The Vectrex Mini console hit Kickstarter on Monday, as we foretold. It has been a rip-roaring success, with the project blasting past the €100,000 funding goal within 15 minutes. At the time of writing, the project has actually powered beyond €520,000 in backing, with over 2,600 backers pledging support. Remember, this is a modern remake of the legendary Vectrex vector-graphics-based games console from the early 1980s. This edition is built around a diminutive 5-inch OLED display and packs in 12 classic vector titles.
Unlike many consoles of the era, and today, the original Vectrex came with a built-in screen. This specially selected portrait-orientated CRT was deemed necessary by the designers to do justice to the glowing vector-based game visuals. Users of the original console seemed to love the arcade-like gaming in the home unlocked by this machine. However, the self-contained original Vectrex’s chosen path pumped up the price (at $199, it would cost nearly $700 in today’s money) and reducing consumer adoption.
Mini remake: inches off hitting the target
So, the unique proposition of the original Vectrex was its great vector game library and the eye-pleasing phosphor glowing screen that came with it. Sadly, from what we have seen of Vectrex Mini machines at trade shows and in hands-on demo videos, the screen side of the equation is lacking in the compact new machine.
For immersion, the 1982-vintage machine's 9-inch cathode ray tube (CRT) would give the visuals much more presence. Moreover, the original's true oscilloscope-style vector display lit by the CRT phosphor, gave it a chance to compete with arcade experiences.
The Vectrex Mini has just a 5-inch OLED display, and many people will be reading this today on a smartphone with a bigger screen. It is that small...
While OLED might be the best modern flat panel display tech for its pure blacks, it is going to need some filtering / effects to compete with the original’s vector CRT glow.
Our advice would be to check one of these Vectrex Mini consoles out in person. See if the promise of "Half the Size, All the Magic" holds water, before spending your hard-earned cash.
Late birds pay more
If you didn’t set your alarm clock for the opening up of this cute retro mini-console remake project to backers, you’ve already missed the Founders Edition tier ($115), the Early Bird tier ($150), and are now looking sheepishly at The Vectrex Mini Standard Edition at $173. If it has gotten too rich for your blood, you can always just grab one of the extensive retro gaming T-shirt designs which this project seems to have precipitated and play an emulator on your PC.
Please be warned that crowdfunding a project is not a guarantee of receiving a finished product. Backing a crowdfunded project is akin to an investment; you believe in the project and want it to succeed. You are not purchasing a retail product.
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