Obscure PC Engine hardware

[Psycho Punch]

Yeah I didn't notice the START and B A labels... I don't know what to think about the Sodipeng controller, it has a cool design but it looks cheap at the same time.

[NecroPhile]

Stupid Frenchies.  What button do you press to deploy the white flag?

[mickcris]

I wonder if they designed that for the NES and then just didn't bother to change it

[esteban]

I never knew about the Sodipeng controllers and multitap.. Pretty neat.

[deubeul]

Sodipeng distributed The PcE in France (PcE, CgX1, SGX, CD-rom², GT, Duo and Duo-R, and maybe the SCD but I'm frankly not sure about this one), but it wasn't an official importation (Nec even published a disclaimer in french vidogames magazine because peoples were calling them for after sale services)

That's why the prices were pretty high at the beginning, Sodipeng bought consoles in HK, RGB modded them for 100% compatibility with (fucking) SECAM TVs, added a 220V french plug AC adapter, and had to make their profit margin after all that.

The Sodipad and Soditap were Sodipeng's own cheap accessories manufactured without Nec's agreement,  wich only purpose was to shortcut the HK seller.

But Shubibiman could talk about this better than me, he made a great investigation on Sodipeng for the Vol2 of "La bible Pc Engine". And he's better than me in English.

[esteban]

Sodipeng distributed The PcE in France (PcE, CgX1, SGX, CD-rom², GT, Duo and Duo-R, and maybe the SCD but I'm frankly not sure about this one), but it wasn't an official importation (Nec even published a disclaimer in french vidogames magazine because peoples were calling them for after sale services)

That's why the prices were pretty high at the beginning, Sodipeng bought consoles in HK, RGB modded them for 100% compatibility with (fucking) SECAM TVs, added a 220V french plug AC adapter, and had to make their profit margin after all that.

The Sodipad and Soditap were Sodipeng's own cheap accessories manufactured without Nec's agreement,  wich only purpose was to shortcut the HK seller.

But Shubibiman could talk about this better than me, he made a great investigation on Sodipeng for the Vol2 of "La bible Pc Engine". And he's better than me in English.

Thank you

Who were the key people running Sodipeng? Have there been any interviews with them?

It is fascinating.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I forgot to take a picture.  I'll try and remember when I get home.   I'm kind of lazy about cameras.

[xcrement5x]

Thanks for the pics henrycsc, and that poster you did is great although its the items not on there that I really would love to see... the stuff that didn't really get sold in great volumes or no-one has really seen before.

I have been trying to track down some of the PC Engine hardware that was released in France, so far all I have manage to find is a boxed controller...

That pad has a crazy amount of "ribbing" bas-relief (for lack of a better term for all the ridges in the mold).

Tell me more about this controller!

Was it a generic controller, or specifically for PCE?

Was it just a branded version of a third-party (or Chinese) PCE pad?

I've been told that ladies like ribbing on products. 

Arkhan would know though

[shonenx]

i love how many controllers and sticks came out for the PCE but not much else in 3rd party accessories. So weird.

[Arkhan Asylum]

The picture was boring.  It's just a box.  So, I fixed it.





Fuck yeah Valis/FF crossover bestiality finisher mode.

[esteban]

Is that cat litter?

[elmer]

Here's something that I picked up in the 90s. I don't know if it's rare or not, but I've never seen another one ...

Arcade Stick: Multi-System Joystick

Compatible With These Systems Worldwide:

• Sega Genesis
• Sega MegaDrive
• Super Nintendo
• Super Famicom
• Turbo Duo
• PC Engine
• Neo Geo

[imparanoic]

Here's something that I picked up in the 90s. I don't know if it's rare or not, but I've never seen another one ...

Arcade Stick: Multi-System Joystick

Compatible With These Systems Worldwide:

• Sega Genesis
• Sega MegaDrive
• Super Nintendo
• Super Famicom
• Turbo Duo
• PC Engine
• Neo Geo

not really rare ( various clones with different names, Apollo, city boy, joystick boy, etc) , Chinese made, probably hong kong designed, poorly constructed and prone to breakages, not expensive either, probably in the region of US$15-20 here

http://www.use.com/ed748ec649ab659e9615#photo=1

https://hk.f1.page.auctions.yahoo.com/hk/auction/1139570286

if you want a decent multi usage joystick, (genesis, snes and pc engine) Hori Multi is the best, but it's rarity means prices are not cheap expect US$80-100

[xcrement5x]

Here's something that I picked up in the 90s. I don't know if it's rare or not, but I've never seen another one ...

