Turbografx-16/Turbo Duo Collecting Reference

[RoyVegas]

I learned a little html and put together this site to try to be a descent reference for TG-16 and Duo games.  I know its pretty plain but it should serve it's purpose.  I plan on keeping it updated as I get new stuff.  If you find any errors or issues with the site just send me a PM and I'll get them fixed.  There's no ads or any crap like that, just purely a reference to help those of us who are collectors/players.  Hope it can be of use.

www.turbocollector.com

[shubibiman]

Great job, Roy!

[Emerald Rocker]

How is this site intended to help me?  Serious question.

[RoyVegas]

How is this site intended to help me?  Serious question.

Fair enough question.  Some people may not find it useful at all, where others might.  My thoughts were mainly on the collectors side.  When I started putting my collection together I realized there were alot of things that I was missing.  For instance I didn't know when I started that there were different versions of Ys I&II or what the differences between the two were, nor did I know there was a map for the retail version.  I didn't know there were two different versions of Champions Forever Boxing, the red and black versions.  It shows which games came with box & plastic insert vs. which games came with  boxes and jewel case.  It answers alot of questions that people may wonder as a collector.  It may not be helpful to people who know all of these things already however it would be helpful to people who would like a picture reference so they don't buy a game thinking its complete just to find out it's not.  I know myself as well as others have purchased a game thinking it's complete just to find out something was missing. 

Some people like loosies, where other people prefer to have as complete a collection as possible.  Hope that sheds some light on my intentions.

[Emerald Rocker]

Very interesting -- I see your point.  It's to help establish "100% genuine accuracy".  However, what if you buy something on eBay and the previous owner swapped the plastic insert out with a jewel case, or vice versa?  Also, you aren't mentioning which games came with "Turbo Gear" advertisements and stuff like that, which would be very important.  To be sure, I think you'll need to purchase your games new/shrink-wrapped.  Otherwise, unscrupulous sellers could pull a bait-and-switch with the insides.

[RoyVegas]

However, what if you buy something on eBay and the previous owner swapped the plastic insert out with a jewel case, or vice versa? 

It does say which games came with plastic inserts and which came with jewel cases.

Also, you aren't mentioning which games came with "Turbo Gear" advertisements and stuff like that, which would be very important.  To be sure, I think you'll need to purchase your games new/shrink-wrapped.  Otherwise, unscrupulous sellers could pull a bait-and-switch with the insides.

I can't say that I plan on buying them all new/sealed just to open them to see what advertisements were inside.  I can happily add a disclaimer to the top of the site stating that the site does not show what advertisements were included in the original packaging if you feel that it's necessary.

[Emerald Rocker]

Your site says that Bomberman 93 came with a plastic insert.  However, it actually did come with a case.  When you bought the game, the seller swapped it out (probably to keep the case for himself).

So, your page is wrong.  And it could be wrong again in the future, since it's dependent on honest sellers.  Which is why to REALLY know for sure, you'd have to buy everything new.

[hoobs88]

Nice job Roy! I did something similar by compiling a spreadsheet checklist which included details of what extras were included with each title thereby making them "complete".

[RoyVegas]

Your site says that Bomberman 93 came with a plastic insert.  However, it actually did come with a case.  When you bought the game, the seller swapped it out (probably to keep the case for himself).

So, your page is wrong.  And it could be wrong again in the future, since it's dependent on honest sellers.  Which is why to REALLY know for sure, you'd have to buy everything new.

The research I have done depends not on the honesty of the sellers but the knowledge of the people on these forums.  Here is where I found the info on the games with inserts vs. cased games.  With the knowledge of the people on these forums and noone disagreeing with the fact that it came with a plastic insert (other than yourself) I believe it to be true.

My site definately could be wrong or missing something, that's why I said if you find any errors please let me know.

[Emerald Rocker]

Some of the games on that list had multiple versions, though.  And even though most of it is right, it's still unconfirmed hearsay.

If the information is already common knowledge, then how is your site supposed to help?  Serious question.

[RoyVegas]

Some of the games on that list had multiple versions, though.  And even though most of it is right, it's still unconfirmed hearsay.

