1978
NINTENDO

COLOR TV GAME RACING 112 (CTG-CR112)

MESA
COLOR TV GAME RACING 112 (CTG-CR112)

📜 History & Legacy

The Color TV Game Racing 112 (CTG-CR112), released by Nintendo in 1978, represents a significant step in the company's transition from a toy manufacturer to a video game powerhouse. Following the success of the earlier Color TV Game series, the Racing 112 offered a more advanced experience, notably allowing multiple players to compete simultaneously. This console, designed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric, built upon the simple light gun games that preceded it, introducing a rudimentary racing simulation that captured the imagination of Japanese consumers. The Racing 112 played a crucial role in establishing Nintendo's presence in the burgeoning home console market.

Unlike modern gaming systems, the Color TV Game Racing 112 featured hardwired games; meaning the games were built directly into the console's hardware and could not be changed. The console came with a steering wheel and gear shift, and allowed players to navigate a top-down racing course. It was a popular product in Japan during its time, although it never saw release outside of the country. Despite its simplicity by today's standards, it was innovative for its time and helped pave the way for the modern racing games and consoles we enjoy today. The limited production run and historical significance of the Color TV Game Racing 112 make it a highly sought-after collectible today, representing a pivotal moment in Nintendo's history and the evolution of video games as a whole.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Custom discrete logic
  • ❖ GPU: Custom discrete logic
  • ❖ RAM: None (hardwired logic)
  • ❖ Storage: None (hardwired games)
  • ❖ Media: None (games are built-in)
  • ❖ Resolution: Standard Definition (TV Dependent)
  • ❖ Sound: Mono audio
  • ❖ Controllers: Steering wheel, gear shift, and two buttons (accelerate, brake)
  • ❖ Players: Up to 4 players simultaneously
  • ❖ Power: AC adapter

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Racing 112 (Built-in game)

💡 Curiosities

  • ? The '112' in the name refers to the number of variations of the single racing game available.
  • ? The console was designed by **Nintendo** in collaboration with **Mitsubishi Electric**.
  • ? It was one of the first consoles to offer multiplayer racing.
  • ? The steering wheel and gear shift were integrated directly into the console's design.
  • ? It was only released in Japan.
  • ? The **Color TV Game** series was a major success for **Nintendo**, helping them transition into the video game market.
  • ? The console is relatively rare and is considered a collector's item.
  • ? It was one of the last consoles designed by **Nintendo** that used hardwired games.
  • ? The console's design was heavily influenced by arcade racing games of the time.
  • ? The **Color TV Game Racing 112** came in a distinctive orange and white color scheme.