Zaxour’s Palette Cleanser – Correct PCE Colors over RGB

Zaxour is now selling an internal RGB mod that allows PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 consoles to output proper colors over RGB, not just composite video. These can be installed in basically any PCE/TG-16 and can be integrated into existing installations that used Zaxour’s flex cable. Zaxour has good documentation for multiple PCE rev’s, including the Duo’s, Core Grafx and even the Pioneer LaserActive PAC module! The price is $50 for the Palette Cleanser itself, plus you’ll need a second adapter to match your console or previous installation – Check the sale page for details with more info below, as well as My Life In Gaming‘s video on it above:

Main Store: https://ko-fi.com/zaxour/shop
Installation Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uCi6RHdhBwgzI0Ua1-9Pp2ZK5o7tlw4R

As a note, while this is an RGB adapter, if you’re installing it in conjunction with Zaxour’s TurboNanza, it’ll actually work with S-Video as well! For those installation, all three signals will be outputting matching and proper colors.

Also, here’s just a reminder that most people will need to buy multiple items to make this work. I mentioned it above, but I wanted to drive the point home, in case you’re like me and might quickly buy without actually reading the page ;p Here’s a screenshot from the sale page to help clarify (click for full-sized):

This issue was originally brought to light about five years ago via an awesome post by Dan Mons that dug deep into the whole issue. Since then, it’s been speculated that the only way to get a true color palette via RGB would be via hardware or software emulation…or by tapping the PCE’s digital pins and essentially having an “HDMI to RGB” converter built in. The fact that it’s done on original hardware is very impressive and a bit of a surprise.

As a note, there’s an external plug & plug adapter that attempts to do the same thing with no installation required. A friend bought one and it’s really promising, but there’s a few things that need to be ironed out. If you wanted an internal installation (or there are no external options like the Duo’s and PAC modules), then Zaxour’s is definitely the way to go and an excellent option. I’ll post again when I have an opportunity to test the P&P adapter.

Here’s examples of the difference the Palette Cleanser can make – And it’s sometimes a BIG difference:

Some comparison shots before Palette Cleanser launches in a few days! Taken from a system with TurboNanza + Palette Cleanser. Turbonanza uses precision resistors to reconstruct CVBS, so it's a more consistent basis for comparison.
1. CVBS
2. PC RGB
3. Original RGB pic.twitter.com/TdLTN5JgZy

— Zaxour 阿宅 (@zaxour) September 15, 2026

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