Arcade Stick: Multi-System Joystick

Compatible With These Systems Worldwide:

• Sega Genesis
• Sega MegaDrive
• Super Nintendo
• Super Famicom
• Turbo Duo
• PC Engine
• Neo Geo

I've got one of these actually.  A couple years ago someone had a NOS bundle of them on Amazon and I picked it up for about $50 shipped I think.  It was damaged in shipping though so I got some cash back on it if I remember right. 

[elmer]

I've got one of these actually.  A couple years ago someone had a NOS bundle of them on Amazon and I picked it up for about $50 shipped I think.  It was damaged in shipping though so I got some cash back on it if I remember right. 

Cool ... I had no idea that they were available beyond the 90s. The Apollo that imparanoic mentions is slightly different ... possibly a newer version that's produced in mainland China.

The old Innovision stick says "Feng Kuan" ... and the only mention that I can find of that name traces back to a Taiwanese company.

[xcrement5x]

I've got one of these actually.  A couple years ago someone had a NOS bundle of them on Amazon and I picked it up for about $50 shipped I think.  It was damaged in shipping though so I got some cash back on it if I remember right. 

Cool ... I had no idea that they were available beyond the 90s. The Apollo that imparanoic mentions is slightly different ... possibly a newer version that's produced in mainland China.

The old Innovision stick says "Feng Kuan" ... and the only mention that I can find of that name traces back to a Taiwanese company.

Did you get an instruction sheet with yours?  Supposedly some had them packed in but mine did not.

[elmer]

Did you get an instruction sheet with yours?  Supposedly some had them packed in but mine did not.

Sure ... it's mostly warranty information, which is useless ... but there are also some english instructions.

Code Select Expand

Innovision Arcade Stick Instructions

The FK-2 Module has three positions: Off, Slow, Rapid Fire.
  Slow: Enables slow motion mode.
  Rapid Fire: Turns all buttons into rapid fire buttons.

Genesis
  1) Connect the FK-2 Module to the Arcade Stick.
  2) Connect the Genesis cable to the FK-2 Module.
  3) Connect the other end of the Genesis cable to the Genesis controller port.
     For three button games put the FK-2 Module's side switch in the PC E/2A position.
     For six button games put the FK-2 Module's side switch in the BB position.

Super Nintendo
  1) Connect the FK-2 Module to the Arcade Stick.
  2) Connect the SNES cable to the FK-2 Module.
  3) Connect the other end of the SNES cable to the SNES controller port.
     Put the FK-2 Module's side switch in the BB position.

PC Engine/Turbo Duo
  1) Connect the FK-2 Module to the Arcade Stick.
  2) Connect the PC Engine/Turbo Duo cable to the FK-2 Module.
  3) Connect the other end of the PC Engine cable to the PC Engine controller port.
     Put the FK-2 Module's side switch in the PC E/2A position.

Neo Geo
  1) Warning: do not use the FK-2 Module with the Neo Geo or the Arcade Stick will not function properly.
  2) Connect the Neo Geo cable directly to the Arcade Stick.
  3) Connect the other end of the Neo Geo cable to the Neo Geo controller port.


[NecroPhile]

Ha!  Stay classy, Ark.

[Gentlegamer]

Arkhan was the kid who made the GI Joe figures molest Baroness.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Arkhan was the kid who made the GI Joe figures molest Baroness.

No, I setup elaborate kidnap/sex/assault scenes with them and my sister's Barbies.

one time I had Duke bending her over the Barbie Jeep while Grunt held a knife to Kens throat.

MC Hammer was high fiving Duke while he was doing this.

I was like 8.   I left it out for my sister to see when she came home from whatever.

lol


Sometimes, Jurassic Park/Primal Rage dinosaurs were involved. 


TOTALLY NORMAL.

