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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