History

In the mid-80's, Hudson partnered with NEC to create the PC Engine (or Turbo Grafx 16 as it became known in the United States) videogame console, which was released in 1987. Boasting 16-bit graphics, the PC Engine was designed by Hudson to unseat Nintendo's Famicom as the #1 selling console in Japan. And in the beginning, the prospects of the console appeared extremely promising.

Contributing to the popularity of the PC Engine were a number of factors. The PC Engine was very compact yet graphically superior to the 8-bit Famicom allowing for some beautiful ports of popular arcade games such as R-Type. Moreover, the console had a high-tech feel as the games were published on credit card-sized HU Cards. The PC Engine was also first to market with a CD-Rom expansion unit. These factors endeared the console to Japanese gamers and contributed to the PC Engine beating out the aging Famicom in monthly sales shortly after its release.

While there was a lot to love about Hudson and NEC's joint venture, there were a number of obstacles that the PC Engine faced preventing the console from conquering the home console market of the late 80's and early 90's.

First, although Hudson and NEC touted the PC Engine as the first 16-bit console, this wasn't entirely accurate. While its three chip architecture enabled the system to display 16-bit graphics in 482 colors, the PC Engine had only an 8-bit processor, which was actually a variant of the Famicom's CPU.

Second, the PC Engine lacked the third party publisher support that Nintendo enjoyed. To some extent, this "lack of support" could be attributed to Nintendo's habit of punishing publishers who released games on competing consoles. Nintendo's aggressive business practices created a chicken-or-the-egg dilemma for the PC Engine. Third party publishers such as Konami could not afford to incur Nintendo's wrath, manifested in sudden "chip shortage" just before the holidays, unless the PC Engine had a much larger installed user base to help absorb the expected loss of Famicom software sales. But the installed user base of the PC Engine couldn't grow without strong third party support. Consequently, the console depended largely upon games developed by Hudson. Although Hudson did publish some of the greatest games of the era, it wasn't enough to prevail in the 16-bit era. Ironically enough, this would be a lesson that Nintendo would learn during the next generation of home consoles.

Third, the PC Engine couldn't match Nintendo and Sega's mascot star power. While PC Genjin (Bonk's Adventure) was a great flagship title, the main character did not work well as the PC Engine's official mascot since he was not exclusive to the console. Hudson actually publsihed a version of the game called FC Genjin for Nintendo's competing Famicom. This was certainly an odd business decision by Hudson akin to Nintendo publishing a Super Mario Bros. game on Sega's Mega Drive.

Fourth, Hudson's release of approximately fifteen licensed variants of the PC Engine hardware contributed to consumer confusion and hesitancy. Gamers who were interested in the console became reluctant to purchase the system fearing buyer's remorse should Hudson release superior hardware shortly thereafter, which Hudson was prone to do.

Although Hudson was able to land a few jabs, ultimately the PC Engine was never able to land the knock out blow to unseat Nintendo from the number one position in console market share. Despite Hudson's attempts to extend the life of the system with the release of Arcade Cards and the Super Grafx, the PC Engine ended up settling for third place in the 16-bit console wars behind Nintendo and Sega. That said, the PC Engine is a retro system that has aged well boasting a solid line up of about 650 games. Fans of the 16-bit era, especially classic shoot'em ups, should give the PC Engine a try.

Console Variations

As there were no fewer than 15 different licensed variants of the PC Engine, even the most hardcore collectors have a hard time keeping them all straight. For everyone's sanity, we've compiled a complete list of each model. Enjoy.

PC Engine - Released in 1987 with a MSRP of 24,800 yen (~$220).

At the size of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the original PC Engine is one of the smallest home consoles ever released. This model played only the Hu Cards and did not have A/V outputs. So if you have the original PC Engine, then you'll need to locate the PC Engine Channel (see below for details) on your TV before you can play. The PC Engine is compatible with the PC Engine CD-ROM² attachments.

Sharp X1 Twin - Released in 1987 with a MSRP of 99,800 yen (~$900).

