Rare Turbo Express Review-Gamester81

[@Gamester81]

LOL I like how you picked up I'm a Cards fan! Yah you're right the screen is small to play some of the games. I love the TG-16 though, it's a very underrated system.

[@jhonnypaulie]

retro gaming always has those clicky sounds from the controller.. nostalgia

[@keithkelly5692]

I had a TG16 + CDROM + Super System Card 3.0 + TurboTap + second controller, and a ton of games. The CDROM was notorious for eventually skipping and experiencing read faults, but being handy with electronics repairs, I took mine apart and realized the problem was dried-up-and-cracked lubricant used on the worm gear and sliding rod that moved the laser eye around. I removed all the dried-up yellowed lubricant with a solvent and then applied a slower-viscosity silicone-based lubricant, and that permanently fixed the problem. I made the same fix to a friend's TG16 CDROM. NEC fixed that defect for the TurboDuo, but it was very rare to find an original TG16 CDROM unit older than a year or two that didn't have tracking problems. I also modified one of the controllers to swap the ridiculously short 3-foot cord out for a nice long 12-foot cord. My younger brother sold the whole set at a pawn shop around 1997 for about $600. Games included Gates of Thunder/Bonk's Adventure/Bonk's Revenge/Bomberman disc, Shadow of the Beast (excellent port), Ys I & II, Vigilante, China Warrior, Parasol Stars (awesome 2-player game), Keith Courage (awful pack-in game), Legendary Axe, Legendary Axe II, Dungeon Explorer, Dungeon Explorer 2, Neutopia, Neutopia 2, Cadash, Valis II, Sherlock Holmes, It Came From The Desert, Alien Crush, Splatterhouse, Bravoman, Blazing Lazers, Cybercore, Bloody Wolf, New Adventure Island, Air Zonk, Bonk 3, Atomic Robo Kid, Fighting Street, Monster Lair, Street Fighter II, Riot Zone, Military Madness, Red Alert, Ninja Spirit, Turrican, Silent Debuggers, Victory Run, and Space Harrier.

[@Gamester81]

Man, that would have been great, but I actually forgot about doing it. =(

[@CrazyJoe]

Glad you captured footage of the TV tuner at work, mine is just a funky paperweight now

[@Gamester81]

For the system, five games, and case, I paid about $250 on ebay several years ago.

[@Irondiesel]

Hey gamster, I watch a bunch of your video's mainly because I grew up the same time you did and not many of my friends follow or play video games. Watching these bring me back especially when it's from the 80's to the early 90's. Anyway I think your selling the Express a little short. I still have mine and have let three of my nephew's play it when their over and it's a work horse. Full sound, full screen with no pixels out. I even have the TV hook up add on and you could buy a power cord which was eight feet long. The TV no longer works since the government's digital switch. I had bought over 30 games and they all work. I'm still impressed my the picture quality today. One obscure title I had were, Jay Jay and Jeff. I never understood where they were running off to or why birds were always trying to dump on their heads. Never completely beat it. Well love the videos. I'll be watching.

[@Gamester81]

Yeah I'd say it's reasonable. I've seen systems alone sell for over $300. With 22 games that a nice start to a great collection.

[@gryphonthegamer3736]

The sega nomad plays sega genisis games and is a handheld, so the turbo express isnt the only handheld to play console games

[@brianbernstein3826]

Gryphon the Gamer the express came out years before the nomad. the game gear was the first handheld to play console games.

[@smokeyvv]

***** he said it wasnt the only one, he didnt say the nomad came out first.

[@josh7559]

+Brian Bernstein The Game Gear plays console games? I thought it had original games. I do know it had its own version of Sonic 2.

[@brianbernstein3826]

Josh yeah it had a device called the master system converter which allowed you to play SMS carts. it was basically identical hardware anyway.

[@josh7559]

Cool! It's too bad that the Game Gear's screen doesn't hold up very well.

[@LIcomputertutor]

I have one of these. It's been boxed since I got it sometime in the 90's. Played it a lot actually. I remember the battery consumption was wicked. The screen would get darker (or lighter) as the batteries drained and I would keep adjusting the contrast until it was just washed out. Loved playing military Madness on it. Still have my turbo graphix 16 console too. Ahh the memories.

[@Jumpboots_Jamstrang]

@Kalatos I meant the turbo grafx. The tv tuner sort of works but its really fuzzy. I just get channels from mexico though.

