TURBOGRAFX MINI REVIEW - Happy Console Gamer

[@chrischristodoulou1582]

Having the non-English version of Snatcher makes me feel like a stray dog on a rainy night looking into a warm living room from the outside

[@craiganderson7986]

Sam Clegg Nope

[@RigbyIsTheMan]

I was thinking of watching a sega cd walkthrough and playing that at the same time

[@jmatt781]

They fixed all of the input lag. My US Amazon version just arrived today, and it's controls are running tight and perfect!

[@kevintemido]

Are we supposed to update the software on the first release?

[@AnthonyJRapino]

I'd love to more about that too. Does it come patched or is there a way to update? Tried searching and can't find any info online about this.

[@Nocturnous]

@@AnthonyJRapino MY JP version didn't have any issues. So it might have only been the first batch.

[@connorstephens7467]

I love your passion for gaming. You’re easily the best game channel on KZbin. Thank you for sticking with it!

[@galacticfederationambassad4063]

Mr happy so positive he even has nice things to say about a standard manual. God bless.

[@amandamedina2533]

100% agree with your comment! 🙌🏼💜 His reviews matters the most to me.

[@princeknight4773]

He always makes me smile, which is much needed in these awesome times.

[@hepwo91222]

The manual looked like that, but it was like the same light orange color on the box, not a gray, black, and white manual

[@EPS5000]

The sound effects of the CD spinning is what sold me. Now I want one.

[@Tempora158]

That sound effect is not of the disc spinning because if it was, that buzzing sound would be constant. That sound effect is the sound of the gears moving the laser pickup back and forth doing rapid seeks in an attempt to boot the disc.

[@adamheeley285]

If they make a Dreamcast mini, I will go banana's.

[@Lightblue2222]

Oh that's weird.. because I would go ape sh!t

[@adamheeley285]

As long as it has Powerstone. Also am I really the only one who liked and BEAT Trickstyle? The grinding was terrible but the rest was fun.

[@ryanellison1044]

They need to make a Saturn mini first!

[@MoonKast_TV]

@@adamheeley285 i hope it would have both powerstones! those games are so expensive now

[@darinherrick2503]

You aren't the only one.

[@joshuag7207]

I’m so glad I got one of these when I did. I play it often, and it’s worth quite a bit now. It’s amazing how much effort they put into the menu, the game selection, and the overall presentation.

[@erix5184]

Can't wait to get one of these for my dad. So many memories from my early teens playing Bonk, Neutopia, Silent Debuggers, Ys 1 & 2, Ys III, etc.

[@GiordanDiodato]

no Ys 3, but then again that's probably the worst version of Ys 3 (behind the Famicom version)

[@greatlakesent4831]

I always wanted to own a Turbografx 16 when I was a kid. My older brothers friend had one and I played it for maybe an hour and never got to play it again. I just ordered TG16 mini and I am so excited to play it.

[@mh2378g]

Hey Johnny, many great memories. In about November 1989 I stood for about 15 minutes staring at the Genesis and the Turbograx trying to decide which to go with. I compared specs, and judged that the turbografx was able to do better sound, with an additional peripheral that plugged on the back. I had recently gotten a HIFI VHS that was cable to my stereo, so that's what led my decision. R-Type, Splatterhouse, BloodyWolf and Bonk were where I lived for a year or so. I even got some giant box arcade stick sold through one of the magazines. I sold it to a co-worker sometime in '91. I've regretted getting rid of every console I've owned... thanks for the memories, I hope you are doing well. Whenever I watch _any_ of your channel, it cheers me up, Thanks!

[@JGRICH61]

A beautiful memory.

[@piercebren6557]

I forget how old I am, maybe 32. This console may not be part of "my Gen" since I was born in 88 but seeing as I can spidey-sense the worth/fun-factor of these games as I missed out on about 98% of them, looks like the TurboGrafx-16 is a pretty awesome buy

[@iraplikeyoubreathe]

Im 34 never had a turbogrfx growing up but the amount of pure gold gamewise on this system has caused me to purchase one today...

