Vectrex Mini

This object makes sense to me only if, even if there is a display, which is fundamentally different than tracing line with the CRT raster, at least that original process is simulated. If the lines buffer is rendered just with a line drawing algorithm where the line is uniform, I kinda fail to see the point of emulating an object like that. Sure, still kinda a nice gadget, but... And, the ESP32 inside tells me that it is hardly a physical simulation of the CRT reactive surface and the electrons beam. The point of this device was the way the lines were traced without the help of the main CPU of the device, and in a way where pixels didn't make any sense at all. They are lines at the lower of the levels. Failing to do that in the emulation is kinda betraying the device.

> A second controller can be purchased separately and will include a dongle to connect it to the original console.

This is a fascinating feature .. so the new controller can be used on older Vectrex(es)? Nice!

I sure look forward to seeing new Vectrex titles released once the Vectrex Mini hits the scene and lands in the right hackers’ hands. Will there be some kind of open SDK or something, for this purpose - anyone know?

> The Vectrex Mini captures the full spirit of the original Vectrex [...] AMOLED display with a resolution of 800×600

I played many hours on a Vectrex, and I'd say that the true vector graphics was the spirit.

If this project is able to capture that spirit in 800x600 AMOLED, that will be very impressive, and I will be curious how they did it.

Edit: The Vectrex was a nice piece of creative engineering, within the constraints and opportunities of the time, on a wonderful product. I suppose (if you look at the comments here) it's difficult to make an homage to such a beloved thing, and hit the best notes in how you reveal it. This Mini looks impressive, and hopefully recaptures some of the magic.

> AMOLED display with a resolution of 800×600

Seriously, it's clear to see way ahead of its release there is zero chance this thing will replicate the unique experience of the vectrex.

This is just a cheap cash grab which will misrepresent what the vectrex was all about and what playing it felt like. Add this to the pile of worthless nostalgia devices.

There is just no reason for this to exist other to exploit the nostalgia and then immediately disappoint the owner of this product.

How on earth is this better than a raspberry pi with an emulator and an oled monitor? Who the hell needs this vendor to put it a box? Did you notice "injection mold plastic" is literally the first and most prominent feature of this thing? What an utter abysmal joke.

I wish these poor remakes and nostalgia releases fully commit to what they're trying to do. If you can't, just don't do it! We don't need your facsimile junk.

> "the console features a built-in 5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 800×600, delivering sharp and bright vector graphics"

So ... NOT vector graphics. Rasterized bitmap versions of vector graphics.

EDIT: Sorry, I'm not saying this isn't cool. I know rasterizing a vector to a sharp bitmapped display can still allow effects to simulate continuously drawn vector artifacts e.g. thin lines, thicker at vertices, refresh, flicker, etc.

I played a prototype version of it at gamescom. It's pretty good. The graphics look good enough to emulate the original display technology.

Having seen a real one in action it seems kinda pointless without it having a true vector display.

Interesting, but a Vectrex without a vector display is like a fish without water.

It's funny that you don't really get an impression of what this is all about on the front page. I don't know what a Vectrex is, and I'm confused. Something with games I guess.

I thought this was going to be about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBVmCFS2sYs where someone built a miniature handheld Vectrex with a real CRT.

Synthetic Vectrex!

As a kid, i had the 3D goggles. The rollercoaster simulation was pretty good!

see also https://github.com/schlae/scopetrex with the plan to build a clone.

You need a XY Monitor - https://jmargolin.com/xy/xymon.htm

or if you have a normal CRT, you can add the XY kit: https://www.retrorgb.com/vector-monitor-xy-kit.html

My friend had one of these when we were little kids and I remember being impressed by how smooth and high-quality the joystick felt. This was mid-80s so maybe it’s because the competition was lacking.

Also, I’m pretty sure this was the only Vectrex within ~40,000km^2 of where I grew up.

<scans description for display technology>

AMOLED

<closes tab>

I would pay a LOT for a true vector display, and I would pay even more than that for a vector display systems that can play faithful recastings of Tempest and Asteroids.

I can already play vector games on rasterized displays. I don't need an injection molded cabinet.

I don't like how the proportions look all wrong. I haven't seen my Vectrex unit in a while but I don't think it had those proportions.

Probably impractical to source a viable CRT these days, but still a bit disappointing they couldn't use one

Logo on the box looks like "Vootrix"

I guess for Nostalgia? I hadn't heard of this machine before at all. It doesn't look like the games would be that appealing either. I guess I did buy the mini SNES even though it has similar issues.