Even if I were to buy every game sealed and open them and post the results it would still be unconfirmed hearsay since noone was here to verify the results with me.   If there was someone with me, the game could be a very good reseal which would also make the results of opening sealed games invalid.  I trust the people on these forums, if they say it came with a plastic insert I believe them.

If the information is already common knowledge, then how is your site supposed to help?  Serious question.

The information may be common to some people and not common to others.  If the site helps even one person with their collection then it was worth the work.

[Emerald Rocker]

Okay, so you're saying that we shouldn't trust your word.  I was giving you more credit than that, but I stand corrected.

Anyway -- instead of making a new site that's hard to find, why not just direct information-seekers to the forum thread?  It seems to me that the real purpose of the site is less to provide new information, and more to show off pictures of your collection.

[RoyVegas]

Okay, so you're saying that we shouldn't trust your word.  I was giving you more credit than that, but I stand corrected.

Anyway -- instead of making a new site that's hard to find, why not just direct information-seekers to the forum thread?  It seems to me that the real purpose of the site is less to provide new information, and more to show off pictures of your collection.

Sorry you feel that way.  The site isn't meant to provide NEW information, it's meant to compile information for an easier reference (with pictures) then searching for games one by one on the forums.  Sorry you don't find it useful but some people might.

[Emerald Rocker]

Why would people need to search for games one-by-one?  They're all listed in the thread you linked.  It's a lot easier to read a list without the huge pictures, plus the forum list happens to be connected to... a forum and... a website... both of which contain a ton of other information.

[RoyVegas]

Why would people need to search for games one-by-one?  They're all listed in the thread you linked.  It's a lot easier to read a list without the huge pictures, plus the forum list happens to be connected to... a forum and... a website... both of which contain a ton of other information.

It isn't just about cased vs. plastic insert games.  It's to show games with maps, notes, inserts, games that came just with a case vs. boxed, variations and things of that nature all in one easy place.  If you don't find it useful then by all means don't go there, it's not like I gain anything by anyone going or not going.  You've made your point, you don't find it useful for yourself.

[Emerald Rocker]

But you already said you aren't documenting all the inserts.  You even said you were going to add a note to the top saying your page doesn't have all of that information.

I was going to point out more contradictions in your statements, but then I remembered that the entire purpose of your site is to show off your collection.  In other words, you don't care if it's helpful or not (by the way -- it's not).  You're trying to pretend it's a public service so that it doesn't look so self-serving.

I guess when people spend so much money on US Turbo games to build an instant collection, they really want to show it off.  You own The Addams Family -- color me impressed!  You are clearly a True Turbo Fan.

[RoyVegas]

But you already said you aren't documenting all the inserts. 

When I said inserts I meant things like the investigation notes from J.B. Harold, the play sheet for John Madden Duo CD Football and the Keith Courage comic.  Like I said, if you don't find it useful then don't use it.

[Windancer]

Your site says that Bomberman 93 came with a plastic insert.  However, it actually did come with a case.  When you bought the game, the seller swapped it out (probably to keep the case for himself).


So, your page is wrong.  And it could be wrong again in the future, since it's dependent on honest sellers.  Which is why to REALLY know for sure, you'd have to buy everything new.

No actually you are wrong. Bomberman 93 did in fact come with a plastic insert not a jewel case.

BTW Roy Great Job on the website nice big pics and short explanations good stuff

[Windancer]

But you already said you aren't documenting all the inserts.  You even said you were going to add a note to the top saying your page doesn't have all of that information.

I was going to point out more contradictions in your statements, but then I remembered that the entire purpose of your site is to show off your collection.  In other words, you don't care if it's helpful or not (by the way -- it's not).  You're trying to pretend it's a public service so that it doesn't look so self-serving.

I guess when people spend so much money on US Turbo games to build an instant collection, they really want to show it off.  You own The Addams Family -- color me impressed!  You are clearly a True Turbo Fan.

But you already said you aren't documenting all the inserts.  You even said you were going to add a note to the top saying your page doesn't have all of that information.

I was going to point out more contradictions in your statements, but then I remembered that the entire purpose of your site is to show off your collection.  In other words, you don't care if it's helpful or not (by the way -- it's not).  You're trying to pretend it's a public service so that it doesn't look so self-serving.

I guess when people spend so much money on US Turbo games to build an instant collection, they really want to show it off.  You own The Addams Family -- color me impressed!  You are clearly a True Turbo Fan.

