It looks like another company is jumping on the retro console bandwagon. Konami recently announced the TurboGrafx-16 Mini retro console, a compact version of the classic 16-bit console from the 1980s.
Hudson Soft and NEC originally released the TurboGrafx-16, known as the PC Engine in Japan and PC Engine CoreGrafx in Europe, back in 1987. The system came with a 16-bit video color encoder and 16-bit video display chip, earning it the distinction of being the first 16-bit home video game console. Despite these, however, the system actually ran on an 8-bit CPU.
The TurboGrafx-16 never reached the same level of success as the Super NES or Sega Genesis in the US. However, its Japanese PC Engine counterpart fared much better at beating its rivals to market in the country. This resulted in a number of classic games being released for it, and its later CD add-on, over in Japan.
For those wondering where Konami’s involvement comes in, the company merged with Hudson Soft back in 2012.
According to Konami’s official website for the system, the retro console comes with most of the most bells and whistles that its competitors have. This includes the ability to save game states, called Quick Save here, as well as various display modes including those that replicate scanlines.
Additionally, the system will allow five players to play together using a multitap peripheral that will be sold separately. While five may seem to be an odd number of players compared to the usual two to four of other consoles, the original TurboGrafx-16 allowed for this as well.
As for the games, Konami has announced six so far for the TurboGrafx-16 Mini and PC Engine Core Grafx Mini.
- Alien Crush
- Dungeon Explorer
- New Adventure Island
- Ninja Spirit
- R-Type
- Ys Book 1 and 2
Meanwhile, the Japanese PC Engine Mini gets a slightly different list of games.
- Bonk
- Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
- China Warrior
- Dungeon Explorer
- Super Star Soldier
- Ys Book 1 and 2
It’s interesting to note that the games include some for the system’s CD add-on, such as Ys Book 1 and 2 and Castlevania Rondo of Blood. In comparison, the upcoming Sega Genesis Mini does not include any Sega CD games.
More games, as well as further details such the system’s pricing and release date, are set to be announced at a later date. In the meantime, Konami has released the following announcement trailer for the system.