[@klaudijevtrkaciteritorij4301]

this is too fantastic,i never see something like that,with this handheld you can play and sometimes watch on a radio

[@Gamester81]

Wow great to know thanks.

[@dallase1]

I borrowed this system and the TV tuner. The image quality was very sharp for the TV and games, you could actually read text on the screen coming from the TV tuner. I had a regular TG16 but like a dummy I sold it. I had Devils Crush Pinball and Galaga 90 which was Galaga 88 from the arcade but I guess since they relased it in 1990 they renamed it Galaga 90. I played and sounded just like Galaga 88. I also had the Stereo A/V expansion module that allowed the use of standard RCA A/V cables.

[@Setzer777]

Great video! I got one of these when they first came out in 1990. Paid over $500 for the system and TV tuner. Loved being able to play all my TG-16 games on it and not having to go out and buy new games. Greatest portable system of its time. Only complaint I had with it was battery life. If you didn't buy the A/C adapter, you were going through hundreds of AA batteries lol.

[@RedStrikerBeetleborg]

Went through them like candy I'm sure

[@17R3W]

@1983parrothead You could still use it in Canada (or on the border for that matter), and in the states for low power stations (LPTV).

[@ShadowBright0]

I found an old used with some gunk on the side yesterday at the foothill flea market at Citrus College

[@DrLove0378]

That TV tuner is neat. I've got one, but my TurboExpress is broken. Too bad it will only pick up low-power stations now (which still broadcast in analog.)

[@poprock999]

iam from peru and i had one en 93 i lost it and i think its great to see one again,thanks.i still got the games

[@ShadowBright0]

I meant I found an old Turbo Express used with gunk no batteries and no back(cover for batteries) with no game. And it was put with old cell phones and I spotted it out of the corner of my eye. It was at the Foothill Flea Market. I might get it next Sunday. After I found out how to clean it of course.

[@superpcengine]

Just won one of these on ebay recently. Can't wait for it to arrive.

[@17R3W]

@calamaty Sounds pretty cool. Yeah, Canadian TV is pretty much the same as American TV, same shows at the same time, so you really couldn't tell the difference between the two.

[@calamaty]

@CaptainPoovabladoo Depends on the condition of the system. If there are dead pixels and lower than usual sound effects expect to pay about $125 seeing how it still plays well. If it's new and never touched you're looking at about $250-$300. The price is worth it since the screen is clearer than that of a Game Gear.

[@aaronzvz]

I remember a friend having this when I was in school back in like 91 or 92, I was so jealous and wanted one so bad.

[@LightTheUnicorn]

Saw one of these in a movie once I think... It does look very, very big!

[@Keranu]

Another correction: The TG16 can display it's entire 512 palette at once.

[@SplatterTrigger]

Nice review!One of my favorite handhelds.I need to "reclaim" my TV tuner.I know it will be obsolete but I just want it for collecting purposes.

[@amristar736]

Wow, that's really state of the art tech. What will they think of next?

[@DialgaMarine3]

I noticed, you mentioned that this and the Sega Nomad were the only systems to be able to play their console counterparts on the go, which is awesome to say the least. I actually theres a new handheld coming out soon with this capability, the PSP2. Its supposed to be powerful enough to play most PS3 games on the go.

[@MackenzieMichael]

I always loved the idea of the Turbo Express. I had a Turbo Grafx 16. Other game markets should have taken a cue from them. Virtually indestructible games, cross port to the handheld system. Can you imagine if everything went back to cartridge and used the same cartridge for home and handheld? The problem was that the Turbo Express was a battery eating, money wasting beast that was overpriced to begin with. I loved my home console though. There just wasn't enough games for it, so I sold it for something else. I don't remember what though. I later got a SNES with Super Double Dragon and SFII. Later I received a lump some of money and got everything Nintendo and Sega. I bought the Genesis and the Sega CD with a shitload of games for both and I bought more games for the SNES. I don't recommend doing that though. You end up with a headache, a mess, and not being able to enjoy what you are doing, because you have other things waiting to be opened and played. But I was still a kid at the time too. I loved my SNES, but type of fun I had with that Sega CD could not be replaced or duplicated. But, I am rambling now, so I will leave it there.

[@flexor212000]

I remember this being soo expensive. It was decision time.. This or the Turbo CD attachment. My brother and I went with the Turbo CD.