[@grgmj1980]

I believe this is a must have for a “Real Gamer”. Not so much for the casual gamers. There is a bunch of classics in this mini to satisfy the hardcore fans.

[@subcon959]

I got a PC Engine Mini a couple weeks ago purely for nostalgia reasons. It turned out to be more enjoyable than I expected based on a couple other reviews, but your reaction and experience are much closer to mine. If you're into your 40's then this is a wonderful trip down memory lane.

[@karlwest49]

You got me to play Ys viii, which has become one of my favourite games in recent years, so I wanted to say thank you for that! I'm curious about the Ys games on here, but not sure if I'm ready to fully take the plunge on the console. Maybe once it comes to Canada without having to import it I'll take a look. Thanks for the review!

[@burucchi]

Nothing makes me happier than seeing new Ys fans! If you're interested in Ys I and II and don't want to buy a TG16 Mini, you could always look up Ys Chronicles I&II on Steam! They're remakes of the games featured here, made by Falcom themselves. The remake is really faithful to the originals in terms of gameplay and everything, but it features some beautiful 2D graphics and various options for the soundtrack, including a completely arranged soundtrack, with actual instruments rather than synths played by Falcom's in-house band, the jdk Band. You can find it pretty cheap on Steam, and it's a great way to start diving deeper into the Ys series. Good luck with that!

[@ericriggsbee]

Someone needs to do a “where are they now” version of the people on box art and video game adds.

[@samljer]

OOooooh I like that idea. Some of the art in old NES magazines are some of my favorite.

[@CrossoverGameReviews]

I was just thinking how I dislike not only the guy on the Trubo Grafx box, but stock images of people in every product, but yeah, I am curious enough to want to watch something like this.

[@kabochaVA]

If you were the guy on the box art, would you like to be bothered because of a picture of you taken some 30-odd years ago? Honestly?

[@ericriggsbee]

Pierre C. ABSOLUTELY.

[@TrevRockOne]

That would be wholly uninteresting.

[@RuebenChan1]

I remember playing Bonk’s Adventure, it was so much fun. I was interested in this system back in the day. I wish I had played more of it’s games.

[@vincenzovieri3743]

the modding community will definitely come through, as they did with other consoles, they'll put all the games on this machine. thank god! also they will fix the lagged games

[@nomadscorpio]

Yeah it would be nice to add Legendary Axe and Keith Courage That's a big miss not having those on there.

[@thedrunkmonkshow]

@Neon Pizza Yeah the run ahead input latency is arguably the most important emulation feature in the last 5 years to come out that doesn't get talked about enough. For years while playing Super Mario 3 on emulator I kept dying or falling into pits thinking maybe my reflexes are slowing down from getting older. Now when I play Mario 3 with Run Ahead enabled I play just as well if not better than I did a as kid. I realized the problem wasn't me it was the input lag lol

[@GreenTeaViewer]

The modding community did not come through ☠️I'm now playing my PC engine games on raspberry pi

[@icewolf1974]

I got the PC Engine Mini a few weeks ago. I really prefered the console design over the TG-16 mini, plus the delay of the TG-16 pushed me into getting it because I wanted to ensure I would have these games. I am happy with my purchase, especially since it came direct from Japan and is what the Japanese gamers are playing. I hope you enjoy your TG-16 mini, HappyConsoleGamer.

[@Cane-Aubright]

As a 17 year old who really grew up with older games, this is incredible! I can't wait to buy it alongside an astro city mini!

[@MyRetroLife]

Good to know we can get it from Amazon JP. Thanks Johnny!

[@screwthenet]

Man the era from 1988 to 1993 changed the world forever. Cartoons became more and more badass, so did movies and other shows, comics were in the high age, and magic the gathering came out. Plus, of course, the change to 16 bit era and even early 32bit Full 3D gaming. Best era in human history ( lets just say 1987-1999 lol)

[@Doom_master1122]

Finally, a youtuber who points out WHERE people are getting them. I've had mine preordered since the preorders went live. Thank you Johnny. Just tossed my order in and its getting shipped. I'm very excited for this.

