If you were of gaming age in the ’80s and can appreciate a more obscure, or at the time, cutting-edge console, then you may be familiar with the little piece of history we’re discussing today: The Vectrex.
The Vectrex was the only vector display-based home video game console designed and released for the home market. At the time, other video game consoles had to be hooked up to a television set, the Vectrex, however, did not. Not only did it have its own monitor, but you could also purchase a detachable control pad, 3D goggles, and a light pen for drawing on the screen. The idea behind the Vectrex was that it would serve as a mini arcade, and we like the way the creators were thinking. During a time when arcades were THE place to be, why wouldn’t you want to be the cool kid with this console at your house?
While sales started off strong, enter the video game crash of 1983. The video game crash of ‘83, or more commonly referred to in Japan as ‘Atari Shock’ was a huge two-year recession in the industry, based on a number of factors, but largely the stigma behind playing video games. Because of this recession, Vectrex sales plummeted and the consoles were ultimately discontinued by 1984. While the Vectrex received high praise for being ahead of its time, it ended up being shelved due to manufacturing costs and the success of a little gadget we now know as the Nintendo Game Boy.
Vectrex consoles are pretty rare today since they were only manufactured for a few years, but if you’re a collector, these consoles are super cool and totally worth it if you enjoy unique consoles. If you’re shopping eBay, plan on spending anywhere between $100 – $700+ for a console in pretty good to excellent condition.
GCE/Milton Bradley Vectrex (1982) | source
Typical System Specifications
Release year: 1982
Resolution: 330 × 410
On-screen colors: Vector Monochrome
Sound: Three channels, mono
Media format(s): Cartridge
Main memory: 2K
Capability Ratings
Visuals: 3.5
Audio: 3.0
Control options and quality: 6.5
Features, expandability, and add-ons: 6.0
Software diversity: 5.0
Software density: 4.5
User experience: 10.0
Initial popularity: 2.5
Overall score: 41.0