THE ANALOGUE DUO REVIEW - Happy Console Gamer

Johnny reviews the Analogue Duo
Like the show? Support the show! Patreon us! / happyconsolegamer
SUBSCRIBE! and add me on Twitter! / hcgshow
Facebook us!
/ 354792211336650
/ happyconsolegamer
Join Johnny Millenium The Happy Console Gamer as he discusses new video games and reviews forgotten games that not many people know about but should!

[@frostfirefalcon]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. I'm a fan of the channel for years now and can say you've finally managed to get me into Ys series. Thank you for doing what you're doing, I really appreciate it.

[@syardley1]

Thanks for all you do! Here is to the new year! Thank you for being there when I need to relive my childhood. My wife doesn't play video games and loves it when I say you just put out another episode. We live for Sunday. You make us smile every week. You made me start playing again, and now I can't stop!

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

WOW! Thank you!

[@nutz4gunz457]

If you update the firmware on the controllers to the analogue dock 5.0 firmware they will connect to the Duo without needing the usb dongle and you can turn the console on using the home button on the controller

[@LeoSorrell]

hasn't worked on mine... I have been in emails with 8bitdo and I can get them working fine with other systems, then update to the analogue firmware and they are bricked. I then revert back to the old firmware and they work again

[@Superdimensional]

Even with the dongle in, the system will turn on with the home button

[@OttawaHunter22]

When I first saw this was announced, I just couldn't wait to hear your thoughts on it. What a dream come true!

[@enthusiasticgamer88]

Pro tip: the 8BitDo connects without the dongle. Download the Analogue Dock version of the update for it.Hold select and press Home to put in update mode connect to PC. Drag/drop the file onto the external drive that appears. Unplug and hold Home to power off. Now turn on the Duo and press Home then hold Select for a few seconds to enter pairing mode. Boom done no dongle required. It even powers on the Duo when you press Home while it's off.

[@migueldias8546]

Yes. Do not use the 8bitdo software, there is a page that explains how to update the controller manually (the Dock is mentionned but it is also for the Duo). I had tons of issue with my system and my controller until I update the controller! It is a shame that there was no controller in the box or, at least, put a piece of paper with a warning and a QR code for the page... I was really unhappy for a few days, especially with 2 controllers!!! I had so many stupid problems.... This is overlooked by most KZbinrs testing the system!

[@80sHolic7]

When it comes to wireless, latency is the name of the game, but it all depends. If it isn't minimal, I think I'll go with an official wired controller instead if I decide to pick one of these up. And thank god it has CRT filter & Scan line options just like every other NT release. Because I can't stand playing 8-16 bit games and having them presented in pristine HD, with the sprites looking all razor sharp and squareish. It destroys that smooth organic soft cartoon aesthetic that you get on a CRT TV using an RF cable, or even composite. And parring the Analogue NT consoles with the upcoming Samsung 32" 'Quantum Dot' OLED that's coming out in early 2024 seems like a winning combination imo. Perfect size for 8-16 bit consoles, while boasting the best modern TV tech around. Although, No OLED can touch the motion clarity of a CRT. CRT is still the king of motion by a mile. Since they don't have ANY motion blur unlike today's TV technologies. CRT's are also flawless when it comes to input lag, but weigh as much as T-Rex's leg. :P I don't think any of these modern ways to play old games will be able to compete against that authenticity and nostalgia factor of playing the original consoles on a CRT, but it's just great that we have options!

[@chrisw8069]

some people just want the ease of plug and play. I had to load windows 10 to be able to update the firmware in mine. It was a pain. Windows 11 sucks so hard.

[@enthusiasticgamer88]

@@chrisw8069 I did these steps on windows 11.

[@chrisw8069]

@@enthusiasticgamer88 Awesome it worked for you, I wasn't so lucky.

[@dwightdixon8508]

I remember buying my TurboDuo from a Toys R Us way back in 1993. It was sleek and IMO the most beautiful console ever created. I ordered both “color ways” Analogue Duo and still waiting on their arrival but very excited especially since my TurboDuo’s are aging and have been recapped and I’m hoping to reduce future wear and tear on my original Duo’s. I believe Analogue did the original Duo design justice with my only complaint being the location of the original controller port and the small slot for the TurboChip/HuCard. Other than that I cannot wait for them to arrive

[@oblivieon1567]

My friends and I could never figure it out. Like it had one controller port, we couldn't plug it into our Commodore monitors. We read about the tons of PC Engine games but couldn't figure out the system card thing. A few of us ended up picking up Turbo systems when they went on clearance for $30 at Toys R Us but it was long dead by then. It was a shame because I didn't appreciate the system until years later.