[@Konuvis]

I love that they put Turbo16 and PC-E games on this.

[@Ric_93]

Watching your videos makes my days always a little bit better, especially during quarantine!

[@LukeDodge916]

I somehow missed that you posted this video a month ago. Regardless, mine arrived a few weeks ago from amazon and I was so happy; they were telling me December! One thing I really wanted with these mini systems was the ability to upgrade via USB or somehow. I dont want to jailbreak my Genesis and TG16 but they absolutely will need more games soon... Great video, I liked seeing your older TG16 stuff too. Thanks for making this whole lockdown a lil more enjoyable the past couple months.

[@stepsgaming]

Johnny, I have both the Pc Engine mini and Turbo mini... I prefer the PCE just because it’s easier to hook up. I love the console... it’s a blast. My friend had a console, but I never did growing up. So having one was important to me. I thought about selling the Turbo mini, but my 9 year old son won’t let me. He really enjoys the console. I have videos on my small for fun channel showing him play with it. Glad you got one!

[@dnachistatrax1029]

I was waiting on this review, I remember you were the very first person to talk about this on KZbin last year! I still have my original, and it still works! 👊✌️💯💯💯💯

[@PL4Y3R_ON3]

Finally got mine. Coming from the UK It's my first foray into the TurboGrafx and I gotta say, why the heck wasn't this system more popular? The graphics and sound on so many games just blow the Megadrive and SNES out of the water. Lords of thunder is amazing. Even if it seems laggy and unplayable if you've played it on real hardware. I haven't and so it comes across as fine for me. I do prefer ys books 1 and 2 on the PSP but this version is definitly worth a play through. And so much better than the master system version I have. Thanks for the recommendation John. Youve never led me astray and I appreciate all the time and effort you put into recommending amazing experiences for us.

[@andrewxyz24]

wow what a time to be alive when there were more than 3 consoles to choose from and their own unique libraries

[@OneWJAever]

It's been a while since I watched your last video. Shame on me. It was when you were sick. I'm glad to see you're doing better. Keep the videos coming!

[@IceHedge]

I'm 32, grew up with SNES and Genesis and beyond , never had a Turbo Graphx before but the 16 and 32 bit era really speak to me. These look awesome and love the third party games outside of the Sonic's and Mario's on the more popular consoles like Plok, Ristar, Vectorman, etc! Definitely considering buying one

[@gunndlewittlebaum]

Hope you and Kim are feeling happy and healthy! Best of luck, fellow VanCity folks!

[@Aeglos15]

I'm so interested that I pre-ordered it via Amazon in November with a multitap and extra controllers that I'll never see at this rate. It makes no sense to me that they're available overseas but not available here. I'm just glad people are getting them and I have a better idea of what to expect when it inevitably makes its way to my house. Thanks for the review video, Johnny.

[@timmy2k817]

Rumor has it they didn't make enough for preorders in the US/UK so they are selling off what they produced in Japan and we have to wait. If you import it only costs 15 bucks more than retail. Just a heads up.

[@danholo]

KidShoryuken was showcasing the PCEngine version. Very nice quality on these machines!

[@ckhowitt]

I immediately canceled my pre order on Amazon and got it off Amazon Japan as soon as I saw this video and I wish I had known earlier Definitely looking to add Ys 3 and 4 (Dawn of Ys is my favorite Ys) and any Legend of Heroes/Dragon Slayer games on here

[@yambu007]

It does show in Amazon Japan however it says "No operating system" does anyone knows about this? Thanks

[@jasonsterling2397]

Its perfect for me because as a kid i only ever got to see turbo graphix 16 once and only ever got to play it once. This is an opportunity to play the games i completely missed out on. My parents couldnt afford each system when it came out. I missed out on turbo graphix, neo geo, and panasonic 3do. There was just to many syatems. So yes this is perfect for me.

[@justinhawkins101]

I like the tg16 just got into these games recently because of this channel. I really like blazing lasers, r-type, splatterhouse, Neutopia, etc. great games.

