After what seems like years of waiting, we finally have a pre-order date for Analogue’s next retro home console, the Analogue Duo.
It seemed like years of waiting, because it actually was years of waiting. We first heard about the Duo back in October of 2020.
But obviously – pandemics, chip shortages, delays. You know how things have gone in the past few years with tech and games.
Fear not, retro game fans. The Analogue Duo was just announced for its pre-order starting May 19th at 8AM PT. And the retail price for the Duo is set at $249USD.
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PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16
This new home console from the makers of the Analogue Pocket will deliver on the “Duo” concept, playing original PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games.
For those unfamiliar with either 16-bit console from Hudson Soft and NEC, they are essentially one and the same. Much like the Famicom and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Japan had the PC Engine and North America had the TurboGrafx-16. The main difference being in the name and the exterior design.
Both consoles were capable of making use of an external Super CD-ROM expansion as well.
Hudson and NEC released the PC Engine Duo in Japan, which combined the original PC Engine and the Super CD-ROM expansion into one unit.
So obviously that’s where the “Duo” name comes from in Analogue’s new home console.
The “Duo” is not in reference to PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16; it’s in reference to the dual game card and disc option.
Analogue Duo
The Analogue Duo home console makes use of FPGA technology to play both PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games.
Thanks to that FPGA chip inside (much like in the Analogue Pocket), the games should perform virtually identical to original hardware.
This new system will allow you to play both HuCard and CD media game content.
Playing digital ROMs is not a feature that is being advertised, for legal reasons. But the console does also feature an SD card slot. So we know what will eventually be unlocked there.
And not just PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16… once the community unlocks this thing, we’ll probably have the full spectrum of retro consoles available on the FPGA chip.
The Duo home console features a gorgeous design, as to be expected from Analogue. And it comes in both black and white.
Connecting a wireless controller to the Duo should be super easy too. The console features both Bluetooth and 2.4g connections for up to four controllers.
That means any wireless 8BitDo Bluetooth or 2.4g controller will connect without the need for a receiver.
Or, if you wanna go old school, the Duo features original PC Engine controller ports or wired USB.
So really, this thing is sounding like the perfect retro gaming machine once we figure out how to unlock its true potential. Just don’t tell Analogue that.
Analogue Duo Specs
- Game Compatibility: HuCARDS & TURBOCHIP, CD-ROM, SUPER CD-ROM, ARCADE CD-ROM.
- Region Free, Worldwide Compatibility (PSU: 50-60hz, 100-240 volts)
- Original-style hucard/turbochip cartridge slot
- Original-style PC Engine controller port
- CD-ROM drive
- 2x USB for wired controllers and accessories
- SD card slot
- HDMI Video 1080p/720p/480p
- 48KHz 16 bit Digital audio via HDMI
- Headphone jack, 3.5mm with volume wheel
- Bluetooth, 2.4g and 2 USB inputs
- Scanline and Scaler options, Horizontal position and stretch, Vertical position and stretch
- 8BitDo TG16 Gamepad w/ 2.4g wireless receiver (included receiver not required for use with Duo)
- Dimensions: 177mm length x 267mm wide x 34.7mm high
Impressions
It would seem that Analogue really delivered on that Duo promise here. So much about the Analogue Duo speaks to options. You can do either this or that. It covers it all.
I wouldn’t really describe myself as the biggest PC Engine or TurboGrafx-16 fan. But when you create a home console this gorgeous, you might just make a new fan out of me.
And obviously, the retro emulation community is going to be pretty excited about the Duo, because it is essentially going to be a perfect FPGA emulation console.
So we once again have an incredible Analogue product that has massive emulation potential after its release. This will be much more than a “Duo” once the community gets hold of it.
I surely respect the hard work that Analogue puts into their products, and they never seem to fail to make something both functional and beautiful.
I think you guys can tell by now that the new Analogue Duo is truly an encompassing product for those interested in the Hudson Soft game library.
And, after a bit of time… an insanely beautiful and capable FPGA emulation home console.
