Vectrex Mini Revives the 80s with OLED Screen for Under $100
▼ Summary
– The Vectrex Mini is a new, smaller revival of the original 1980s Vectrex console, featuring modern upgrades like a new screen and wireless controls.
– The original Vectrex was unique for its built-in vector graphics CRT display, making it an all-in-one system that did not require a separate television.
– Despite its commercial failure, the original Vectrex’s design influenced later handhelds and plug-and-play systems, and it fostered an early homebrew community.
– The Vectrex Mini prototype features a 5-inch AMOLED screen to emulate CRTs, is USB-C powered, includes an HDMI port, and supports loading games via a MicroSD card.
– The console will be funded via a Kickstarter campaign launching in November, with an estimated price of around €150 and potential early bird specials.
The Vectrex Mini is poised to bring a legendary piece of gaming history into the modern era, offering a compact, feature-rich revival of the 1980s all-in-one console. This new iteration aims to capture the unique charm of the original while incorporating contemporary technology like an OLED screen and wireless connectivity, all for a projected price point well under $100 for early backers. It represents a significant moment for retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For the uninitiated, the original Vectrex was a true innovator in its day. While competitors like the ColecoVision and Intellivision battled for living room supremacy, the Vectrex carved its own path with a focus on vector graphics and a self-contained design. Its built-in monochrome CRT monitor delivered sharp, glowing lines that set it apart, creating an arcade-like experience at home. Although it was a commercial failure, its influence on later handheld systems and plug-and-play consoles is undeniable, and its dedicated community has kept its spirit alive for decades.
The new Vectrex Mini faithfully recreates the iconic look of its predecessor but at roughly half the size. The most significant upgrade is the 5-inch AMOLED display, engineered to replicate the distinctive glow and sharpness of the old CRT technology. The console is powered via USB-C and includes an HDMI port for playing on a modern television, along with a MicroSD card slot for loading additional games beyond the twelve titles included. The original system used physical plastic overlays to simulate color; the Mini handles this digitally, using the OLED screen to emulate different colors for each game.
The classic controller has also been reimagined. It retains the original button layout and arcade-style joystick but is now wireless. Some users might find the smaller form factor a bit cramped, but support for third-party USB controllers is expected to offer a solution. The entire package runs on a VecX-based emulator, ensuring authentic gameplay.
Pricing details are still emerging, but early indications suggest the Vectrex Mini will be very accessible. The standard model is rumored to cost around €150, a fraction of what a working original commands on the collector’s market. A special white edition with a certificate of authenticity is also planned for €219. Most enticingly, a Kickstarter campaign launching in November will offer an early bird price of just $99 for the first 50 units, making it an incredible value.
The project is being developed by Neo Retro under the leadership of David Oghia, who secured the licensing rights to create this official revival. While not fully open-source, the creators have expressed strong support for the community, hinting at a platform ripe for homebrew development. For those who remember the original or are simply curious about a unique chapter in video game history, the Vectrex Mini is shaping up to be a remarkable tribute.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
