I saw this over on 1up and thought some people might be interested.
http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9011894
VidPro had a (patented) system so smart that I honestly don't understand why it's not still in practice when I go to Wal Mart or Target or whatever; instead of displaying the actual games, VidPro displays had a colorful card hanging on the wall for each title. Customers could browse the box art for every title the store sold, and even flip the cards over to read the text and see the screenshots on the back. If they wanted to make a purchase, they'd grab a slip of paper and bring it up to the cashier. After making a purchase, the customer would take a slip over to a "cage" near the store's exit and claim their games.
I remember these. It's the system Toys R' Us used to use when I'd go buy Turbo games.
So anyway, the auction is here:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=vidpro&_ssn=cheapgamestuff
Unfortunately, there aren't any Turbografx-16 VidPro cards listed, but there are some really cool ones for NES, SNES, and Genesis.
Yes, I remember these from Toys-R-Us as well. I don't recall seeing them used in any other store/chain, though.
Kmart, for example, kept new releases/expensive games in a glass case (preventing you from looking at the back of the box). Many mom-n-pop stores did the same thing.
Anyway, from what I can remember, the TG-16 VidPro cards were full-color reproductions (front + back retail box) on flexible, white plastic cards.
During the TG-16's launch, I am pretty certain that Toys-R-Us required you to bring a slip for the TG-16 console as well, which they brought to you after you paid at the register. My memory is hazy, but I am 92% certain.
R-Type was $59.99 (or more!) at Toys-R-Us at this time.
Crazy.
Update: I contacted the seller, hoping that he might have some TG-16 cards. You can read his curt reply below. Oh well...