Well I do know for a fact that Roy is a true Turbofan we have got together a few times with Oldskool played some turbo for hours and enjoyed his mini arcade. Goodness over at Roys House . All I can say is awesome! We did a gang beating on keith courage and played some dungeon explorer II and some Cadash. I say we go through Adams Family next time we get together ahh its nice to have some turbo friends living so close

[Sparky]

It seems to me that the real purpose of the site is less to provide new information, and more to show off pictures of your collection.

ya thats what i got out of it as well...but hey some people may find it useful.
But i think a good idea is there, a collecting/gaming reference page on here would be a good service....  just say'n

[geddon_jt]

Jeez, so much hostility. I, for one, enjoy looking at the high res pics of these games. Nice job, Roy.

[TheClash603]

Jeez, so much hostility. I, for one, enjoy looking at the high res pics of these games. Nice job, Roy.

I concur!  I am missing quite a few pieces in my collection, and this website is helpful for me to see what I am missing.  Thanks!

[MrFulci]

....  Also, you aren't mentioning which games came with "Turbo Gear" advertisements and stuff like that, which would be very important.  To be sure, I think you'll need to purchase your games new/shrink-wrapped.  Otherwise, unscrupulous sellers could pull a bait-and-switch with the insides.

Funny story about those Turbo Gear ads. i once had 2 sealed copies of Super Star Soldier. One was open for years, I kept the box and what was inside it, a turbo gear advert. Later, i sold my open copy, and opened my still shrinkwrapped 2nd copy to keep as my own. I recall noticing that one included a different advert inside, the single sheet adverts. Always thought it was funny, both new copies, bought from TZD years ago, and different adverts in each one.

[jperryss]

Could I make a suggestion? Maybe make the front page a list of links to the individual games (or at least the first letter) instead of loading up all 150 of them at once? Two benefits with that:

-It saves A LOT of bandwidth.
-It makes it possible for someone to provide a link to a specific game (ie, wanting to show someone the contents of a certain game) w/o resorting to hotlinking).

[RoyVegas]

Could I make a suggestion? Maybe make the front page a list of links to the individual games (or at least the first letter) instead of loading up all 150 of them at once? Two benefits with that:

-It saves A LOT of bandwidth.
-It makes it possible for someone to provide a link to a specific game (ie, wanting to show someone the contents of a certain game) w/o resorting to hotlinking).

I found out how to do this and changed the format of the whole site.  Granted the front page is EXTREMELY plain right now but its all up and working like you asked.  You can also click on a picture if you wish to link one directly.  Thanks for the input!

[turbofan1]

Pretty cool site.Your collection looks pretty accurate to me.Don`t no why Emerald Rocker giving you such A hard time.I think I`d hit the ignore button.

[NecroPhile]

Interesting site, but I have a few suggestions:

-  You shouldn't show cases for those that didn't have 'em.  Sure, people can read that they're reproductions, but that's too much work for some people and others might not be able to understand English very well.  Perhaps you could add a note on the home page and link to a separate page for reproduction cases with where to find empty cases, how to make labels, etc.

-  It'd be more user friendly if you had an alphabetical listing of every title on the homepage along with a thumbnail of the manual (or box).  Either that, or make a site map out of Mr. Nanto's poster and post it above the alphabetical links on the homepage.

-  Champions Forever Boxing should mention that the other version was red (and provide a pic if someone can oblige).

-  Bonk's Adventure came with a sheet of stickers.

-  Hudson's CD Game Music Collection '93 is not complete, as you're missing the single page front cover

-  Retail Ys I & II is not complete, as you're missing the box.

You're trying to pretend it's a public service so that it doesn't look so self-serving.

Maybe Roy is showing off a little bit, but who gives a shit?  There's still some pretty useful information to be had there, and I don't see your bitching as being a service to the community in any way, big or small.  Tell ya what, chief: Roy's site does indeed suck and has been scheduled for deletion by the interwebz godz, you are totally awesome, and you are now free to move on with your life. 

I think I`d hit the ignore button.

"Ignore" is for weenies. 