Soon after the launch of the original PC Engine, Sharp released the X1 Twin, which combined the gaming functionality of the PC Engine with the practicality of Sharp's X1 line of personal computers. Like the PC-KD863G, the X1 Twin only plays the Hu Cards and is incompatible with either of the CD-ROM² attachments. As the computer portion of the console has long been obsolete, Sharp X1 Twin is hard to find and is considered one of the rarest of the PC Engine variants.

PC-KD863G - Released in 1988 with a MSRP of 138,000 yen (~$1200).

Sporting a futuristic robot name, the PC-KD863G was the love child of a PC monitor and a Vectrex. The key selling point of this system was the high quality resolution of the RGB monitor, which would produce a much sharper image than a standard TV set. With a whopping price tag 138,000 yen (~$1200), however, not too many of these systems were sold and even fewer still exist. This is one of the rarest of the PC Engine consoles and is really just for collectors as it only plays the Hu Cards and is incompatible with either of the CD-ROM² attachments.

CD-ROM² System - Released in 1988 with a MSRP of 57,300 yen (~$550).

The PC Engine was the first console to have a CD software attachment predating the Mega CD by about three years. The CD-ROM² System sat next to the PC Engine core unit and was attached with an interface unit. To play the CD-ROM² games, you had to insert a system card into the Hu Card slot of the core system. This complicated set up, and the availability of the Super CD-ROM² and DUO systems, makes the CD-ROM² System an unattractive option for today's retro gamers. Unless you're a collector or prefer a CD system that matches the color scheme of the original PC Engine, then it's best to avoid this attachment.

PC Engine Shuttle - Released in 1989 with a MSRP of 18,800 yen (~$160)

Shaped like a UFO, the PC Engine Shuttle was essentially a budget model PC Engine sporting A/V outputs. Although for a number of reasons the Shuttle did not sell well, these systems aren't that difficult to find nearly 20 years after the launch. The unique shape makes the Shuttle a good system for collectors or those looking for a fun way to play PC Engine Hu Card games as it is not compatible with either of the CD-ROM² attachments.

PC Engine Core Grafx - Released in 1989 with a MSRP of 24,800 (~$225).

The Core Grafx was essentially a minor redesign of the original PC Engine. In addition to the obvious color change, the Core Grafx featured A/V outputs and a controller with adjustable rapid fire capabilities, which was great for playing shoot'em ups. The Core Grafx is compatible with the CD-ROM² attachments.

PC Engine SuperGrafx - Released in 1990 with a MSRP of 39,800 yen (~$375)

Likely inspired from the environments of Sigorney Weaver's Alien films, the SuperGrafx can be simply described as a PC Engine on steroids. Originally intended to become the successor to PC Engine, the SuperGrafx turned out to be little more than a standard PC Engine with enhanced graphic capabilities for the seven games that were specifically developed for the system. The seven games were Aldynes, Battle Ace, Darius Plus, 1941 Counter Attack, Granzort, Ghouls and Ghosts and the ultra rare Darius Alpha. Despite the lack of SuperGrafx software, the system is still one of the most desirable of the PC Engine variants as it plays all of the Hu Card games and is compatible with the CD-ROM² attachments.

PC Engine GT - Released in 1990 with a MSRP of 44,800 yen (~$420)

The PC Engine GT, one of the most collectible handhelds ever released, was Hudson's answer to Nintendo's Game Boy. The PC Engine GT, which was really just a portable PC Engine, had a number of advantages over Nintendo's famous handheld. First, the PC Engine GT played the standard PC Engine Hu Cards, so there was no need to purchase additional software. Second, while the Game Boy monitor was dark and only displayed black and white graphics, the PC Engine GT featured a full color, back lit LCD screen. But with the PC Engine GT's superior technology came many problems that ultimately doomed the system. As LCD technology was in its infancy back in 1990, the PC Engine GT screen was plagued with dead pixels. Also, the back lit screen required a lot of energy, which resulted in a very short battery life compared to that of the Game Boy.

A television tuner and a system link cable were released for the PC Engine GT, but very few games actually took advantage of the system's multi-player capabilities.