[@1983parrothead]

Will you record it going off on June 12th this year?

[@syst3m08]

So the Turbo Express can play any TurboGrafx16 game without any accessories or anything needed?

[@coondogtheman]

This thing was on the movie Enemy of the state. I dont know what they were thinking when they decided to show a MiniDV video put on a PCMCIA card which isnt memory anyways and putting it on this thing. I like this unit but they are defective and rare.

[@TheSegaStoner]

Can't forget about the Nomad ;) awesome, I hear it's a fun handheld.

[@robotwo]

another correction , the GameGear was also capable to play games from the MasterSystem on the go , you needed a connector-adapter though , since the carts wouldn't fit into the GameGear otherwise :D. No change to the hardware though , only the connector :) Haven't managed to get my hands on one of these little marvels , but I'll keep on trying :]

[@manuel32720011]

so i have the turbo grafx 16 system for the tv and a turbo express and 6 games for it. how much should i sell that for?

[@winstong2000]

i had one and just like the other color portable systems,it wasnt portable.You needed a plug.But the screen was AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@Squadalha]

The brightness is very good.

[@Daggerlich]

I have this handheld in great condition. I really like it (even though I'm 13 I still like old games and systems)

[@ATARI800XLfan]

Nice vide. I have been thinking of getting one but I am not sure if I should, what is your opinion of it. Also should I get the US one or save the money and get a PC engine GT, also would you happen to know were I could find a TurboExpress or PC engine GT for sale.

[@PiercedJedi]

almost picked one of these up a few months back, but decided not to for the simple reason that I can never find games locally...

[@Utoobyourself]

I just recently sold one in MINT , excellent condition w/ TV tuner for $149. Gamester where did you get all those wonderful toys?? LOL Awesome collection. I've been collecting since 1989 but had to sell inorder to buy new stuff...:(

[@-Matt_O96-]

@Gamester81 Especially if its Like Legendary axe, Galaga 93', and Splatterhouse for example

[@JustinShafer]

I always wanted one of these.

[@Gamester81]

oh yeah. . . you're right.

[@dogeymon83]

Today, if you want an amazing Turbo Express on the go, you need look no further than the GP2X WIZ. Organic LED screen and emulates TG16 games perfectly!

[@zyriuzstorm9971]

You sir gamester81! Have like every console or electrical equipment I can think of how do you store everything it's gotta be like a ridiculous amount of all those generations of consoles that you have x) please, have you done a video about your "gaming room" or you know just on how you organise all stuff

[@MrRabbott1]

I had a PC Engine LT with CDRom2 docking station + Interface3 system card

[@spookymunky1]

God I so wanted one as a kid, being in uk though, I only ever saw 1 single unit in a shop, shop owner let me play a game on it for 5mins then said basically I will never be able to afford one :).. for the people that mention gamegear in comparrison, this thing blew it out of the water since it was based on a competitor to the genesis and snes.. a quick wiki later, gtp - cpu 7.16mhz, res 400x270, max colors 481, gamegear being 3.58, 160x144, and 32 respectively.As for nomad,that was 5 years later

[@nightmathzombieethan]

Re: The size, Imagine how small (and cheaply) they could make this system nowadays. I love technology...

[@pointlessfailure]

How is the screen quality in terms of the Game Gear? that one has not aged well.

[@Gabyluna3]

thats one of the best handhelds ive ever seen

[@MrGencyExit64]

Wow, this video is old enough that they still broadcast analog TV more than a couple of blocks from the antenna. About all the tuner is good for now is composite video input :(

[@Gamester81]

Sorry I paid way more then that for it. It's currently not for sale.

[@alanplays4697]

@Gamester81 does it have a region lock restrictions on games? i am planning to get a PC Engine GT from ebay..

[@SendingThruHardware]

Can you review the gameaxe color?

[@InfiniteUniverse88]

The Turbo Express was cutting edge for its day. The PS Vita is a second rate tablet.

[@commanderoates]

dam i dont need to go to school i just need to watch more of thes video's.

[@DjStiv3]

it came out for 249 i guess back in the day for sum reason they bumped it up to 299 then back to 249 and then later it wasnt selling too well so it went to 199 and kinda stayed there i guess

[@MadaraStv]

Wait doesn't the Nomad do that? It's not very portable (xD) but it does play the console games.

[@4g63gen1]

love it dude my bud has one classic gaming at its best!