[RoyVegas]

Interesting site, but I have a few suggestions:

-  You shouldn't show cases for those that didn't have 'em.  Sure, people can read that they're reproductions, but that's too much work for some people and others might not be able to understand English very well.  Perhaps you could add a note on the home page and link to a separate page for reproduction cases with where to find empty cases, how to make labels, etc.

I was planning on just removing the pictures with the cases as I got the proper packaging.  I can take some more pics without the cases and correct that soon so it's more accurate for the time being.

Interesting site, but I have a few suggestions:

-  It'd be more user friendly if you had an alphabetical listing of every title on the homepage along with a thumbnail of the manual (or box).  Either that, or make a site map out of Mr. Nanto's poster and post it above the alphabetical links on the homepage.

An alphabetical listing I can do.  As for the thumbnails, I'll have to check into how to do that, please remember html is all new to me.

Interesting site, but I have a few suggestions:

-  Champions Forever Boxing should mention that the other version was red (and provide a pic if someone can oblige).

-  Bonk's Adventure came with a sheet of stickers.

-  Hudson's CD Game Music Collection '93 is not complete, as you're missing the single page front cover

-  Retail Ys I & II is not complete, as you're missing the box.

The red version of Champions Forever is in the mail and due to arrive any day.  Once it does I'll get it up there.

Nice catch on the Bonk stickers, I'll note it on there.

I think I will be removing the CD music collection disc from the list as its not a game.  Maybe I will make a misc. section eventually showing it.

I'll get the Ys I&II box issue fixed.

I'll get to work on this stuff tonight when I get off work.  Thanks for taking the time to find the issues and post.

[SignOfZeta]

Even though I'm "anti-collector" (or whatever) and I don't do US versions of PCE games, I still don't get all the hate from the green one.

I think the idea of documenting inserts (real inserts, like maps, not useless shit like reply cards and ads for Turbo merch that are more or less the same from game to game) is a very good one. The best way to get this capability into the hands of the common user though, IMO, is to ask the guys at PCEDaisakusen to add some sort of feature to accommodate it. That site is fucking awesome, IMO, and I'm sure they would be interesting in adding some extra check boxes or something to their database. I suggested the "this game completed" thing and they added it in a few days. PCE games came with even more free crap than US ones, and I still wonder about some of it. Did all copies of Yuna 2 come with that cool foil sticker, or just the first run? People ask about Tengai 1 once in a while. Exactly what came with each version, etc. What RPGs came with maps and charts, that kind of thing.

[EDIT] I spoke/wrote too soon. Now that I've actually looked at the site, and I'm remembering who RoyVegas actually is (high rolling Fantasy Island guest star, multiple copies of overpriced games that have never been played, etc) I can see where Emerald Rocker was coming from. This pretty much does look like a "brag" site, and while the argument that people would like to know what exactly comes with every game is totally valid, I think the best way to make that info usable is, as I said, to work with PCED to work it into their site which already catalogs almost everything valid already and is much more useful in general. Also, it doesn't make we want to puke my fucking guts out, even though the guys that run that site have collections just as ridiculous, so that's something there. Also, when Roy eventually sells off his collection Crazy Dion style (as nearly all megacollectors eventually do) what will become of the site? I think PCED is here to stay...or at least as "here to stay" as anything on the internet can be.

[RoyVegas]

Added a bunch more boxes today.  I got them this afternoon and opened each box.  When I opened the Impossamole box it had a set of Impossamole stickers in it.  Never seen them before, their pretty cool.  I also noticed that on the Tale Spin box was a sticker that said "Free Poster Inside".  Does anyone ever recall seeing a poster that came with Tale Spin?

[Zeon]

Roy man, after all that razzing you about not having the photocopied manual version of Dungeon Explorer II, you still fail to make mention of it! I'm not joking, there truly was a hastily reprinted run of deII after they realized they way underestimated demand for the game (which is odd as it was one of the most publicized games for the new duo in magazines bitd.) Yes it does have a photocopied manual, and yes it is an exceptionally poor quality photocopy (Seriously could the not be assed enough to even make a decent photocopy?)

