On June 11th, 2019, Konami announced that they would be releasing a mini versions of NEC's 16-bit gaming console: the TurboGrafx-16 (or PC Engine if you live/lived in Japan or France). These mini consoles will be the TurboGrafx-16 Mini (North America and Latin America), the PC Engine Core Grafx Mini (Europe) and the PC Engine Mini (Japan). Konami's former subsidiary Hudson Soft developed a majority of the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16's software library.
Official websites have been launched to promote the product.
The console will have two USB controller ports and support up to 5 players. The following games have been announced.
North America, Latin America and Europe:
Alien Crush
Dungeon Explorer
New Adventure Island
Ninja Spirit
R-Type
Ys Book I & II
For Japan:
Akumajou Dracula: Chi no Rondo (Castlevania: Rondo of Blood)
Bonk's Adventure
China Warrior
Dungeon Explorer
Super Star Soldier
Ys Book I & II
It has yet to be seen how many games will be on the final Mini Consoles, what the storage capacity is and what the divide between the Japanese and Non-Japanese Game libraries will be. Konami has also not yet confirmed a release date(s), nor suggested an MSRP.
I would be marginally surprised if Konami doesn't offer an international version of Akumajou Dracula: Chi no Rondo, as they had previously released the game on the Wii Virtual Console hassle free. Additionally, Ys Book I & II and Akumajou Dracula: Chi no Rondo were both originally Turbo CD titles, so from a technical standpoint, there shouldn't be any issues.
We live in day and age of mini consoles such as the NES Classic Edition/Mini, Super NES Classic Edition/Mini, PlayStation Classic and Sega will be releasing a Mega Drive/Genesis Mini later this year.
TurboGrafx-16 had some excellent arcade ports such as Gradius II: Gofer’s Amibition and some amazing original shooters like Gate of Thunder and Blazing Lasers. Will the TurboGrafx-16 find a new generation of fans through this commemorative release? What are some of your favorite TurboGrafx-16 games that you think need some love. Be sure to let us know below and as always, stay tuned to GameTyrant as more information on the TurboGrafx-16 Mini Consoles develops!