[@shona-sof]

Over in Trail BC, here. Thanks for the tip! I had mine ordered less than 5 minutes into this video :D

[@saskue812]

As a younger retro gaming fan (I’m 21, with my first console being a hand me down SNES), this seems amazing to experience a more niche console like this. The input lag sounds like a huge deterrent though, maybe I should wait until the modding community comes through

[@sangbeta2043]

HCG, I followed your example and ordered the Core Grafx from Amazon Japan. Smaller than the needlessly over-sized TG-16, but also having turbo buttons, and English instructions (and French, German, Italian and Spanish.) I was immediately put-off by the input lag on Bonk's Revenge, but I adapted to it, somewhat. Daimakaimura was more playable, and awesome!

[@GenerationalGamer]

Nice review! If you are like me, and only keep one of these mini consoles connected at a time, I found it a nuisance to constantly pull the back cover off to swap consoles. To combat that, I used a Fire Stick HDMI extender out thee back of the cover. Now I can swap HDMI cables without removing the cover.

[@loupgarou1317]

okay .....thank you, fingers crossed I get mine .....STILL have the OG TG16 to play with untill then, loved it then, still do now....

[@byronchandler5000]

It looks sick, Johnny, and I mean in a good way. My 31st birthday is this Sunday, and this video is like my early birthday present.

[@opaljk4835]

Happy birthday man!! Hope you are finding lots of time to play

[@samuraigundam0079]

Can we finally get a Saturn mini? Also, will there be downloadable updates and games for this system?

[@philthestampede]

Idk if you're aware, but no. They don't do updates for these. But it almost seems as though the devs purposely overlook the fact that you can crack these suckers open and softmod the shit out of them because it has the micro usb port in the back to connect to a PC. My SNES Mini actually has many more Turbografx games than this mini, for example. It's only a matter of time before the gangs over at the mod community do it to this one as well. They cracked the ps1 and genesis mini really fast, too.

[@kabochaVA]

I'd like to see a 32X mini, with a selection of 40 games in it. How many games were released for the 32X, you ask? Well, 40 worldwide.... xD

[@ga5234]

Better yet what about a DC mini.

[@darinherrick2503]

@@philthestampede I'd be happy just to get an English patch for Snatcher.

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@kabochaVA iirc, a 32x mini would be impossible due to licensing issues

[@vix_in_japan]

Very nice recap and review, I've seen a few of the PC Engine mini variants knocking about in some specialist shops here in Japan. But for now I am happy to play the real thing with my SD System 3 :)

[@PolecatsRock]

So many good memories with dungeon explorer johnny! Also a huge duel dungeons fan. I was super jazzed when Nintendo brought those to virtual console in the Wii days.

[@zankplus]

I was watching a Chris Jericho live stream earlier and I could help but thinking that Jericho, and Johnny have the same cadence and rhythm when talking on camera. Not just the light Canadian accent, but a similar flow of talking as well! Probably just a coincidence lol

[@eswain69]

I pre-ordered one month's ago way before this pandemic on Amazon and they sent me a email saying I should be receiving it January 2021. I think I've waited long enough.

[@MrBorington]

As you can see my profile icon is the PC-Engine Coregrafx which is my first ever console. So PC-Engine Mini is a must have ! Able to play Tengai Makyo 2, Snatcher, Neutopia 2 again on hdtv is a dream come true !

[@Ric_93]

Your excitement is contagious!

[@Lord_Aghast]

I can’t wait to hear Bithead1000s opinion on this lol!

[@themrnails]

Yep, I'd def get one of these. And I'm with you.. Once the mod community hits, we WILL have all! :)

[@startoys2113]

Awesome so want this! I don’t own my duo r or Turbografx anymore so I need this ! Love the PC engine library especially the cd games! Spriggan,Rondo, Star Parodier, Ys!

[@WolfinZ]

I myself am a fresh graduate of highschool, and personally? I love the PC Engine/Turbografx! 😄 I prefer 2D games and am a huge collector when it comes to mini consoles. I'm really excited about this one!

[@alexandreandrade5365]

I see that your lungs aren't still 100%. But it's nice to watch such passionate reaction to a console. Like a kid opening his Christmas present. Keep that passion up! And stay home!