You should separate the canadian releases with the french manuals and bilingual boxes from the us ones as the box also differs. I have some (boxes and both manuals) and I still have zero clue to this day how they ended up for sale in a best buy in Texas. I could scan the manuals, but I don't really have a good camera or decent photo taking skills. Btw take a closer look at your legendary axe. See the bottom and how it is white with text instead of black with the game's name? Most of mine that are like that are the canadian releases which you can tell right away from the back of the box. However there are some oddball ones that have that bottom and aren't the canadian ones. Tricky Kick is one if memory serves. All of the inserts are identical, so you can you the one from time cruise and take a pic of the other caseless games with it for cataloging sake.

I can scan in the beyond shadowgate poster or something at some point. Same with the music collection '93s insert. I'm sure I have other misc stuff I am forgetting. I know I have quite a few boxes you are missing for sure. Let me know if I can somehow help.

Some notes: Yo' Bro came with some sort of poster, old rover had a complete copy for sale at one point. That case for the retail Ys book I & II is not the retail case, it's the pack in. I know because we got the pack in when we got a duo new bitd. I have never seen the retail version's packaging, but I have heard it has a more proper back insert like the later duo releases, or maybe it was the same?

[NecroPhile]

I also noticed that on the Tale Spin box was a sticker that said "Free Poster Inside".  Does anyone ever recall seeing a poster that came with Tale Spin?

I don't recall finding such a poster in my new/sealed copy, so maybe they didn't all come with one.  That, or I just blocked it out, much like the rest of that piece of crap.

That case for the retail Ys book I & II is not the retail case, it's the pack in. I know because we got the pack in when we got a duo new bitd. I have never seen the retail version's packaging, but I have heard it has a more proper back insert like the later duo releases, or maybe it was the same?

You are mistaken; the pack-in version entirely lacked a back insert, proper or otherwise.  The one Roy shows is appropriate and similar to most titles of similar vintage.

[RoyVegas]

Roy man, after all that razzing you about not having the photocopied manual version of Dungeon Explorer II, you still fail to make mention of it! I'm not joking, there truly was a hastily reprinted run of deII after they realized they way underestimated demand for the game (which is odd as it was one of the most publicized games for the new duo in magazines bitd.) Yes it does have a photocopied manual, and yes it is an exceptionally poor quality photocopy (Seriously could the not be assed enough to even make a decent photocopy?)

I can definately make mention of the variation and if you can take a picture of it I will credit you for it and put the picture up.  I seriously thought you were joking about this.

You should separate the canadian releases with the french manuals and bilingual boxes from the us ones as the box also differs. I have some (boxes and both manuals) and I still have zero clue to this day how they ended up for sale in a best buy in Texas. I could scan the manuals, but I don't really have a good camera or decent photo taking skills. Btw take a closer look at your legendary axe. See the bottom and how it is white with text instead of black with the game's name? Most of mine that are like that are the canadian releases which you can tell right away from the back of the box. However there are some oddball ones that have that bottom and aren't the canadian ones. Tricky Kick is one if memory serves. All of the inserts are identical, so you can you the one from time cruise and take a pic of the other caseless games with it for cataloging sake.

I can redo the pics of the canadian versions and replace them with the US versions hopefully tonight.  I will also redo the pics missing the plastic inserts and put complete pics up.

I can scan in the beyond shadowgate poster or something at some point. Same with the music collection '93s insert. I'm sure I have other misc stuff I am forgetting. I know I have quite a few boxes you are missing for sure. Let me know if I can somehow help.

A scan of the poster for the site would be nice.  If you can find the time to do it I would appreciate it.  As for the boxes you have that I am missing, if you can find the time to take pics similar to the ones I have up, I would love to put them up in place of the incomplete ones I have listed.

Some notes: Yo' Bro came with some sort of poster, old rover had a complete copy for sale at one point. That case for the retail Ys book I & II is not the retail case, it's the pack in. I know because we got the pack in when we got a duo new bitd. I have never seen the retail version's packaging, but I have heard it has a more proper back insert like the later duo releases, or maybe it was the same?

I will list the Yo Bro poster.

The Ys I&II pack in is an interesting topic.  I know for sure that there was a version that just came with the blank case that is pictured w/ manual.  As for the possibility of there being 2 versions of pack ins?  I have 2 different versions that I believe to be pack ins I just didn't picture both of them because I wasn't 100% sure there were two.  One is the blank case version and the other is EXACTLY what you are talking about.  The packaging looks exactly like the retail version only it came with the pack in style game with the left side silver and the right side black.  I will try to get a few pics up tonight so you can see exactly what I mean.

