About the TurboExpress By NEC Home Electronics

The TurboExpress: The TurboGrafx-16 in Your Pocket

Buckle up, retro gaming fans, and let’s take a trip back to the early ’90s, when handheld gaming was getting more sophisticated, colorful, and competitive. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the TurboExpress, a handheld console that brought the power of the TurboGrafx-16 right into your hands. Created by NEC Home Electronics, this device was a technological marvel of its time, even if it didn’t quite achieve the commercial success it deserved.

Release Date

The TurboExpress was released in late 1990 in Japan and North America, aiming to compete with the likes of the Nintendo Game Boy and the Sega Game Gear. While the exact release date varies depending on the region, it firmly planted its flag in the burgeoning handheld market of the early ’90s.

Overall Popularity

In terms of popularity, the TurboExpress didn’t reach the lofty heights of its competitors. It sold approximately 1.5 million units worldwide, a modest figure compared to the Game Boy’s astronomical sales. However, among hardcore gamers and tech enthusiasts, it earned a reputation as a premium device thanks to its impressive specs and ability to play TurboGrafx-16 games on the go.

Technical Details

Let’s geek out for a moment and delve into the impressive technical specs of the TurboExpress:

• Display: The TurboExpress featured a 2.6-inch backlit active-matrix color LCD screen. This was quite advanced for its time, offering bright and vibrant visuals that made games look fantastic.
• Processor: It was powered by the same Hudson Soft HuC6280 8-bit CPU running at 7.16 MHz that was used in the TurboGrafx-16, ensuring that the handheld could run the same games as its home console counterpart.
• Memory: The TurboExpress had 8 KB of RAM and 64 KB of video RAM, mirroring the TurboGrafx-16’s capabilities.
• Power: The device required six AA batteries, which provided about 3-4 hours of gameplay. Like many handhelds of the era, it was a bit of a power-hungry beast.
• Sound: It boasted stereo sound through headphones, offering an immersive audio experience that was quite impressive for a handheld device.

The Company Behind the Magic: NEC Home Electronics

NEC, or Nippon Electric Company, is a Japanese multinational known for its contributions to the electronics and technology industries. Founded in 1899, NEC had a rich history by the time it ventured into the gaming market. In the late ’80s, NEC partnered with Hudson Soft to create the TurboGrafx-16 (known as the PC Engine in Japan). Building on the success and technology of this home console, NEC developed the TurboExpress to capture the handheld gaming market.

Other Noteworthy Tidbits

• Game Library: The TurboExpress could play all TurboGrafx-16 games, using the same HuCard format. This gave it access to a substantial library of over 300 games, including hits like “Bonk’s Adventure” and “Ninja Spirit.”
• TV Tuner: One of the standout accessories for the TurboExpress was the TurboVision TV tuner. This add-on allowed users to watch TV on their TurboExpress, turning it into a portable television.
• Design: The TurboExpress had a sleek, black design that was quite stylish for its time. It was larger than the Game Boy but smaller than the Game Gear, striking a good balance between portability and screen size.

Fun Facts

• Pixel Perfect: The TurboExpress was one of the first handhelds to feature a screen resolution of 400×270 pixels, which was higher than many of its competitors.
• Pricey Proposition: At launch, the TurboExpress was priced at around $249.99, making it one of the most expensive handhelds on the market. This high price point limited its accessibility to a broader audience.
• Connectivity: The TurboLink cable allowed two TurboExpress units to connect for multiplayer gaming, adding a social element to the handheld experience.

So, What Do You Think?

The TurboExpress was a remarkable piece of technology that pushed the boundaries of what handheld gaming could be. Despite its high price and relatively short battery life, it offered a unique and powerful gaming experience, allowing players to take their TurboGrafx-16 games on the go. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of its rivals, the TurboExpress remains a beloved and respected device among retro gaming enthusiasts. So, if you ever get your hands on this portable powerhouse, pop in a HuCard, and experience the thrill of ’90s gaming in the palm of your hand. In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the TurboExpress stands as a testament to NEC’s innovative spirit and ambition.