Kisado/Mirai Hucard converter compatibility

[Super Laydock]

Not sure of "hardware" is the right section, but put it here anyway.

Lately I've been looking for ways to maximize the use of the limited space I have for my game setup. This means my for instance my DC and GC have been stocked on my PS2 while my SNES is even been put on the tv itself.
This means there's some room to actually get out the old TG-16 or PC-Engine out. But since I only want to put up one and not change it for the other anytime to play other region games I may be interested in some hucard converter allowing me to play jp games on the TG-16.

I have heard there are at least 2 types, namely the Kisado (mentioned a lot) and the Mirai.

Now before going after one of these I'd like to know how they are quality wise and most importantly how high the compatibility rate for these converters is.

Also where to find them (outside of TZD, which I can't order from with my cc or other method) and how much would they set me back? Or are there even other converters?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Not sure of "hardware" is the right section, but put it here anyway.

Lately I've been looking for ways to maximize the use of the limited space I have for my game setup. This means my for instance my DC and GC have been stocked on my PS2 while my SNES is even been put on the tv itself.
This means there's some room to actually get out the old TG-16 or PC-Engine out. But since I only want to put up one and not change it for the other anytime to play other region games I may be interested in some hucard converter allowing me to play jp games on the TG-16.

I have heard there are at least 2 types, namely the Kisado (mentioned a lot) and the Mirai.

Now before going after one of these I'd like to know how they are quality wise and most importantly how high the compatibility rate for these converters is.

Also where to find them (outside of TZD, which I can't order from with my cc or other method) and how much would they set me back? Or are there even other converters?

Thanks in advance for any help!

For Super Laydock,

You're correct in asking in the right forum about 'hardware" related questions... ^_~

Yes, both the Mirai is the "boxy" type Hu-Card convertor and the Kisado is the long PCB-type Hu-Card convertor. Turbo Zone Direct sells the latest Kisado type of Hu-Card convertors at expensive prices though.

The Mirai version Hu-Card convertor came in three different colors: white, purple, and lastly, black. I've got a white colored one myself. The quality build is excellent and will even fit in a PC Engine GT/Turbo Express setup with no problems whatsoever. ^_~

One can even use the Mirai Hu-Card convertor with the NEC Turbo Duo console provided that you carefully take off the Hu-Card cartridge door cover. (This is necessary if you want to use the optional NEC produced "Duo Arcade Card" upgrade to play those cool NEC produced Arcade CD-Rom2 based games like the sole ACD shmup title of "Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire" aka 'Galaxy Police Woman Sapphire'.)

It is possible to use either Mirai or Kisado convertors with the original Japanese NEC PC Engine Duo family line of consoles but they have to be internally modified to recognize USA Hu-Card Bios setup. ^_~

Both the Mirai & Kisado convertors appear from time to time on eBay, although at insane secondary retro game console collector's prices. One could possibly be paying in the neighborhood of $100.00-$200.00 USD for one of those rare puppies indeed. ^_~

Another alternative solution is to buy an original PC Engine console and viola, no need for a Mirai or Kisado Hu-Card convertor! ^_~

Back in early Janurary of 1995, I used to have a Kisado that came directly from TZD and had a single wire soldered job on it but it came loose. I called TZD back and they said to send it back and for $10.00 USD more, they would send me a Mirai "boxy" version Hu-Card convertor that would work with my Turbografx-16 console setup (which I have to this very day). ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Super Laydock]

Wow. Thanks for all the info dude!

Both the Mirai & Kisado convertors appear from time to time on eBay, although at insane secondary retro game console collector's prices. One could possibly be paying in the neighborhood of $100.00-$200.00 USD for one of those rare puppies indeed. ^_~

Wow, those are some insane prices. I had figured about $100, but double that is just a bit too much for some space saving. Might just as well get it through TZD then, if I can work out how to pay them.

Another alternative solution is to buy an original PC Engine console and viola, no need for a Mirai or Kisado Hu-Card convertor! ^_~

Well basically I've got this covered since I have one. It is just that having so many stuff up isn't practical in my small room and changing connections all the time can be a put off too.


Guess I'll look at ebay for a while and if nothing good turns up, I'll try TZD.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For Super Laydock,

Here's a brand new Kisado Hu-Card convertor on eBay that ends on August 6th, 2006.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KISADO-CONVERTER-NE ... dZViewItem

Good Luck on bidding on this cool and rare PCE convertor... ^_~

I'd definitely bid on this Kisado convertor myself but since I already have a white-colored Mirai Hu-Card convertor, there really isn't a need for one anyways. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Super Laydock]

*bringing out an ancient and dead thread*

I finally got me a Hu-Card converter & before last week I didn't even know of it's existence.
It's been made by a company called Telegames (which I remember buying stuff from several years ago as an online shop) and actually works great with everything I tried so far.

Got it for just under 35 Euro (new - though it's difficult to check that claim since it's unboxed).

Anyway just wanted to share as it's a lot cheaper than the Mirai/Kisado stuff and seems to do exactly the same job perfectly well.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Good to hear that you finally scored a Hu-Card convertor to play your favorite PC Engine games on the cool TurboGrafx-16 console setup. You might want to see if you can score a Turbo Booster Plus so you can save your high scores for posterity upon powering it down for the night. The regular Turbo Booster doesn't have the game saving feature that the Turbo Booster Plus has. I do have a TG-16 with just a regular Turbo Booster interface myself. Works like a charm indeed. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Super Laydock]

You might want to see if you can score a Turbo Booster Plus so you can save your high scores for posterity upon powering it down for the night.

Thanks for the advise, but I actually don't care about high score saving.
Because I usually don't play for score, and even if I did the scores would only be embarrassing to show to others.
If it's a score I think is worth remembering/sharing I'll write it down and take a pic. This would be a waste of money for me. :!

Next on my list for the TG-16/PC-E is to be a CD Add on. But they are even harder to find new & for a somewhat reasonable price. (probably mission impossible!)

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Ah yes, the ol' NEC TurboGrafx CD player interface unit does have the built-in game saving functionality of the previous mentioned NEC produced Turbo Booster Plus interface. If you can find one complete with the included carrying case, all the better. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Specineff]

Laydock, in the event you can find a Japanese CD Rom unit (The little white one that looks like a Discman), you can use it on an american CD Rom dock. It fits perfectly and runs the game just fine. I've done this myself, and even played some Macross 2036 and Spriggan.

[Super Laydock]

Laydock, in the event you can find a Japanese CD Rom unit (The little white one that looks like a Discman), you can use it on an american CD Rom dock. It fits perfectly and runs the game just fine. I've done this myself, and even played some Macross 2036 and Spriggan.

Hey, didn't know that.
Thanks for the info!

There should be more Jap stuff around than US I tend to believe...
Must admit basically wanting it for english language YS games & the thunder games...