[@GameEscape]

Glad your enjoying the TG-16 nostalgia. I got the Japanese one and really enjoyed it. Then I discovered RetroArch and used it with the Playstation Mini controller. Less input lag with a better built controller. Access to the whole library. I really can't go back. That having been, I did enjoy the nostalgia using the mini.

[@flexchief7102]

I definitely recommend people pick one of these up. They did a fantastic job with the presentation of the system and Lords of Thunder aside, they did a great job with the emulation. The modding community will be all over this and we'll be able to fix that issue as well as add virtually any Turbografx game.

[@Dtoys42]

Nice review, ordered mine from Amazon J. Hope to have it this week. Thanks brother.

[@gokusondbz]

I'll Wait On My Preordered On US Amazon.

[@951oct]

no Bonks Adventure? or Keith Courage??

[@bujincat]

The controller is the 2020 Social Distance Edition

[@Heathmanscoolstuff]

They missed a huge opportunity by leaving Magical Chase off this thing. Imagine the resellers faces.

[@aarongaspar]

I presently have the original TG16 and a Turbo Everdrive, which limits a couple of games and any CD stuff. Also I don’t have the means to play this on my main TV. I’ll probably wait and see what the modding community does with it first. They’ve done some cool stuff with the earlier minis. Some even including online play.

[@dton6708]

Just ordered mine a couple minutes ago! Oh I am so hyped!

[@briancruz7384]

Thanks for the advice I just ordered mine 👍👍

[@ARocketsPocket]

The original Turbografx without it’s cover looks like a vacuum head. 😂🤣😂

[@Lightblue2222]

"Checking if my vacuum is a tg16..

[@chadsaeba5729]

Damn this mini console looks so good but that input lag is a pretty big turn of tbh

[@byronportillo5767]

Well, try Game Mode on your TV to see if they fixed the input lag.

[@Tinyflower1]

As a european I prefer the PC Engine/Core Grafx design to the oversized Turbo Grafx design even though am way too young to have grown up with them, but the Core Grafx is what I saw at retro game stores a lot here and I was always curious bout it cuz of the tiny cartridges

[@vgsquirrel]

Although I certainly prefer collecting physical games... the TurboGrafx is a difficult system to collect for. So there are a ton of games I feel like I won’t be able to own otherwise without paying a ton of money. So I’m definitely looking in to picking one of these up!

[@tonyscimeca9534]

yes! im planning on buying mine on Saturday! too bad about lords of thunder

[@HotTakeHQ]

JOHNNNNNNY!!!! Stay safe and healthy! I saw you hearted my comment on an older video about the turbo duo/grafx. I got super into Y’s coz of you. I’m loving the ch! Those older vids are a trip because I remember them years and years ago! 😷🤘🏽

[@IrieIslandGaming]

I was counting down the days for the turbografx mini to release I was so excited for that console! It was funny all my group of friends looking forward to animal crossing (which I also love) but I was on and on about the turbografx mini coming! I understand the delay but man I want to play that thing so bad! Thanks for making this video and showing us! It looks like they did a good job with this mini console!

[@Jeevz666]

$120 to import it? Yeah right! I'm in Canada and I imported it from Amazon JP as well. After exchange and import fees it came to $177

[@samljer]

The value put on the inport ticket has to be exactly the same to get the exact same fee, if you paid more, it puts you into a higher bracket.

[@harmonyhideaway]

I went to order it on amazon JP and yes I can confirm it is not $120 its like Hundred Hand Slap said $177.00

[@Jeevz666]

@@samljer There's no way he paid $120 for it. That's a disparity of $57. He's in BC and I'm in Ontario. There's a 1% difference in sales tax. I believe Import fees are Federal and not specific to each Province in Canada. He probably was mistaken on how me he paid.

[@kranibal]

It funny to see how excited you are unboxing this console! Great stuff Johnny.

[@thjshw]

This honestly seems like the best value yet for one of these mini retro consoles (maybe the Genesis mini a close second?). There is just so much on this and so much that are actually hard to get otherwise! I feel like this one is really bringing cool stuff to a new audience!

