I was so engrossed in your story that I was actually excited for you when you said you got that first job, even though it happened decades ago! Can't wait to hear more :D
Dude, That's insane. I'm Australian and I've only started getting into the PC-Engine, I searched up why the PC-Engine never came to Australia and It came up with a reddit post with a link to your video. Overall, your story was very interesting and I also have a PAL Mega Drive Model 2.
Sooooo.. The entire country wide launch of a brand new game system, was decided by the opinions of ONE 16 year old kid??? How on earth could that ever have happened. There has to have been more factors than that. I agree though, the PC engine probably wouldn't have stood a chance, but still, it would have been nice if there was an official PAL version (one that doesn't say turbografx). :)
@@Sirynx77 Gotta watch both. Annual Christmas tradition is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Die Hard (and usually Die Hard 2 as well).. and Polar Express (despite being a bit unintentionally creepy).
I saw the PC engine at a show I went to in London many years ago now - it was running Gunhed. I immediately bought one - I must have been 18 or 19 at the time. I loved it for 10 yrs with the CD-ROM add on - I had about 40 hucards and 40 Cd's ... then had to sell it as I had no money. Damn - those games and cards are worth a fortune now. Cannot believe Australia missed out - nice going Joel ! :P :)
There were so many good films that year.. Black Rain starring Michael Douglas was another one. I think Miami Vice went off the air that year as well. Great video as always!
I'm really enjoying your new programming schedule, Joel! Keep up the great work and here's hoping you don't get afflicted by the renovation/remodel bug once more haha! (don't get me wrong, they were all great -- just looking out for you and your family's sanity and health)
I had similar experiences working for EB and Sony. I used to work as 1 of 4 people that were the official Sony distributors for the UK. We used to goto Sony/BMG once a month to get briefed on the latest games and tech coming out and sign non disclosure agreements. One day at Sony we were sat in a meeting and they brought in a camera device that plugged into the PS2 (later known as the Eye Toy) it was just a circuit board at the time. We had a play with it and it was great. One of the Sony engineers said we haven't got a design for the casing yet does anyone have any ideas for a look. I said just keep it the same as a PS2 with the ridges so it fits the branding, nice and simple. They said yeah I like that. 12 months later when it was released I had left Sony by then. I walked into Electronics Boutique and there it was on the shelf looking just like a mini PS2 with the ridges design. I thought I wonder if that was me. Gives you a great sense of pride that you left a mark in the industry. Free games galore I got working there.
That's pretty crazy to know that you not only made history by being immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records with your collection, but that you also changed the course of history in the form of influencing imports... Can't wait for the next episode, Joel! :D
What another great story mode! I really can't believe that you were the one that held the destiny of PC-Engine in Australia in your hands with a yes or no decision without even knowing it. Keep the great story modes coming!
That's an incredible story Joel, I've always thought that it would be fun to work in a department store in the 80's or 90's but actually getting to influence their decisions on which products actually get imported, that's huge. I still think you were right to stick with your instincts, afterall the Sega Mega Drive did do a heck of a lot better overall and although the PC Engine is amazing in its own right, I've often thought that it's still quite a niche console even though it's more popular in today's market. At least it will get a bit of renewed interest soon thanks to the Mini, though I'd love to own a real PC Engine one day, I've even got a handful of games for if and when that day comes. I can't wait for the next video, all the best as ever. Sam.
From a business POV, you made the right call. It's possible that the PC Engine could have been a smash hit in Australia, but I suspect that it would have had a similar outcome as the TG16 in America. And I say this as someone that owned a TG16 back in the day and absolutely loved it.
Honestly though man. Given what else was available at the time, the price point was way too high. You were correct in assuming that it would have been a poor seller. That's my experience with it as an American Consumer. The Genesis buried the TG-16 and they were bargain priced not even a year into it's lifecycle. The only reason it was so popular in Japan was all the anime and manga tie ins.
That, and it being small and cute. Japan was really into that (and still is). But nowhere else really, at the time. Look at the size of the Turbografx 16 vs the PC Engine. Or the NES vs the Famicom. They're HUGE, because bigger was better. Especially in America at the time. Silly, but true.
