Welcome back to another exciting edition of Ads from the Past, where we take a nostalgic journey through the colorful advertisements that helped shape the golden age of video gaming!
For today's installment, we're heading back to the early 1990s with an awesome vintage Toys "R" Us advertisement featuring two legendary gaming systems battling for space in our living rooms: the NEC TurboGrafx-16 and the Sega Genesis!
With its enormous yellow "VIDEO ACTION" headline, colorful game boxes, and tempting prices, this advertisement perfectly captures an era when 16-bit gaming was becoming the next big thing!
The 16-Bit Console Wars Are Heating Up!
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the video game industry was undergoing a major transformation. Nintendo had dominated the American market with the NES, but competing companies were preparing to challenge that dominance with more powerful hardware and arcade-style experiences.
Two of those competitors were NEC and Sega.
The TurboGrafx-16 launched in North America in August 1989, while the Sega Genesis arrived that same month. Both systems promised improved graphics, better sound, and gaming experiences that went beyond what many players had experienced on their 8-bit consoles.
This Toys "R" Us flyer gives us a fascinating look at how these two systems were marketed side by side.
NEC TurboGrafx-16 – $159.99
One of the biggest attractions in this advertisement is the TurboGrafx-16, listed for just $159.99!
The advertisement promotes the system's 16-bit graphics and includes a game controller along with a copy of Keith Courage in Alpha Zones.
Interestingly, the TurboGrafx-16 used an 8-bit CPU paired with 16-bit graphics hardware, making its technical architecture somewhat different from its competitors.
Originally released in Japan as the PC Engine in 1987, the system was redesigned for the North American market with a larger black exterior.
The flyer also advertises a free game cartridge offer, adding another incentive for shoppers considering NEC's console.
Some of the TurboGrafx-16 games featured include:
Devil's Crush – $54.99: A fantastic gothic-themed pinball game filled with monsters, supernatural imagery, and addictive gameplay.
TV Sports Football – $49.99: NEC's attempt to bring football action to the TurboGrafx-16.
Splatterhouse – $59.99: A horror-themed arcade action game that became one of the system's most recognizable titles.
Bonk's Adventure – $49.99: The prehistoric platformer that introduced one of NEC's most beloved mascots.
Bloody Wolf – $59.99: An action-packed run-and-gun adventure with military combat and explosive gameplay.
Legendary Axe II – $49.99: A fantasy action-platformer featuring challenging enemies and atmospheric environments.
Looking at those prices today is fascinating. Games regularly cost between $50 and $60, which was a significant investment for families at the time!
Sega Genesis – $189.99
On the other side of the advertisement, we have the legendary Sega Genesis, priced at $189.99.
For an additional $30 compared with the TurboGrafx-16, shoppers could take home Sega's 16-bit powerhouse, complete with a controller and Altered Beast.
The Genesis was powered by a Motorola 68000 processor and became famous for its arcade-style graphics, fast gameplay, and memorable soundtracks.
Before Sonic the Hedgehog became Sega's superstar mascot in 1991, Altered Beast was the game helping introduce many American players to the Genesis.
The flyer features several notable Genesis titles:
Monaco GP – $49.99: Racing action from Sega's early Genesis library.
Phantasy Star II – $69.99: An ambitious science-fiction RPG that helped demonstrate the Genesis's ability to deliver deep adventures.
Revenge of Shinobi – $59.99: One of Sega's iconic ninja action games, featuring memorable music and challenging gameplay.
Cyberball – $49.99: A futuristic football game featuring robotic players.
Populous – $49.99: A strategy game that lets players shape landscapes and influence civilizations.
Budokan – $49.99: A martial arts simulation featuring multiple fighting disciplines.
One price that really stands out is Phantasy Star II at $69.99!
That's a substantial amount for a video game, especially during the early days of the Genesis. However, its large adventure, battery-backed save feature, and ambitious presentation made it one of the system's most impressive early RPGs.
Remember Shopping at Toys "R" Us?
Beyond the consoles and games, this advertisement brings back memories of something special: shopping for video games at Toys "R" Us.
For many gamers, visiting Toys "R" Us was an unforgettable experience.
Walking through those enormous aisles filled with action figures, board games, and video game displays was practically an adventure of its own.
The video game department was especially exciting. Depending on the store and era, shoppers could examine game displays, compare box artwork, and take merchandise slips or tickets to the checkout before receiving their games.
There was something magical about seeing all those colorful game boxes lined up together.
And advertisements like this one only made the excitement stronger!
You could spend hours studying the flyer, comparing prices, deciding which games looked the coolest, and hoping your parents might surprise you with something during the next shopping trip.
A Fascinating Snapshot of Gaming History
What makes this advertisement particularly interesting is the competition between NEC and Sega.
At this point, the Genesis had not yet achieved the enormous mainstream success it would enjoy during the Sonic the Hedgehog era.
Meanwhile, the TurboGrafx-16 was still attempting to establish itself in North America.
In Japan, NEC's PC Engine had become a major competitor to Nintendo's Famicom. Unfortunately, that success never translated to the same level of popularity in the United States.
Sega eventually became Nintendo's most prominent competitor during the 16-bit generation, while the TurboGrafx-16 developed a smaller but passionate following.
Seeing these consoles advertised together reminds us that the outcome of the console wars wasn't always obvious.
Another interesting detail is the advertisement's emphasis on 16-bit technology. At the time, the number of bits was a major marketing point, with manufacturers promoting improved graphics and more advanced gaming experiences.
How Expensive Was Gaming Back Then?
Let's take another look at some of the prices featured in this advertisement:
| Item | Advertised Price |
|---|---|
| NEC TurboGrafx-16 | $159.99 |
| Sega Genesis | $189.99 |
| Devil's Crush | $54.99 |
| Splatterhouse | $59.99 |
| Bonk's Adventure | $49.99 |
| Phantasy Star II | $69.99 |
| Revenge of Shinobi | $59.99 |
| Populous | $49.99 |
These are the original advertised prices, not adjusted for inflation.
It's amazing to think that a brand-new copy of Phantasy Star II cost nearly $70, while an entire TurboGrafx-16 console package was advertised for about $160.
And unlike today's digital storefronts, finding a particular game often meant visiting several stores or waiting for another shipment.
Final Thoughts – A Golden Age of Video Game Advertising!
This Toys "R" Us advertisement is a wonderful reminder of an era when video game marketing was bold, colorful, and full of excitement.
From the enormous "VIDEO ACTION" lettering to the beautiful console photographs and rows of game boxes, everything about this flyer was designed to grab the attention of young gamers.
It's also a fascinating piece of history from the early 16-bit console wars, when Sega and NEC were competing to become the next big name in home gaming.
Today, both systems are treasured pieces of retro gaming history, and many of the games advertised here have become beloved classics.
For collectors and longtime gamers, advertisements like this are more than just old sales flyers. They're time capsules that bring back memories of childhood, weekend shopping trips, and the excitement of discovering a brand-new video game.
Now we want to hear from you!
Did you own a Sega Genesis or TurboGrafx-16 back in the day? Do you remember shopping for games at Toys "R" Us? And which of the games featured in this advertisement would you have picked up?
Share your memories in the comments!
Thanks for joining us for Ads from the Past #568, and be sure to keep checking Retro Gaming Life for more vintage advertisements, retro gaming memories, and treasures from the past!
Keep gaming, keep collecting, and keep those retro memories alive!