[@TuxedoEarth]

Who was playing in the baseball game!?

[@ReikazeRambles]

how much stuff do you have???

[@sciprio1]

@Gamester81 Nice start? 22 games are like the end of the collection for me lol.

[@calamaty]

Nice review. I have the PC Engine GT and it only plays Japanese games and I think it's exactly the same as the Turbo Express you demonstrated. Only differences I can see is the location of the name, "PC Engine GT" is written right above the control pad and I think the "NEC" is on the top left corner. It plays Street Fighter II Champion Edition really well btw (not rubbing it in). You get to play Bonk in English and I can't understand my games :(

[@calamaty]

@17R3W Mine still works but I'm close to Mexico:P

[@mjk012579]

Why do I have a feeling Gamester81 is from the Chicagoland Area?

[@CaudaMiller]

wow screen is amazing

[@Zoogle88]

i searched for this on youtube and of coarse YOU had a vid of it xD

[@Ichijoe2112]

Can you hook the CD-ROM² up to this?

[@CrazyJoe]

i just got this today with the tv tuner.....ill never get to see it work waaaaahhh!!!!!!

[@AD-Dom]

Still have mine. The down side, goddamn batteries.

[@lobelia2]

my god the screen was so small back then

[@MrShaun1578]

That tuner probally wont work now with digital broadcasts

[@Jumpboots_Jamstrang]

I just got one with the TV tuner for 7.99. Works Fine!! :)

[@mjk012579]

I would think the tuner doesn't work only because television no longer broadcasts in analog signals.

[@Cool-Spot]

@CaptainPoovabladoo I got one for $90 with no games and the sound is messed up like gamesters.

[@DravenWolfe]

Did my mother really pay $300 for this, even $200, man I was spoiled back then; I love this system and glad I still have mine express and a Turbo-Duo.

[@lobelia1997]

how do the graphics compare to the ps vita?

[@DCN0B]

The more videos of yours i watch the more anxious i get for my SNES i bought with 4 games for 40$ (Damn Shipping!!)

[@notyoursavior78]

That's awesome, too bad all that tv technology is obsolete now :( That Cubs game was just starting to get good too lol

[@Aquahutch]

The sound went out on mine. :(

[@PlastykLunatykKreations]

Wow u brought me some memories! I bought that device for an xgirl of mine. Theres one thing id like to antenna stem usually cracks from use so do not use it much

[@spookymunky1]

not sure how expensive it was / how well it did ?.. like mighta been cheapish in japan and outsold gamegear heh, they just didnt go for a worldwide release, so in uk was mebbe 250% the price..

[@calamaty]

@17R3W Actually the shows back then were great. I used to watch Dragonball and DragonBall Z long before the U.S. showed it, and uncensored Japanese version in Spanish language. Ranma1/2 was also on the air, nowadays they have reality shows:P but I watch an hour and a half of the SImpsons everyday:D Some channels show action movies from the 80s and 90s and marathons of kickass movies, really rare Jackie Chan movies like "Wheels on Meals" and "Drunken Master".

[@bunnyfreakz]

Never hear this but this is really piece of technology, its definitely better than gameboy color thats come out nearly a decade later.

[@frantahouska]

Enemy of the state

[@MasterControl90original]

wait wait wait wait! i was sure that the turbo express is a very good machine but IS A PORTABLE PCENGINE?!?!?HOW I COULD MISS THAT?!

[@adj789]

the portable is not that much smaller than the PC Engine system

[@SPS148669]

Todays double AA batterie use more advanced technology (lithium) so it would probaly have a longer run time now.

[@dogeymon83]

Thanks to the GP2X WIZ, there is not logical reason to get one of these Turbo Expresses anymore.... unless you just want to collect it. The GP2X WIZ is the world's perfect handheld TG-16, at least in my opinion.

[@wrestletube1]

Does the TV Tuner still work or is it truely fucked now in America where you seem to be based?

[@JMLRetroRoom]

Ha ha, Bonk. I have the TG16 Emulator on my PSP with Bonk's Adventure.

[@ArcadeMachine15]

they dropped 200$ to 199??

[@Lowmandavis]

Sega nomad did this too

[@RediceRyan]

The Tv tuner is kool.

[@joeplay101]

thats cool

[@geostillo78]

I remember i ran through that fucking Bonk's Adventure in one damn sitting!

[@bevrosity]

go cubs!