
clays121 1 year ago
I have a Pc engine Duo-R. : ))
Resolution on the duo is amazing.
123doomdoom 1 year ago
@123doomdoom Also 60 or so quality titles!! : P
123doomdoom 1 year ago
i like the vids but even after watching them all, i still don't really see a difference in turbo 16 and turbo cd
basman2006 1 year ago
wow what shit, they changed thecontrol? It took me forever to find a turbo 16 controller for cheap, i can't even imagine trying to track downa duo controller. I think i'll just get the cd addon and super fx chip.
whitetrashshayno 1 year ago
That next pinball video's got to be coming soon!
nlafavore 1 year ago
The size difference with the leads is interesting, I know they made the original bigger to block grey imports from Japan. So would I be right in guessing that PC Engine controllers are compatible with the US TurboDuo?
(I only own a PC Engine Duo RX, So I wouldn't know :D)
Also are you ever planning on doing something on the Arcade Card Chris?
LarryBundyJr 1 year ago
The controller port issue is pretty annoying. Like ya say Chris, for quick 2 player action it would be so much better to just have 2 ports. What were they thinking? :) Great review though man, well covered! :)
SixTFPS 1 year ago
I was 11 years old in 92, and I remember hearing about the turboduo and other systems like neo-geo or 3DO. They seemed like legends and quite unattainable to get. I had an NES and some of my friends had a Sega Genesis. Very good review as usual!!
gabbogabbo 1 year ago
What game is that on the cover of Turbo Force? He looks like a blue knight holding a sword.
Chipwilliams77 1 year ago
Great overview Chris. You'll have people lining up to get one of these machines! I'd wager the Turbo Duo is the best looking US released NEC console. It even beats the white Japanese Duo-R and RX and blue PC Engine Duo IMO!
futurematt5 1 year ago
My TG-16 came with Neutopia as it's secret bonus pack in game - score!
katsujinken10 1 year ago
Excellent review!! I love the DUO too. I think it has a very sleek n sexy design. Hope to find one soon!!
PhatPhunk 1 year ago
Worked at Toys R US from 92 to 93 and always lusted after the DUO. But like many I just could not justify paying 300 bones for a console, remember I was making 4.50 per hour at the time. Had to settle for playing the in-store demo unit during my breaks. By the late nineties I was working a white collar corp job and so I picked up two DUOs and have been collecting games ever since. Long live the DUO! Great vid, keep them coming.
MightyNostromo 1 year ago
nice one chris !!! :)
love the old school advert for this system ( it was never shown here in ireland , matter of fact , i dont think this console was released here at all ) , but this console really floored the opposition in terms of tech and quality .
it really should have sold better , but nec really didnt do much marketing tbh as i only ever heard of this system through your early vids on youtube.
TheLumberjackass 1 year ago
I missed out on the TurboGrafx line. In my area, I don't even remember seeing them for sale at Child World (the only toy store chain we had locally). The only reason I even knew of the Turbo* name was due to seeing Bonk and the TurboExpress in one of the few GamePros my parents bought me. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't have gotten one. My father was under the belief (and probably still is) that videogames are a waste of time and money and "rot your brain". I envy those of you who got it.
gumbyx84 1 year ago
Comment removed
gumbyx84 1 year ago
Chris, for someone who is very interested in getting into the TurboGrafx scene, what system would you recommend getting? While i know I can easily get a TurboGrafx and, with effort, find a TurboCD, I have yet to see a Super Card for sale online (heck first time i heard about it was watching Extra Episode 3). I know the TurboDuo is rare, but I wonder if that is the only way to get the "complete" TurboGrafx "package".
gumbyx84 1 year ago
I kind of wish I never watched this video. I remember going to EB Games and the TurboDuo taken of the self and sent back to NEC. He said the last two days they had the system they tried to sell the TurboDuo for $50.00 dollars and they could not sell them.
My friend said why you want that System its dead. I said $50.00 and five games that's why.
Great video.
I still to this day wish I could have grabbed a TurboDuo at EB for $50.00
mp4podcastDOTcom 1 year ago
There should have been a bomber man manual to give a hint about the hidden game.
well we got
turbo express
pc engine LT
supergrafx
pc engine shuttle
but he said home so I'm gonna guess turbo express than pc engine LT will be next.
