SSDS3

The Super SD System 3 (SSDS3) is an all-in-one device that allows users to experience the full range of NEC's PC-Engine, TurboGrafx-16, PC-Engine CD, and Turbo-CD software. It simulates all aspects of the hardware and contains such features as System & Arcade Card simulation, per game save file storage, and full RGB output.

Firmware can be downloaded here Please note that you need to register your device. If firmware is not present after registering, your device was shipped with the most recent firmware already installed. (Current Firmware is 1.03 R04)

Manual is located here

Set-Up

• Any storage size MicroSD card should work as long as it is FAT32 or ExFAT formatted. TerraOnion generally recommends avoiding Samsung branded cards as they have been known to cause issues on their devices. Sandisk is the preferred manufacturer.
• CD games must be in their own folders. The folder name dictates the name that is displayed in the SSDS3 menu for CD games. Nested folders are fully supported for both CD and Hu card games.
• Lining up the pins correctly on the expansion port with the SSDS3 is extremely important. Failure to do so could bend or push in pins which will cause the SSDS3 not to function.
• TurboGrafx-16 units have a different shaped expansion port. As such it is extremely easy to damage the pins trying to force a SSDS3 onto the unit. While it can be used, TerraOnion does not consider it an officially supported hardware. If you decide to use one (at your own risk) we recommend that you loosen the screws on the SSDS3 shell to allow the SSDS3 pin connector to slide on easier. You can tighten them after successful insertion.
• PAL TurboGrafx units similarly have the same fitment issues. Also, they were altered to run at 50hz many games do not run correctly, so it is similarly considered unsupported by TerraOnion.
• Old Power Supplies or poorly made 3rd party power supplies can cause issues running SSDS3 properly. TerraOnion recommends replacing your PSU if you have issues with the SSDS3 randomly crashing.
• Cheaply made Genesis 2 composite cables frequently do not have stereo pins wired properly. This will cause audio to play only out of one speaker.

Usage

• There is no reset function on the SSDS3 and while there is a hot-key (In Game Trigger) to accomplish this it is not compatible with a sizeable portion of the library. As such you will need to power on and off your system to return to menu
• You can assign a bios in the SSDS3 options menu. For the greatest compatibility TerraOnion recommends using either the US or JP 3.0 bios.
• Turning Arcade Card emulation on in the options should be considered a default. It will turn off automatically behind the scene for games that do not need it.
• Seek time emulation allows games to run at a simulation of the speed of an actual disc. If you have problems with a particular game try toggling it on and off. In most instances leaving it on works best. Also let the TerraOnion team know of your findings.

Game Compatibility & Known Issues

General issues

• The In Game Trigger option, which allows a user to return to the SSDS3 menu, does not function properly in a large percentage of games. It causes crashes or other graphical issues. It is recommended not to use this option if you run into any issues. This issue is resolved in the SHDS3 Pro.
• Certain BVM CRT models and the Framemeister do not work well with the PC-Engine video output and it can have sync issues. This is not an SSDS3 issue.

Game issues

• Sherlock Holmes: consulting Detective Vol 1 & 2 has audio/video desyncs.
• Popful Mail: has corruption in the 2nd Intro movie.
• Ranma 1/2: The fifth fighter will have audio issues.
• Wonder Momo: The game title screen is doubled.
• Iga Ninden Gao: Minor graphical corruption with the cutscene after starting the game.
• Last Alert: Audio blip during intro
• HyperDyne SideArms Special: Audio Desync during "Before Christ" campaign.
• Tenshi no Uta: Issues reported but not verified.
• Fighting Street: Occasional game hang-ups

Information and Updates

• As of the December, 2020 update, the SSDS3 menu was revised and is now more in-line with the MegaSD. The resolution for this new menu is different than most games and is 320x240 similar to the 240p Test Suite.

Tips & Tricks

• SuperGrafx games can only be played when the SuperGrafx is attached to the SSDS3. However, the SuperGrafx has certain game compatibility issues that require the switch to be in the "II" position to work. A list of known problem games can be found here
• You can have the SSDS3 override the bios on a "per game" basis. To do this simply drop a specific bios into the same folder as your Game CD image. This is useful for the handful of GamesExpress titles as well as the earlier version of Altered Beast that only ran on the 1.0 bios.
• You can dump your own hu cards. Instructions are here
• Cover art, genre and release year info for ROMs can be added to the menu. Details can be found on the SSDS3 Cover Art & Info page.