The Analogue Duo

Episode 392 - Analogue sent me their Duo for review... along with a bunch of other people who will have their videos out at the same time (sorry!). Anyway as a HUGE fan of the TurboGrafx-16, Turbo Duo and PC Engine platforms, you just know I was itching to get my hands on this one and see how it works.Let's see how it works with the launch v1.0a firmware.
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[@GameSack]

So today a new firmware for the Duo went up. They fixed a few odds and ends. For example the Shinobi HuCard now works as well as a few others that didn't before. The Legendary Axe landing sound effect was fixed, but this nerfed a different sound effect in the same game (axe hitting an object). Growing pains. I'm sure it will all be good pretty soon.

[@Broseftoast]

Hey Joe, I'm a big fan and just have a lot of respect for you, I wanted to mention something that you might find relevant. I'm subscribed to you, and I have notifications turned on for your channel, but I noticed for... a good while now, that you NEVER come up in my feed. I didn't even realize you were consistently releasing your content still until I decided to randomly click on your actual channel and see you had so many uploads I didn't realize. I don't know if there is something weird going on with the youtube algorithm or whatever, but I'm a huge fan and I really want you to have all the success because i think you put it in a lot of work and deserve it. Anyway, I don't know if there's anything you can do about it, but I thought you might want to know because it seems weird that the people who are subscribed to your channel and WANT to watch your content don't seem to be notified when you put stuff out, or almost like it gets buried. Hope you have a great weekend and hope this was helpful and not just bad news or something, wish you all the best man.

[@demonology2629]

Well well well the game system Everyone doubted would come out with a quiet surprise, as well as interesting!🤘🏻🤩

[@GameSack]

@@Broseftoast Well I'm glad you discovered that there's new content! But yeah there's not much I can do about the people getting notified. :(

[@volo870]

Well, the product is clearly rushed for Christmas. Like Cyberpunk - it will become better... Hopefully less than in five years.

[@marbles8641]

JOE! Goodnews! I got the EverDrive Pro to fit by removing the 2 lower screws!

[@DenLeonRX]

"On the right side you get NOTHING" 😂😂😂 Thx for great video Joe!

[@matthewgoode6695]

They should release a "Game Sack" Special Firmware where you can change the LED color. It will be in a menu called Joe Mode.

[@Domspun]

It also needs to be written as " JOE MODE!!!! "

[@thewiirocks]

For those unfamiliar with the reference, Tesla added a "Joe Mode" that reduced the volume of lane keeping warnings in response to an owner request on Twitter. It's been held up as a shining example of how Musk listens directly to his customers.

[@Falcnuts]

@@thewiirocksthen why did he make Twitter worse

[@ImTheMayor]

​@@FalcnutsA "fix" that's implemented entirely as a snarky response to one random guy's complaint tracks pretty well with Elon's Xcapades lately

[@EPICLULZ123]

Spoken like a true Musk fanboy lmao @@thewiirocks

[@HoroJoga]

Finally watching an episode of GameSack without being hungover. Monday episodes should be the norm

[@GameSack]

They used to be back when the channel began. :)

[@Godsgood111]

A reason to look forward to Monday

[@Dac_vak]

Wait, y’all aren’t hungover on Monday?

[@valgalder]

lol

[@HoroJoga]

@@GameSack Unfortunately, when I found out about the channel, Dave had already had left! Can you believe it?

[@disky01]

As someone with an actual, no longer working Duo, this is relevant to my interests. Thanks for the fun review as always!

[@Chris-Courage]

You can always get your duo fixed so it can work good for years to come.

[@littlebigkid707b2]

get yourself a fully re-capped , RGB modded and completely region free PC Engine Duo R that will last you for many years. I wish this Analogue does well and I might get one eventually, but the Duo R consoles were very well made and with the work some people do on them, make them almost bullet proof with a proven track record. "They really don't make them like they used to", applies here.