[Gredler]

if you want a decent multi usage joystick, (genesis, snes and pc engine) Hori Multi is the best, but it's rarity means prices are not cheap expect US$80-100

Is this the one you are referring to? http://www.ebay.com/itm/PC-Engine-Fighting-Stick-Multi-Controller-Hori-H3J-07-PCE-JAPAN-Video-Game-1604-/361054478923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541086224b

I will want to get a PCE/TG-16 arcade stick eventually. Is that what I should be hunting for? It would be nice to acclimate to the same stick for multiple systems. I have the standard/mainstream sticks for the other systems (advantage, super advantage, sega 3 button arcade stick, virtua stick).

[imparanoic]

if you want a decent multi usage joystick, (genesis, snes and pc engine) Hori Multi is the best, but it's rarity means prices are not cheap expect US$80-100

Is this the one you are referring to? http://www.ebay.com/itm/PC-Engine-Fighting-Stick-Multi-Controller-Hori-H3J-07-PCE-JAPAN-Video-Game-1604-/361054478923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541086224b

I will want to get a PCE/TG-16 arcade stick eventually. Is that what I should be hunting for? It would be nice to acclimate to the same stick for multiple systems. I have the standard/mainstream sticks for the other systems (advantage, super advantage, sega 3 button arcade stick, virtua stick).

yes, hori makes the best joysticks , make sure the hori multi has all of the snes and genesis/md cables to justify it's high price

2nd best is the micromsoft ( same make as the xrgb series) joysticks

[elmer]

yes, hori makes the best joysticks , make sure the hori multi has all of the snes and genesis/md cables to justify it's high price

2nd best is the micromsoft ( same make as the xrgb series) joysticks

That's a very nice looking joystick 

But the Fighting Stick Multi doesn't have the greatest of reputations for a Hori stick ...

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5140.msg34271#msg34271

One of the nice things about the Innovision "Feng Kuan" stick is that you can just ignore the joypad itself and hook up the pce/snes/genesis/neo-geo controller box to any set of arcade-quality buttons and stick and so create your own high-quality multi-system pad.

I got a Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 in a sale years ago that's still waiting for me to do that conversion.

[Gredler]

yes, hori makes the best joysticks , make sure the hori multi has all of the snes and genesis/md cables to justify it's high price
2nd best is the micromsoft ( same make as the xrgb series) joysticks

That's a very nice looking joystick 

But the Fighting Stick Multi doesn't have the greatest of reputations for a Hori stick ...

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5140.msg34271#msg34271

One of the nice things about the Innovision "Feng Kuan" stick is that you can just ignore the joypad itself and hook up the pce/snes/genesis/neo-geo controller box to any set of arcade-quality buttons and stick and so create your own high-quality multi-system pad.

I got a Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 in a sale years ago that's still waiting for me to do that conversion.

This makes me wonder. As a casual player, not familiar with high end sticks, should I go with one of these third party sticks, or just find a turbo stick and use advantage/super advantage on other systems.. I can't find the hori multi stick online anywhere, except for the link I posted above with is 70$ with only Duo Cord ( no cords for other platforms), and looks beat up.


Pretty interesting video here comparing the sticks:

Well, after researching this a bit and finding one for 30$ on amazon, I picked up a PS1 Namco stick. I am now going to hunt for the adapter to hook it up to pce/tg16. I dont have a stick for ps1/2 so I figured why not I might as well give it a shot. Sorry if this was a threadjack, if I had some obscure pce hardware to share I would, and any further info I want to discuss on the "best noob option for a arcade stick" will be put in a separate thread!

[elmer]

Well, after researching this a bit and finding one for 30$ on amazon, I picked up a PS1 Namco stick. I am now going to hunt for the adapter to hook it up to pce/tg16. I dont have a stick for ps1/2 so I figured why not I might as well give it a shot.

Looking at the video that you posted, the PS1 Namco Stick's buttons are soldered into the PCB ... so modifying it internally for the PCE would be a pretty major job.

A much easier solution that lets you use the stick on both the PS1 and the PCE is TotoTek's converter.

http://www.tototek.com/pio/main1/SUBMENU/PARTS/LINKS/OS/pceclassicconverter.htm

[Flare65]

I found these two joysticks on ebay two years ago.  Never seen them before or since then.  They are brand new, but the boxes on both show some shelf wear.  They say PC Engine on them and have the Japanese style controller plug, but the company address is based in NY.