PC Engine Core Grafx II - Released in 1991 with a MSRP of 19,800 yen (~$180).

With a drop in price came yet another PC Engine console variant. Except for the color scheme, the Core Grafx II is essentially the same console as the original Core Grafx. The Core Grafx II sports the same A/V outputs and is also compatible with the CD-ROM² attachments. So if you ever have to decide between a Core Grafx or a Core Grafx II, the only consideration should be the color. Do you prefer the black model with blue detailing or the dark gray model with orange detailing?

PC Engine Duo - Released in 1991 with a MSRP of 59,800 (~$550).

The PC Engine Duo combined the standard PC Engine with the SUPER CD-ROM² in one sleek shell, which actually netted Hudson and NEC a Design of the Year award. If you are looking for systems that can play all of your favorite PC Engine games (excluding the 7 Super Grafx games), then any of the three PC Engine Duo models are your best bet.

PC Engine LT - Released in 1991 with a MSRP of 99,800 (~$900).

The PC Engine LT was one of the most extravagant video game consoles of all time. Resembling a laptop computer, the PC Engine LT had its own monitor and folded shut like a large Game Boy Advance SP. Although portable, the PC Engine LT was not a handheld console as it required a controller and an AC adapter to play. The PC Engine LT was more or less an expensive toy for Japanese business men who wanted to be able to play games or watch TV while away on business trips. The PC Engine LT played all the standard Hu Card games or could be attached to the Super CD-ROM² module to play the CD based games.

PC Engine Duo-R - Released in 1993 with a MSRP of 39,800 (~$375).

Other than the color and the lack of a headphone jack, there really is no difference between the DUO and the DUO-R. Both systems play all the Hu Card and Super CD-ROM² games. So if a headphone jack on your console is not important to you, then your only concern is the color. Do you prefer black or white?

Pioneer LaserActive - Released in 1993 with a MSRP of 89,800 (~$825).

The Pioneer LaserActive was not a PC Engine console per se, but with the purchase of a NEC PAC (sold separately for 39,800 yen (~$375)) the LaserActive could be magically transformed into a PC Engine super machine that could play everything but the SuperGrafx games. And we mean everything - Hu card, CD-ROM², Super CD-ROM², Arcade Card CD-ROM², and LD-ROM² (laser disk) games were all compatible. And with its digital audio output, there is no better way to play Dracula X than on a LaserActive. For Pink Godzilla's complete write up on the LaserActive, go here.

PC Engine Duo-RX - Released in 1994 with a MSRP of 29,800 (~$275).

Originally released as a "budget" model Duo, the PC Engine Duo-RX has become the most desirable (and expensive) of the three DUO models. The primary reason for the high demand of the Duo-RX is the six-button controller that comes packaged with the system.

Compatibility Guide

To summarize, if all you are interested in is playing Hu Card games, then any of the above PC Engine systems will suffice. If you want to play the seven SuperGrafx games, then you'll need a SuperGrafx system. If you want to play CD-ROM², Super CD-ROM² or Arcade Card CD-ROM² games, your surest bet is to grab one of the Duo systems. Otherwise, you'll want to carefully follow the compatibility guide below.

To Play Hu Card Games:

Excluding the CD-ROM² attachments, all of the PC Engine systems will play Hu Card games.

To Play SuperGrafx Hu Card Games:

Only the SuperGrafx system will play the seven available SuperGrafx games.

To Play CD-ROM² Games:

Any of the following configurations will work.

Any Core system + CD-ROM² Attachment + Any System Card
Any Core system + SUPER CD-ROM² Attachment
SuperGrafx system + ROM² Adapter + CD-ROM² + Any System Card
SuperGrafx system + SUPER CD-ROM²
PC Engine LT + SUPER ROM² Adapter + SUPER CD-ROM²
Any of the PC Engine Duo Systems
Pioneer LaserActive with NEC PAC

To Play SUPER CD-ROM² Games

Any of the following configurations will work.