[RoyVegas]

Here are the pictures I was talking about for Ys I&II Pack-ins and retail.  These are the only 3 that I ever recall seeing.  The First is the pack-in with the clear case that everyone agrees was a pack in.  The second pic is the pack-in that Zeon recalls (pretty sure this is the one he means) receiving with his new Duo.  Lastly of course is the retail version (less the box).   Notice the difference in the possible pack-ins (other then the back insert) is that one was made in Japan and the other made in the USA. 

I believe Zeon actually did get a variation with his Duo and there are two different 2 pack-ins for Ys I&II.

Pack-in there everyone agrees about:


This is the version that I believe Zeon got as his pack-in when he purchased his system new:


Finally this is the retail version:

[SignOfZeta]

Considering TTI did some weird stuff near the end I suppose its possible that some Duos came with a copy of Y's that had a back insert, but I can't help but wonder what the logical explanation would be for this.

The Duo version of this game has "Turbo Duo" branding on the CD. Why would they bother to make new screen art for the CD but reprint the old back instert (no TTI-era game, AFAIK, has the old NEC-era graphic design on the case). For that matter, if they were interested in back inserts, why did the GoT 3-in-1 never have one?

The only thing I can think of is that, for whatever reason, they must have run out of Y's CDs before they ran out of GoT CDs (how? since they are distributed in the exact same frequency?*) and commissioned a reprint of Y's with an American CD plant. At this point back inserts were probably included in the deal, and so they just printed them because they were free. It would help a lot to know if the version with the back insert came before, or after the one without. I'm tempted to say before, because I had my Duo somewhat early on and there was no back insert. I think it was October 1992. That one developed problems so I exchanged it at EB for a December 1992 one...I think. Someone here has my old US Duo. I think it might be Nat.

If this were the case then the manual must be printed in the USA as well? I don't have very many US games, but the ones I do have that were made in Japan have Japanese books and CDs, and the ones I have that were made in the USA have USA books and CDs.

*Did Super Systems Cards come with just the GoT 3-in-1, or did they also have Y's?

[MrFulci]

Roy man, after all that razzing you about not having the photocopied manual version of Dungeon Explorer II, you still fail to make mention of it! I'm not joking, there truly was a hastily reprinted run of deII after they realized they way underestimated demand for the game (which is odd as it was one of the most publicized games for the new duo in magazines bitd.) Yes it does have a photocopied manual, and yes it is an exceptionally poor quality photocopy (Seriously could the not be assed enough to even make a decent photocopy?)

That is true, there was a photocopied manual for the 2nd printing of DE2. I received one in the mid 90's when i ordered my copy of DE2. I recall being a bit disappointed with what I received, haha. The xerox quality was not very good, it looked as though it was a copy of a copy.

Sometime in 2000 or 2001 I ebayed it, and later bought a first printing of DE2 for myself, without the photocopied manual. I recall on ebay getting many questions about it being "Pirated". I told them all that's not the case, as this was a 2nd printing and how the game shipped out, and if they had questions to call TZD and ask them.

I don't recall anyone receiving an Y's 1&2 pack-in with spine art. Could be, if there are people insisting they got it new with their duo, that it was when TZD was clearing uot their Duo stock in 2004 or so. During that time TZD was gutting their duo boxes of games, and selling different bundles...

[RoyVegas]

That is true, there was a photocopied manual for the 2nd printing of DE2. I received one in the mid 90's when i ordered my copy of DE2. I recall being a bit disappointed with what I received, haha. The xerox quality was not very good, it looked as though it was a copy of a copy.

Glad to hear some more confirmation of the photocopied manual for DE II.  I would love to add a pic of it if Zeon has the time to take one.

I don't recall anyone receiving an Y's 1&2 pack-in with spine art. Could be, if there are people insisting they got it new with their duo, that it was when TZD was clearing uot their Duo stock in 2004 or so. During that time TZD was gutting their duo boxes of games, and selling different bundles...

I can see that as being a possibility if it was only the back insert being the difference. It still doesn't explain the two printings.  One was Made in USA while the other was Made in Japan.

