TurboGrafX 16 Compatibility Question

[retroguy]

Hi all! I'm interested in getting a TurboGrafX 16, but the Ebay prices are absurd. The Goat Store sells just the console for $25 and I can get a controller seperately from the same place and that's a bit more reasonable. However, the system won't come with any of the hookups so I need to know two things:

1) Can I use any of the AC adapters I already have for other systems or do I have to specifically have a Turbo one?

2) Can I use any RF hookup or do I need the one the system originally came with?

Any response would be appreciated, thanks.

[FABombjoy]

1) Can I use any of the AC adapters I already have for other systems or do I have to specifically have a Turbo one?

Genesis model 1 or Sega CD power supplies will work (p/n 1602), Sega Master System, Atari Jaguar, Jag CD... there are probably more but those will all work.


2) Can I use any RF hookup or do I need the one the system originally came with?

Any RF adapter will work.

[retroguy]

Thanks a lot! Now I just have to decide whether to get a Turbo or an Atari (I can only afford one right now).

[Retronick]

Thanks a lot! Now I just have to decide whether to get a Turbo or an Atari (I can only afford one right now).

If you're looking for a better experience, get the Turbo. I've had mine since I was in first grade and love it almost more now then I did then. Hell, I went to review Air Zonk for my blog last night and ended up getting sucked in again.

Here's a great list for comparison.

A few great TG-16 games:
Bonk series
Bomberman '93
Air Zonk
Parasol Stars
Blazing Lazers
Soldier Blade
Cadash
Aero Blasters
R-Type
Splatterhouse
JJ & Jeff
Cyber Core
ninja Spirit
Galaga '90
Devil's Crush

The best 2600 games I've encountered:
Space Invaders
River Raid
Combat

Ultimately, it depends on what gameplay style you prefer, and which era you hail from. If you want a nostalgia trip, go for the 2600 If you want really good games, buy the Turbo.

[retroguy]

If you want a nostalgia trip, go for the 2600 If you want really good games, buy the Turbo.

That's my dilemma. I want both, but I can only get one system. Probably what I'll do is look around at all the online dealers and see who has the best price on Turbo games before I make up my mind (I already know where I can get Atari games for practically nothing).

[Retronick]

That's my dilemma. I want both, but I can only get one system. Probably what I'll do is look around at all the online dealers and see who has the best price on Turbo games before I make up my mind (I already know where I can get Atari games for practically nothing).

If you're looking to build a huge library for little to no money then the 2600 is the way to go. I had one before getting a TG-16, and while I still enjoy firing up Space Invaders every so often, I don't keep that machine connected. My Turbo on the other hand, is always hooked up. If you're just starting a collection now however, buying TurboGrafx games isn't going to be as cheap. You can find deals here and there on classics like Legendary Axe, Dragon Spirit, and Bonk's Adventure, but some of the later games are going to run you into the $40 to $100 range (depending).

My advice, figure out what you want to play, and how much you can get out of the money you have and buy based on that :D. I'd also look at these:

http://www.racketboy.com/guide/cheapest-video-games-worth-your-time
http://www.racketboy.com/guide/hidden-gems
http://www.racketboy.com/guide/games-that-defined-retro-gaming-machines

hope that helps.

[retroguy]

Thanks. I'm leaning towards the Turbo, but which one I get will depend on how much money I have at the end of May (I was planning on buying a system for my birthday). Right now I'm only working three days a week. If work picks up and I can get some more hours, I'll probably go with the Turbo, but if I'm still only getting three days, I'll go with the Atari cause the games are cheaper and I can still be perfectly happy playing Space Invaders, Asteroids, Missle Command, etc.

[Retronick]

Thanks. I'm leaning towards the Turbo, but which one I get will depend on how much money I have at the end of May (I was planning on buying a system for my birthday). Right now I'm only working three days a week. If work picks up and I can get some more hours, I'll probably go with the Turbo, but if I'm still only getting three days, I'll go with the Atari cause the games are cheaper and I can still be perfectly happy playing Space Invaders, Asteroids, Missle Command, etc.

No sweat,

Good luck on your quest!

[Yoder]

The TG-16s only seem to be going for $20-$50 plus shipping on ebay from what I've seen...depending on whether the seller was too lazy to plug it in or not. That's a great price that your place is selling for locally.

Yes, Atari games are $1 each and decent TG-16 are $20+. Something to really consider. OTOH, you can find Ataris for $5 at yard sales sometimes. Maybe you could just get the TG-16 and hold out for a cheap Atari since it's easier to come across those in the wild.

[Oldskool]

I found my Atari 2600 with about 40 games and multiple controllers for $5 at a garage/yard sale. Funny you mention that.

Of course this was about 10 years ago.

I'd go for the Turbo. Much more enjoyable of a console in my opinion.