[@chadkimmel8957]

Mine arrived Friday, but I didn’t get to try it out until yesterday. I passed on the Turbo Grafx back in the day. Years ago I imported a Core Grafx II and scored some Hu card lots. I use a Turbo Everdrive for the US release games. I’m just a casual gamer, so I don’t plan to use some of the features, but this was the cheapest option for me to play Turbo Chips, Super Grafx, and Super CD.

[@garycormack]

I’ve watched all the videos on this over the last week, many of which go into extreme technical detail but your video here has sold it on me more than any of them.

[@lovelorn88nick]

There's currently some sound issues with some games. It definitely needs some fixes. I got mine in last night

[@wojiaobill]

Oh man, I'm so happy to see Johnny be able to relive all those memories 💪

[@VisiV]

I’m having a really similar positive experience with it. I never thought I’d get to play my actual physical games again after my original Duo needed recapping. I really don’t trust myself to get in there and do it. The Analog Duo is such thrill to me, especially with that Trinitron filter enabled.

[@TheInfiniteMiseryJumper]

This is the review I've been waiting for, the PC Engine was such a rarity here in the UK, all I ever saw were screenshots. Thank you for introducing me to so many awesome experiences over the past decade Johnny. Mine arrives tomorrow, Castlevania and Lords of Thunder are on ice 😎

[@TheDneaves]

PC engine wasn't released in UK. I think the Neo Geo was but also rare. But we did have other systems that were rare or unknown in north America

[@zg-it]

I would love to see more stuff with game sack and the happy console gamer like the old days

[@Neon29651]

An episode on a Tuesday is always a pleasant surprise 🎉.

[@gamergeekenator111]

We need more reviews like this. You made me feel so much nostalgia. Thank you.

[@GameSack]

Yes they fixed Shinobi as well as a few other HuCards that didn't boot!

[@tylergrice9085]

Best video on the console, among great ones! Your love is real and is refreshing when FPGA convos are aging and the real point of them finally surfaces: the experience. Love the tech talk, truly, but this is what it’s all about.

[@MrCrono2]

I must thank you Johnny for introducing me to the TurboGrafix over a decade ago. I absolutely love my TG16 mini. As much as I love Analogue’s products, I’ll be skipping out on this one. The Super NT is my dream console come true. And the Pocket still blows my mind.

[@michaeljamesjohnson]

I had almost the exact same experience in junior high. I got Ys III for Christmas. Had a ton of family staying over for the holidays. I sat in my room playing the game with the rad music blasting thru my stereo. Family members would periodically come check out the game while I was playing. Good times!

[@Earthling247]

I really enjoy your content. Even when it doesn’t apply to me, you are fun to watch. Happy Holidays to you and Kim. Look forward to more content next year.

[@pure1224]

Mine is currently coming today and I’m excited as hell to play it because I’ve never had one but I’ve only heard so many great things

[@JonCannon]

I was really looking forward to your review, knowing your history with NEC products. Thank you for another great one! Happy New Year!

[@amrok2002]

Being a fan of the channel for so many years and knowing your love for the TurboGrafx, I was so exited to see this video :) Being in New Zealand i never got to play it. But watching your video made me so happy. Thanks for all the content over all the years. And i wish you and the family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@onetruegamer]

hearing Jon geek out is such a joy

[@donaldsmith5667]

I got mine yesterday and opened the box and just could not believe what i was seeing. Like you, I have been a TG16/PCE fan since 89-90. I used to have to ride my bike like 10 miles to get to the only store in the area tall at even sold TG16. just the fact this thing even exists truly blows my mind. I’m waiting on an 8Bit Do controller to arrive, which is Thursday. I’ll be playing my stack over Christmas. Analogue really impressed me with this console. It should not even exist, but just the fact that it does truly is a huge deal for the long time super fans.

[@funkspinna]

"I tried all kinds of tricks and whistles." Gotta love Johnnyisms. LOL.

[@fredrik357]

Wow a machine made for John, so fun to see him so happy and excited :) Hopefully he does not spend the next weeks playing double dungeons because then we get no videos :D

[@dspfx4253]

Merry Xmas Happy Console Gamer. I love the show! I love hearing your stories about how you grew up and what games you were playing back then. The throwbacks are great! Brings me back! you and me come from the same place! What a time to be alive and what a run its been! I hope you and your family have a great holiday!

