Tomy Turbo Racing

Tomy Turbo Racing is a tabletop electronic racing game from 1983 that simulated the thrill of driving through a scrolling LED road. You'd grip the tiny steering wheel, dodge oncoming cars, and try to beat your high score — all powered by a satisfying mechanical display that felt like real speed. It was the portable racing game before portable racing games existed.

These Tomy handheld games are collectible because they represent the golden age of pre-Game Boy portable gaming. The mechanical ingenuity is impressive even by modern standards, and they're a perfect shelf display piece. Tomy Turbo specifically has strong recognition — most 80s kids either had one or desperately wanted one.

When buying, test the steering, gear shift, and all electronic functions. The LED display should be bright and even — dim segments mean the unit is on its way out. Battery corrosion is the number one killer, so inspect the compartment carefully. A unit with the original box is a nice bonus, but a clean, fully functional game is what matters most. The steering wheel mechanism should feel tight, not wobbly.