I bought the TG-16 right around the time of its initial release in the States, at the Toys 'R Us in Lansing, IL. I just thought the games looked awesome and that it was going to be superior to the Genesis. I never stopped thinking that way.
I have to say it was quite demoralizing when the system I paid top-dollar for (with high school job savings) started to be found in the bargain aisles. Around where I lived, by the time the Duo came out, it was pretty obvious the demise of NEC console gaming in the U.S. was imminent.
But I stuck it out with my Turbo. But keeping a nice collection intact was difficult given the transient/hobo lifestyle I lived for some years. I sold and bought, lost and found, broke and fixed, but through it all here I am still digging the TG-16/PCE over any other gaming experience.
But here was I really want to know, gentlemen (and perhaps, ladies?):
Very recently I sat down and gave Keith Courage a play at length. Got to the final boss, and overall rather enjoyed it. I always thought Keith Courage was a decent game, particularly for a pack-in game. Keith in the Nova Suit is still one of my favorite characters, just think he looks really cool. Anyway, my question is, did anyone seriously not buy the Turbografx-16 because they did not like the looks of Keith Courage? I mean, I always had the idea that a pack-in game was not to be taken too seriously, that it was a "freebie" "throwaway" or even just a sort-of "demo" game. Who bases their decision of whether or not to buy a game system on the "pack-in" versus the quality of the game library overall? I personally don't get that. I mean, its just a pack-in game. THE PACK-IN GAME.
Apparently free software must affect buying decisions for some folks though, then and now. Otherwise, I suppose Microsoft wouldn't be saturating the media with their offer for a free copy of (shameless Battletech universe ripoff) Titanfall with that X thinmgamabob they just came out with.
But really, I was fine with KC being the pack-in on the original turbo. It really shouldn't have been a "make or break" for the console's success and I really can't believe that it was, even though I have heard some make that argument.