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Turbo Grafx 16



If any one company seemed poised to commandeer control of the video game industry from Nintendo, it was NEC. With a huge and imposing market share in the computer and communication industries, NEC had been driving their developers since 1988 towards the production of a new video game system. Nintendo's president Hirosi Yamauchi saw NEC as a threat due to their successful semiconductor business, which would give them a "direct [and] inexpensive source" for chips. Backed by impressive resources, NEC had been able to saturate any and all industries it wanted, and when the PC-Engine was released in Japan in October of 1987, it appeared as though they would do the same for the video game industry.


TurboGrafx-16: NEC's Underrated 16-Bit Contender

Released in 1989 in North America, the TurboGrafx-16 was NEC and Hudson Soft's entry into the competitive console market. Originally launched as the PC Engine in Japan in 1987, the system was marketed as a 16-bit console, though it technically featured an 8-bit CPU with a powerful 16-bit graphics processor. This allowed for crisp, colorful visuals that often outperformed its direct rivals, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Sega Genesis.

One of the TurboGrafx-16's standout features was its HuCard format-thin, credit card-sized cartridges that were more compact than traditional game cartridges. The console also had an optional CD-ROM add-on, the TurboGrafx-CD, making it the first home console to support CD-based gaming, paving the way for high-quality soundtracks and animated cutscenes.

Despite boasting strong arcade-style games like Bonk's Adventure, Blazing Lazers, and R-Type, the TurboGrafx-16 struggled in North America due to limited third-party support, poor marketing, and stiff competition from Sega and Nintendo. However, it found significant success in Japan, where the PC Engine became a dominant force.

Today, the TurboGrafx-16 is considered a cult classic, remembered for its unique game library, impressive 2D graphics, and early adoption of CD technology. Though it never reached mainstream dominance, it remains a beloved piece of retro gaming history.

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After refinement of the PC-Engine it was released in America in 1989, with its name changed to TurboGrafx-16. As the first 16-bit system in a market ready for a new format, the TurboGrafx-16 initially sold quite well, selling more consoles in its first month than its competitors had during the same period.

Video game players are a capricious lot. Trends in popular genres change yearly, with nearly as much modishness as the fashion industry. A particular type of game or system that is popular today, can become an embarrassment to own tomorrow. Unfortunately for NEC, the TurboGrafx-16 was to become the poster-child for this phenomena.

When the Sega Genesis was released, its dramatically more impressive graphics, sound and gameplay turned the TurboGrafx-16 passé overnight. The TurboGrafx became a stigma.

Ultimately, NEC was to blame for this. Having never produced entertainment software before, NEC designers had taken a casual approach to producing games. Many games had all the  
flash of a 16-bit title, but with little by way of depth of gameplay. NEC also depended on third-party developers to build a library of games. However, most developers were contractually obligated to Nintendo, and could not produce software for NEC. In addition to all of this, the TurboGrafx was not true 16-bit. While its graphics processor was 16-bit, its main CPU was merely 8-bit (a 6820, to be exact).

Despite the poor sales of the TurboGrafx, NEC continued to promote the system. A CD-ROM upgrade made it the first CD console, and a refined, scaled down version would be released as a portable system. Its CD capabilities would give one very well known CD producing company, Working Designs, their start. However, NEC would never achieve much success with their TurboGrafx CD. The reason, as Sheff put it, was that "NEC has arrived too soon with too little."  The TurboGrafx would later be reincarnated as the equally ill-fated TurboDuo, once again in direct competition with Sega. During its life, however, less than 1 million TurboGrafx-16 units were sold.


TurboGrafx-16 Review: The Underrated 16-Bit Powerhouse

When NEC and Hudson Soft launched the TurboGrafx-16 in 1989, they positioned it as a cutting-edge competitor to the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). While the system boasted vibrant graphics, a strong lineup of arcade-style games, and an innovative CD add-on, it struggled to gain mainstream traction in North America. However, despite its commercial shortcomings, the TurboGrafx-16 remains a cult favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Design & Hardware

The TurboGrafx-16's design was sleek and compact, though slightly larger than its Japanese counterpart, the PC Engine. One of its most unique features was its HuCard format-thin, credit card-sized cartridges that were far smaller than the bulky cartridges of the NES, Genesis, and SNES. The console's controller layout was simple but effective, featuring a D-pad, two action buttons, and turbo switches for faster gameplay.

While NEC marketed it as a 16-bit console, it actually featured an 8-bit CPU with a 16-bit graphics processor. This allowed it to outperform the NES in terms of visuals, but it often fell short of the true 16-bit power of the Genesis and SNES. Nonetheless, the system produced bright, colorful 2D graphics that worked exceptionally well for platformers and shoot-'em-ups (shmups).