A 16 year old part time sales rep. I’m amazed they appreciated your opinion that much that they would have decided to or not to release the PCE in Australia. That’s quite a story. Had they already planned to release the TG16 in Europe? Or would they have made a PC Engine translated for AU? I wonder if you had been favorable, they released it in AU, it failed... and subsequently it never made it to the States...
You put a lot of interesting contextual infos and pictures in your videos. Anyway here in France the PC Engine was officially distributed, it was even sold in supermarkets such as "Auchan" and all. It did okay though, just like in North America, but I'm still happy that my brother bought one back then as it's an enjoyable console with some very cool games.
It seems like you built a lot of good relationships with sales reps over the years. Though I have one question that isn’t usually addressed by people who were into gaming back then in PAL regions. Back then when importing Japanese or US games how did you deal with the PAL NTSC difference? Did you have TVs that could display both or was there a workaround?
That was one cool story! But still can't get over the fact that your opinion mattered so much to them, even though you were a kid at that time. Maybe they knew you understood the market, so they took it very seriously. But now we are getting to the really fun part, the part where you become a collector.
Way to go Joel you just prevented everyone from getting a PC Engine in Australia. lol I can't say I could have blamed you, I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes. If I had some rep show me the Tubrografx-16 I would've have been impressed cause the Genesis was a better system. But of course years later I would learn that the Tubrografx-16/PC Engine had some great games. Great video, I look forward to hearing more stories.
Very captivating video. You're a good story teller. I was glued to my screen from beginning to end. But Joel, you don't mention it in the video but, do you... regret telling him that? If it hadn't been for your input, the PC-engine might've been released in Australia. It was probably good advice though. It wouldn't have stood a chance against SNES and Mega-drive.
I reckon what you did was the right thing to do. Back then it was Sega vs Nintendo. If PC Engine did actually come to Australia, it would've been a failure.
I always used to go to myer every few weeks on my "weekend haunts" back in the day after I'd go around all the arcade places orbit 10-4 flashback etc etc....I miss the arcade places so much still :(
You’re full of great stories! The most interesting thing that ever happened to me was a US senator saved me from being peed on by a cow! Nothing game related. I hope you don’t get a strike for those clips too. They’re great but some companies that hold the rights don’t care
It's unfortunate but you were probably correct in your advice. I had a TG16 and NEC just didn't pump out enough games for the English market. The console had a lot of untapped potential.
Awesome Video Joel - I have a question for you. What Surround System would you get for a Home Theatre - I would be curious to know what you would buy. If you didn't have room for a Theatre Room - Thanks if you can help answer that question. Keep up the Amazing Job. I love the Story Modes! Showing the Music and Movies you enjoyed. I mostly agree with all the ones you have picked!
Damn joel not only stopped it comeing to the Aus market but also uk aswell possibly🤔 simular events must have happend surely . Tbh the mega drive was so popular over here it took nintendo a minute to catch up . I remember around 97-98 it went from sega to BOOM -nintendo craze ! Then the ps1 came knocking its funny how fondly i look back and love what people call retro gameing .. - i still play ps1 n64 megadrive nes snes gameboy frequently - so while people play cod . Im like wanna play mario 64 or sonic godeneye castlevania etc 😂🤣 . I love joel he is very original and a cool stand up guy !
I've been to that store, what's odd is on the west coast we have Fred Meyer, and in MI the guy who started that is another Fred! Totally unrelated. Also the first time I saw a TG16 running splatterhouse was at my local Fred Meyer!
Damn. Not happy. It was one console I wanted when I was a teenager. Also looks like we aren't getting the mini either? Hopefully Amazon AU pulls through
I love to see a reaction video of Bithead1000 watching this lol. I mean he def wouldnt care about Australias marketing campaigns, but it would be funny as to what he has to say about the reasoning behind the decisions made.