[@aaronko3480]

Wow using this thing sounds like the best of PC gaming, endless tinkering and adjusting options for the optimal experience, to the point where you spend more time in menus than gaming. In other words the best of the best!

[@ignacio6454]

Exactly. To me, the only way this makes sense is if it was cheaper, and I mean WAY cheaper, and you had the option for RGB or composite to connect it to a real CRT TV. Like this, it's ridiculous, but there is enough ridiculous buyers I guess.

[@TheNameIsSR]

​@@ignacio6454I wonder how much these actually cost to produce. Feels like analogue isn't afraid to put huge margins on their products, but maybe I'm wrong

[@volo870]

I like tinkering. I guess poking menus is easier then resoldering the real thing. If only the menus were prettier!

[@gettingannoyedquick]

Some people come for the tech, but I personally come for the sack.

[@jhoughjr1]

That’s what she said

[@polycube868]

😂

[@MrPezzzz]

love a sack attack

[@JohnnyBGoode9]

Anybody else notice that the song at 3:39 is just one note away from being the chorus of September by Earth Wind & Fire? Move the third note up by a whole tone and it's exactly the same melody.

[@UrkelMoeDee]

Oh wow.

[@Mephianse81]

My favorite thing about Analogue systems is they cost a lot and if you don't pre-order one you're probably not getting one.

[@CaptAwesumNo1Zone]

My favorite thing is they still treat me like crap even though I'm a longtime customer!😅

[@shinycheeto5779]

This one is about the same price as an original Duo. It’s also still available to order. A more valid complaint would be them releasing “limited versions” of the pocket and shipping those before these

[@videostash413]

so original

[@phreeze83]

the duo could be preordered for weeeeks and even NOW can be ordered and delivered pretty quickly

[@chaospoet]

Pretty sure they didn't come close to selling out so you can still spend a ton for one if your heart is set on nuking your wallet.

[@thisisnotachannel]

A Sack 'sode in the middle of the day? Hot damn, this day keeps giving and giving!

[@polycube868]

Yeah they usually get uploaded late Saturday nights.

[@thisisnotachannel]

@@polycube868 exactly... when I'm fast asleep!

[@jonnyeh]

Analogue: "It's not emulation" Game Sack: "Here's an 18 minute video of this thing not working as well as original hardware"

[@stabinghobo57]

It will get updates.

[@Nandru85]

In my book, this is hardware-level emulation

[@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden]

@@stabinghobo57It shouldn’t need any. If a company doesn’t get it right before release, it’s a fail.

[@volo870]

A copy is only as exact as it is made to be. No "recreation" shall be same as the original hardware, regardless whether it is emulation, ASIC or FPGA. It may be "better", but not exactly the same.

[@AlanThompsonRegularNintendo]

Thanks for the pro tip of removing the flash drive cover to get it to work! MY DUO is on its way. Great video.

[@MarilynMonRover]

Good to know that the two games I coded for the PCE are recognized by the system and run fine. Thank you for showing that they work! This looks like it's worth the cost. PCE4LYFE :)

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

The five games I coded for the TG16 seem to also be recognized by the system. That's very cool. But why the SUPER GIANT TEXT on the menu. Is it running at 240p. Looks like a blown up gameboy screen. wtf.

[@johnclark926]

@@neoturfmasterMVSI think that’s because they literally ported over the menu from the Analogue Pocket, it made sense for that system but blowing up a handheld system menu for a home console doesn’t make much sense lol

[@zg-it]

I wonder if Joe knows that analogue secretly uses him as a beta tester

[@Mr_Wheez]

Not just Analogue, Evercade uses him as well 😂

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

@@Mr_Wheez I use him too.

[@ChiefDonger]

Hold Select + II + I on the bottom of the 8bitdo controller for a few seconds and the light will blink twice for medium and 3 times for the fastest speed to adjust the speed.

[@lasskinn474]

one of the very few channels that does actual reviews of this sort of stuff.

[@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden]

How many does it take before it’s no longer a “very few?”

