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NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: spenoza on March 23, 2011, 05:52:18 AM
Title: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: spenoza on March 23, 2011, 05:52:18 AM
So, while I definitely want to expand my Core with SuperCD capabilities, it occurs to me that there are other hardware arrangements. Those of you currently dabbling in the PCE market, what do you think a solid estimate is for building the following software compatibility setups? Meaning, if someone wants to get into the PCE market, what should their initial outlay be expected to be for the following capabilities? What hardware would you use to accomplish this setup and why? Are there cheaper or more expensive means to do this that are more or less practical? This is primarily only for JPN games, but if you want to explore how adding US games capabilities increases the costs and changes the options available, go ahead.
Hucard only
Hucard + SuperCD
Hucard + ArcadeCD
SGX only
SGX + SuperCD
SGX + ArcadeCD
*edit* Here's the reason I think this is something worth discussing, and periodically revisiting with cost changes. The proliferation of emulators (including Virtual Console) has and will continue, hopefully, to get people interested in the PCE and even original systems. I think visitors might like to have an idea of current cost estimates to get into the hobby at a hardware level. Now, prices, especially on eBay, vary widely, but there's surely some kind of baseline we can establish as to what resources people need to bring to bear to get into this hobby.
Here's my obligatory disclaimer: I used to have a Turbo setup with ACD capabilities and a Kisado, as well as some very nice import games (original Rondo of Blood, bought new in Japan, for example). Many years ago I traded it all to get into Sega Saturn gaming (I couldn't afford a system new and the trade got me set up with a good batch of starting games and equipment). Well, now I have a Core, a single controller, and a few games. I'm just as curious as newbies to see what kind of cash I should expect to have to lay down to expand back into familiar territory.
If there's a better way to approach this than this way, please let me know.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: soop on March 23, 2011, 06:10:40 AM
Prices in GBP:
Hucard only - £40-60, Core Grafx/Core Grafx II
Hucard + SuperCD - ~£120 Duo R/RX
Hucard + ArcadeCD - ~£145 as above with arcade card
SGX only - ~£180
SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX
SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.
I believe this is the cheapest way to do it. The CD-ROM and Super CD-ROM interfaces are generally expensive and come with other equipment, plus the cost of the RAU-30 in the case of the former and the SGX, mean that it's always cheaper to get a whole Duo console.
Duo is left out owing to more stability in R/RX systems.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: nat on March 23, 2011, 12:52:42 PM
That's the best you'll get out of any of the PCE consoles without modding, so are they all lame? Besides, I'll take the LA's composite out and a decent TV any day of the week (twice on Sundays) over squinting at the crappy LCDs (compared to today's tech.) in an LT or Duo Monitor.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: spenoza on March 24, 2011, 05:31:58 AM
It appears that this thread has generated lots of USEFUL advice about the cost of entry to become a PCE fan... THANKS A LOT guys... ; )
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: SuperDeadite on March 24, 2011, 05:54:17 AM
Yes but the real PCE's can be eaisly modded for RGB and it looks amazing. LaserDisks are pure composite video, so you have to use composite with a LaserActive or you can't play the LD games...
LD's look great in composite, normal games, not so much.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: esteban on March 25, 2011, 08:47:49 AM
Be a real man! PCE-LT+CD-ROM2+ROMROM AMP+Virtual Cushion+3D Glasses :) Plus have a SuperGrafx+SuperCD-ROM2+Duo Monitor for the lady.
VIRTUAL CUSHION.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: vestcoat on March 25, 2011, 10:48:30 AM
No one should pay more than $150 for a SGX. Same for the SCD unit. $100-130 for a working PCE Duo or Duo-R sounds OK. $15-25 for an ACD Duo $20-30 for an ACD Pro.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: SaturdayMorningRobots on March 25, 2011, 11:07:00 AM
Does anyone know what the current average yen price for a loose white PC engine with cables and controller is If I were to walk into Super Potato right now? My friend is going to Japan next week and I am considering having him get me one one.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: SuperDeadite on March 25, 2011, 12:42:50 PM
Don't shop at SuperPotato. A white pce can be had anywhere, and everywhere is cheaper then SuperPotato.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: soop on March 25, 2011, 01:56:56 PM
No one should pay more than $150 for a SGX. Same for the SCD unit. $100-130 for a working PCE Duo or Duo-R sounds OK. $15-25 for an ACD Duo $20-30 for an ACD Pro.
I picked up my SGX for £84 boxed, but shipping is about £40. Remember, my prices are in £, not $
White PCE is about 3000 yn in hard off iirc
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: SaturdayMorningRobots on March 25, 2011, 04:36:00 PM
A loose pce in Japan costs 1,000yen max. Only spend more if you want one minty or boxed.
Checked through my mail,, and this is what my friend got for me while he was in Tokyo: PC Engine For 4500 yen and Core Grafx II for 5000 yen. Also Bomberman 94 840 yen and Axelay 1500 yen
And I think that was some of the cheaper ones.
Ah, here's why I thought it was 3000, this is the first list he got me:
pc-fx (large ish tower) 6 - 10000 cd(big one) 5 - 6000 yen duo 9 - 10000 yen duo r 10000 yen duo rx 12000 yen core graphic II 6-7000 yen core graphic 3000 yen
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: SuperDeadite on March 26, 2011, 12:11:12 AM
Sounds like boxed prices too me. I found a SuperGrafx (loose, but all cables) for 1,700yen. A very lucky find for sure, but considering that, I'd never spend more then 500yen on a loose white pce and you really shouldn't have to.
Title: Re: The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system
Post by: soop on March 26, 2011, 01:24:52 AM
Sounds like boxed prices too me. I found a SuperGrafx (loose, but all cables) for 1,700yen. A very lucky find for sure, but considering that, I'd never spend more then 500yen on a loose white pce and you really shouldn't have to.
Wow, that is a bargain. But I can't see them going for 500.
Although... years ago, NESs were really cheap. I ended up ith 3, because I'd see one for £1.50, and just buy it. Now I don't know where they all are and I want anotehr one, and I haven't seen one for less than £20.
Could be a similar thing with PCEs. Gone from being obsolete junk to retro collectors items.