Hey Joel did you ever sell Wico C64 Joysticks in the Myer store? My favourite joystick for the commodore range of computers. I have a new in box wico trackball for the commodore and atari computers prior to the 64 - Vic 20 I think
@@Cuzjudd "As for what we’ll get in Australia - if we do get it at all " i still stand by what i said , i'm sure if we were getting it , we'd have a preorder somewhere
If I remember correctly to back in the day, and getting this information by reading EGM, I think the PC Engine outsold the Megadrive overall in Japan. Just not the Super Famicom. Importing PC Engine games was the way to go 20 years ago :D
next episode: how joel started a PC engine importing business hahahaha
Probably true lol
I was so engrossed in your story that I was actually excited for you when you said you got that first job, even though it happened decades ago! Can't wait to hear more :D
Dude, you're like Forest Gump somehow involved in all these historical events! First Asange and now this!
theultimateninja 😂
I was just going to comment the same thing hahaha good call man and awesome story Joel
"And that's all I've got to say about that."
With no disability's.
@@DaveSimonH now I'm going running.
Dude, That's insane.
I'm Australian and I've only started getting into the PC-Engine, I searched up why the PC-Engine never came to Australia and It came up with a reddit post with a link to your video. Overall, your story was very interesting and I also have a PAL Mega Drive Model 2.
Sooooo.. The entire country wide launch of a brand new game system, was decided by the opinions of ONE 16 year old kid??? How on earth could that ever have happened. There has to have been more factors than that.
I agree though, the PC engine probably wouldn't have stood a chance, but still, it would have been nice if there was an official PAL version (one that doesn't say turbografx). :)
Old people back them knew very little about gaming. They probably didn’t know the specs of the mega drive and thought they were onto something.
The NEC PC-Engine was released in the UK, Spain, France and Germany (under a different name). So official PAL versions do exist.
Rumour has it that Bithead 1000 just boarded a plane to Australia, he wants to talk to you...
I was thinking the same thing haha
Bithead 1000 is busy building a Joel crushing machine with flamethrower attachment.
@@tomt5482 That's why he was digging that hole in his front lawn! ;)
Great episode Joel as always! Cheers and greetings from Miami, USA! Congratulations on reaching 100,000 subscribers! ☀️☀️😊👍
That level of respect and impact as a 16 year old :O Have to consult "Joel the videogame-guy" ;D
Joel that story is insane!! What a wild ride your life has been. Thank you for sharing it with us.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is the best Christmas movie ever made, no contest whatsoever.
Sorry but Die Hard is the best Christmas movie ever.😁
My dad is so grumpy he never laughs always bitching he's awesome but he laughs every year when the dog yaks on the bone under the table
@@Sirynx77 Gotta watch both. Annual Christmas tradition is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Die Hard (and usually Die Hard 2 as well).. and Polar Express (despite being a bit unintentionally creepy).
I saw the PC engine at a show I went to in London many years ago now - it was running Gunhed. I immediately bought one - I must have been 18 or 19 at the time. I loved it for 10 yrs with the CD-ROM add on - I had about 40 hucards and 40 Cd's ... then had to sell it as I had no money. Damn - those games and cards are worth a fortune now. Cannot believe Australia missed out - nice going Joel ! :P :)
You're such an amazing story teller, and you have so many sories to tell, we're in for a treat. Love all the content bud, you're on fire!
Amazing story. This is definitely one of my favorite channels on UA-cam. Thank you and keep up the great work.
The PC Engine is my all time favourite console. I’ve been obsessed with it for the last 30 years!
12:38 That's Tobey Maguire in the Atari Lynx commercial.
That's the biggest pocket I've ever seen that's not in a pair of JNCO jeans!
OK I just commented on this then i scroll down and see this and now I don't feel so special.
Don't worry Bren. I've just given your comment a thumbs up, so you can turn that frown upside down.
How big is that Atari Lynx! I remember my dad bought one cheap. He was a sucker for a bargain.
Such a go getter! Love these stories Joel!
I like the bit where you met that bloke and said the thing :)
First time I ever saw a TG16 it was running Splatterhouse at my local Fred Meyer in the electronics dept!
There were so many good films that year.. Black Rain starring Michael Douglas was another one. I think Miami Vice went off the air that year as well. Great video as always!
I helped bring the Genesis to the US by calling 1-800-USA-SEGA about 9000 times :) Thanks for yet another great video!
