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The Vectrex

 

The Vectrex Arcade System 

 

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Introducing the system chosen 2 to 1 over Atari and the Intellivision.  For real arcade gameplay!

Exclusive built-in screen for real arcade play.  No TV set is needed.  A revolutionary breakthrough.  Only Vectrex delivers fantastic real arcade sights, sounds and challenges.  Unlike Atari and Intellivision, Vectrex has a real arcade screen and sound system, built in.  No TV set is needed.  Real arcade controls too: a 360-degree self-centering joystick and four action buttons put power-packed fun at your fingertips.

An arcade full of favorites.  The fast paced fun Mine Storm built into the Vectrex console.  And for more real arcade variety, plug Vectrex cartridges like Bezerk, Scramble, Rip off, and Armor Attack.  Or choose exciting new Vectrex games like Clean Sweep, Hyperchase, Cosmic Chasm and many many more.  With still more on the way...

Compare the Vectrex Arcade System with any ordinary home video game system.  You'll discover why most Atari and Intellivision players say Vectrex plays more like real arcade games than their own systems.


Do you have some Vectrex games to trade.  Just click on the Trade In button on each game you want to trade in.  We also give cash for Vectrex games and systems.  For more info on Game Trading Click Here

 



 

Vectrex: The Unique Vector-Graphics Console

Released in 1982 by GCE (later distributed by Milton Bradley), the Vectrex was a one-of-a-kind home gaming console that stood out from its contemporaries. Unlike traditional consoles that connected to a television, the Vectrex featured a built-in monochrome CRT screen, displaying crisp vector-based graphics similar to arcade games like Asteroids and Tempest.

The system came with an integrated analog joystick and buttons, neatly stored in a compartment below the screen. To add color and enhance visuals, each game used plastic screen overlays, which created an illusion of different colors and backgrounds. While limited in resolution, the sharp, bright vector graphics made for a distinctive arcade-like experience that no other home console at the time could replicate.

The Vectrex launched with built-in software, Mine Storm, a fast-paced space shooter, and supported a small but memorable library of arcade-inspired titles such as Scramble, Star Castle, and Spike. An optional 3D Imager attachment even introduced early stereoscopic 3D effects, making the Vectrex one of the most innovative systems of its era.

Unfortunately, due to the video game crash of 1983, the Vectrex was discontinued by 1984, despite its impressive technology. Today, it is a highly sought-after collector's item, cherished for its unique display, arcade-perfect vector graphics, and innovative design.


Vectrex Games
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Vectrex Review: A Unique Arcade Experience at Home

When the Vectrex launched in 1982, it was unlike anything else on the home gaming market. Instead of relying on a standard television, this innovative console featured a built-in monochrome CRT screen, delivering stunning vector-based graphics that closely resembled arcade classics like Asteroids and Tempest. While its uniqueness made it stand out, the system was ultimately short-lived, largely due to the video game crash of 1983. However, today it remains a beloved collector's item, praised for its ahead-of-its-time technology and distinct visual style.

Design & Hardware

The Vectrex's all-in-one design was a major selling point. The compact system housed a 9-inch CRT display, eliminating the need for a separate TV. Its vector graphics produced sharp, bright, and fluid animations, a stark contrast to the blocky pixel-based visuals of competitors like the Atari 2600 and Intellivision.

The console's built-in controller featured an analog joystick and four action buttons, offering precise control over fast-paced arcade-style games. The controller tucked neatly into a compartment at the base of the unit, making storage convenient. However, controller durability was an issue, as its design was prone to wear over time.

To compensate for the lack of color, games came with plastic screen overlays that added visual flair. While this was a clever workaround, the overlays could sometimes be misaligned or easily damaged, making them an imperfect solution.