[@buggy946]

Great video, I agree! More games should be in there, Bonks adventure to name a few, but I will say that Ys Book 1 & 2 is worth the price of the system! Awesome stuff!

[@charlesrosa9753]

Johnny, that transition was amazing

[@neohayabusa13]

my 2 favorites were Rondo of Blood and Y's. I didn't get to play as many turbograph 16 games as i wanted to. And since those 2 are fine, it seems like a great buy for me

[@danielblake1537]

I had NO IDEA!! You can also play Japanese PC CoreGraFX on the TurboGrafx 16 Mini thats awesome as hell!! I just hope there's enough in stock

[@argoth231]

Just got an email from amazon saying the us release is may 26th for me. Nice

[@feelsJman]

No Keith Courage saddens me but I understand if it's a licensing thing. TG16 was a great system and this mini looks like a fun pick-up despite some of the input lag issues.

[@darkridearts]

How did you get this? They cancelled my preorder and said it was delayed indefinitely?! Oh you imported from Japan? Hmm...

[@tr1bes]

Japan Amazon. You can order there.

[@tr1bes]

Go to Japan Amazon.

[@tr1bes]

Also go to Madlittlepixel to unlock hidden games and arcade version.

[@rudeboyspodcast]

Americans are getting their copies around this time and reviews are going up so I'm assuming they're being shipped out like right now.

[@drachengott95]

I just created an Amazon Japan account and ordered one. Total with conversion from Japanese yen was $120. 3-6 day shipping that was $14.88 from 1603 yen.

[@RetroreviewsPlus]

Nice review Johnny, this may be the one mini console I get

[@peace4myheart]

I'm a hardcore fan and had own a Turbografx-16 when I was a kid. However, money is tight. So unless there is a shortage, I'll wait for a sale before buying one.

[@opaljk4835]

Bummed about Lords Of Thunder. That was something I was really looking forward to

[@salvation7362]

5 days... you can't even get non-food deliveries in Toronto from Amazon.ca until May! That's crazy.

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

Same in Vancouver but the Turbo shipped fast..

[@zangardo3937]

excellent review Johnathan. Stay safe.

[@Ancient_Ys]

Love the Ys music playing in the background. Instantly recognized.

[@jayt2917]

Bithead bout to be furious lol 😂

[@theraptorus]

“Gate of Thunder” should be on here.

[@ajsingh4545]

Also nexzr, ys 3 and 4, coryoon, sinistron, dungeon explorer 2 and exile

[@GiordanDiodato]

@@ajsingh4545 Exile is owned by Sunsoft, I think Ys 4 was never translated

[@ajsingh4545]

@@GiordanDiodato it has been fully voice dubbed and text translated by fans. They did a great job.

[@tr1bes]

You can go to Madlittlepixel to how to unlock any games within and arcade games as well.

[@richie616]

The controllers were made by HORI, so they should be pretty good quality.

[@thedrunkmonkshow]

Whether or not I buy the mini I'm definitely going to try to buy the USB controller when it comes out since I've never owned one. What I'm also curious about is...does the Turbo Tap support USB controllers that aren't the HORI Turbo Pads?

[@MetalheadMike99]

Keith's courage is ESSENTIAL imo.....dang

[@MIAMI_VIBES_]

When I saw that cd animation I thought to myself why didn't they do that with the Sega Genesis and there sega cd!

[@samljer]

Glad the wires are longer... its not the 80s and 90s anymore. TVs are much larger and people are sitting much farther away, It would be nice if more companies learned this.

[@AscendentGaming]

Ys I&II are also on Steam, that's probably the more accessible place to play them.

[@natekong3596]

I originally preordered TG16 mini but after realizing how big it is I canceled it and went with Core Grafx mini instead.

[@blakeb106]

I just think the fact that it’s got over 50 games and real turbografix stuff is stupidly expensive makes this mini console more than worth it.

[@claesuggla3767]

Great review! As an old school gamer, I’m super happy with mine. I think it’s great. And super easy to order from Amazon Japan. 👍