I'm really enjoying your new programming schedule, Joel! Keep up the great work and here's hoping you don't get afflicted by the renovation/remodel bug once more haha! (don't get me wrong, they were all great -- just looking out for you and your family's sanity and health)
I had similar experiences working for EB and Sony. I used to work as 1 of 4 people that were the official Sony distributors for the UK. We used to goto Sony/BMG once a month to get briefed on the latest games and tech coming out and sign non disclosure agreements. One day at Sony we were sat in a meeting and they brought in a camera device that plugged into the PS2 (later known as the Eye Toy) it was just a circuit board at the time. We had a play with it and it was great. One of the Sony engineers said we haven't got a design for the casing yet does anyone have any ideas for a look. I said just keep it the same as a PS2 with the ridges so it fits the branding, nice and simple. They said yeah I like that. 12 months later when it was released I had left Sony by then. I walked into Electronics Boutique and there it was on the shelf looking just like a mini PS2 with the ridges design. I thought I wonder if that was me. Gives you a great sense of pride that you left a mark in the industry. Free games galore I got working there.
That's pretty crazy to know that you not only made history by being immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records with your collection, but that you also changed the course of history in the form of influencing imports... Can't wait for the next episode, Joel! :D
This is just amazing. Because of you, the console didn't come out in Australia. Just Wow. I really love story mode. Keep up the good work Joel.
Wow wow wow what a story yo tell. These story mode episodes just get better and better, thanks for sharing
What another great story mode! I really can't believe that you were the one that held the destiny of PC-Engine in Australia in your hands with a yes or no decision without even knowing it. Keep the great story modes coming!
Great story, can't wait to see what business you started next.
im in the uk this is soul healing stuff . you seemed very honest joel. great to tell the stories this way. we love it
You definitely one of a kind Joel and your history overlaps many of us. Great episode ;)
Amazing story. I’m positive you saved the distributor so much money by having them pass on the PC engine.
Next time someone asks you “should we import the PC Engine”...you say “YES”! (Not happy Jan :/)
Same answer if an extradimensional being ask you if you are a god.
He was right to say no even if you like the console. It’s wouldn’t have sold very well
there's only three words needed about christmas vacation - shitter was full. I absolutely love that movie and watch it every christmas too.
Your stories are awesome joel thank you one of the best on UA-cam can't wait till the next episode take care
That's an incredible story Joel, I've always thought that it would be fun to work in a department store in the 80's or 90's but actually getting to influence their decisions on which products actually get imported, that's huge. I still think you were right to stick with your instincts, afterall the Sega Mega Drive did do a heck of a lot better overall and although the PC Engine is amazing in its own right, I've often thought that it's still quite a niche console even though it's more popular in today's market. At least it will get a bit of renewed interest soon thanks to the Mini, though I'd love to own a real PC Engine one day, I've even got a handful of games for if and when that day comes. I can't wait for the next video, all the best as ever. Sam.
I guess we all did dumb stuff when we were 16 lol
From a business POV, you made the right call. It's possible that the PC Engine could have been a smash hit in Australia, but I suspect that it would have had a similar outcome as the TG16 in America. And I say this as someone that owned a TG16 back in the day and absolutely loved it.
Honestly though man. Given what else was available at the time, the price point was way too high. You were correct in assuming that it would have been a poor seller. That's my experience with it as an American Consumer. The Genesis buried the TG-16 and they were bargain priced not even a year into it's lifecycle. The only reason it was so popular in Japan was all the anime and manga tie ins.
That, and it being small and cute. Japan was really into that (and still is). But nowhere else really, at the time. Look at the size of the Turbografx 16 vs the PC Engine. Or the NES vs the Famicom. They're HUGE, because bigger was better. Especially in America at the time. Silly, but true.
@@KyoshoLP probably a point. I did buy the TurboGrafx. I don't regret the purchase in the least.
Joel you are becoming more interesting by each video you put out, very impressive, thanks.
Ok please keep coming with your gaming stories! These are great to hear!!
I humbly agree! 😂
A 16 year old part time sales rep. I’m amazed they appreciated your opinion that much that they would have decided to or not to release the PCE in Australia. That’s quite a story. Had they already planned to release the TG16 in Europe? Or would they have made a PC Engine translated for AU?