[nectarsis]

OR could be simply people swapped out the disc (personally. used game store bitd, etc.).  They may have had x amount of inserts and they were included until they ran out.  Seems that a majority seen/heard about the pack in ver are the insertless ver it's a fluke more than a "variant."

[RoyVegas]

If this were the case then the manual must be printed in the USA as well? I don't have very many US games, but the ones I do have that were made in Japan have Japanese books and CDs, and the ones I have that were made in the USA have USA books and CDs.

Just got home from work and checked the manul on the Made in USA pack-in version and its a Made in Japan manual.  I'm not really sure what to think at this point.  My opinion is that there IS a difference on the disc since it was made in two different places which would make it a variation.  What do you think?

[RoyVegas]

OR could be simply people swapped out the disc (personally. used game store bitd, etc.).  They may have had x amount of inserts and they were included until they ran out.  Seems that a majority seen/heard about the pack in ver are the insertless ver it's a fluke more than a "variant."

The back insert isn't what I considered a variation as it could easily be swapped out by someone.  What to me makes it a variation would be the Made in Japan vs. Made in USA on the discs.  Look at it in the pictures.

[MrFulci]

Wow, I need to correct myself on two things!:

- TZD starting clearing their Duo, TG-16, etc system stock in 2000 or 2001. Not 2004. I think 2004 is when the systems dried up. They were gutting boxes though, and you could buy the 3-in-1 CD, y's 1&2 pack-in, etc directly from TZD.

- Also, I just went to a shelf to look at my Y's 1&2 pack-in, and sure enough, it has spine art, hahaha. Maybe not a fluke, just the initial run of the Japan or USA printed CD's ran out, and they shifted to a different manufacturer for the rest of their duo systems.

Posting a pic of my Y's 1&2 pack-in in a moment.

I also notice the spine art doesn't look quite as sharp as the other CD spine-arts, near where the yellow meets the black.

Funny thing, it's been so long, I forgot that my Y's 1&2 pack-in had the spine art

[MrFulci]

I couldn't focus too well on the case with a camera. I'll drop it on a scanner if you like.

My duo was also purchased new, direct from TZD with their trade-in offer, when I traded in a TG-16 + $$$ for a new Turbo Duo. I never altered the Y's case. Only case I altered was the 3-in-1, which I received in a jewel case with a white tray, no spine-art.

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[RoyVegas]

Awesome!  It matches mine exactly, it has the back insert and its the Made in USA version.  So that pretty much confirms it.  There are 2 variations of the Ys I&II pack-in disc.  A Made in USA version with the back insert and the Made in Japan version that came in the clear case.  SWEET!

The only question I have for you is, is your manual Made in Japan also?

[MrFulci]

Yes, the manual is also printed in Japan.

[RoyVegas]

Excellent!  Perfect match.

[Zeon]

I couldn't focus too well on the case with a camera. I'll drop it on a scanner if you like.

My duo was also purchased new, direct from TZD with their trade-in offer, when I traded in a TG-16 + $$$ for a new Turbo Duo. I never altered the Y's case. Only case I altered was the 3-in-1, which I received in a jewel case with a white tray, no spine-art.

/1100_Img_0430.jpg

That is EXACTLY what we did, the TZD upgrade trade in, right when the duo first debuted. That copy you have also happens to look exactly like my pack in copy. I'll need to check to see where the manual was made though

[SignOfZeta]

That is EXACTLY what we did, the TZD upgrade trade in, right when the duo first debuted. That copy you have also happens to look exactly like my pack in copy. I'll need to check to see where the manual was made though

The Duo debuted before TZD even existed. Do you mean TTI? I can't remember when the trade in period was.

I think the main point to learn here though is that it seems like Duos bought through regular retail channels had first print Y's CDs (made in Japan, no back insert) and ones ordered directly from TZD (or TTI?) had a second print version (USA made, with insert).

As to exactly why a second run was ever needed in the first place...? Who knows? I had always assumed that with the Duo being a huge expensive flop that TZD was still selling stock from their original 1992 shipment when they finally ran out in 2004 or whatever. Maybe this wasn't the case?

I also wonder, for those that got one of these USA copies of Y's, what HuCard did you get? Recently people have been saying they got stuff like a complete copy of Splatterhouse, but everyone I know got a loose Ninja Spirit. Maybe the Splatterhouse was also something for the later runs?

