Vectrex

Vectrex: A Vector-Based Console Ahead of Its Time

Released in November 1982 and discontinued in 1984, Vectrex is a vector display-based home video game console. The system was developed by Smith Engineering and manufactured and sold by General Consumer Electronics. Later, it was licensed to Milton Bradley.

• Initially sold for $199 in the US
• It is estimated that about 500,000-600,000 units were manufactured

THE VECTREX AT A GLANCE

• Designed by Gerry Karr, including both the system and its custom vector generator
• Came bundled with a 4-button joystick
• Included a built-in game, Mine Storm — a vector-style clone of Asteroids
• Every game shipped with a transparent screen overlay to add color and graphical context

Hardware Specs

• CPU: Motorola 68A09 @ 1.5 MHz
• RAM: 1 KB (via two 4-bit chips)
• ROM: 8 KB (via one 8-bit chip)
• Game Media: Cartridges (up to 32 KB; some support 64 KB)

Display and & Graphics

• Display: 9-inch Samsung CRT (Model 240RB40)

• Graphics Type: Vector-based (not raster)

• Color: Monochrome (with overlays to simulate color)

• Resolution: 256 x 256 vector coordinate system

• On-Screen Colors: 2 (black and white with phosphor glow effects)

Audio Capabilities

• Sound Chip: General Instrument AY-3-8912
• Speaker: Built-in 3-inch paper cone
• Audio: Microcontroller-controlled sound effects and music

Connectivity & Expansions

• 2 x joystick ports (on the front)
• 1 x cartridge slot (right side)

Add-ons

• Light Pen
• 3D Imager (the first console to offer a 3D peripheral)

Game Titles

Here are some of the officially released titles for the Vectrex (source: Wikipedia):

• 3D Crazy Coaster
• 3D MineStorm
• 3D Narrow Escape
• AnimAction
• Armor Attack
• Art Master
• Bedlam
• Berzerk
• Blitz!
• Clean Sweep
• Cosmic Chasm
• Fortress of Narzod
• Heads Up
• Hyperchase
• Melody Master
• Mine Storm
• Polar Rescue
• Pole Position
• Rip-Off
• Scramble
• Solar Quest
• Space Wars
• Spike
• Spinball
• Star Castle
• Star Hawk
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture
• Web Wars

Even today, homebrew developers continue to release new games for the Vectrex, keeping its unique legacy alive.

■ Vectrex Games Console

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