PC Engine vs. Turbo Grafx-16

[Joe Redifer]

I certainly don't want to use the word "sleek" to describe either of them, but the PCE thing looks like something some random person crafted and put together.  At least the TG-CD looks like it was meant to be together.  I think that's pretty much my whole point on the issue.

[Shadow]

BS, the Turbo sucks dicks in hell man.... don't argue about the design here... the pce was and still is a jewel in the videogame design heaven....

the turbo had a fair success in the US and thats it... look at the cover designs compared to the japanese ones... they suck, ... wait, they are actually so damn FUGLY that I gave away my US Versions for free, because I did not want to have that kind of design crap on my shelves... sorry....

[Shadow]

I even prefer this over any available console system today...

[SignOfZeta]

The briefcase part of it looks sloppy.  I imagine this isn't true when it is in briefcase mode (ie: with the top on), but with the top off it looks like a thin piece of plastic.  There are areas that should be filled in, but they look hollow.  Pictures may be deceiving about the size.  Hardly anyone takes pictures of PC Engine stuff.

Man, you need to see one in person. The PCE+CD is so amazingly well put together. Its nearly military grade in its toughness. The PCE plugs into the interface like the worlds most well made cartridge, and the PCE itself is the most creak-free system I've ever seen. Its a tank.

When it comes to heft, rigidity, and all out achievement, the PCE is the tops, and it way more tough and rugged than, say, a Duo. That goes double for the Duo R. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the range we have the TG-16. The unit itself isn't bad (I guess), but then there is that huge plastic shell thing on the back that will NOT stay on because its a total POS. My brother was going to buy a Turbo Booster Plus just so it would hopefully stay on, instead of falling off every time someone nudged the system like that dumb-ass jai lai scoop, or whatever the fuck it is.

On one hand I'm a huge fan on Japanese 80's industrial design (Walkman, calculator watches, ghetto blasters, Casio keyboards, etc) and the white plastic that dominated that period, but even if I wasn't I'd have to give it to the PCE+CD combo. Its like some away team equipment for the crew of the Macross. Its so serious looking! You'd think it was a defibrillator, or some sort of NASA test equipment if you didn't know that its actually just a really expensive games machine.

[Keranu]

I always thought the PCE+CDROM2 looked kinda neat before I saw one in person, but the first time I saw one in person at a gaming exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, it was like a totally different experience. Up close it looks really fascinating and if you observe the casing for awhile, you can see how well crafted it is by having the two systems fit in nicely next to each other while carving the plastic to expose the ports nicely. And to top things off, you can simply put over the briefcase part to cover it or carry it around, very sleek and handy.

So eventually last year in late July, I bought one for myself and have loved it ever since. One time I even walked down the street to my cousin's house with it (in briefcase mode, of course ;) ) and my cousin, being the hardcore Sega fan he is and constantly likes to poke fun at the Turbo, was even greatly impressed by the PCE+CDROM2 design.

[Joe Redifer]

I probably do need to see it in person.  If I did I imagine my opinion would improve. Who here wants to send me theirs (to keep forever, of course)?  I'll pay shipping!

The unit itself isn't bad (I guess), but then there is that huge plastic shell thing on the back that will NOT stay on because its a total POS.

No, yours will not stay on for whatever reason.  Most of them stay on just fine.  To prove it, I just made this quick little video with my digital still camera (therefore the quality sucks).  Watch it.  It's only 1.1 MB (Quicktime format).  There isn't any sound.  Notice how even I, with all of my manliness, have a hard time removing the damn thing.

[Keranu]

Haha, I love your video, Joe! The different camera shots you set up were great and a big LOL to Radiant Silvergun showing up after the System Card screen .

[FM-77]

Ha ha, I love the video.

Makes me want a Turbo Grafx even more. DAMN that thing looks awesome!

[Keranu]

Same here, but I really shouldn't be buying one .

[esteban]

Let me go on record that I love the PCE + CD, but its aesthetic design is severly lacking. In fact, I'd so far as to say that the reason I enjoy the the suitcase is because it was 100% utilitarian design -- utility, not style, was the driving force behind the suitcase's aesthetic.

That said, our discussion is about design for design's sake, and the PCE + CD lacks "style" (you know what I mean).

I think I have to be a loser and repeat myself:

The TG-16 console has great aesthetics (compared to the hideous, goofy Genesis/MegaDrive and the ugly, awkward SNES). Sure, TG-16 was wide, but it was still slim with a low-profile (the cover on the bus stays snugly in place for me). I think TG-16 (sans logo) would look contemporary alongside today's electronics. Can you say this of any other console? Now, the TurboBooster (Plus) doubled the depth of the console and consequently stripped away the elgance of the core TG-16 design, but, on the other hand, I always liked the aesthetics of the TG-16 + TG-CD combo. It's quirky, but it is actually a lot cleaner (aesthetically) and more streamlined than the PCE suitcase combo, IMO. Sure, this might not be saying much (since the suitcase looks as if it was "slapped together"), but I offer TG-CD as evidence of the neat, uniquely North Amercian aesthetic that too few folks appreciate. The Genesis stacked atop a Sega-CD forms a big ugly brick... tell me, is the TG-CD really so bad?

For comparison: In my humble opinion, the NES had a great utilitarian design and the SMS was the most "futuristic-looking" console design of the 80's (not a bad thing, in my book, since I dig the odd angles and sharp corners and shiny surfaces of the SMS).

I stand by my earlier statements:
1) The shell on the back of the TG-16 stays snugly in place for me. I've handled at least two dozen TG-16 consoles over the years.
2) The Sega-CD + Genesis was a huge FUGLY brick.
3) The Genesis / MegaDrive always looked like a gawdy, goofy toy.
4) In fact, no North American console has aged well... but the TG-16 is the least fugly of them all!

[FM-77]

Was the Turbo Grafx really designed in North America?

[SignOfZeta]

To prove it, I just made this quick little video with my digital still camera (therefore the quality sucks).  Watch it.  It's only 1.1 MB (Quicktime format).  There isn't any sound.  Notice how even I, with all of my manliness, have a hard time removing the damn thing.

That's quite funny...and pro, if I may say so.

I guess my brother's TG-16 was just a freak then.

[SignOfZeta]

Makes me want a Turbo Grafx even more. DAMN that thing looks awesome!

That's...a joke, right? It has to be a joke. The only system more ugly than a TG-16 is the original XBox.

[Keranu]

I don't think he's joking because I quite love the TG16 design as well.

[Tatsujin]

i never could get the taste of the TG system. here 10 good reasons why:

1. never owned one (no nostalgic feelings)
2. measures more than double the size of the pce (why in heavens name?)
3. it looks just clumsy like typical american home-electronic stuff
4. the font doesn't fit and looks silly
5. the boxart comes directly from hell
6. black isn't beauty all the time
7. the name makes no sense, dosen't fit as well und sounds just ugly (ok, not a real argument though. anyway  )
8. i can't see any thought behind the whole design and concept
9. can't find the on/off switch well in dim light (i believe)
10. and last but not least, it is evil!!!