TurboGrafx

For the North American model, see TurboGrafx-16.

TurboGrafx
Manufacturer: NEC
Distributor: Telegames (UK), Loto S.A. (PT)
Release Date RRP Code ES 199x HES-TGX-11 PT 1993 23,700 PTE$23,700 PTE HES-TGX-11 UK 199x HES-TGX-11

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The TurboGrafx is the European variant of the TurboGrafx-16.

Hardware

TurboGrafx systems are basically North American systems modified to run on PAL televisions. As well as having a different logo, the European TurboGrafx is a lighter shade of grey than its American counterpart. Internally, it's more or less identical to the North American system, with some minor changes to make it work with European televisions - it's been downclocked to 50hz and an additional Sony CXA1145 chip intercepts the NTSC video output and converts it to a more PAL-friendly signal.

PAL-specific TurboChips were never produced. Instead, all North American games will run on a European console without any modding, although due to the downclocking there may be slowdown and/or timing bugs.

Distribution

After the US release of the TurboGrafx-16, NEC got cold feet upon seeing the sales numbers and decided to cancel their planned European releases. All of the stock planned for release in Europe was instead sold to various distributors to handle themselves.

The UK's allotment of consoles was bought up and handled by Telegames, who elected to sell the console via mail-order. Telegames reportedly found supporting the system difficult, as PAL consoles would no longer be manufactured, resulting in limited supplies.

In Portugal, the console was imported and distributed out of Lisbon by Loto S.A, during the summer of 1993.

Some units of the TurboGrafx made their way the Gulf, with Alaab Alcomputtar including them in the pool of possible prizes in their first contest.

Magazine articles

Main article: TurboGrafx/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

TurboGrafx, EU
Cover