[MrFulci]

That is EXACTLY what we did, the TZD upgrade trade in, right when the duo first debuted. That copy you have also happens to look exactly like my pack in copy. I'll need to check to see where the manual was made though

The Duo debuted before TZD even existed. Do you mean TTI? I can't remember when the trade in period was.

I think the main point to learn here though is that it seems like Duos bought through regular retail channels had first print Y's CDs (made in Japan, no back insert) and ones ordered directly from TZD (or TTI?) had a second print version (USA made, with insert).

As to exactly why a second run was ever needed in the first place...? Who knows? I had always assumed that with the Duo being a huge expensive flop that TZD was still selling stock from their original 1992 shipment when they finally ran out in 2004 or whatever. Maybe this wasn't the case?

I also wonder, for those that got one of these USA copies of Y's, what HuCard did you get? Recently people have been saying they got stuff like a complete copy of Splatterhouse, but everyone I know got a loose Ninja Spirit. Maybe the Splatterhouse was also something for the later runs?

From what I recall, TTI/TZD did not sell any systems after the Turbo Grafx system was discontinued. They stopped when TTI became TZD. TZD was basically the clearing house for the then dead system. There was some sort of legal reason as to why they could not sell systems. After X amount of time of the TG-16 discontinued, they began to sell systems. TG-16, Express, and Duo.

TZD did offer a trade-in program, and basically an exchange program if your system were busted. Everyone I know who sent in a broken sytem to TZD for repairs, received a new system in return.

I did my trade-in Tg-16 for Duo, when the 800-DUO-THIS phone number was still operational. TZD had the telephone number for at least 2 years after TTI closed.

The HuCard I received, was a New in retail box, shrinkwrapped, Splatterhouse.

I think the only pack-in HuCards were either Ninja Spirit or Splatterhouse. I'm wondering if anyone received a Ninja Spirit also in a retail box?

[SignOfZeta]

From what I recall, TTI/TZD did not sell any systems after the Turbo Grafx system was discontinued. They stopped when TTI became TZD. TZD was basically the clearing house for the then dead system. There was some sort of legal reason as to why they could not sell systems. After X amount of time of the TG-16 discontinued, they began to sell systems. TG-16, Express, and Duo.

TZD did offer a trade-in program, and basically an exchange program if your system were busted. Everyone I know who sent in a broken sytem to TZD for repairs, received a new system in return.

The legal reason was that TZD was contractually obligated to service all the systems NEC/TTI sold, so they had to hold back all those Duos and Expresses so that there would be something to exchange. Total replacement is pretty common with cheaper electronics. Send an iPod in for repairs to Apple and you will get a new iPod. Heck, just send it in for a new battery and you get an new iPod.

As soon as the period of the support contract was expired they sold off the systems. Before TZD did this formally I was at a convention and a dealer there had a small number of US Duos in boxes with no games. I asked him where in the world he got them, and he said he couldn't tell me. Its pretty obvious they came from TZD because not too much later TZD started selling parted out Duos themselves. I'm not sure if this was them "breaking the street date", as it were, or if they just didn't getting around to selling them themselves right away.

[Zeon]

It might not have been right exactly when the duo debuted, but it was around the time tzd took over to sell tti's remaining stock. I think Fulci is correct about the trade in process. If you had any issues with your tg-16 and you called about it (I believe we were having issues with our turbo tap, go figure) they would try to talk you into trading it in towards a brand new duo retail package.

I don't think this was officially or expressly stated on their website ever, nor in their catalogs, but rather a way for them to move slow selling duos via their repair services. Besides, now that they sold you a new duo, you'll want to buy all those nifty new cd-rom and supercd-rom games. See, profit!  We never even sent them the faulty tap btw.

When the duo was released, no one in our area sold much, if any, duo/tg-16 stuff anymore. We had to rely solely on mail-order tzd for our turbo goods. We got Splatterhouse too. It was kinda ironic that we already owned Splatterhouse, but wanted a copy of the purportedly more common pack in, Ninja Spirit. We could not find it for sale anywhere after renting it from a mom and pop place twice years prior. In fact that copy is still sealed. 

Oh and for a blast from the past check out tzd via the wayback machine on archive.org. Trust me, it's great! It goes all the way back to 1996...