1983 Topps Video City marks one of the earliest entries into the world of video game trading cards. Rather than focusing on a single game or franchise, this one is more like a mini arcade with content from five quarter-guzzling favorites. It’s not a big set or an expensive one, but it definitely has a vibe to it.
1983 Topps Video City Checklist Details
Donkey Kong Junior, Frogger, Zaxxon and Turbo are the focal points of the small checklist. The main set has just 28 total cards — if you include variations. Of the seven cards for each game, there are two pairs of back variations. So if you’re only concerned about the stickers on the front, that number drops to just 20 cards.
Similar to Topps’ Donkey Kong set that came out in 1982, each card has a variety of stickers. Artwork is in a similar style to what was found on arcade machines at the time (and on the sides of some sketchy looking vans, too). Black borders surround each card.
Besides the main set, there are four additional Scratch-Off cards. With three in each pack, these are easy to find.
1983 Topps Video City remains a fairly inexpensive set today, likely in large part due to the small set size and not much beyond a couple of cards featuring a certain plumber named Mario. Box prices have crept up over the years, but even a couple handfuls of packs should yield a set.
1983 Topps Video City Checklist
Click on the links to shop for cards on eBay or to check current market values.
Set size: 28 cards
Cards per pack: 6
Packs per box: 36
Shop for 1983 Topps Video City boxes and packs on eBay.
Base Set Checklist
28 cards.
Buy on eBay:
Donkey Kong Junior
I’m a Swinger
Is a Swinger
I’m Ape Over (Arcade Game Back)
I’m Ape Over (Electronic Games Back)
Lemme Outa Here! / Bird Brain / Bombs Away! (Bottom Left Puzzle with Mario on Back)
Lemme Outa Here! / Bird Brain / Bombs Away! (Full Puzzle on Back)
My High Score / Watch the Birdie / Smile!
Frogger
Feeling Run Down
Hippety Hoppety Flippety Floppety Bippety Boppity / My High Score
Hop to It… (Arcade Game Back)
Hop to It… (Electronic Games Back)
Kiss Me…I’m a Frog
Two Frogs on a Log
Two Frogs on a Log / Frogger Crossing / Slow Frogger Zone
Turbo
I’ve Got Tunnelvision / Road Hog!
Is a Gas / Turbo Maniac / My High Score
Turbo (Bottom Left Puzzle with Back Tire on Back)
Turbo (Full Puzzle on Back)
Ready… Set… / Check Your Oil? / The Fastest Driver in the World
Turbo Really Moves (Arcade Game Back)
Turbo Really Moves (Electronic Games Back)
Zaxxon
…Is a Blast! (Arcade Game Back)
…Is a Blast! (Electronic Games Back)
My High Score / WIped Out / Laser Field Ahead
Space Ace
Spaced Out / Zaxxon Maniac / Robot Killer (Full Puzzle on Back)
Spaced Out / Zaxxon Maniac / Robot Killer (Top Left Puzzle on Back)
Zaxxon Star
Scratch-Off Checklist
4 cards.
Donkey Kong Junior
Frogger
Turbo
Zaxxon
