Are you nostalgic for the old days of gaming? Do you still have a bunch of TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, or SuperGrafx games lying around? If so, you might want to check out the Analogue Duo, a new system that can play almost every NEC game ever made. Here are some reasons why the Analogue Duo is the perfect console.
What is the Analogue Duo?
The Analogue Duo is a system that can play the following game formats:
- TurboGrafx-16
- PC Engine
- SuperGrafx
- TurboGrafx CD
- PC Engine CD-ROM²
- Super Arcade CD-ROM²
The Analogue Duo is an all-in-one reimagining of the original TurboDuo console, which was a combination of the TurboGrafx-16 and the TurboGrafx CD add-on. It has an original-style cartridge slot, controller port, and CD-ROM drive, so you can use your original games and accessories with it. It also supports HDMI output at 1080p, Bluetooth and 2.4g wireless controllers, and SD card firmware updating.
How is the Analogue Duo different from other retro gaming systems?
The Analogue Duo is not a simple clone or emulator of the NEC consoles. It is a fully engineered FPGA system that replicates the original hardware with no lag, no signal degradation, and no compromises. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array, which is a type of chip that can be programmed to mimic the logic and functionality of any other chip. This means that the Analogue Duo can run the games exactly as they were intended, without glitches, inaccuracies, or compatibility issues.
The Analogue Duo also offers some modern features and enhancements that make the retro gaming experience more enjoyable and convenient. For example:
- You can use any wireless 8BitDo Bluetooth or 2.4g controller with the Analogue Duo, without needing any adapters or receivers.
- You can adjust the video and audio settings, such as scanlines, scaler options, horizontal and vertical position and stretch, and more.
- You can use the Analogue DAC, a device that converts digital signals to analog, to connect the Analogue Duo to a CRT TV or monitor, for the ultimate nostalgic feel.
- You can also play TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, and SuperGrafx games on the go with the upcoming Analogue Pocket, a handheld system that can play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.
How does the Analogue Duo compare to other retro gaming systems?
The Analogue Duo is not the only retro gaming system that can play NEC games. There are other options, such as:
- The original TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, or TurboDuo consoles, which can play the games natively, but require adapters, converters, or mods to work with modern TVs and controllers.
- The TurboGrafx-16 Mini, PC Engine Mini, or PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini, which are official mini consoles that can play a selection of preloaded games via emulation, but do not support original cartridges CDs, or wireless controllers.
- The MiSTer FPGA, which is a DIY project that can play various retro systems via FPGA cores, but requires assembling, configuring, and updating the hardware and software components, and does not support physical media.
The table below summarizes the main features and differences of these systems:
Table
| System | Price | FPGA | Physical Media | Wireless Controllers | HDMI Output | CRT Support | Preloaded Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analogue Duo | $199.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Original Consoles | Varies | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Mini Consoles | $99.99 | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| MiSTer FPGA | Varies | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
As you can see, the Analogue Duo has the most advantages and the fewest disadvantages among these systems. It is the most versatile, accurate, and convenient way to play NEC games on any TV or monitor.
How to Preorder an Analogue Duo
The Analogue Duo is expected to launch in 2023, and it will cost USD 199.99. It will be available in two colorways: USA and JP, which correspond to the original regions of the TurboGrafx-16 and the PC Engine. You can preorder the Analogue Duo from the official website, where you can find more information and specifications about the system. The Analogue Duo is a limited-edition product, so make sure to secure your order before it sells out.
The Analogue Duo is a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast, especially if you are a fan of the NEC consoles. It is a system that combines the best of both worlds: the authenticity and accuracy of the original hardware, and the convenience and quality of the modern technology. With the Analogue Duo, you can enjoy the rich and diverse library of games from the TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, SuperGrafx, and CD-ROM formats, in stunning 1080p resolution, with wireless controllers, and on any TV or monitor. The Analogue Duo is not just a video game system, it is a celebration of video game history. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hands on the ultimate retro gaming console. Preorder your Analogue Duo today.
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