Monaco GP is a racing game played from an overhead perspective,[2] where the main objective is to finish a course before time runs out.

[5] Various hazards in the road include puddles, narrow bridges, and tunnels where the driver's view is limited by the range of the car's headlights on screen.

Images are stored in small custom read-only memory (ROM) chips, including sprites, cars, and the "game over" message.

[5] Pro Monaco GP also features a battery backup system to save high scores if the cabinet loses power.

[2] Initially displayed at the Japan Amusement Association show in Tokyo in 1979, Monaco GP received a positive reception at its debut.

[3] Pro Monaco GP, an upgraded version with a higher difficulty level, was released in Japan in March 1980,[2] and worldwide in July of the same year.

[11] Japanese magazine Game Machine later listed Monaco GP on their July 15, 1983 issue as being the fifth top-grossing upright/cockpit arcade cabinet of the month in Japan.

[19] Kurt Kalata of Hardcore Gaming 101 applauded the 2500 remake in particular for its improvements to the gameplay of the original, believing it would have been worthy of a separate release outside Japan.