TurboNanza AV upgrade for PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16

Please note: the 10 pin MiniDIN connector used in this upgrade is similar to the connector used in the Sega Saturn. However, please be aware that the plastic keying feature is different on the included MiniDIN when compared with the DIN connector used on the Saturn. Most modern Saturn cables will work without issue, but it is not guaranteed that all cables will fit. It is particularly likely that original Sega manufactured Saturn cables may have issues, unless the MiniDIN connector itself is upgraded.

At last, a complete all in one solution for perfect analogue video output for the PC Engine/TurboGrafx line of video consoles. VideoGamePerfection.com are proud to be official resellers for this excellent new product, which fits right in with our philosophy of bringing you the very best AV upgrades for your classic consoles.

TurboNanza is an internal upgrade for your PC Engine console (soldering skills are required in order to install it) that provides both S-Video and RGB output. Output is via a 10 pin minidin connector, the same as used on the Sega Saturn and it is compatible with RGB, Component (HD RetroVision), S-Video and composite video cables designed for use with the Sega Saturn (in a standard installation, pin 1 is wired as CSYNC, the same as a NTSC Saturn).

With the TurboNanza installed, you can obtain the very best RGB or S-Video output quality from your console. Ideal for further scaling or processing with an OSSC or RetroTINK device, or for crystal clear, accurate presentation on a classic CRT monitor or television.

Please note that PC Engine/TurboGrafx hardware is prone to capacitor failure. Recapping of your system, if not already performed, is essential for best video output quality and for the longevity of your classic console.

Why S-Video?

As many of you will be aware, stock PC Engine/TurboGrafx consoles offer only RF and composite video output options. PC Engine RGB upgrades have been around for several decades now. However, ever since the first RGB upgrades arrived on the scene, there have been issues with the colours that these upgrades output. Typically the colours are not accurate compared to the composite output on the console, especially around tones of red.

Zaxour, the creator of the TurboNanza, has carefully designed the S-Video output of the upgrade to be as accurate as possible compared to the consoles native composite video output. The result is an image that’s only slightly softer than the RGB output, but with a much more accurate colour palette. Red and pink colours on skin tones in particular look more natural and less over saturated.

We encourage users of scalers such as the RetroTINK 5x to try both outputs and choose their preferred method. S-Video output also gives users of classic CRT televisions another option for connecting the console. This is particularly helpful in the USA where RGB was not common on consumer televisions.

Composite video remains available if needed and most third party Sega Saturn composite video cables are compatible.

Get stereo from your Turbo Everdrive Pro

Did you purchase the excellent Turbo Everdrive Pro flash cartridge? Were you disappointed that you could only get mono audio from Super CD-ROM games? Install a TurboNanza and now you can get full stereo sound from those classic CD based titles using the Turbo Everdrive Pro. No need for a bulky add-on device at the back of your console any more!

Kit contents

Each kit comes with the following components

• 1 x TurboNanza board
• 1 x 10 pin Mini DIN
• 1 x DIN mounting board
• 1 x Flex cable (200mm length, 0.5mm pitch 20 pin, “same side” cable)
• 1 x Mounting board to allow the DIN to be easily mounted in your console
• The SuperGrafx version includes a custom flex cable for this console
• The “Shuttle” and the “PCE Duo & Huflex” options include the “Huflex” flex cable. Huflex is a small flex cable designed to make TurboNanza installs easier on PC Engine systems without an expansion port

Installation Instructions

Fitting the TurboNanza requires soldering skills, please study the installation instructions as provided on the GitHub page here.

Please only order this upgrade if you are confident with your soldering skills. We cannot provide technical support with fitting, if you require a professional fitting service, please click here. While we cannot offer technical support for DIY installations/parts, community based support for our upgrades is available in the forum here.

TurboNanza is an open source project, sold here with full permission from the creator. Every board sold by VideoGamePerfection.com pays a royalty to the creator. If you’re interested in building your own board, check out the Github by clicking/tapping here.