At the same show, NEC also displayed a four-inch, clamshell monitor that could be attached to the aforementioned DUO to turn it into what the writers at TurboPlay magazine called "the ultimate portable machine."
In this article (from the August/September 1991 issue of TurboPlay), it's suggested that this sexy little monitor (above) had been released two years prior with a price tag of approximately $600. That assertion seems questionable to me, as that would mean it was released in 1989--the PC Engine's second year on the market.
So, I have a question for any fellow PC Engine fans out there who may come across this post: Was this monitor really released in Japan in 1989, or was it released alongside the DUO and the LT?
Regardless, it's a rather fascinating peripheral--especially given its release date--isn't it?
BTW, I just found this rather interesting site, which seems to suggest that the monitor was released alongside the DUO in 1991 -- http://www.lingjr.com/collection_nec_pce.htm
ReplyDeleteI say "seems to suggest" because I can't tell if the dates that accompany each piece of hardware mentioned on the site are the dates they were released or the dates the site's owner acquired them...
It seems completely unnecessary, and, because of that, intriguing. Hm. The prices of things like that back then make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteJustin: "Completely unnecessary" is the perfect descriptor for this peripheral, I think. Who in their right mind would lug around the DUO, this monitor and all of those cables just so they can play PCE games on the go? If you want that, you may as well buy the PC Engine GT or LT, if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteStop posting PC Engine stuff I want to spend money on these devices each time you dooooo...
ReplyDeleteJust kidding, loving the posts! I love seeing rare and unusual gaming stuff.
Sorry Marcus! I know how you feel, of course. I guess I'm just in the middle of another phase of PC Engine obsession. I'll get over it eventually :)
ReplyDeleteHi Bryan. I can confirm that this monitor has been released. I have seen it for sale in Japan and it occasionally pops up on yahoo.japan. Still worth around 600U$!
ReplyDeleteHere's one: http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w54139176
ReplyDeleteJust noticed I did not read your question well enough. I thought you were wondering IF the monitor was released. But the question was WHEN. The name is a clear hint, as it is called "DUO Monitor". Release date was 91.9.21, same as the Duo.
ReplyDeleteHey there, Erci! Actually, originally I did wonder if it was released at all. Then I saw the site I linked to above, which definitely seemed to prove it was released at some point.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for letting me know that, yes, it was released -- and right alongside the DUO. I wonder why the writers at TurboPlay thought it had been released earlier?
As cool as I think this piece of hardware is, I'd much rather have a PC Engine LT :)