Any Core System + CD-ROM² + System Card ver. 3.00 or Arcade Card Pro
Any Core System + SUPER CD-ROM²
SuperGrafx + ROM² Adapter + CD-ROM² + System Card ver. 3.00 or Arcade Card Pro
SuperGrafx + SUPER CD-ROM²
PC Engine LT + SUPER ROM² Adapter + SUPER CD-ROM²
Any of the PC Engine Duo Systems

To Play Arcade CD-ROM Games

Any of the following configurations will work.

Any Core System + CD-ROM² + Arcade Card Pro
Any Core System + SUPER CD-ROM² + Arcade Card Duo or Pro
SuperGrafx + ROM² Adapter + CD-ROM² + Arcade Card Pro
SuperGrafx + SUPER CD-ROM² + Arcade Card Duo or Pro
PC Engine LT + SUPER ROM² Adapter + SUPER CD-ROM² + Arcade Card Duo or Pro
Any of the PC Engine Duo Systems + Arcade Card Duo or Pro

* The PC Engine GT, Shuttle, Sharp X1 Twin and PC-KD863G were not compatible with either of the CD-ROM² attachments.

Region protection

Basically, the Hu Cards are region protected and the CD-based games are not. So your Turbo Grafx 16 copy of Ys I & II will work on a PC Engine Duo and the PC Engine's Dracula X will work on your Turbo Duo. Although PC Engine Hu Card games won't normally work on a Turbo Grafx 16 system, a couple different third party converters were released to circumvent the region lockout.

Of course, with a Hu Card converter all Japanese released system cards, such as the Arcade Card Pro, work in the Turbo Grafx 16 systems.

System Cards

After the launch of the CD-ROM² attachment, NEC and Hudson released a series of System Cards in Hu Card format, which were required to play CD-ROM², SUPER CD-ROM² and Arcade CD-ROM² games. Back in the day you couldn't just download a new firmware update. Instead, updates were achieved through the use of these System Cards, which in some instances users actually had to purchase separately. The System Cards also gave the PC Engine a RAM boost. As demonstrated above, the type of System Card required depends on your hardware configuration and the type of CD format you want to play. If you own a PC Engine Duo, then the only time you need to use a System Card is to play Arcade CD-ROM² games. Here is a complete list of System Cards.

System Card, v1.00 - Came packaged with the original CD-ROM² System.
System Card, v2.00) – BIOS update.
System, Card, v.2.10 – BIOS update.
Super System Card - RAM upgrade and BIOS update.
Arcade Card Pro - RAM upgrade.
Arcade Card Duo – RAM upgrade.

Pink Godzilla's Top Ten PC Engine Games

In compiling this list, we focused on games that were either not released or were a little more obscure in the US.

1. Dracula X
2. Star Parody
3. Gate of Thunder
4. Pop'n Magic
5. Magical Chase
6. Kaizouchounin Shubibin Man 3
7. Atomic Kid Special
8. Valkyrie Densetsu
9. Coryoon
10. Jackie Chan

Honorable Mentions - Ai Chou Aniki, Battle Load Runner, Bloody Wolf, Choujikuu Yousai Macross 2036, Devil Crash, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, Dynastic Hero, Gomola Speed, Gunhed, Hana Ta-ka Daka!?, Jigoku Meguri, Kickball, Kiki Kaikai, Kyuukyoku Tiger, L-Dis, Momotarou Katsugeki, New Zealand Story, NEXR, Popful Mail, Ranma 1/2 - Toraware no Hanayome, Sapphire, Snatcher, Summer Carnival '93, Tatsujin, and Toilet Kids.

Rare And Collectible Titles

There are a few rare games for the PC Engine with the rarest of them all being Darius Alpha, which sells for over $1000.

1941 Counterattack
Darius Alpha
Downtown　Nekketsu　Monogatari
Dracula X
Gunhed Special Version
Magical Chase
Rainbow Islands
R-Type Complete CD
Sapphire
Sylphia

Fun PC Engine Commercials

Gunhed - Wow this one is bad...

Star Parody

PC Engine DUO