The Past Is Reborn: Vectrex Mini On Kickstarter

Perhaps no other video game console from the first generation was as unique as the Vectrex. In those primitive days, the only means of producing polygonal 3D environments with the chips available was through wireframe, and for that you needed a specific type of monitor. Arcade games like Star Wars, Asteroids and Battlezone used vector monitors and graphics, but the tech couldn’t possibly be scaled down for home use — or could it?

The Vectrex, a 3D console from the early 80s, went far enough to come with its own vertical vector monitor. Due to the high cost involved, it was never the market leader, but it remains a subject of fascination for collectors, and a frequent target for retro homebrewers. Two of them thought: why not recreate the Vectrex itself with modern technology?

A lot of research and a few 3D-printed prototypes later, a new Vectrex at 50% scale is now being offered. It will come with twelve classic Vectrex games, each with their screen overlays, plus a Micro SD port for all those homebrew ROMs. Since the Vectrex had a different logo for each region it was sold in, it will come blank with stickers so you can apply the logo you personally want. Oh yeah, and they didn’t have to do it, but they did: this device also functions as a desk clock.

The various Kickstarter pledge tiers don’t just include the Vectrex Mini, but a lot of other things. You can get a second controller, several T-shirts, a special white edition of the console itself, and Electric Lines, which is a 200-page hardcover book all about the history of the Vectrex. Or you could get all of them in one by laying down $289. The Mini itself costs $173.

The Vectrex Mini has busted through nearly all its stretch goals, save one. If it gets past a million Euros — which it likely will — the developers will have to come up with a brand new game for it. We’ll see what they do. The Kickstarter for the Vectrex Mini will stay open until December 2.