Konami to Release Mini Turbografx-16 with Pre-Loaded Games

Konami is getting ready to ride the retro “mini”-gaming wave and cash in on nostalgia with their new mini version of the TurboGrafx-16 from the 1980s, complete with pre-loaded games.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but paired with a full-sized controller, the new mini will be a blast from the past, pre-loaded with retro favorites including R-Type, New Adventure Island, Ninja Spirit, Dungeon Explorer, Alien Crush and Ys Book I & II. That’s just five games for now, but information about pricing and more games are still to come.

We’re hoping TurboGrafx-16 classics like Blazing Lasers, Bonk’s Adventure and Splatterhouse will also be among the mix.

While the TurboGrafx-16 mini will release in North America, variants called PC Engine Core Grafx and PC Enging mini will hit Europe and Japan, respectively.

The Japan lineup thus far is a tad different, with games including Super Star Soldier, The Kung Fu, PC GENJIN Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, Ys Book I & II and Dungeon Explorer.

The console will also include save states, video options to simulate old-school play, and the infamous multi-tap for up to five-player action. The multi-tap add-on is sold separately.

Released in the U.S. in 1989 during the golden age of classic gaming, the original TurboGrafx-16 was a cartridge-based game with an 8-bit CPU and an add-on that allowed you to store games on CD-ROM.

In a showdown with the more popular Sega Genesis and Super NES, the TurboGrafx-16 was more popular abroad than in the United States.

It was discontinued in 1994, but now it’s back—in mini form, of course.

The underdog of retro consoles, the TurboGrafx-16 mini will be in fierce battle with shrunk-down consoles including the NES Classic, PlayStation Classic and especially the Sega Genesis Mini as they all ride along the retro “mini” trend.

Check out the announcement trailer below and check out our 2014 list of the TurboGrafx-16’s 16 best games here.