I also think that because happy console gamer already did that latter 2.
hobocamptheater 1 year ago
The Promo video is like a bad Porno, lol
EmmaLovelace 1 year ago
Great system, and great review. I love your hardware reviews.
masonsushi 1 year ago
Thank you for another great video,Chris,and im sorry that you lost some stuff in flood...
metalcoola 1 year ago
I've heard that the original Duos are dying nowadays via some sort of heat issue, which is why I opted for the more expensive Duo-R. Any truth to that?
Awesome video as always Chris!
snowcon3 1 year ago
I really want Duo but ppl always trying Charge 300+ for it on Ebay ;(
AtticusMJ 1 year ago
Chris , as always this is fucking awesome. One of the best shows on youtube :)
tunicaroja86 1 year ago
once again another awesome vid! the turbo duo is my prized system atm even though its mainly for Japaese and american cd games !
vinnieblacklodge 1 year ago
Even though I play all of my games via emulation now, I still treasure my original TurbuDuo which I got on Christmas Day 1992 along with Dragon Slayer, Cosmic Fantasy 2, Exile, and Prince of Persia. Best Christmas ever!
fedorajoe 1 year ago
@fedorajoe the memories are the best ! this system was just a dream back then. only my kool uncle owned tg-16 anything.
vinnieblacklodge 1 year ago
too bad those systems are never released here in europe. not that easy to find here ;)
oxxor77 1 year ago
What an impressive system, too bad the changed the controller ports and still only had one controller socket, if I had one of these babies I'm sure I'd use the headphone jack all the time, I always use headphones when I can. Too bad the TurboDuo never came out in Australia as far as I'm aware, I wish it had. But as far as I know NEC/Hudson didn't release their games system here, if they did they didn't do well.
Lachlant1984 1 year ago
Sorry to hear about the flood damage dude. Yeah, getting all those goodies in the original set was one of the best values I ever seen on a system.
starsoldier1 1 year ago
You have a very good reviewing style. Enjoyed it.
96libertytt 1 year ago
Last time I actually something like this was at Anime Expo 2009, you'd be surprised how much it goes for if I were cross paths with again. Oh but that's not all, I also found a TG-16/Duo console at a store in West LA, along with a few games to boot. Man, that was the only console I actually missed out on during the late 80s/early 90s.
pookieizzy7 1 year ago
wow...the ad for the Turbo power system, thats like the same cheesy graphics you get from the show "Save By The Ball"
KGA7771 1 year ago
@KGA7771 lol im pretty sure those are Amiga computer graphics ;) mby a few years too late but still
vinnieblacklodge 1 year ago
Not the same controller port? What were they thinking!
Bakemon13 1 year ago
Nice review. Turbo Chip + CD = A TurboDuo Wonder
MAMECADE 1 year ago
it looks like Playstation 3
black44a 1 year ago
Can I have yours :P
Commentator9000 1 year ago
You gotta love that Duo. I am glad I got around to buying mine from TZD around 2000-01 or so. They can have bad sound problems, but it is usually an easy fix.
SNKNostalgia 1 year ago
@SNKNostalgia
Mmm I don't know about that SNK. It's pretty risky stuff. If you don't have experience soldering and stuff, you could pull a trace or something. That type of repairs is best left to the teckkies on PCEFX
Chantumon 1 year ago
@Chantumon I actually did the capacitor fix. It really doesn't take much to learn how to solder. It is easier than most other things. Just use the work to melt, don't overdo contact to chip solder legs and use flux. I took electronics vo-tech in high school, which made it even easier for me.
Don't be afraid to try. Practice on a dead VCR or something.
The Duo-R system seems to be the most reliable setup. No bad capacitor problems. It also has slightly better error correction for the CD drive.
SNKNostalgia 1 year ago
Maybe T.T.i should of offered the system alone for like 150 dollars. Still one of the best bundles in the history of videogames.
TheSideshowNick 1 year ago
I've been waiting for this for a LONG time. Thank you!
Commentator9000 1 year ago