The current cost (estimate) of building a solid PCE system

spenoza · 03/23/2011, 12:52 PM

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.

soop · 03/23/2011, 01:10 PM

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.

nat · 03/23/2011, 07:52 PM

Quote from: soop on 03/23/2011, 01:10 PMPrices in GBP:

SGX only - ~£180

SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX

SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.

Man, shit is expensive in Europe. I got my SGX (loose) for $65 in 2006.

Tatsujin · 03/23/2011, 08:26 PM

Lol, when I read that threads name, I thought someone is planing to build a "new" PCE system.

Mathius · 03/24/2011, 12:33 AM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/23/2011, 08:26 PMLol, when I read that threads name, I thought someone is planing to build a "new" PCE system.

I thought the same!

spenoza · 03/24/2011, 01:43 AM

Please, if you have a better topic/thread title, go ahead and change it. It wasn't the best wording, but it was what was in my brain at the time.

Tatsujin · 03/24/2011, 01:48 AM

Sorry was not meant in an offended way

But the "building" gave it this impression.

SuperDeadite · 03/24/2011, 07:05 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.

soop · 03/24/2011, 07:36 AM

Quote from: nat on 03/23/2011, 07:52 PM
Quote from: soop on 03/23/2011, 01:10 PMPrices in GBP:

SGX only - ~£180

SGX + SuperCD - £300 - SGX + Duo R/RX

SGX + ArcadeCD - £325 - as above with Arcade card.
Man, shit is expensive in Europe. I got my SGX (loose) for $65 in 2006.

Oops, sorry, that was for boxed -___-
I got mine boxed for £118 inc shipping, but $65 loose is amazing.

NecroPhile · 03/24/2011, 10:18 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/24/2011, 07:05 AMBe a real man!
PCE-LT+CD-ROM2+ROMROM AMP+Virtual Cushion+3D Glasses
Plus have a SuperGrafx+SuperCD-ROM2+Duo Monitor for the lady.

No LaserActive?!? We call that being a girlie man 'round these here parts.

SuperDeadite · 03/24/2011, 11:17 AM

Meh, LaserActive sucks for actual PCE games. Composite only = lame.
Only useful if you're playing the 18+ LD games.

And nothing beats the ROMROM AMP+IFU. Epitome of sexy 80's stereo
equipment!

soop · 03/24/2011, 11:37 AM

There were LD PCE games?!

Tatsujin · 03/24/2011, 11:40 AM

Quote from: soop on 03/24/2011, 11:37 AMThere were LD PCE games?!

No,

because I wouldn't call them games.

NecroPhile · 03/24/2011, 11:47 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/24/2011, 11:17 AMMeh, LaserActive sucks for actual PCE games.... Only useful if you're playing the 18+ LD games.

No argument there, yet I still want one. Yes, I am le dumb.

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/24/2011, 11:17 AMComposite only = lame.

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.

spenoza · 03/24/2011, 12:31 PM

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... ; )

SuperDeadite · 03/24/2011, 12:54 PM

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.

esteban · 03/25/2011, 03:47 PM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/24/2011, 07:05 AMBe 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.

VestCunt · 03/25/2011, 05:48 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.

SaturdayMorningRobots · 03/25/2011, 06:07 PM

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.

SuperDeadite · 03/25/2011, 07:42 PM

Don't shop at SuperPotato. A white pce can be had anywhere, and everywhere is cheaper then
SuperPotato.

soop · 03/25/2011, 08:56 PM

Quote from: vestcunt on 03/25/2011, 05:48 PMNo 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

SaturdayMorningRobots · 03/25/2011, 11:36 PM

Quote from: soop on 03/25/2011, 08:56 PMWhite PCE is about 3000 yn in hard off iirc

Great 3000 yen is quite reasonable.

TheClash603 · 03/26/2011, 12:13 AM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/24/2011, 11:40 AM
Quote from: soop on 03/24/2011, 11:37 AMThere were LD PCE games?!
No,

because I wouldn't call them games.

This looks like a game to me. It uses the PC-E hardware to create the foreground graphics too, it is technically a PC-E laserdisc game.

Vajra

There are quite a few more games for the system too.

SuperDeadite · 03/26/2011, 04:58 AM

A loose pce in Japan costs 1,000yen max. Only spend more if you want one minty or boxed.

soop · 03/26/2011, 07:03 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/26/2011, 04:58 AMA 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

SuperDeadite · 03/26/2011, 07:11 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.

soop · 03/26/2011, 08:24 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 03/26/2011, 07:11 AMSounds 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.