Importing Consoles - Shenske

[shenske]

Hey guys. I've been debating on importing some consoles I've always wanted in my collection. To be perfectly honest some of these consoles I thought I'd never get so I don't have a great frame of reference of their value.

I don't want to overpay for anything nor do i want to get the wrong version of anything. If you guys/gals could shed some of your wisdom on the following I'd appreciate it.


Question 1: Should I import a Famicom & Famicom Disk System or just go for the FC Twin Sharp Twin Famicom?

Question 2: PC Engine Duo? I've always wanted a TurboDuo but it looks like the PC Engine Duo is significantly cheaper and I assume i could mod it to run TurboGrafX16 carts and possibly CDs.


For both of these I have some "common questions" for each of them.
--- What is the range of the going rate?
--- Is there a better place to purchase this from than ebay or amazon?
--- Is it worth the price? (i can be a pretty cheap dude )
--- Anything i would NEED for them to get  things started?
--- Are the cords that come with the systems US outlet friendly or would i need a converter (i know some are fine but others aren't?)


Thanks!  

[Bear78]

PC Engine Duo R is the way to go.  I imported one through eBay from Hit-Japan a few years ago for around $250 shipped I believe.  It will play Japan Hucards, Japan CD's AND US CD's with no mods required (no region lock on CDs).  Only thing it won't play is US Hucards.  I have a US TG16 for that.  I *think* you can mod them to play US hucards or get a converter but by the time you pay for that might as well just find a cheap TG16.  You will also not need any of the system cards except for the Arcade card if you want to play those.

[Ozzy_98]

A converter won't work, you normally need a converter and a mod both to play US card games on a PCE.  CDs are region free and no copy protection. 

[segamer]

PC Engine Duo is definitely the way to go. Expect to pay about $70 in shipping.  I too bought my Duo from Hit Japan and Like Bear, I use a Turbografx for domestic Hucards. I don't use my duo too much as they have a history of being problematic. Famicom & Famicom Disk System or just go for the FC Twin? Both!

[wiggy]

A converter and mod?  Unless I'm missing something, it's a very simple rearrangement of 4 pins to make JP play US and vice versa.

[segamer]

A converter and mod?  Unless I'm missing something, it's a very simple rearrangement of 4 pins to make JP play US and vice versa.

I think Ozzy is confused.

[Ozzy_98]

The US games check for region, the PCE games do not. So you have to ground pin 29 of the 6280, plus use an adapter to swap the pins on the card.  going the other way, an adapter works because the JP games do not check.

[Ozzy_98]

I think Ozzy is confused.

I think Ozzy's a TG16 developer http://rhwiii.info/consoleroms/

[shenske]

Benefits of going with the Famicom Disk System vs the FCTwin Sharp Twin Famicom? Does one seem to last longer?

i hear the belt go out all the time in both

[Ozzy_98]

FCTwin can't play FDS games.  It also can't play battlertoads all the way through, any MMC5 game (Castlevania III, Koei games) fail on it.  Also some snes mappers (SA-1, SFX) I hear don't work, other people say they do

[shenske]

FCTwin can't play FDS games.  It also can't play battlertoads all the way through, any MMC5 game (Castlevania III, Koei games) fail on it.  Also some snes mappers (SA-1, SFX) I hear don't work, other people say they do

Oh My bad, i didn't mean the famiclone FC Twin. I meant the Sharp Twin Famicom  

[wiggy]

The US games check for region, the PCE games do not. So you have to ground pin 29 of the 6280, plus use an adapter to swap the pins on the card.  going the other way, an adapter works because the JP games do not check.

Good to know, thanks!

[quickfingers818]

Benefits of going with the Famicom Disk System vs the FCTwin Sharp Twin Famicom? Does one seem to last longer?

i hear the belt go out all the time in both

yes, yes they do. It did on mine but luckily it is easy to replace.

[sebboh]

--- Is there a better place to purchase this from than ebay or amazon?

Always depend, if the seller it's from your country (to avoid customs) and have a good price it's the best option. If you need to import from outside your country there are better online-stores (hit japan in some things it's expensive. Example: famicoms for 50-60$)

[wiggy]

We don't pay import/customs taxes/fees in the US