Anyone seen these before?

[LostFlunky]

If that picture is correct, you become some kind of infrared device yourself if you own that stick. 

"No wires! Just point and gape!"

Notice how no-one is playing the game yet it is generating enough excitement to give grandpa a heart attack inducing boner.

[NecroPhile]

So confusing.  The box says it's Explorer II, but the controller and the inside flap says it's Explorer I; it looks like it's wired, yet the box says it's infrared; and it's shown with a NES instead of a PCE.  Speaking of it being for PCE, why is an american company (US address anyway) marketing stuff for the PCE instead of the Turbob?

[esteban]

So confusing.  The box says it's Explorer II, but the controller and the inside flap says it's Explorer I; it looks like it's wired, yet the box says it's infrared; and it's shown with a NES instead of a PCE.  Speaking of it being for PCE, why is an american company (US address anyway) marketing stuff for the PCE instead of the Turbob?

Hahahahahshashs.

It is an enigma.


More importantly, though, is the build quality. It doesn't strike me as a particularly stalwart joystick, but I could be wrong.

See, I won't be jealous if the build quality is mediocre.

BUT I AM JEALOUS OF THE BOX! For all the reasons pointed out already, that box really is entertaining.

I'm serious.

[esteban]

UPDATE: Upon further reflection, I realize that I actually am jealous of the Honyu joystick. I know this is sad, but if I could have 1/10 of the fun pictured on the box, I would use the damn joystick. I looked at the pictures of the actual controller again, and suddenly I found myself saying, "Actually, it would be fun to use that damn thing."

[schweaty]

the picture on the box doesnt even have a PCE next to the TV.  its a damn NES

[Gentlegamer]

I think that box image will make for a great new OBEY poster.

Edit: but it's for NES blah

[Flare65]

More importantly, though, is the build quality. It doesn't strike me as a particularly stalwart joystick, but I could be wrong.

BUT I AM JEALOUS OF THE BOX! For all the reasons pointed out already, that box really is entertaining.

I'm serious.

I would say that the build quality is on par with the NES Advantage stick.  Its solid and I think the base is metal.  It feels like a higher quality than the Turbo stick.

The box shows an NES....but the front shows the PC Engine logo.  Not sure what they were smoking......

[esteban]

More importantly, though, is the build quality. It doesn't strike me as a particularly stalwart joystick, but I could be wrong.

BUT I AM JEALOUS OF THE BOX! For all the reasons pointed out already, that box really is entertaining.

I'm serious.

I would say that the build quality is on par with the NES Advantage stick.  Its solid and I think the base is metal.  It feels like a higher quality than the Turbo stick.

The box shows an NES....but the front shows the PC Engine logo.  Not sure what they were smoking......

NES ADVANTAGE was nice, the TurboStick was a light piece of crap.

I am impressed and even more jealous now!

The company clearly saved money by keeping the same photo for SEGA, Nintendo and NEC versions...

[Warhol]

Stupid Frenchies.  What button do you press to deploy the white flag?

I thought this kind of jokes were finished in the US in 2003 ..
Which brain button must be pressed to really stop it? 

[NecroPhile]

I thought this kind of jokes were finished in the US in 2003 ..
Which brain button must be pressed to really stop it? 

I'll stop hating the worthless French government (some of the citizens are cool) as soon as they can be grateful to the US for giving them back their country.  Until then, screw 'em.

[ccovell]

UK involvement in WWII in Europe: 67 months.
Canada's involvement in WWII in Europe: 67 months.
Australia's involvement in WWII in Europe: 67 months.
etc...

U.S. involvement in WWII in Europe: 40 months.

[elmer]

I'll stop hating the worthless French government (some of the citizens are cool) as soon as they can be grateful to the US for giving them back their country.  Until then, screw 'em.

Maybe they figure that it was payback for France helping the US get a country in the first place. 

[Warhol]

I'll stop hating the worthless French government (some of the citizens are cool) as soon as they can be grateful to the US for giving them back their country.  Until then, screw 'em.

How many times have you come to France?
Because you seem to know very badly the people of France.