[@lasskinn474]

@@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden well. it would take quite a few to flip from very few. most channels do product showcasing, especially when it comes to something seen desirable beforehand like analogs products - even if they paid money for it they still tend to do just a showcase, you might just as well just go read the products website.

[@BlownMacTruck]

I always watch these in 4k so I can check out how well Joe's been taking care of his ginger beard. Or not taking care of it.

[@GameSack]

It'll be a fully grey beard not too far into the future!

[@monitorinc9482]

One of the best Anolgue Duo reviews. For me is sad that this new systems only have hdmi output and you can't connect it to a crt.

[@AsurasWrath164]

Need to buy a dac converted. Analogue makes these too

[@Redonepunch]

The turbo function on the controller not working right is bizarre. That's a pretty major bug. I know their consoles always have minor bugs at launch, but this is pretty significant.

[@videostash413]

It deos work, when you use passthrough

[@Atlink]

I love the fact the credits roll with just a dusty duo. Joe is taking a stand, dammit.

[@HeinousinAppearance]

This channel got me into Turbo Grafx; I'm glad to see it getting more support.

[@robbvanderstoel7725]

Analogue: No one will discuss the minor imperfections before we upgrade the firmware. Game Sack: That’s what I do! Analogue: 😱

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

Jesus - time is going fast!! Turbo grafx mini was released a couple of years ago??? Thought it was like this year or something 😂 Man I hate getting older, time just moves too fast...

[@Jesse__H]

and faster every year

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

@@Jesse__H ain't that the truth

[@Konarcoffee]

The attention to detail for individual games is very thorough!

[@dwood78part23]

Didn't expect a new ep of Game Sack being released today. But I'm grateful for it. Nice review too.

[@InsanityPrevails]

3:45 Genga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire... One of your videos/that game are the reason I fell down a small rabbit-hole of PC-Engine CD games having audio warnings! I looked up the soundtrack for that game since you said it was amazing, then I ended up finding out what I just said, and even uploaded some onto my channel haha Thank you for that, Joe :3 Hope you have a wonderful day :D

[@kainogi]

I gotta say Joe, you could make some seriously delightful sound effects!

[@BOBSMITH-YouTubeStoleMyHandle]

I am bummed about the card slot. How could they not foresee this issue? I would argue most people that are into the Turbo have an Everdrive due to the cost of the library even if they collect the games. Also wished there was a PCE controller port on the front. Who wants to plug the controller into the side of the system when it already comes with such a short cable??

[@ynotwalk7391]

the side ports are also goofy af

[@HunterTinsley]

Nice audio transition at 6:40. Enjoyed the review.

[@rars0n]

I realize that most of these issues are relatively minor, and that it's still in preorder status, but I'm surprised that there are so many issues with it. I'm sure they'll iron them out given some time though.

[@wazzer912]

Same especially with the extended delay you would think it would come out with most bugs ironed out.

[@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden]

Because it’s so hard to get all this handled and implemented *before* release.

[@rars0n]

@@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden Then it's not ready for release.

[@SumDumGy_formerly_Tim_Walden]

@@rars0n Exactly!

[@revy1063]

"Why have you come to the world of reality".....christ I ask myself that sometimes hahaha xD

[@dizzle1119]

These guys make absolutely beautiful devices. I wish they'd do more aluminum cases, tho.

[@TheNameIsSR]

You think so? They kinda made the design too minimalistic in my opinion, too the point it's just a plastic box with all personality of the og PC-Engine devices stripped

[@dizzle1119]

@@TheNameIsSR That's the exact reason why I'd rather see them do aluminum cases. This unit does look bland as-is. You will get zero arguments from me there. That said, I believe it's the plastic housing that makes it feel so bland. Sorta "cheap, especially for a product that is NOT entry level kit. I think if Analogue had released the console w/ an aluminum case just like the plastic one, it'd go from lookin' "bland" to "sleek". It would obviously raise the price of the console substantially, but the type of folks who buy these consoles would still buy em if they were fancier & cost $350 instead of $250. At least I think so anyways...