I wonder if you had been favorable, they released it in AU, it failed... and subsequently it never made it to the States...
We follow the USA, not the other way around...
You put a lot of interesting contextual infos and pictures in your videos. Anyway here in France the PC Engine was officially distributed, it was even sold in supermarkets such as "Auchan" and all. It did okay though, just like in North America, but I'm still happy that my brother bought one back then as it's an enjoyable console with some very cool games.
It seems like you built a lot of good relationships with sales reps over the years. Though I have one question that isn’t usually addressed by people who were into gaming back then in PAL regions. Back then when importing Japanese or US games how did you deal with the PAL NTSC difference? Did you have TVs that could display both or was there a workaround?
That was one cool story! But still can't get over the fact that your opinion mattered so much to them, even though you were a kid at that time. Maybe they knew you understood the market, so they took it very seriously. But now we are getting to the really fun part, the part where you become a collector.
Are all of these stories legit? You seem involved in everything and have a lot of detailed memories even at a young age.
Way to go Joel you just prevented everyone from getting a PC Engine in Australia. lol
I can't say I could have blamed you, I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes. If I had some rep show me the Tubrografx-16 I would've have been impressed cause the Genesis was a better system. But of course years later I would learn that the Tubrografx-16/PC Engine had some great games. Great video, I look forward to hearing more stories.
Holy crap - that's quite a story of you stopping the release of the PCEngine in Australia! Thanks for sharing this Joel :)
Great story Joel. Looking forward to the next one!
With great power comes .... a lack of PC Engines :P
Great video though. I always like the intros, nice touch.
Well that’s one for the video game history books. Thanks for sharing! 😁
Very captivating video. You're a good story teller. I was glued to my screen from beginning to end.
But Joel, you don't mention it in the video but, do you... regret telling him that? If it hadn't been for your input, the PC-engine might've been released in Australia. It was probably good advice though. It wouldn't have stood a chance against SNES and Mega-drive.
Bart slumpsom
Damn.
You had a damn interesting job my dude!
What a story haha. Keep them coming Joel.
Another great episode - Cool story Joel - Looking forward to the next episode!
To be fair, who’d want a 50hz anything let alone pce. As an Aussie this story is totally believable. Nice
...”and my favourite, Belinda Carlisle”........absolutely!
BitHead’s going to spit his coffee out when he watches this 😤 ☕️ Great story Joel 👍🏻 Looking forward to the next episode 👏🏻
I reckon what you did was the right thing to do. Back then it was Sega vs Nintendo. If PC Engine did actually come to Australia, it would've been a failure.
I always used to go to myer every few weeks on my "weekend haunts" back in the day after I'd go around all the arcade places orbit 10-4 flashback etc etc....I miss the arcade places so much still :(
At 2:18 I think I have a Oldfield to by the name a Mr C WagStaff. Does this name ring a bell?
I'd do anything to go back to 1989!
I've got so much good memories with my PC Engine and Bonk's adventure :)
Great stories ya got m8. Bring on the next one! :)
What a legendary story!! Haha that is classic mate.
You’re full of great stories! The most interesting thing that ever happened to me was a US senator saved me from being peed on by a cow! Nothing game related. I hope you don’t get a strike for those clips too. They’re great but some companies that hold the rights don’t care
With fifteen i was definitely not eager to leave school and work full time. That was a bold move.
Super cool story Joel! Thanks for sharing it! :)
Really cool story! Can’t wait for the next one! It’s not every day a 16 year old can have a say what consoles come to market!
Nice Joel, your STORY MODE is a true representation of who you are... Nice.. :)
Butterfly effect!
Btw I will not be surprised if you banned Polybius too :-D
Great video, I love these series.
It's unfortunate but you were probably correct in your advice. I had a TG16 and NEC just didn't pump out enough games for the English market. The console had a lot of untapped potential.
Joel, of all people, is the last person on earth I would expect to be a one-man console killer. The irony of it all!