[@Goku12O2]

Love to see you bro. You always make me happy and it feels good to see you and make my day. Thank you for always making us all happy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Eagleknight815]

What an exciting time! Christmas 23 might as well been Christmas of 90! Those two consoles went to a great home with such an excellent library

[@fuzzytaco206]

Hey Johnny, I absolutely loved my Turbo Graphics 16. It was my very first 16-bit console. My buddies and I had so many late weekend nights playing Bonk and it's amazing brother Air Zonk, Splatterhouse and Nuetopia. Such and underrated system.

[@ericpaladin]

Dude, I love your enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing!

[@fink32]

Having watched both mlig and game sack reviews + more, this is the “review” that makes me want to purchase it.

[@salvation7362]

My Dad's company did the instore displays for the Turbo Grafx 16 when they were about to launch in Canada. He brought home the demo unit one weekend with Keith Courage in the Alpha Zones which my friend and I beat without much effort even glitching the last boss. Never touched one again, first impressions are everything!

[@joshmitchell9087]

Absolutely, the console was garbage at launch with terrible games.

[@greenneon7314]

I’m so glad your review came out. I’m a guy that also had a turbo with CD attachment back in the day but I was dumb and sold off so much game stuff so I bought the Analogue Duo with only my meager collection of Turbochip games for my Turbo Express and everyone seems to dunk on this if you don’t own every game but your enthusiasm has made me happy and I am really enjoying mine. One thing I would add is that 8bitdo controllers really complete the experience

[@Heathboy420]

I have been looking forward to your reviews of turbo grafix games. I never played the machine growing up so the machine is very intriguing. You also introduced me to y’s and as a newer fan the first one is also my favorite 😅

[@mygirlfriendismean]

So much love in this video. Fantastic!

[@cj8489]

I love your enthusiasm Johnny. I preordered back in May and it arrived today. I missed out on this console back in the day as I was a Nintendo guy, but I’m looking forward to picking up some physical games for sure. It would be nice to make a video about some games you recommend for new owners of the Duo that haven’t experienced the library. Thanks again. 👊🏽

[@EPN]

Love this! I felt the same way about the Mega Sg and Super Nt…Analogue makes beautiful stuff! Great vid brother! :)

[@MartinBarreby]

Sounds awesome, man! I never played it really, and have nostalgia about it, but it's fantastic to see you this excited about it. Happy for you! :)

[@Mattressinsptr]

Great video. Love all my games on my Core Grafx but this looks very interetsing. Thanks Johnny

[@RealziesCuts]

Thank you and merry Christmas 🎄

[@magnus87]

The review I was waiting for, you were the one to do it!

[@steveafanador6441]

Talking about old games is my favorite part of your channel. That's what brought me here 👍👍

[@droidchevere]

Finally someone that can show us the proper first impressions or review .

[@jeromesppd1383]

I know exactly how you feel, I just got the Atari 2600+ and I couldn't be happier!!!!!

[@Ouije47]

Love the enthusiasm Your always on point 👌🏼

[@TechRight]

Im glad you're enjoying it. Im thinking of pre ordering now haha

[@sephiros9999]

Wow, I thought I will watch another video from you until after new year, but its glad to see you again after the Xmas special :)

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

That was awesome! Still have my turbografx-16, turbo express and Turbo Duo and love them! Gonna have to pick up one of these now too. Thanks Johnny!!!

[@dannylenz3006]

I never got to play turbo graffics but good for you man and as always thanks for sharing 👍!! Merry Christmas John!

[@toonswap8511]

A few years back I scored 63 TurboGrafx CD & PC Engine CD-ROM² games for $2.00 each but never had a way to play them. After watching your review I think it's the right time to purchase this console to finally play all of the games.

[@zeralith7647]

For speedrunners, who have to give-up on CRTs, you really just need to get a super low latency 2023 OLED and a RetroTINK-4K, running things at like 120Hz with Black Frame Insertion enabled. Then you can play on the original hardware, which is sometimes required to have a "valid speedrun" of said game, with literally the same lag (within a frame) as a CRT... but for non-speedrunners, an Analogue console is a fantastic alternative to the original hardware.

[@HallowedBeThyGame]

Dang this is fascinating 🧐 thanks for showcasing it!

[@drachengott95]

I'm waiting on my white Japanese version to arrive. When you started talking about what the 1st game you played, I already knew before the music was playing in the background!