[@Michaelhernandez708]

It’s always a good day when game sack uploads a new video!!!!

[@fudge8167]

Great review. Hopefully Analogue addresses some of the issues mentioned. Can’t wait to get mine

[@mrsupreme4668]

I’ve been thinking of buying this but did not want to wait this long. Anyways great video Joe!

[@shadowhaze23]

Good morning everyone! I wake up and there’s a new episode of Game Sack! Life is good and thank you Joe!

[@methushael]

Those display options would be nice on the the Mega SG and Super NT

[@matthewjohnson1891]

Totally!

[@kairi85]

Joe, i love these skits at the end 🤣

[@an_ancient_gamer]

My Duo shipped today!! Can't wait😢

[@jameshenderson4089]

I can’t wait for my white model to ship. First game I’m playing is y’s book I & II followed by castlevania rondo of blood.

[@scrub_jay]

I love hearing the random lil game sound effects when you do the menial things 😆 I think I'm hearing a Goldeneye reload when you put the TurboGrafx cards in? Thanks for another one Joe ❤

[@PoolsJones]

As a guy who spent big bucks on a fully working Duo setup with OSSC, I am relieved to have watched this video and feel better about my original hardware.

[@Subfightr]

You're incredible Joe. Amazing work on this and every video.

[@nickanderson4257]

My favorite channel.

[@TheBrostRoast]

appreciate you bringing these things up!

[@shoked99]

What a great video. If I had a big PCE collection I would be all over this. Thanks.

[@cactoidpinata]

Thank you for your thorough review and testing! We can always count on you to find the imperfections, which always impresses me. I ordered this when they announced it, and I still don't have any games for it. I'm hoping it plays backup CDs, if you mentioned it, then I missed it. I might need to get an Everdrive as well, but what a bummer that you have to take the thing apart!

[@RacerX-]

It works with backup CDs no problem. Even my original PCE Duo works with CDRs. There was no copy protection on these disks. There was no inexpensive way to write a CD when these games were released. CDRs and cheap writers didn't happen for several more years. Not until the PS1/Saturn era did they use copy protection on console CDs

[@cactoidpinata]

@@RacerX- thanks for confirmation. I figured it would. I guess there’s no reason it wouldn’t, but it is a little weird it won’t play audio CDs.

[@RacerX-]

@@cactoidpinata I agree and also that it won't play CD+G which the original TurboDuo was great at playing. Maybe in a future firmware they can add those core abilities.

[@MiguelPaulettePerez-bj8ml]

Two of my favorite channels dropping DUOs on us today.

[@videostash413]

Huh? There's no MLIG video yet

[@MiguelPaulettePerez-bj8ml]

@@videostash413 Say what?

[@Jesse__H]

​@@MiguelPaulettePerez-bj8mlHe said there's no My Life In Gaming ep on this yet.

[@MiguelPaulettePerez-bj8ml]

@@Jesse__H there is now... and that wasnt the channel i was referring to anyhow

[@OptimusPrimeribs]

what's the other channel you're referring to? please share.@@MiguelPaulettePerez-bj8ml

[@nrgentertainmentartist8668]

6:40 gotta love that smooth audio transition 😎👌. That attention to detail is one of the elements I love so much about this channel.

[@battlepants5818]

You can always trust GameSack to have a sack of games to show.

[@ScottMurphy76]

Ironic that you released this today Joe. I just got my shipping notification this morning. I really hope they get around to PS1/PS2.

[@gamernaut8864]

Amazing hardware review as usual. Thanks Joe!

[@TheMk37994]

Mine just shipped! Looking forward to using it.

[@zoiks6631]

I watched this video and then immediately received an email from Analogue with a tracking number for the Duo I ordered. Game Sack makes dreams come true.

[@theirongoat8499]

I checked my own e-mail and sure enough, tracking number!

