What first surprises people when they hear “PC Engine” is its size. While bulky presence was the norm for game consoles at the time, the PC Engine appeared in a compact chassis about half the size of the Famicom. However, despite its appearance, its contents were quite capable. Despite being equipped with an 8-bit CPU, it boasted a quality in graphics and sound comparable to 16-bit machines. It goes without saying that the gap between the small size of the hardware and its high performance attracted the interest of many users.

What's interesting is that the PC Engine was not focused on “competing” with Nintendo's Famicom, but rather on “coexistence.” There are stories that Hudson, which was involved in the development, continued to create software for the Famicom even after the PC Engine's release. Furthermore, the PC Engine's CPU had specifications compatible with the Famicom, and it was also characteristic that an environment was in place where creators familiar with Famicom development could produce software relatively smoothly. This kind of flexible design philosophy must have been a major reason why it was supported by developers.

The meaning embedded in the name “PC Engine” is also very interesting. It is said to have been named not merely as a product name, but based on the concept of “an evolving entity that combines with various peripherals as an evolution of NEC's personal computer series.” The fact that diverse developments were actually carried out, such as a CD-ROM drive and portable derivatives, shows that this “core concept” was not a fantasy but a project that firmly took shape.

The PC Engine left its mark not only on the domestic market but also overseas. It was released in the United States under the name “TurboGrafx-16” and sold by NEC's US subsidiary. Although the North American market at the time was under the strong influence of Nintendo, this unique game console garnered a certain level of support, recording cumulative global sales of over 7.6 million units. Although it did not reach the top of the market, its presence was undoubtedly one that should be etched into the history of video games.