[@screwthenet]

It still amazes me how many people have been lifelong fans of the PC Engine since 30 something years ago. Yet I only ever saw pictures in game magazines back then, but knew NOTHING about them or anyone that had one and they were sooo mysterious to me. Fast forward and tons of folks still talk about them. The Hu cards were tight though from what I have learned over recent years. Glad to see you are still doing well. Happy "holy" day season to you and the fam. Be well ^~^

[@GamerToday]

That disk drive 😂😂 I know you said it's good but the clips of it going in made me nervous 😆. Reminded me of launch model ps3. I liked the video and your input. System design is very sleek and sexy. Looks modern and fun.

[@ScottyMo]

I'm keeping my expectations in check, but I hope my excitement is even half of this when my Polymega eventually shows up, and I can enjoy my Sega Saturn games in a visually crisp way. Glad your Christmas has been made!

[@TheCrimson1391]

Living up to the name

[@Peehoot]

Never played any of these but that voice acting gave me a good laugh 😂 AWESOME VIDEO AS USUAL

[@william68111]

Just got mine yesterday, I also am absolutely in love with it, been playing it since I opened it up lol.

[@Zeroantagonist88]

This was a great video! and by the way are you gonna talk about the Dragon Quest Monsters game by any chance?

[@terryjenkins5861]

Hey John that console looks amazing! I wish I got into the turbo graphics back in the day. It was before my time I guess. God bless you and have a happy holidays!!!

[@femtrooper]

That looks like an awesome little machine to have! Seriously cool! Definitely on my radar...

[@zakuworks000]

Beautiful piece of hardware. Greets from Vancouver.

[@zevzero]

So glad you got one! I hope they make a Dreamcast one

[@socksfelloff]

I'm a technical guy so deep down the rabbit hole that I won't even buy an Analogue console because they aren't good enough for me BUT I watched this video as soon as I could! As always Johnny's enthusiasm is infectious and he covered this console in the exact way I hoped he would. Great video!

[@mtshark7]

Awesome review John! I love my Duo as well.

[@stepsgaming]

Johnny, absolutely love the Turbografx-16.... and I did play it when I was 12 at a friends house... and I did see all the ads in EGM. That being said... I would never have completed Ys book 1 and 2 if it wasn't for you and @gamesack... and I likely wouldn't have explored it as much as I have. I do really appreciate your video and comments on this unit. I am not sure anything retro beats the enjoyment I get out of playing PC Engine Cd games, and all I ever play is emulation.

[@rogerdonovan1759]

I don't really know a lot about the pc engine. It was never big here in France but I do like your enthusiasm for it. And on the plus side I learn a lot. Thank you for your work !

[@Konuvis]

J'avoue. Je l'ai decouverte grace a la chaine Turbo Views et celle-ci.

[@bioboost12]

Im so glad i started collecting pc engine 8 years ago. Im curious if the prices will go up on the games

[@Sarato]

I've had it for two days and I must say I love it. It feels great that it also supports CD-R discs so I can play through YS IV with my son and fully understand everything! What a great console. :)

[@PlusUltraAdrian]

I've been watching your videos for years now and you were the first person I've heard speak so positive about the Turbografx. It took me a bit but I eventually bought a modded region free PC Engine Duo as a Christmas present for myself and a few games to go with it (one of them being Ys books 1 and 2). I was thinking about getting the Analogue Duo instead, but I was on the fence about how the games would look on it. And on top of that, I have a CRT that I hook up my old consoles to. But I'm happy to hear that the Analogue Duo is actually really good. I may pick it up sometime next year for my living room. But with that being said, I'm super excited to play my new PC Engine Duo on Christmas morning. Thank you Johnny for selling me on the Turbografx/PC Engine.

[@MikePSN09]

Awesome video on the Duo. I wish I never got rid of my CD games that I had. I had over 50 games including Usa and Japanese games maybe close to 60 games

[@Stavenlaw13]

lol the voice acting in Last Alert.

[@j-morecoffeepls]

I ordered mine last week I cannot wait for it to arrive hopefully by February!

[@TheHorrorGeek]

Mine's here but I'm not allowed to open it until Christmas...can't wait.

[@WorldshakerX]

Johnny is the only person I know who loves Ys 3 as much as I do. One of my most nostalgic games.

[@dahubbzgaming]

I've been hearing good things about this. Very cool to see.

[@VBrancoPT]

Devil's Crush, best pinball game on the TurboGrafx16. The main table tune is just awesome.

[@UBA-FCE]

I’d love a SEGA CDX equivalent!

