Vectrex
A console with its own vector screen
- 1982Released
- 2ndGeneration
- GCE and Milton BradleyDeveloper
Vectrex Specifications
- Processor
- Motorola 6809
- Processor Speed
- 1.5 MHz
- RAM
- 1 KB
- Display
- Built-in 9 inch monochrome vector CRT
- Sound
- General Instrument AY-3-8912
- Media
- ROM cartridge (games up to 32 KB)
Overview
The Vectrex was designed by Smith Engineering and released by General Consumer Electronics (GCE) in November 1982. Unlike every other home console, it came with its own screen: a black and white vector monitor that drew lines directly, like the arcade versions of Asteroids and Tempest.
Colour came from plastic overlays that fitted over the screen for each game. It came with Mine Storm built in, and a 3D Imager headset and a light pen were released later.
Milton Bradley bought GCE in 1983 and launched the Vectrex in Europe and Japan, but the video game crash that year hit it hard. It was discontinued in early 1984.
The Vectrex’s rights holder later allowed its games to be shared freely for non-commercial use, and a keen homebrew community still releases new games. ParaJVE, a freeware emulator that simulates the vector screen and the overlays, is one of the best ways to play it, alongside MAME.
Key Features
Vector Screen
A built-in 9 inch vector monitor that drew lines directly.
Colour Overlays
Plastic overlays fitted over the screen added colour to each game.
3D Imager
A 3D Imager headset and a light pen were released later.
Homebrew Scene
A keen homebrew community still releases new games.