Our History programs (in France, it is an important school subject) remind, even today (70 years later), how the United States has been important to defeat Nazism.
Every 5 years, we celebrate our liberation by remembering the importance of our allies in this victory.
And you, how many times do you celebrate Lafayette? Without him (and the help of France), you would still be in the Commonwealth?
How many times do you celebrate the Enlightenment philosophers, who have largely inspired your Constitution?
How many times do you celebrate Victor Schœlcher, who showed you the example of a society without slavery, without segregation?

In fact, are you sure to hate the French for the right reasons? 

Ok, we've seen, before you, that George W Bush was a moron, but we don't need to be blamed for that ..   

[NecroPhile]

U.S. involvement in WWII in Europe: 40 months.

Because the US wasn't providing supplies, training, or pilots to the UK before December '41, right?

Maybe they figure that it was payback for France helping the US get a country in the first place. 

Heh, that could be. 

In fact, are you sure to hate the French for the right reasons? 

France pulled out of NATO and kicked the US out, forcing us to abandon billions in equipment and facilities.  That's the only reason I need, really, but the Peugeots they brought over here didn't help.

[xcrement5x]

Yeah, that hanyu stick looks like they took an NES advantage shell and started making tweaks to it.  I also love that photo on the back of the box, If you can get a HR scan there someone (Nulltard) should Photoshop a Duo or something in place of that horrible toaster.  Someone needs to figure out what the picture on the screen is though!

[Warhol]

France pulled out of NATO and kicked the US out, forcing us to abandon billions in equipment and facilities.  That's the only reason I need, really, but the Peugeots they brought over here didn't help.

Ridiculous arguments .. 

[Gredler]

France pulled out of NATO and kicked the US out, forcing us to abandon billions in equipment and facilities.  That's the only reason I need, really, but the Peugeots they brought over here didn't help.

Ridiculous arguments .. 

Mod vs a fellow new guy, who will win the political debate in the thread about obscure hardware pce hardware!

In all honesty, this thread started so interesting, I'd love to see what other odd things pop up. Have you played with the PCE Advantage? The buttons look rounded, maybe they don't get stuck all the time like my US NES Advantage


Murica!

[NecroPhile]

Ridiculous arguments .. 

Heh, you can add yourself to the list of reasons to hate the French.

In all honesty, this thread started so interesting, I'd love to see what other odd things pop up. Have you played with the PCE Advantage? The buttons look rounded, maybe they don't get stuck all the time like my US NES Advantage

You mean the ASCII stick?  I've not tried one, but it's gotta be better than my turdy freedom stick and I dig the black and neon green color scheme.

[Warhol]

Ridiculous arguments .. 

Heh, you can add yourself to the list of reasons to hate the French.

And you can add yourself to the list of evidences about the world famous cliché: "Americans are stupid and uncultured"   

[rcantor77]

I found these two joysticks on ebay two years ago.  Never seen them before or since then.  They are brand new, but the boxes on both show some shelf wear.  They say PC Engine on them and have the Japanese style controller plug, but the company address is based in NY.

Anyone seen these before?

Great looking sticks, thanks for sharing.

If you ever fancy selling then please let me know as I would love for my stick collection.

[rcantor77]

Has anyone seen this controller before...



Just picked it up... it has a built in multitap, a 4/8 switch and it is programmable. Although I don't have instructions atm so still trying to figure that bit out...

[geise]

That is awesome.  How is the d-pad on it?

[GreatBlue Swirlof99]

Ridiculous arguments .. 

Heh, you can add yourself to the list of reasons to hate the French.

And you can add yourself to the list of evidences about the world famous cliché: "Americans are stupid and uncultured"   

Just for a fact I know the French aren't cool(well I live 10 minutes to the border) they are also really rude and bad drivers (next time I'll count the amount of French cars on the side of the road in an accident)! But they're some exceptions!

[SephirothTNH]

Has anyone seen this controller before...



Just picked it up... it has a built in multitap, a 4/8 switch and it is programmable. Although I don't have instructions atm so still trying to figure that bit out...

This is for pc-98.  You plug it into your computer's keyboard port and then plug your keyboard into the other side of the controller plug.  Then you can program the keys on the gamepad to any keyboard keys.  I really do want to pick one of those up for my PC-9821CE.