[@xanadujin]

Very informative review! My real Duo's disc drive finally died, so I've been eyeing this. Thanks for sharing.

[@InifintyLefty]

A rare Monday gamesack appears 😮 what a great early Christmas present

[@-Evil-Genius-]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:01 🎮 *Analog Duo Unboxing and Overview* - Overview of the Analog Duo console and its contents. - Available in black or white, comes with HDMI and USB cables, wireless 8bitdo controllers, and a 32 GB SD card. - Describes the physical features of the console, such as slots for card and CD games, headphone jack, and volume control. 02:28 🕹️ *Turbo Duo Design and Compatibility* - Details about the Turbo Duo design, slots for games, and compatibility with different controllers. - Mention of the tight grip for game cards, compatibility with Japanese games without an adapter. - Explanation of how some thicker game cards can be used by removing the lid. 03:40 📺 *Analog Duo Menu and Game Recognition* - Introduction to the console's menu system, similar to Analog Pocket's menu. - Description of inserting Hue cards or CDs while the menu is up, with some recognition issues. - Mention of the library option, displaying a list of played games and playtime statistics. 05:05 🎮 *Gameplay and Special Features* - Overview of gameplay, including how to access the Duo's menu during games. - Discussion on the lack of a working Save State feature and issues with certain games. - Explanation of capturing screenshots and limitations based on the controller used. 06:42 🎨 *Video Output Options and Color Palette* - Explanation of video output options, including resolution and scan line effects. - Overview of color palette selection with choices between composite and RGB. - Examples of how color palette selection impacts the appearance of certain games. 08:58 🔊 *Audio Quality and Concerns* - Assessment of audio quality, with examples of minor discrepancies in specific games. - Discussion of full motion video games and their performance, mentioning sync issues. - Addressing concerns about Turbo EverDrive Pro and CD audio functionality. 11:45 🔄 *Compatibility Issues and Workarounds* - Explanation of compatibility issues with Turbo EverDrive Pro, especially with Save State functions. - Guidance on handling issues with unrecognized games and difficulty ejecting discs. - Mention of specific compatibility problems with certain CDs and workaround solutions. 14:54 🎮 *Controller Behavior and Pass-Through Mode* - Description of inconsistent behavior of turbo switches on wired controllers. - Introduction of pass-through mode for special controllers, affecting turbo switch functionality. - Highlighting the need to enable pass-through mode each time the Duo is powered on. 16:37 💬 *Overall Assessment and Recommendations* - Overall positive assessment of the Analog Duo's performance and features. - Acknowledgment of existing shortcomings, such as the rapid-fire issue and early firmware. - Suggestion for those with an existing library of TurboGrafx-16 games and the viability of the Analog Duo as a solution. Made with HARPA AI

[@roberto1519]

Would you consider, at some point, making a video dedicated to the most accurate emulators and giving them your thoughts? Specially if comparing them to real hardware. You have good ears and eyes to tell what's off and whatnot. This is probably a stretch, but it would be so cool as you notice things most wouldn't on these clone devices.

[@pendulusproductions65]

Episode 392 Joe! Just realized...hope something grand is planned for episode 400. Love me some Game Sack! Thanks for the amazing vids has always. ^_^

[@GameSack]

Nothing is planned. :(

[@ThoughTMusic]

Great as always. Love it!

[@Subfightr]

I swear, nothing gets by Joe. The audio issues. Comparisons, visual ... Things .. very impressive

[@nightbirdds]

Mine just shipped. I can't wait to get it!

[@JohnMcDaniel]

I’ve never watched one of your videos, but you know I have a large PC engine library. Of course I have two different duos pre-ordered. I watched your video waiting in anticipation and now I got to say I love your channel.

[@gandalfthegreyhound1]

Love the Dungeon Explorer song in this 3:49

[@aljongreat1900]

Still one of the best and consistent channel i watched. Keep going strong game sack

[@tog2842]

Another amazing video from one man and his sack!