Game Library

The TurboGrafx-16 excelled at arcade-style games, with a strong focus on fast-paced action, shooters, and platformers. Standout titles included:

  • Bonk's Adventure - A charming platformer starring a prehistoric caveman with headbutt attacks.
  • Blazing Lazers - A top-tier vertical shooter that showcased the system's graphical power.
  • R-Type - A near-perfect port of the legendary arcade shooter.
  • Devil's Crush - A cult-favorite pinball game with eerie, gothic visuals.
  • Splatterhouse - A violent, horror-themed beat-'em-up that was surprisingly dark for its time.

While the TurboGrafx-CD add-on expanded the library with CD-based games featuring orchestral music, voice acting, and animated cutscenes, the add-on's high price and limited North American support meant few gamers took advantage of it.

Performance & Limitations

One of the system's biggest drawbacks was its lack of third-party support. Unlike Nintendo and Sega, which secured strong partnerships with major developers, the TurboGrafx-16's North American library remained smaller and less diverse. Additionally, the console only had one controller port, requiring a separate multitap for multiplayer gaming-an odd design choice given that multiplayer gaming was a major selling point of its competitors.

Final Verdict

The TurboGrafx-16 was an impressive system that never quite got the recognition it deserved. With its crisp 2D graphics, unique game library, and forward-thinking CD add-on, it had the potential to compete with the Genesis and SNES. However, due to poor marketing, limited third-party support, and a small user base in North America, it was largely overshadowed.

Today, the TurboGrafx-16 is a beloved cult classic, especially among fans of shmups, platformers, and arcade-style action games. While it may not have been a commercial juggernaut, it remains an important piece of gaming history that still holds up remarkably well for retro gamers.

Score: 8/10

? A fantastic system for arcade-style games, but held back by poor marketing and limited third-party support. A must-have for collectors and retro enthusiasts.

Would you like to compare it to other 16-bit consoles, or add more details about the CD add-on?



Adam   iamboogieman@msn.com  Wed, 3 Jul 2002 
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My brother in law's brother has a turbografx 16 and he is a role-playing freak like me so if you like role-playing,sports,puzzle,or action this is the system for you. 
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Alex Mansman  angelzapper00@aol.com  Fri, 7 Jun 2002 
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If anyone owns this system then you must get Neutopia 1 and 2!!  Those are pretty good games for such a low-down system. 
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IceDragon.com  feedback@icedragon.com  Fri, 7 Jun 2002 
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The Turbo-Duo and Turbo Grafx 16 are amazing systems and well advanced for their time of release.  I find myself playing it more so then my Playstation 2 or X-box...  I do have to admit that "Adam" (the user above) has a GREAT point.  
The system's shine takes on a whole new luster when you start playing imports on it.  Dracula X by far is one of the only releases of Castlevania that compares to the recent versions of the non-3D original.  Well worth every penny it costs. 

You can also mod these grand old systems with the directions from:  http://www.massystems.com/TD-Mod.html  It's not the easiest thing to do, but I've done several and they work quite well.  For one of the best 16 bit (or 8bit X 2) systems it's the best of the bunch, if you don't believe me, just buy one and see, you won't regret it. 
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MIKE    mrperfect231@webtv.net  Thu, 2 May 2002 
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Being not truly a16 bitcpu killed the turbografix in the us (remember the sega ads) but it had 16 bit graphic card and a few killer titles  1 was splatterhouse the best version anywere  u walk in a haunted house weaing a friday the 13 mask and u chop up witches and demons it had pretty good graphics and sound  it took advantage of the fact turbo could display 512 colors at once compared to  segas 64 colors  ninja sprit  was another classic  like shinobi but with cooler bosses it 
follows a slain warriors ninja ghost on a path to revenge  its a true classic the turbo cd had ys and valis making it worth buying anyone remember the giant ants fmv game? lmao i had it turbo did much better in japan than the us and lastedseveral yeaRs BUT IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THE US MARKET  ALSO  FOR THE OBSCURE FAN TURBO MADE A BETER GRAPHIC VERSION OF TURBOGRAFIX 16 CALLED THE SUPERGRAFIX ONLY IN JAPAN IT WAS IKE 200 MORE THAN TURBO  AND HAD SUPER GHOULS AND GHOST IF I REMEMBER RIGHT IT MUST BE VERY RARE CAUSE I DONT SEE IT LISTED ANYWERE I MISS SPATTERHOUSE 1 WITCH NOISE AND SHOOTING THEM WITH HE PUMP MAYBE 
ILL GET ME TURBO AGAIN ONEDAY LOL 
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Adam  monier@psu.edu  on Friday, September 8, 2000 at 00:45:36 
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All of these articles pointing out NEC's major blunders in America never seem to point out that they did take the top spot away from Nintendo in Japan, with over 650 games released overseas as late as 1998... many the best ever made, such as Dracula X (Castlevania with an amazing CD soundtrack and anime cut scenes). 
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