Super SD System 3 (Terraonion)¶
The Mega SD equivalent for the PC Engine / TurboGrafx: a cartridge that replaces CD-ROM² + BIOS (System Card) + RAM with SD. The modern preservation route for the whole PC Engine CD ecosystem.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Systems | PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 + CD-ROM² / Super CD-ROM² / Arcade Card |
| Type | SD flashcart + CD ODE + built-in System Card |
| Level | 🟢 plug-and-play (cartridge/dock) |
| Reversible | ✅ |
What it solves¶
The PC Engine CD (especially the Duo) suffers from leaking capacitors (recap almost mandatory) and a fragile optical drive. The Super SD System 3:
- Emulates the CD drive (images on SD) → no laser.
- Includes the System Cards (all generations: CD-ROM², Super CD-ROM², Arcade Card) → no need for the right physical system card.
- Also acts as a HuCard flashcart (cartridge games).
- CD audio output handled, region options.
Recap still useful
The Super SD System 3 removes the need for the drive, but if your Duo console has caps that have leaked, the recap (electrolyte cleaning + replacement) is still needed for sound and reliability. See PC Engine CD.
Installation¶
Plugs into the expansion / cartridge port depending on the PC Engine model (a dock/adapter may be needed depending on the variant). Then a FAT32 SD with images + optional BIOS. Plug-and-play.
Before / after¶
| Criterion | Original PC Engine CD | With Super SD System 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CD drive | fragile laser | emulated |
| System Card | right card required | built-in (all gens) |
| HuCard | cartridges | SD |
Where to buy¶
- Terraonion (manufacturer) — https://www.terraonion.com/
- Comparison: RetroRGB — https://www.retrorgb.com/
Alternatives¶
- Console pages: PC Engine · PC Engine CD.
Sources & attribution¶
- Terraonion — Super SD System 3 — https://www.terraonion.com/
- RetroRGB — PC Engine ODE dossiers — https://www.retrorgb.com/
Review & corrections
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