[@larryladeroute971]

Got mine. Thanks for the heads up on updating the firmware ASAP. Would love to see more coverage of the imports. You can get reproduction copies made to order nowadays for those super hard tonfind and afford games so would be great tk know which are worth my time.

[@pierresakurai4812]

Waiting for mine ;) Should arrive tomorrow. As a nice little bonus it also plays Audio CDs! (as it should).

[@user-qb4fp5rp9g]

Such a fan of my SNES Analogue! I was like you John playing Breath of Fire and Chrono Trigger just having a mini celebration seeing my old games have new life!

[@dksretrocloset]

Just got mine but I haven’t opened it yet. Can’t wait!

[@NL0Gwenster]

My friend and I are bought OG TG fanboys; i still have my duo -R , but the CD-rom on it broke a few years ago sadly. My friend already got his pre-order and he couldn't be more disappointed. His unit literally ate a disc and he had to struggle to get it out, Analog support couldn't help. At the end he got his disc out by literally tapping the unit hard whilst hitting eject. (Ranma) He also mentioned being disappointed the Cd-Rom System 2 boot screen doesn't show up when you boot a game like he's used to on OG hardware. But that might be copyright thing? So yeah Analog will replace it for him but only if he pay shipping both ways which seems crazy. I'm hoping he just had a bad unit through QC (yes he FW updated it before using it) and that mine is fine, cause Happyconsolegamer seems fine with his.

[@MentalLiberation]

I love these consoles. I bought two Super NTs for myself and my little brother. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made for gaming. I say this also because I noticed the actual TG16 console may be a bit pricier...

[@GameEscape]

Looks great. My white version has been delayed a bit, but I hope to get it before Christmas. And I definitely have the same plans: reliving the TG-16/PC-Engine over Christmas!

[@mattjohnson6916]

Awesome review! Dragon Slayer is such an underrated RPG from that era. The voice acting is a riot, but I loved finding all the little cultural references the translators added in, like all the priests named after The Beatles.

[@Konuvis]

Mine came in today finally! (White JP version)! So excited to start playing it.

[@LBCAndrew]

This is a trip. My first games that i got for my turbografx CD all those years ago were Ys Book I&II, Dragon Slayer, valis 3, Loom, Gradius II, Rondo of Blood, and Ys, 3.

[@brianbarnhart284]

I’m thinking about getting it. I love and still use my original turbo.

[@lovelorn88nick]

Omfg haha dude that Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake music at the beginning hahaha. Man I noticed it in the first few seconds. I was like WAIT I know that track

[@Jonnicom]

I'm still hunting for an original TG-16 to this day. But man, the game prices today are NUTS. I dunno why I even bother looking! it almost feels like flash carts are simply a necessity in it's case.

[@Jonnicom]

Also... Dragon Spirit on the Duo looked GREAT!

[@themailman3331]

Honestly, don’t feel bad or guilty or whatever about grabbing a flash cart for the TurboGrafx. Game prices for the TG-16 and its family of systems are absolutely out of control. I have a TG-16 with the CD attachment, but buying some of the rarer games are completely out of my price range. I bought a flash cart a few years back and don’t regret it one bit.

[@jrpggamer93]

Dude so cool I need to get one ab start getting some games !!

[@danhero76]

Hi, has the save state feature for the hu-cards been implemented?

[@shanenaidu8292]

Haha long time follower here Very funny Christmas proud father story Keep up the great work

[@wazzer912]

Getting mine tomorrow. I don't have any games for it yet, but I ordered some burned reproductions that I should be getting soon.

[@Gamevet]

I’ve had my TG-16 since the mid-90s. I only have 10 complete HU card games for it, along with the Turbo Booster. I’ve wanted the CD ROM drive since like forever. When this was announced, I put down the cash without hesitation. It arrived last Friday. I discovered that the NA Turbo controller won’t plug into it and I hadn’t bought the wireless controller yet. Not a problem. I plugged in my Hori RAV4 Arcade stick and it works like a champ. I burned copies of Gradius II, R-Type 2, Zero Wing and several other games. I was amazed at how close the PC-Engine games were to the arcade. It was almost like owning a Saturn, when it came to shooters. This thing is awesome.

[@ProductionsFromBeyon]

I’m on preorder for the PCE adapter for the Pocket. I’m excited for it, but I think I might need a Duo on top of it.

[@DRTerabyte]

Love the channel! Would be out of this world to win!

[@Avgp1231]

Let's face it...its Tuesday. Then John drops a video! Now I feel like getting on the PS5 and crushing some backlog. :) thanks for that. I love your passion. Please never stop❤