PC Engine DUO-RX是由NEC Home Electronics於1994年推出的遊戲主機，是PC Engine家族中最終的整合型機種，也是DUO-R的簡易版。集成PC Engine的硬體功能以及CD-ROM²與Super CD-ROM²的支援，並在設計和操作體驗上進一步優化。作為PC Engine DUO系列的第三款產品，DUO-RX不僅是當時技術與設計的頂峰，更承載90年代初期PC Engine在遊戲市場的輝煌時代。

這是「多合一」遊戲主機，將PC Engine的卡匣遊戲（HuCard）與CD-ROM遊戲（CD-ROM²/Super CD-ROM²）整合到同一台機器中，無需額外的擴充設備。這樣的設計讓DUO-RX成為當時玩家心目中最方便的選擇。外觀設計延續PC Engine DUO系列的風格，機身採用流線型的外殼設計，顏色從前代DUO的深灰色改為更加亮眼的「天藍色」，並加入現代化的美學元素。

需要Arcade Card才能玩16MB格鬥遊戲，除了主機本身，PC Engine DUO-RX也附帶一個六按鍵控制器（Avenue Pad 6），這是特別為格鬥遊戲設計，支援更多按鍵組合，讓玩家能更流暢地操作連招。

主要規格方面：

支援 HuCard、CD-ROM² 以及 Super CD-ROM² 遊戲。CD-ROM讀取速度為1倍速，搭載2MB RAM，確保更大規模的遊戲數據能順利運行。

音效表現優異，得益於CD音樂格式，背景音樂與語音表現相當出色。主機輸出影像為當時標準的AV端子（類比輸出），讓遊戲畫面更加穩定清晰。這樣的設計讓PC Engine DUO-RX成為一台高度整合的主機，既保有HuCard的即插即玩便利性，也兼容容量更大的CD-ROM遊戲，提供更豐富的遊戲體驗。PC Engine DUO-RX 推出時，PC Engine平台已經累積大量優秀的遊戲作品，尤其是CD-ROM²和Super CD-ROM 的普及，使遊戲內容得以更加豐富，畫面與音樂表現也達到新的高度。以下是當時在PC Engine DUO-RX上備受歡迎的遊戲：

1. 《惡魔城X：血之輪迴》（Castlevania: Rondo of Blood）:被譽為《惡魔城》系列的經典之作，採用華麗的2D畫面，並結合CD-ROM技術所帶來的高品質音樂和語音演出。主角里希特‧貝爾蒙特，在關卡中打倒各種怪物並最終挑戰德古拉，遊戲路徑多樣化，讓玩家體驗不同的挑戰。

2. 《天外魔境II：卍MARU》（Tengai Makyo II: Manjimaru）:被視為當時PC Engine平台的旗艦作品之一，世界觀宏大，劇情設定深刻，並搭載大量的語音和CD音樂，堪稱一部互動式史詩冒險作品。遊戲時間極為充實，可以沉浸在這個充滿日本和風奇幻色彩的世界裡。

3. 《快打旋風II》（Street Fighter II' Champion Edition）:街機格鬥遊戲《Street Fighter II》的高品質移植版，PC Engine版還支援六按鍵控制器（Avenue Pad 6），讓玩家在主機上也能體驗到流暢的格鬥操作和打擊感，成為PC Engine平台上格鬥遊戲的代表作。

4. 《夢幻模擬戰》（Langrisser）:戰略角色扮演遊戲以戰棋玩法和深刻的故事劇情聞名，PC Engine版結合CD-ROM的音樂和動畫，讓戰鬥畫面與劇情演出更具震撼力，吸引大量SRPG愛好者。

5. 《銀河公主傳說》（Galaxy Fraulein Yuna）:輕鬆可愛的冒險遊戲結合美少女元素和互動劇情，搭配大量的動畫過場和語音演出，成為PC Engine平台上獨具特色的作品，深受特定玩家群體喜愛。

PC Engine DUO-RX 在1994年發售時，由於其高度整合的設計與便利性，成為當時PC Engine玩家的夢幻主機。然而，隨著1994年Sony PlayStation和SEGA Saturn 等次世代主機的登場，市場的焦點逐漸轉向3D遊戲，2D遊戲主機逐漸被邊緣化，導致該主機的整體市場銷售成績並未達到預期。儘管如此，PC Engine DUO-RX 還是獲得一定的口碑，特別是在日本市場，許多玩家對其便利性與出色的遊戲表現給予肯定。CD-ROM²和Super CD-ROM²技術讓遊戲具備高品質的音樂和動畫演出，成為當時2D遊戲體驗的極致代表。