Game Library & Performance

The Vectrex launched with Mine Storm, a built-in Asteroids-style shooter that was widely praised and remains one of the best games on the system. The overall game library was small (around 28 officially released titles), but it included several excellent arcade-style games, such as:

  • Scramble - A faithful port of Konami's arcade side-scrolling shooter.
  • Star Castle - A fast-paced space battle game with a destructible shield mechanic.
  • Spike - A quirky platformer featuring early voice synthesis.
  • Berzerk - A vector-based adaptation of the classic arcade maze shooter.

One of the Vectrex's most ambitious innovations was the 3D Imager, an accessory that introduced stereoscopic 3D effects-a feature far ahead of its time. While only a few games supported it, this was an impressive technological feat for the early 1980s.

Limitations & Drawbacks

While the Vectrex had groundbreaking technology, it wasn't without flaws:

  • High Price - At launch, the system was more expensive than competing consoles.
  • Limited Game Library - With only a handful of officially released titles, its lifespan was short.
  • Screen Flicker - Some games suffered from flickering due to the limitations of vector display refresh rates.
  • Short Lifespan - The video game crash of 1983 led to the system's quick discontinuation, cutting off further software development.

Final Verdict

The Vectrex was a visionary console that brought true arcade-style vector graphics into the home. While it suffered from a small library and a short lifespan, its innovative hardware, unique display, and smooth gameplay made it a standout system in gaming history. Today, it's a highly sought-after collector's item, cherished for its one-of-a-kind gaming experience.

Score: 8/10

? A remarkable and innovative system that was ahead of its time, but limited by a small library and an early demise. Perfect for retro enthusiasts and collectors.

Would you like comparisons with other early consoles, or details on modern homebrew development for the Vectrex?



Knuckles  knuckles@home.com  on thursday, august 31, 2000 at 15:23:46 
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This was by far the best video game system of its' day. unfortunately it didn't receive the backing by Milton bradley that it required and therefore was lost in the shuffle of a major corporate acquisition. if you find one of these gems at a garage sale, grab it immediately you will not regret it. especially if you were a vector graphics fan in the eighties or a retro gaming enthusiast. armour attack, star hawk, Scramble were some notable gems and spike was the precusor to the side scrolling mario games.  
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Fixitdave fixitdave@yahoo.com  on wednesday, may 24, 2000 at 22:59:03 
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The first true "home arcade" system.  the vecrex was sold at places like toys r us and put the other "home consoles" to shame. the vecrex offered the true arcade games like berzerk, blitz, hyper chase, pac man, pole position, cobra, etc.

It was also the first all in one system. with built in sound, joystick (360*+ 4 buttons) and that beautiful work of art, the Raster scan display. this little gem could play games like battlezone exactly as the arcade had them, with the raster  
Scan lines.

It had an ingenius system of using "overlays" that brought the appearance of color to the dismal grey raster scan monitor. I might also add this monitor was an exact match to the size and  shape the arcades were using. rectangular with the  
monitor being set in the case so that its taller than it is wider.

The vectrex is considered by many to the be the holy grail of portable gaming. the forefather to the gameboy, virtual boy, Lynx (r.i.p.) and even the neo geo pocket. they all owe a nod to the vectrex. it broke the mold and dared to be diferent.

If you can find one, snatch it up. a good vecrex is very hard to find. 100.00 is not a high price to pay for one in good condition. There are even a few of the prototype color units and prototype games floating around, they are worth a lot.

Happy hunting. 
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Nick horvath  sting2@home.com  on sunday, march 5, 2000 at 00:27:26 
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This system was short lived, as it was obsolete soon after it was released, but it is one of a kind. no one was ready for what Vectrex brought to the table back when it was released, so it failed. i have every game ever made for this system, and am just missing the 3d glasses. vectrex has never been duplicated and it would really be a great idea for a handheld unit. 
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Robert  rkmooman@aol.com  on sunday, march 12, 2000 at 15:47:14 
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The vectrex is a black and white system from the early 80's it used only vector graphics and was never very popular. 
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