TurboDuo

The TurboDuo, known in Japan as the PC Engine Duo, is a home video game console released by NEC in 1991. It is the final hardware revision of the PC Engine, NEC's first home console. The TurboDuo is a combination of the TurboGrafx-16 (the North American version of the PC Engine) and the TurboGrafx-CD add-on. This integration meant that the console could play both HuCard games and CD-ROM² games without requiring a separate peripheral.

The TurboDuo was designed to simplify the PC Engine experience for consumers, offering a more all-in-one solution. It featured a sleek, all-black design, differentiating it from the earlier beige TurboGrafx-16. Internally, it shared much of the same architecture as its predecessors, including its 16-bit CPU and specialized graphics and sound chips. The inclusion of a CD-ROM drive opened up possibilities for games with enhanced audio, full-motion video, and larger storage capacities.

Despite its technical advancements and the convenience of its integrated design, the TurboDuo faced stiff competition in the market from consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis. Sales were moderate, and it did not achieve the widespread success of earlier NEC consoles. However, it is fondly remembered by enthusiasts for its library of unique and high-quality games, including titles like Ys Book I & II, R-Type Complete CD, and Lords of Thunder, many of which were exclusive to the CD format. The TurboDuo represented NEC's final major hardware push in the console market before exiting the industry.