Awesome Video Joel - I have a question for you. What Surround System would you get for a Home Theatre - I would be curious to know what you would buy. If you didn't have room for a Theatre Room - Thanks if you can help answer that question. Keep up the Amazing Job. I love the Story Modes! Showing the Music and Movies you enjoyed. I mostly agree with all the ones you have picked!
So basically because he saw your imported mega drive they didn't order pc engine anymore :)
Damn joel not only stopped it comeing to the Aus market but also uk aswell possibly🤔 simular events must have happend surely .
Tbh the mega drive was so popular over here it took nintendo a minute to catch up . I remember around 97-98 it went from sega to BOOM -nintendo craze !
Then the ps1 came knocking its funny how fondly i look back and love what people call retro gameing .. - i still play ps1 n64 megadrive nes snes gameboy frequently - so while people play cod . Im like wanna play mario 64 or sonic godeneye castlevania etc 😂🤣 . I love joel he is very original and a cool stand up guy !
it's midnight where i am,,, gonna have to wait till tomorrow to watch this...but going by the title i hope you didnt deny me getting a PC engine! :D
Can't wait for the next part!
wow what a story, thanks for sharing it with us =)
The MD is no joke! Really, really good episode that is truly insane I would had fainted when I heard that lol.
Fantastic story that mate! the wheels of fate eh!
NEC Hudsoft consoles are among my favorites of all time,alot of hardcore challenging games to enjoy!
Unbelievable story!!! At first I was like: "What is this smug title?" Quality content as usual, LG. (That's Toby Maguire in the Lynx commercial?!)
Bizarrely enough Joel, we have a Michigan chain of Retail Stores called Meijer. Maybe it was enspired by the Aussie one.
I've been to that store, what's odd is on the west coast we have Fred Meyer, and in MI the guy who started that is another Fred! Totally unrelated. Also the first time I saw a TG16 running splatterhouse was at my local Fred Meyer!
I was in year 6 in 1989. I miss the 80's and 90's lol
I worked at David Jones computer department myself. *Shudders* I had a terrible time... Great story!
Joel what did you do,,lol No seriously loving these story sections :)
Love your videos Joel.
1989 was a great year for movies but the best year for sure is 1984.
So many classics and my favourites come from the year 1984.
Damn. Not happy. It was one console I wanted when I was a teenager. Also looks like we aren't getting the mini either? Hopefully Amazon AU pulls through
I do like the part that you talk about the movies and music of that era.
You made the right call mate. As a country we were Sega crazy back then. If only Sega Ozisoft pushed the Saturn correctly.
Great video and even greater story. You live a pretty interesting life!
This is years later...why not name the name of the company?
Damn... you deprived millions of the glory that is the PC engine/Turbo grafx 16. Lmao good story though joel.
Joel after finding out about the PC Engine:" If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised.”
I love to see a reaction video of Bithead1000 watching this lol. I mean he def wouldnt care about Australias marketing campaigns, but it would be funny as to what he has to say about the reasoning behind the decisions made.
Hey Joel did you ever sell Wico C64 Joysticks in the Myer store? My favourite joystick for the commodore range of computers. I have a new in box wico trackball for the commodore and atari computers prior to the 64 - Vic 20 I think
awesome video! guess you might be responsible for the minis not being released in Australia also :P
How can you say that when the mini is coming here
@@Cuzjudd where from? i haven't seen any listings on eb games or jb ect
@@nicholasnewland3490 stack.com.au/games/games-news/its-time-for-a-little-pc-engine/
@@Cuzjudd "As for what we’ll get in Australia - if we do get it at all " i still stand by what i said , i'm sure if we were getting it , we'd have a preorder somewhere
@@nicholasnewland3490 ok we can blame Joel for this too haha
What is the game at 10:25 I've seen it and remember it from my youth I just can't remember the name? Anyone?
Bonks adventure and after is bloody wolf
If I remember correctly to back in the day, and getting this information by reading EGM, I think the PC Engine outsold the Megadrive overall
in Japan. Just not the Super Famicom. Importing PC Engine games was the way to go 20 years ago :D
I remember my friend saying he was waiting for PC engine to come out and how great he thought it was. Then it never came. Oh well.