Western arcade gamers were accustomed to overflowing pockets of loose change, but Japanese arcade centres had a more elegant solution: Game Cards. These were magnetic cards, similar to Japanese phonecards of the era, pre-loaded with credits and read by a card reader attached to the arcade cabinet. As the card was used, the reader punched holes to denote the number of credits used.
The system was introduced in October 1986 at Hi-Tech Land, Kanada. Two types of card were common: 500 cards provided 12 credits and 1000 cards 24 credits. Most games were set to 2 credits per play, although this was variable. For ¥500 you therefore gained credits and a collectible card to keep.
Cards were branded by game, but could be used with any compatible machine. It was common for game centres to add their personal branding to the cards and many variants exist. The system was reportedly not successful in the long-term (source: Sega Arcade History).
The Sega cards were numbered as follows. I'll complete missing entries as I find out more information.
18 SUPER MONACO GP
19 G-LOC (1000 Version)
20 G-LOC (500 Version)
21 R-360
Cards were also available exclusively at the AM and AOU trade shows from Sega booths. Some example follow.
24th AM SHOW (OUTRUN & HOTROD)
Game Card Creation & Vending System
Cards were branded by game, but could be used with any compatible machine. It was common for game centres to add their personal branding to the cards and many variants exist. The system was reportedly not successful in the long-term (source: Sega Arcade History).
Card vender & cabinets with card readers
Trade Show Image: Everything you need to manufacture your own game cards!
The Sega cards were numbered as follows. I'll complete missing entries as I find out more information.
1 SPACE HARRIER (Number not shown on card)
2 FANTASY ZONE (Number not shown on card)
3 OUTRUN
4 ALEX KIDD
5 SUPER HANG-ON (1000 version)
6 DUNK SHOT
7 SUPER HANG-ON (500 version)
8 AFTERBURNER
9 SUPER LEAGUE
10 HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP
11 THUNDER BLADE
12 HOT ROD
13 GALAXY FORCE II
14 POWER DRIFT
15 UNKNOWN
16 UNKNOWN
17 TURBO OUTRUN
18 SUPER MONACO GP
19 G-LOC (1000 Version)
20 G-LOC (500 Version)
21 R-360
Cards were also available exclusively at the AM and AOU trade shows from Sega booths. Some example follow.
24th AM SHOW (OUTRUN & HOTROD)
25TH AM SHOW (HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP & THUNDER BLADE)
87 AOU SHOW (SUPER HANG-ON, then HANG-ON II)
88 HAPPY NEW HARRIER
SEGA ATTRACTIONS
OTHER GAMES
Special thanks to Sean Tagg for helping me with images and information for this post. Don't let this man spend any more money on game cards. Or at least donate him some for free!
Game Machine Article - December 1986
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