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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