在國外市場，尤其是北美，PC Engine（即TurboGrafx-16）的知名度遠不如SEGA和任天堂主機，因此DUO-RX在海外市場的影響力相對有限。然而，隨著時間的推移，PC Engine DUO-RX 因其獨特的設計、出色的遊戲陣容和稀有性，逐漸成為遊戲收藏家心中的珍品。

The PC Engine DUO-RX, released in 1994 by NEC Home Electronics, was the final integrated console of the PC Engine family and a simplified version of the DUO-R. It combined the hardware capabilities of the PC Engine with support for both CD-ROM² and Super CD-ROM², offering an enhanced design and improved user experience. As the third product in the DUO series, the DUO-RX represented the pinnacle of 1990s PC Engine technology and design, encapsulating the console's golden era in the gaming market.

This “all-in-one” console integrated HuCard cartridge games with CD-ROM² and Super CD-ROM² games, eliminating the need for additional expansion devices. Its design made it a convenient choice for players of the time. The DUO-RX retained the streamlined aesthetics of the DUO series, but with a bright "sky blue" shell instead of the DUO’s darker gray, adding a modern touch to its visual appeal.

The console also came equipped with an Avenue Pad 6, a six-button controller designed for fighting games, allowing for more complex button combinations and smoother execution of combos. While the DUO-RX was compatible with most games, an Arcade Card was required to play 16MB fighting games.

Key Specifications

The DUO-RX supported HuCard, CD-ROM², and Super CD-ROM² games. It featured a 1x CD-ROM drive and 2MB RAM, enabling it to handle larger game data seamlessly. Its sound capabilities benefited from CD-quality audio, offering exceptional background music and voice performances. The system output video via standard AV ports (analog), providing stable and clear visuals for the time. Combining the plug-and-play ease of HuCards with the expansive possibilities of CD-ROMs, the DUO-RX offered a rich and versatile gaming experience.

Popular Games of the Time

By the time the DUO-RX was launched, the PC Engine platform had amassed an extensive library of high-quality games. The introduction of CD-ROM² and Super CD-ROM² technologies allowed for richer content, better visuals, and superior music. Some standout titles on the DUO-RX included:

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
Widely regarded as one of the best in the Castlevania series, this game featured stunning 2D graphics, high-quality CD audio, and voice acting. Players took on the role of Richter Belmont, battling through diverse stages to confront Dracula. Its branching paths and replayability made it a fan favorite.

Tengai Makyo II: Manjimaru
A flagship title for the PC Engine platform, this RPG boasted an expansive world, deep storytelling, and extensive voice acting. Its immersive gameplay, accompanied by rich CD-quality music, provided players with an epic adventure steeped in Japanese folklore.

Street Fighter II' Champion Edition
This high-quality port of the arcade classic offered smooth controls and an authentic fighting experience. With support for the Avenue Pad 6, it became a standout title for fighting game enthusiasts on the PC Engine platform.

Langrisser
Known for its tactical RPG mechanics and compelling narrative, this game featured CD-quality music and animations that enhanced the combat and story sequences, earning it praise from strategy game fans.

Galaxy Fraulein Yuna
Combining lighthearted adventure gameplay with anime-style storytelling, this game featured charming characters, interactive plots, and ample voice-acted cutscenes. It became a cult hit among fans of visual novel-style games.

Market Performance and Legacy

When the PC Engine DUO-RX debuted in 1994, its integrated design and user-friendly features made it a dream console for PC Engine fans. However, the gaming market was rapidly shifting towards 3D graphics with the advent of next-generation consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. As a result, 2D-focused systems like the DUO-RX gradually lost market relevance, and its sales fell short of expectations.

Despite this, the DUO-RX earned a positive reputation, particularly in Japan, where its convenience and strong game library were well-received. The CD-ROM² and Super CD-ROM² technologies provided high-quality audio and animations, showcasing the peak of 2D gaming.

In international markets, particularly in North America, the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16) was overshadowed by competitors like Sega and Nintendo. Consequently, the DUO-RX had limited impact overseas. However, over time, the console’s unique design, outstanding game library, and rarity have made it a prized collectible among gaming enthusiasts.