[@maxguy9623]

Yes! Thank you for acknowledging how amazing thay door closing aound is on dracula x 😂

[@robertgardner5515]

Probably just rushed the hardware out the door to meet the shipping deadline they promised. Hopefully updates will fix most of the issues. Got my shipping confirmation today and I’m still pumped!

[@nickanderson4257]

More sack?! Yes please! 🙏Thank you for the hard work. Curing depression a video at a time❤

[@DieselJT]

My Analogur Duo just shipped today! Sooo excited!

[@neo6289]

THANKS JOE I LOVE YOU AND THIS CHANNEL

[@UBA-FCE]

Great review!

[@TenshiCat]

I adore the flawless music transition at 6:40!

[@afriend9428]

*great for people who always wanted a Turbo or Engine back then or now* 💡

[@richardsd8526]

Thanks for the review, almost got but the analog pocket instead.

[@pureblueoctopus8345]

Monday morning GameSack, yay! 😂

[@iamthemurray16]

Just wanted to say i like watching your videos and i love your intro and when you do the stop motion break downs is really cool

[@chexmixkitty]

I saw the punchline of your skit coming from a mile away, but that fake laugh/smile sent me lol

[@serbonkers4130]

GameSack happy holidays 🎉

[@vinapocalypse]

The TurboEpress video mode looks good enough. Those old screens had a strange layouts for the pixel color elements, making smaller text from TG-16 games illegible on the TE screen and even making straight lines look bad sometimes.

[@taipion64]

Your review points out the flaws far more they the dozens of other reviews that came out today. I appreciate that.

[@RobertWCrouch]

Thanks for all the details Joe, we appreciate your honest opinions! I’m glad this was released, I’d love to try some TG16 CD games. But I might wait until the firmware shakes out.

[@DailyCorvid]

Great Sack! The best sack you can have.

[@oldskoolpaul77]

I really enjoyed this video! I love the PC Engine!

[@puniez]

Analogue is amazing !!

[@bstoppel1]

Just got my shipping notification. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@JTAI2]

great episode, cool console! thought it would be a pop top to insert cd games.

[@Riz2336]

Thing seems pretty good quality. Great for a big turbo/pc-engine fan

[@SharifSourour]

We had a Genesis & SNES at home but my uncle had a TurboGrafx-16 which I would play when we’d visit.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

You beat MLiG to the gate i see 😂✌️

[@RetroTuna]

Waiting on mine to turn up, it's looking good and hopefully it will get some firmware updates soon.

[@James-fo8rf]

Thanks Joe. Another great review. I really like the PC engine. A great machine.

[@j-morecoffeepls]

Just ordered this yesterday, hopefully will be here by February!

[@Sad-lawlessness]

Love the fact that as of this moment this is the most watched analogue duo review video, even more than that dude with the long hair.

[@ZeniusFox]

Interesting. I was under the impression that the Everdrive Pro wouldn't work with playing CD games. Great to see that it does work!

[@volvoguy804]

It will, but for some CD games it will need a sound adapter installed in the back of the TG16/PC Engine, which is an extra $20 to $40. However, I can't speak for this unit, since I haven't watched the rest of the video.

[@SuitedAJ]

OMG I appreciate the use of music from Dragon Slayer :D

[@ElGamerCosplayer]

Thanks again for a Great Video

[@otherreality]

I may have disagreed with your game taste over the years, but I have to admit your meticulous attention to detail is astounding. You have to be commited to locate subtle stuff like the audio glitches in some games, great job at reviewing this.

[@zg-it]

I want to buy this, but the only way I can afford to is if I sell my TurboGrafx CDs. Oh the humanity

[@alessandrobaggi6129]

I swear yesterday i felt how something was missing, but i couldn't quite say what... 😅😅😅 Then i was preparing dinner listening to a pair of podcasts with you as a guest... 😏😎🤟

[@donaldsmith5667]

I can’t wait to get mine!